Human endometrial epithelial cells cyclically express Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) and exhibit TLR3-dependent responses to dsRNA

Hum Immunol. 2005 May;66(5):469-82. doi: 10.1016/j.humimm.2004.12.003. Epub 2005 Jan 7.

Abstract

Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) responds to dsRNA, a product of most viral life cycles, and initiates production of proinflammatory and antiviral cytokines. The role of TLR3 in human mucosal immunity of the endometrium has not been examined. The effects of TLR3 ligation in endometrial epithelium could be significant as the endometrium is a significant site for viral entry and infection. Additionally, the cytokine milieu plays an essential role in normal functions of the endometrium such as uterine cycle progression, epithelial proliferation and shedding, and embryo implantation. In this study, we demonstrated cycle dependent expression of functional TLR3 in primary endometrial epithelial tissue and expression of intracellular TLR3 in human endometrial epithelial cell lines. We established that stimulation of TLR3-positive cell lines and primary human endometrial epithelial cells with dsRNA leads to TLR3-dependent expression of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, interferon (IFN)-inducible protein 10, RANTES, and IFN-beta. These results indicate that the cytokine profile of human endometrial epithelial cells can be modified through TLR3 stimulation. Our findings suggest that TLR3 is involved in the immune responses of endometrial epithelial cells after exposure to dsRNA and has the potential to alter the cytokine milieu and influence the outcome and consequences of infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Endometrium / cytology
  • Endometrium / immunology*
  • Endometrium / metabolism
  • Epithelial Cells / drug effects
  • Epithelial Cells / immunology
  • Epithelial Cells / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Gene Expression / drug effects
  • Gene Expression / genetics
  • Gene Expression / immunology
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
  • Gene Expression Regulation / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Interleukins / metabolism
  • Intracellular Space / metabolism
  • Kinetics
  • Lipopolysaccharides / pharmacology
  • Menstrual Cycle / immunology*
  • Menstrual Cycle / metabolism
  • Poly I-C / pharmacology
  • RNA, Double-Stranded / pharmacology*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics
  • Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate / pharmacology
  • Toll-Like Receptor 3 / genetics*
  • Toll-Like Receptor 3 / immunology
  • Toll-Like Receptor 3 / metabolism
  • Transfection

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Interleukins
  • Lipopolysaccharides
  • RNA, Double-Stranded
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • TLR3 protein, human
  • Toll-Like Receptor 3
  • Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate
  • Poly I-C