Induction of beta defensin 2 by NTHi requires TLR2 mediated MyD88 and IRAK-TRAF6-p38MAPK signaling pathway in human middle ear epithelial cells
2008

How NTHi Triggers Beta Defensin 2 Production in Ear Cells

publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Lee Haa-Yung, Takeshita Tamotsu, Shimada Jun, Akopyan Arsen, Woo Jeong-Im, Pan Huiqi, Moon Sung K, Andalibi Ali, Park Rae-Kil, Kang Sung-Ho, Kang Shin-Seok, Gellibolian Robert, Lim David J

Primary Institution: The Gonda Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, House Ear Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Hypothesis

NTHi induces beta defensin 2 expression in human middle ear epithelial cells through the TLR2-mediated signaling pathway.

Conclusion

NTHi induces beta defensin 2 expression primarily through the TLR2-dependent MyD88-IRAK1-TRAF6-p38 MAPK pathway.

Supporting Evidence

  • NTHi WCL treatment significantly increased HBD-2 expression in HMEEC-1 cells.
  • TLR2 blocking reduced HBD-2 expression in response to NTHi.
  • Gene knockdown of TLR2, IRAK1, and TRAF6 inhibited HBD-2 production.
  • The p38 MAPK pathway was confirmed to be involved in HBD-2 up-regulation.

Takeaway

When bacteria called NTHi enter the ear, they help our body make a special protein that fights germs. This happens through a specific signaling pathway in our ear cells.

Methodology

The study used monoclonal antibody blocking, gene knockdown methods (DN plasmid and siRNA), and statistical analysis to investigate the signaling pathway involved in beta defensin 2 expression.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2334-8-87

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