Comparison of Chemokine Gene Expressions between Conjunctival Epithelial Cells and Fibroblasts

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose. We have previously examined the chemokine expression profile in cultured human corneal keratocytes and epithelium. Chemokine expression profiles suggested that corneal keratocytes may play an important role in eosinophil recruitment (ARVO2002). Since inflammatory cells migrate through conjunctival tissue, chemokines produced from conjunctival cells may also play a crucial role. In this study the chemokine profile in conjunctival epithelial cells and fibroblasts, we investigated chemokine gene expression by using GeneChip analysis. Methods. Primary cultures of conjunctival epithelial cells (n=3) and fibroblasts (n=3) were established. These cells were cultured with/without IL-4 (30 ng/ml) and TNF-alpha (30 ng/ml) for 24 hrs. After total RNA extracted from 106 cells was processed as described in the manufacturer’s protocol, mRNA expression in each sample was analyzed using GeneChip (Human Genome U95A Array, Affymetrix). Results. In the array used in this study, 14 CXC-chemokines and 18 CC-chemokines were coded. 5 CXC-chemokine mRNA in epithelial cells and 8 in fibroblasts were upregulated more than 3 folds after stimulation. 2 CC-chemokine in epithelial cells and 5 in fibroblasts were upregulated. 4 CXC- and 4 CC-chemokines were increased only in fibroblasts. No chemokine was increased in epithelial cells only. CC- and CXC chemokine expression patterns were very similar between corneal and conjunctival cells. Conclusion. Chemokines produced in conjunctival fibroblasts may play an important role in the recruitment of inflammatory cells to the conjunctival tissue in rocal allergic inflammation.

Keywords: conjunctiva • cytokines/chemokines • immunomodulation/immunoregulation