Open AccessDownregulation of epithelial MHC II expression in chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps
Author(s) -
Arebro Julia,
Tengroth Lotta,
Georén Susanna Kumlien,
Winqvist Ola,
Cardell LarsOlaf
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
clinical and translational allergy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.979
H-Index - 37
ISSN - 2045-7022
DOI - 10.1186/2045-7022-3-s2-o9
Subject(s) - nasal polyps , medicine , immune system , major histocompatibility complex , immunology , inflammation , downregulation and upregulation , mhc class i , cd86 , t cell , biology , biochemistry , gene
Methods Biopsies from polyps were obtained from patients with CRSwNP (with and without local steroid treatment during at least six consecutive weeks) as well as from the mucosa (concha inferior) of healthy control subjects. The obtained specimens were homogenized and subsequently analysed with flow cytometry. Results Preliminary data indicates a downregulation of MHC II expression in polyp epithelial cells from patients with CRSwNP compared to healthy patients (healthy controls: 60,2±7,8; polyps 31,1±7,4; p <0,05). This reduction seems to be independent of the steroid treatment. In contrast, the level MHC II+/CD86+ on epithelial cells was downregulated in patients receiving steroid treatment but not in those without treatment. The mechanisms involved are presently investigated in mice. Conclusion Expression of MHC II and its co-receptor CD86 can be seen on epithelial cells in the mucosa of healthy controls as well as within the polyps of CRSwNP patients. This suggests a role for epithelial cells in the antigen-presenting procedure. Change of the MHC II expression, altering the inflammatory activity in response to invading microorganisms, might contribute to the development of polyps.