Differentiated S100A7 expression in infected tonsils and tonsils from allergic individuals

Abstract

Palatine tonsils are continuously exposed to microorganisms and antigens and secrete antimicrobial peptides as a first line of defense. S100A7 is a protein with antimicrobial and chemotactic properties. Our aim was to investigate how the expression of S100A7 in human palatine tonsils is affected by inflammatory processes. Tonsils obtained from 109 patients undergoing tonsillectomy were divided into groups of infected and noninfected as well as allergic and nonallergic, based on the results from tonsillar core culture tests and Phadiatop analysis, respectively. Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to assess protein expression and real-time PCR was used to quantify mRNA levels. To explore the induction of S100A7, tonsils were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide in vitro. The immunohistochemical staining for S100A7 was most intense in the tonsillar epithelium, but the protein was also detected in B-and T-cell regions, which was confirmed with Western blot on isolated B and T cells. The S100A7 expression appeared to be the highest in CD8 1 T cells. Reduced mRNA levels of S100A7 were detected in infected tonsils as well as in tonsils from allergic individuals. In vitro stimulation of tonsils with lipopolysaccharide did not have any effect on the expression. The results suggest a role for S100A7 in recurrent tonsillitis and allergic disease.

Diminished levels of nasal S100A7 (psoriasin) in seasonal allergic rhinitis: an effect mediated by Th2 cytokines

“…It should also be mentioned that in contrast to the low levels of S100A7 seen during inflammatory conditions in the upper airways, there are studies demonstrating an enhanced expression and secretion of S100A7 in the skin of patients with AD [25-27]. Moreover, we have previously detected S100A7 in tonsillar epithelium and lymphocytes (CD19 + , CD4 + and CD8 + cells) and found reduced levels in tonsils in response to infection and atopic predisposition [12]. In contrast, blood-derived B and T cells express very low or no levels of S100A7.…”

“…The PCR primers (β-actin fwd: 5'-GCCAACCGCGAGAAGATG-3', rev: 5'ACGGCCAGAGGCGTACAG-3'; S100A7 fwd: CGTGACGCTTCCCAGCTC-3', rev: 5'-TCATCACGTCTGGTGTATTTGTGA-3') were designed using Primer Express ® 2.0 Software (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA, USA) and synthesized by DNA Technology [12]. The thermal cycler was set to perform 95°C for 15 min, followed by 46 cycles of 94°C for 30 s and 55°C for 60 s (initially 65°C, followed by a 2°C decrease for the six first cycles).…”

“…We have previously shown lower levels of S100A7 in nasal lavage (NAL) fluid from patients with pollen-induced seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) compared to non-allergic controls [11], along with lower S100A7 mRNA levels in tonsils obtained from allergic as compared to healthy donors [12]. Moreover, by analyzing the genetic variation in the S100A7 gene, we have described a SNP (rs3014837), which gives rise to a Asp → Glu amino acid shift, that is associated with the occurrence of SAR [13].…”

Molecular signatures of a disturbed nasal barrier function in the primary tissue of Wegener's granulomatosis

“…Tonsil biopsies served as positive controls. 55,56 Negative controls were processed identically omitting primary antibodies, and hematoxylin staining was performed in parallel to visualize tissue architecture and cell distribution. SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL is linked to the online version of the paper at http://www.nature.com/mi…”

S100A7/psoriasin expression in the human lung: unchanged in patients with COPD, but upregulated upon positive S. aureusdetection

“…Recently, Bryborn et al could show that S100A7/psoriasin is one of several proteins found to be down-regulated in nasal lavage fluid of allergic patients [31] or in infected tonsils as well as in tonsils from allergic individuals [32]. This connection with allergy has been further substantiated with the association of a S100A7/psoriasin gene polymorphism with allergic rhinitis [33].…”