Expression of CRAMP via PGN-TLR-2 and of α-defensin-3 via CpG-ODN-TLR-9 in corneal fibroblasts

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Abstract

Aims: To search for the induction of the expression of antimicrobial peptides in corneal fibroblasts treated with bacterial components. Methods: RT-PCR was performed to search for mRNAs expression of antimicrobial peptides and toll-like receptors (TLRs) in murine primary cultures of corneal fibroblast (PCCF) treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Escherichia coli, peptidoglycan from Staphylococcus aureus, and cytosine-phosphorous-guanine oligonucleotide (CpG-ODN). Cellular activation was blocked with anti-TRL antibodies. Results: LPS did not induce expression of antimicrobial peptide in corneal fibroblasts. Cathelin related antimicrobial peptide (CRAMP) and α-defensin 3 were overexpressed in a time and dose dependent manner in corneal fibroblasts treated with peptidoglycan and with CpG-ODN, respectively. CRAMP expression was blocked when PCCF were treated with anti-TLR-2 antibodies. α-Defensin 3 was not expressed in NIH murine corneal fibroblasts (which do not express the TLR-9 molecule) treated with CpG-ODN. Conclusion: Results suggest that corneal fibroblasts, which are the second cellular barrier of the cornea, can play an important part in the innate immunity of the eye via TLR stimulation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)378-382
Number of pages5
JournalBritish Journal of Ophthalmology
Volume90
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2006

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