Background
The cross-talk between the external and internal environment in the respiratory tract involves macrophage/dendritic cell (DC) transepithelial network. Epithelium triggers dendritic cell-mediated inflammation by producing thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), IL-33, and IL-17A. The study aimed to evaluate the expression of TSLP, IL-33, and IL-17A in human monocyte derived dendritic cells (moDCs) co-cultured with respiratory epithelium and monocyte derived macrophages (moMφs) in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and healthy controls.
Conclusion
TSLP, IL-33, and IL-17A expression in moDCs are differently regulated by epithelium in asthma, COPD, and healthy subjects. These complex cell-cell interactions may impact airway inflammation and be an important factor in the pathobiology of asthma and COPD.
Methods
The study used a triple-cell co-culture model, utilizing nasal epithelial cells, along with moMφs and moDCs. Cells were cultured in mono-, di-, and triple-co-cultures for 24 h.
Results
Co-culture with epithelium and moMφs significantly increased TSLP in asthma and did not change IL-33 and IL-17A mRNA expression in moDCs. moDCs from asthmatics were characterized by the highest TSLP mRNA expression and the richest population of TSLPR, ST2, and IL17RA expressed cells. A high number of positive correlations between the assessed cytokines and CHI3L1, IL-12p40, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF in moDCs was observed in asthma and COPD.