An in vitro transepithelial migration assay to evaluate the role of neutrophils in Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) induced epithelial damage.

ABSTRACT: Large numbers of neutrophils migrate into the lungs of children with severe Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) disease. It is unclear how these cells contribute to viral clearance and recovery from infection or whether they contribute to disease pathology. We have developed a novel in vitro model to study neutrophil migration through airway epithelial cells (AECs), the main cellular target of RSV infection. Our model reproduces a physiologically relevant cell polarity and directionality of neutrophil migration. Using this model, we found that RSV infected AECs induced rapid neutrophil transepithelial migration. We also detected increased AEC damage associated with RSV infection, with a further increase in epithelial cells shedding from the Transwell membrane following neutrophil migration.

SUBMITTER: Deng Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5928117 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature