Interleukin-1beta mediates human airway epithelial cell migration via NF-kappaB.

Migration of airway epithelial cells (AEC) is a necessary component of airway mucosal repair after injury. The cytokine IL-1beta, present in airway inflammation, has protean effects on constituent cells within the mucosa, but its effects on epithelial repair are not known. We examined migration in differentiated primary human AEC grown in air-liquid interface culture for up to 3 wk and in the 16HBE14o(-) cell line. Wounds were created by mechanical abrasion and followed to closure using digital microscopy. Concurrent treatment with IL-1beta (