Abstract
BackgroundEpithelial defensins including human β-defensins (hBDs) and α-defensins (HDs) are antimicrobial peptides that play important roles in the mucosal defense system. However, the role of defensins in papillomavirus induced epithelial lesions is unknown.ResultsPapilloma tissues were prospectively collected from 15 patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) and analyzed for defensins and chemokine IL-8 expression by quantitative, reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays. HBD-1, -2 and -3 mRNAs were detectable in papilloma samples from all RRP patients and the levels were higher than in normal oral mucosal tissues from healthy individuals. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that both hBD-1 and 2 were localized in the upper epithelial layers of papilloma tissues. Expression of hBD-2 and hBD-3 appeared to be correlated as indicated by scatter plot analysis (r = 0.837, p < 0.01) suggesting that they were co-inducible in papillomavirus induced lesions. Unlike hBDs, only low levels of HD5 and HD6 were detectable in papillomas and in oral mucosa.ConclusionHuman β-defensins are upregulated in respiratory papillomas. This novel finding suggests that hBDs might contribute to innate and adaptive immune responses targeted against papillomavirus-induced epithelial lesions.
Highlights
Epithelial defensins including human β-defensins and α-defensins (HDs) are antimicrobial peptides that play important roles in the mucosal defense system
Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a disease associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection of the upper respiratory tract [1,2]
Since interleukin-8 (IL-8) or CXC-chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8) is produced by epithelial cells in response to infection or inflammatory stimulation [25], we investigated IL-8 expression in these patients in order to determine if IL-8 is upregulated in papillomas and whether defensin expression is associated with IL-8 expression
Summary
Epithelial defensins including human β-defensins (hBDs) and α-defensins (HDs) are antimicrobial peptides that play important roles in the mucosal defense system. The role of defensins in papillomavirus induced epithelial lesions is unknown. Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a disease associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection of the upper respiratory tract [1,2]. The condition is characterized by abnormal proliferation of epithelial keratinocytes leading to papilloma formation, most commonly in the larynx. The disease is often diagnosed during childhood and some patients have recurrent lesions throughout adulthood. RRP is associated with significant morbidity and can be life- threatening because of airway obstruction. The pathogenesis of respiratory papilloma is poorly understood. RRP is a relatively rare disease, HPV infection is not uncommon in normal oral mucosa [4]. It is thought that host factors such as immunodeficiency (page number not for citation purposes)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
