Expression and secretion of TNF-α in mouse taste buds: a novel function of a specific subset of type II taste cells.

ABSTRACT: Taste buds are chemosensory structures widely distributed on the surface of the oral cavity and larynx. Taste cells, exposed to the oral environment, face great challenges in defense against potential pathogens. While immune cells, such as T-cells and macrophages, are rarely found in taste buds, high levels of expression of some immune-response-associated molecules are observed in taste buds. Yet, the cellular origins of these immune molecules such as cytokines in taste buds remain to be determined. Here, we show that a specific subset of taste cells selectively expresses high levels of the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Based on immuno-colocalization experiments using taste-cell-type markers, the TNF-α-producing cells are predominantly type II taste cells expressin

SUBMITTER: Feng P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3419207 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature