the role of alveolar epithelial cells in initiating and shaping pulmonary immune responses communication between innate and adaptive immune systems肺泡上皮细胞在启动和塑造的角色肺免疫反应先天和适应性免疫系统之间的通信.pdfVIP

The Role of Alveolar Epithelial Cells in Initiating and Shaping Pulmonary Immune Responses: Communication between Innate and Adaptive Immune Systems 1 1 1 1 Olga D. Chuquimia *, Dagbjort H. Petursdottir , Muhammad J. Rahman , Katharina Hartl , Mahavir 2 ´ 1 Singh , Carmen Fernandez 1 Department of Immunology, Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden, 2 Lionex Diagnostics and Therapeutics GmbH, Braunschweig, Germany Abstract Macrophages and dendritic cells have been recognized as key players in the defense against mycobacterial infection. However, more recently, other cells in the lungs such as alveolar epithelial cells (AEC) have been found to play important roles in the defense and pathogenesis of infection. In the present study we first compared AEC with pulmonary ´ macrophages (PuM) isolated from mice in their ability to internalize and control Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) growth and their capacity as APCs. AEC were able to internalize and control bacterial growth as well as present antigen to primed T cells. Secondly, we compared both cell types in their capacity to secrete cytokines and chemokines upon stimulation with various molecules including mycobacterial products. Activated PuM and AEC displayed different patterns of secretion. Finally, we analyzed the profile of response of AEC to diverse stimuli. AEC responded to both microbial and internal stimuli exemplified by TLR ligands and IFNs, respectively. The response included synthesis by AEC of several factors, known to have various effects in other c