The Journal of Immunology, 2007, 178: 43.40.
Copyright © 2007 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.
Cervicovaginal epithelial cell cytokine production in response to microorganisms associated with bacterial vaginosis
Jason Trama,
Erika Libby,
Eli Mordechai and
Martin Adelson
Pathogenesis and Host Response Section, Research and Development Department, Medical Diagnostic Laboratories LLC, 2439 Kuser Road, Hamilton, NJ, 08690
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal disorder among women of reproductive age. However, the pathogenesis of BV is poorly understood. Although direct causality has not been demonstrated, local epithelial cells responding to microorganisms are proposed to be the source of elevated IL-1
, IL-6 and IL-8 in the vaginal washes of women with BV. Here, we determine the inflammatory cytokine responses of immortalized cervical and vaginal epithelial cells (CVEC) when co-cultured with lactobacilli and BV-associated microorganisms including Atopobium vaginae, an anaerobic, gram-positive bacterium common in women with heterogeneous vaginal flora and more specific for BV than Gardnerella vaginalis. Dose-dependent induction of IL-8 was seen when CVEC were co-cultured with A. vaginae, but not when CVEC were co-cultured with lactobacilli or G. vaginalis at MOIs of up to 100. The induction of IL-8 was similar in endocervical, ectocervical and vaginal epithelial cells. The release of IL-8 reached a maximum by 4 hours, was sustained for 24 hours and was abrogated by heat treatment of A. vaginae. Examination of IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and TNF
secretion by bead array showed induction of IL-6 and IL-8 by A. vaginae. These results suggest that A. vaginae and CVEC are contributing factors to the cytokine production and the inflammatory sequelae associated with BV.
Supported by Medical Diagnostic Laboratories LLC.
