title: Mature human odontoblasts express virus-recognizing toll-like receptors.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To study the expression of toll-like receptors (TLR) -3, -7, -8 and -9 as well as interferon receptors alpha and gamma (IFNAR1/IFNAR2 and IFNGR1/IFNGR2), which play important roles in the defence against viruses.
  
  
  METHODS
  DNA microarray and quantitative PCR analyses of TLR3, -7, -8 and -9 as well as IFNAR1/IFNAR2 and IFNGR1/IFNGR2 genes in mature native human odontoblasts and pulp were performed. Immunohistochemistry was used to confirm TLR8 protein in odontoblasts of healthy and carious human teeth.
  
  
  RESULTS
  TLR3, -7, -8 and -9 mRNAs 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.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Dentistry, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Pääkkönen
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rusanen
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hagström
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Tjäderhane
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D009804:Odontoblasts / Q000378:metabolism*; D011991:Receptors, Virus / Q000378:metabolism*; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors / Q000378:metabolism*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D011991:Receptors, Virus; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors
keywords: innate immunity; mRNA; odontoblast; protein