Expression Of DC-SIGN In Corneal Epithelial Cells Infected With Aspergillus Fumigates

Objective: To explore the role of DC-SIGN(Dendritic Cell-Specific Intercellular adhesion molecule-3-Grabbing Non- integrin, C D209), a new member of C-type lectin receptors in corneal epithelial cells infected with Aspergillus fumigatus.Methods: Corneal epithelium of fungal keratits patients were harvested to validate DC-SIGN expression by RT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining. RT-PCR, RT-q PCR and western blot or immunofluorescence staining were used to examine the production of DC-SIGN in human corneal epithelial cells(HC ECs) and corneal epithelium of rats models of fungal keratitis. IL-1β、IL-6 m RNA were also detected in corneal epithelium of rats models. SP600125, U0126 and SB203580 were added in the HC ECs before hyphae to inhibit JNK, ERK and p38, then DC-SIGN m RN A and protein were measured.Results: DC-SIGN was rarely expressed in the normal corneal epithelium, but the expression level was significantly higher in the corneal epithelium of patients of fungal keratitis. DC-SIGN protein was located in the cytoplasm of cells, especially in basal layer cells. In cultured corneal epithelial cells exposed by hyphae, DC-SIGN was up-regulated compared with that in uninfected cells. DC-SIGN m RNA was also rare in normal rats and elevated in rats models of fungal keratitis. Immunofluorescence staining showed the DC-SIGN protein in the corneal epithelium of rats models. DC-SIGN expression was correlated with the score of fungal keratitis rats and expression of IL-1β、IL-6. ERK inhibitor U0126 could decrease the expression of DC-SIGN.Conclusion: DC-SIGN expresses in corneal epithelium infected with fungi and is related to inflammatory response. ERK/MAPK is involved in the expression of DC-SIGN.