RESEARCH - Allergen induced gene expression of airway epithelial cells shows a possible role for TNF-alpha

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Allergy

Volume 62 Issue 11 Page 1310-1319, November 2007

Allergen induced gene expression of airway epithelial cells shows a possible

role for TNF-alpha

A. B. Vroling, D. Duinsbergen, W. J. Fokkens, C. M. van DrunenDepartment of

Otorhinolanyngology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam,

Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Abstract

Background: Epithelium is more than a physical barrier for pathogens and

allergens, as it is also capable of producing mediators in response to these

environmental factors. Some of these mediators have an immuno-modulatory

function, suggesting that epithelium is an active component of the immune

response. Here, we fully characterize the expression profile of airway

epithelial cells in response to house dust mite (HDM) allergen.

Methods: H292 cells were exposed to HDM extract for 24 h, RNA and supernatant

was used for microarray analysis and multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

(ELISA) respectively.

Results: A total of 38 500 genes, 813 were differentially expressed by more than

twofold and 116 even more than fivefold. Interestingly, among the most

up-regulated genes, a large number are involved in cell-to-cell communication.

These include chemokines (CCL-8 and −20, CXCL-1, −2 and −3), cytokines

(IL-1α, -6 and -11), anti-inflammatory factors [PTX-3, interleukin (IL)-13Rα,

tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-αIP3], and factors that are involved in repair of

the mucosal tissue (LOXL-2, NID-2, HBEGF, MUC-5AC and MUC-5B). Pathway analysis

showed that a number of these genes are transcriptionally regulated by TNF-α,

which we could detect by quantitative polymerase chain reaction at earlier time

points after HDM exposure. In addition, we could detect increased protein levels

for TNF-α, IL-6, IL8, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor,

granulocyte colony stimulating factor and interferon (IFN)-γ using ELISA.

Conclusion: Our data show that a broad range of mediators produced upon allergen

exposure by these mediators’ epithelial cells can participate in the immune

response via recruitment and activation of cells of the immune system.

http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1398-9995.2007.01495.x

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