Induction of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 in human vaginal epithelial cells in response to TLR ligands and TNF-α.
Am J Reprod Immunol
; 67(6): 482-90, 2012 Jun.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-22235849
ABSTRACT
PROBLEM:
Mucosal inflammation caused by infections of the female lower genital tract is considered to be an important cofactor for HIV transmission. We hypothesize that COX-2, a key inflammation-related enzyme, is involved in these responses and is upregulated by microbial ligands and pro-inflammatory cytokines. METHOD OF STUDY Human vaginal epithelial cells (VK-2/E6E7) and ectocervical biopsy tissues were stimulated with TLR ligands and the cytokine TNF-α, used as surrogates of vaginal infections, and assessed for COX-2 expression and activity by microarray, real-time RT-PCR, immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA.RESULTS:
TLR agonists and TNF-α induce transcriptional and translational expression of COX-2 in vaginal cells. TLR ligands, MALP2, Pam3CSK4, LTA, and imiquimod induced high epithelial COX-2 expression, while zymosan and poly dIdC induced very low enzyme expression. Induced mRNA and protein expression correlated with increased COX-2 activity, which led to increased levels of PGE(2) in the cell culture supernatant. These cell-based findings were confirmed in primary cervicovaginal tissue explants.CONCLUSION:
Induction of COX-2 expression and activity and the consequent increased levels of prostaglandins are common inflammatory pathways in human cervicovaginal epithelial cells and tissues in response to diverse TLR ligands and pro-inflammatory cytokines. These findings are relevant to the understanding of genital mucosal inflammation, its potential treatment, and its possible relationship with increased tissue susceptibility to HIV-1 infection.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa
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Células Epiteliales
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Ciclooxigenasa 2
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Receptores Toll-Like
Límite:
Female
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Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Am J Reprod Immunol
Año:
2012
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Estados Unidos