IL-17C expression and its correlation with pediatric adenoids: a preliminary study
Abstract
Objective: Interleukin-17 (IL-17) C is a cytokine expressed by epithelial cells in response to bacterial
stimulation. In contrast to other members of the IL-17 family of cytokines, IL-17C is upregulated early
during infection, maintains integrity of the epithelial layer barrier, and mediates the innate immune
response. We investigated the expression profile of IL-17C in pediatric adenoids.
Methods: Pediatric adenoid tissues and lavage fluids were collected from a total of 38 subjects. The
Limulus amebocyte lysate test and real-time PCR using Staphylococcus aureus primers were performed to
evaluate bacterial contents in adenoids. Expression of IL-17RE in adenoids was analyzed using real-time
polymerase chain reaction and western blot. The expression of IL-17C was evaluated by western blot and
immunohistochemistry and compared between allergic rhinitis (AR) and control subjects. The levels of
Hsp27, Hsp70, and IL-17C in adenoid lavage fluids were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent
assay, and the correlation between these molecules was statistically analyzed.
Results: The pediatric adenoids were found to be exposed to bacteria and had a normal flora comprising
both gram-negative and -positive bacteria. IL-17RE, an IL-17C specific receptor, was highly expressed in
the epithelium of adenoids. IL-17C was expressed in all evaluated adenoid tissue samples, irrespective of
the allergic status of the patient. IL-17C secretion was detected in half of the adenoid lavage fluid samples
and was associated with Hsp70 level.
Conclusion: Our findings indicate the possible role of pediatric adenoids in innate immunity modulation
via an innate immunity-associated cytokine.