Proinflammatory effect of TWEAK/Fn14 interaction in human retinal pigment epithelial cells.

Purpose: To investigate the expression and function of fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14) in human retinal pigment epithelial cells.

Methods: A human retinal pigment epithelial cell line (RPE cells: ARPE-19) was used. Expression of Fn14 protein was assessed by flow cytometry.

Expression and function of toll-like receptor-3 and -9 in human corneal myofibroblasts.

Purpose: To investigate the expression and function of toll-like receptor (TLR)-3 and -9 in corneal myofibroblasts.

Methods: Two types of human keratocytes were used, which were freshly isolated keratocytes from donor corneas and cultured keratocytes. Expression of the mRNAs for various molecular markers was analyzed in these cells by RT-PCR, and TLR-2, -3, -4, and -9 mRNAs were also analyzed by RT-PCR.

Distinct functions between toll-like receptors 3 and 9 in retinal pigment epithelial cells.

Retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE cells) are key players in the first-line defense against invading organisms such as viruses and bacteria. The interaction between RPE cells and viral or bacterial components is very important for clearance of these organisms. Toll-like receptors are a family of recognition receptors involved in innate immunity.

Endogenous substance P in corneal epithelial cells and keratocytes.

Purpose: To detect endogenous substance P (SP) and neurokinin receptor 1 (NK1R) in cultured human corneal epithelial cells (HE) and cultured human keratocytes (HK).

Methods: Messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of SP and endogenous SP in HE and HK was investigated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. mRNA expression of NK1R in HE and HK was investigated by RT-PCR.