Normal Oral Keratinocytes and Head and Neck Squamous Carcinoma Cells Induce an Innate Response of Fibroblasts.

BACKGROUND

Tumor stroma is similar to the connective tissue of chronic inflammation. The extracellular matrix of tumors is formed by cancer-associated fibroblasts that also modulate the inflammatory response.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

We studied the ability of oral keratinocytes (NOK) and oral squamous cell carcinoma cells (SCC) to induce an innate immune response in fibroblasts. Co-cultures with fibroblasts in collagen gels and keratinocytes in inserts were used. Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) was used as an indicator of an innate immune response.

RESULTS

SCC and NOK up-regulated fibroblast mRNA expression and protein release of PTX3. mRNA levels were more pronounced in cultures with malignant cells. The induction of PTX3 was abrogated by an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist

CONCLUSION

Keratinocytes have the capacity to induce an interleukin-1-dependent innate immune response by fibroblasts in vitro. This could be important for subsequent fibroblast modulation of the inflammatory reaction in non-malignant and malignant disease processes.