Gene expression demonstrates an immunological capacity of the human endolymphatic sac

TY - JOUR

T1 - Gene expression demonstrates an immunological capacity of the human endolymphatic sac

AU - Møller, Martin Nue

AU - Kirkeby, Svend

AU - Vikeså, Jonas

AU - Nielsen, Finn Cilius

AU - Cayé-Thomasen, Per

N1 - © 2015 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

PY - 2015/8/1

Y1 - 2015/8/1

N2 - Objectives/Hypothesis The purpose of the present study is to explore, demonstrate, and describe the expression of genes related to the innate immune system in the human endolymphatic sac. It is hypothesized that the endolymphatic sac has a significant immunological function in the human inner ear. Study Design DNA microarrays and immunohistochemistry were used for analyses of fresh human endolymphatic-sac tissue samples. Methods Twelve tissue samples from the human endolymphatic sac were obtained during translabyrinthine surgery for vestibular schwannoma. Microarray technology was used to investigate tissue sample gene expression using adjacent dura mater as control. The expression of genes specific for the innate immune system was determined and results for selected key molecules verified by immunohistochemistry. Results A comprehensive overview of expressed genes of the innate immune system was obtained. Multiple key elements of both the cellular and humoral innate immune system were expressed, including Toll-like receptors 4 and 7, as well as beta-defensin and lactoferrin. Conclusions The present data provides the first direct evidence of an immunological capacity of the human endolymphatic sac. At the molecular level, the endolymphatic sac is capable of antigen recognition and processing for initiation of an immune response. In addition, potent molecules directly toxic to invading pathogens are expressed by the sac epithelium. This evidence strongly supports the endolymphatic sac as a significant immunological entity of the inner ear.

AB - Objectives/Hypothesis The purpose of the present study is to explore, demonstrate, and describe the expression of genes related to the innate immune system in the human endolymphatic sac. It is hypothesized that the endolymphatic sac has a significant immunological function in the human inner ear. Study Design DNA microarrays and immunohistochemistry were used for analyses of fresh human endolymphatic-sac tissue samples. Methods Twelve tissue samples from the human endolymphatic sac were obtained during translabyrinthine surgery for vestibular schwannoma. Microarray technology was used to investigate tissue sample gene expression using adjacent dura mater as control. The expression of genes specific for the innate immune system was determined and results for selected key molecules verified by immunohistochemistry. Results A comprehensive overview of expressed genes of the innate immune system was obtained. Multiple key elements of both the cellular and humoral innate immune system were expressed, including Toll-like receptors 4 and 7, as well as beta-defensin and lactoferrin. Conclusions The present data provides the first direct evidence of an immunological capacity of the human endolymphatic sac. At the molecular level, the endolymphatic sac is capable of antigen recognition and processing for initiation of an immune response. In addition, potent molecules directly toxic to invading pathogens are expressed by the sac epithelium. This evidence strongly supports the endolymphatic sac as a significant immunological entity of the inner ear.

KW - Adult

KW - Aged

KW - Biomarkers, Tumor

KW - DNA, Neoplasm

KW - Ear Neoplasms

KW - Endolymphatic Sac

KW - Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic

KW - Humans

KW - Immunity, Innate

KW - Immunohistochemistry

KW - Middle Aged

KW - Neurilemmoma

KW - Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis

U2 - 10.1002/lary.25242

DO - 10.1002/lary.25242

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 25779626

SN - 0023-852X

VL - 125

SP - E269-75

JO - Laryngoscope

JF - Laryngoscope

IS - 8

ER -