Open AccessCalu‐3 epithelial cells exhibit different immune and epithelial barrier responses from freshly isolated primary nasal epithelial cells in vitro
Author(s) -
Martens Katleen,
Hellings Peter W.,
Steelant Brecht
Publication year - 2018
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/s13601-018-0225-8
Subject(s) - epithelium , barrier function , interleukin 22 , immune system , immunology , innate immune system , medicine , stimulation , cell culture , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , pathology , cytokine , interleukin , genetics
Epithelial cell lines are often used to evaluate the effect of exogenous/endogenous stimuli on epithelial barrier function and innate immune responses in allergic airway diseases, without clear view on differences between epithelial cell lines and primary nasal epithelial cell responses. In this observational study, we compared the response of Calu‐3 and primary nasal epithelial cells to two relevant exogenous stimuli: i.e. Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B (SEB) and house dust mite (HDM). Stimulation of Calu‐3 cells with SEB decreased epithelial integrity in a dose dependent manner, which was associated with a significant increase in IL‐6 and IL‐8 production. In contrast, no alteration in barrier integrity or IL‐6 and IL‐8 production was seen when primary nasal epithelial cells were stimulated with SEB. HDM extract altered the integrity of primary nasal epithelial cells, but not of Calu‐3 epithelial cells. Increased IL‐8 production was seen after stimulation with HDM in primary nasal epithelial cells and not in Calu‐3 epithelial cells. In conclusion, immune and barrier function differ between different epithelial cell types studied. As a consequence, care must be taken when interpreting data using different epithelial cell types.