Laser-capture microdissection of oropharyngeal epithelium indicates restriction of Epstein-Barr virus receptor/CD21 mRNA to tonsil epithelial cells.
BACKGROUND
Epstein-Barr virus colonizes the oropharynx of a majority of individuals. It infects B lymphocytes and epithelial cells and can contribute to the development of both lymphoid and epithelial tumors. The virus uses CD21 for attachment to B cells which constitutively express the protein. Infection of epithelial cells in vitro is also more efficient if CD21 is available. However, its potential contribution to infection in vivo has been difficult to evaluate as discrepant results with antibodies have made it difficult to determine which, if any, epithelial cells in the oropharynx express CD21.


METHODS
To reevaluate CD21 expression by an alternative method, epithelial cells were isolated by laser-capture microdissection from formalin-fixed sections of tissues from various parts of the oropharynx and mRNA was amplified with primers specific for the exons of CD21 which code for the Epstein-Barr virus binding site.


RESULTS
CD21 mRNA was expressed in tonsil epithelium, but not in epithelium from buccal mucosa, uvula, soft palate or tongue.


CONCLUSIONS
CD21 does not contribute to infection of most normal epithelial tissues in the oropharynx, but may contribute to infection of epithelial cells in the tonsil, where virus has been demonstrated in healthy carriers.
Jiang
Ru
R
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA.
Gu
Xin
X
Nathan
Cherie-Ann
CO
Hutt-Fletcher
Lindsey
L
D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D018938:Caco-2 Cells; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism / Q000821:virology*; D020031:Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D042282:Microdissection / Q000295:instrumentation; D014066:Palatine Tonsil / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000821:virology*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D017464:Receptors, Complement 3d / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D014759:Viral Envelope Proteins / Q000032:analysis
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D017464:Receptors, Complement 3d; D014759:Viral Envelope Proteins