Differential cytokine expression by human intestinal epithelial cell lines: regulated expression of interleukin 8.
BACKGROUND
To characterize the role of intestinal epithelial cells in mucosal host defense, we have examined constitutive cytokine expression and regulated expression of interleukin (IL)-8 by human colonic epithelial cells.


METHODS
Cytokine expression by the human colonic epithelial cell lines, T84, Caco-2, SW620, and HT29 was assessed by using polymerase chain reaction amplification of reverse-transcribed RNA. Regulated IL-8 expression was analyzed by nuclear run-off assays, Northern blot analysis, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.


RESULTS
The cell lines constitutively expressed messenger RNA (mRNA) for IL-8 and transforming growth factor beta 1. In addition, some cell lines expressed mRNA for IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha). None of the cell lines expressed mRNA for IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, or interferon gamma. Cell lines secreted IL-8 either constitutively or after stimulation with the physiological agonists TNF alpha, IL-1 beta, or lipopolysaccharide. Increased IL-8 secretion after TNF alpha stimulation of T84 cells was accompanied by increased IL-8 mRNA levels and an increased transcription rate of the IL-8 gene. IL-8 was preferentially secreted at the basolateral surface of polarized T84 cells. In further studies, freshly isolated human colon epithelial cells also secreted IL-8.


CONCLUSIONS
These results support the notion of bidirectional communication between intestinal epithelial cells and mucosal immune and inflammatory cells.
Eckmann
L
L
Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla.
Jung
H C
HC
Schürer-Maly
C
C
Panja
A
A
Morzycka-Wroblewska
E
E
Kagnoff
M F
MF
D001483:Base Sequence; D002460:Cell Line; D003106:Colon / Q000276:immunology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000235:genetics* / Q000494:pharmacology; D004848:Epithelium / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D016209:Interleukin-8 / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000378:metabolism; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D016207:Cytokines; D016209:Interleukin-8