Premium
Mature human odontoblasts express virus‐recognizing toll‐like receptors
Author(s) -
Pääkkönen V.,
Rusanen P.,
Hagström J.,
Tjäderhane L.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
international endodontic journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.988
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1365-2591
pISSN - 0143-2885
DOI - 10.1111/iej.12238
Subject(s) - odontoblast , immunohistochemistry , pulp (tooth) , pulpitis , receptor , staining , pathology , microbiology and biotechnology , chemistry , biology , medicine , biochemistry
Aim To study the expression of toll‐like receptors ( TLR ) ‐3, ‐7, ‐8 and ‐9 as well as interferon receptors alpha and gamma ( IFNAR 1/ IFNAR 2 and IFNGR 1/ IFNGR 2), which play important roles in the defence against viruses. Methodology DNA microarray and quantitative PCR analyses of TLR 3, ‐7, ‐8 and ‐9 as well as IFNAR 1/ IFNAR 2 and IFNGR 1/ IFNGR 2 genes in mature native human odontoblasts and pulp were performed. Immunohistochemistry was used to confirm TLR 8 protein in odontoblasts of healthy and carious human teeth. Results TLR3, ‐7, ‐8 and ‐9 mRNA s were detected both in odontoblasts and in pulp, but TLR8 expression level was higher in the odontoblasts. IFNAR and IFNGR expression was observed in both tissues. Immunohistochemical analysis of healthy teeth revealed positive TLR8 staining in the pre‐dentine and the dentine but varying staining patterns in the different portions of tooth. Lighter TLR8 staining was observed in dentine of mildly carious teeth. In teeth with carious lesions extending into the mid‐dentine, only very weak staining was detected. Conclusions The finding of these virus‐recognition‐related genes in odontoblasts strengthens the view that odontoblasts participate in the immune response of the dentine–pulp complex.