Expression of toll-like receptors in human epidermal keratinocytes / 中国医学科学院学报

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the toll-like receptors (TLR) profile of human epidermal keratinocytes.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We cultured the immortalized human epidermal keratinocyte cell line HaCaT cells and normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) and separated epidermis with dispase from foreskins. TLR 1-10 mRNA expression was detected with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). TLR 2 and 4 protein expressions on surface of HaCaT cells and NHEK were detected using flow cytometry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>HaCaT cells, NHEK, and epidermis all expressed TLR 1-10 mRNA with different intensity. TLR 4 protein was detected on the surfaces of HaCaT cells and NHEK, while the expression of TLR 2 protein was few.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Human epidermal keratinocytes constitutively express all TLR 1-10 mRNA, which may enable human keratinocytes to respond to a wide range of pathogenic micro-organisms.</p>