"Gene expression demonstrates an immunological capacity of the human endolymphatic sac"

From the very first day of my journey with Meniere's disease, I have emphatically believed I was having an immunological response to some kind of low-grade, chronic infection.  Doctors kind of acknowledged an immune component to the disease, but really didn't seem to know what to do about it, understandably so since it has been poorly defined up to now.  So when I see studies like this, it makes me want to jump for joy!

Gene expression demonstrates an immunological capacity of the human endolymphatic sac.

Authors
Møller MN1, Kirkeby S, Vikeså J, Nielsen FC, Cayé-Thomasen P.
Author information
Journal
Laryngoscope. 2015 Mar 16. doi: 10.1002/lary.25242. [Epub ahead of print]

Affiliation
Abstract
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of the present study is to explore, demonstrate, and describe the expression of genes related to the innate immune system in the human endolymphatic sac. It is hypothesized that the endolymphatic sac has a significant immunological function in the human inner ear.

STUDY DESIGN: DNA microarrays and immunohistochemistry were used for analyses of fresh human endolymphatic-sac tissue samples.

METHODS: Twelve tissue samples from the human endolymphatic sac were obtained during translabyrinthine surgery for vestibular schwannoma. Microarray technology was used to investigate tissue sample gene expression using adjacent dura mater as control. The expression of genes specific for the innate immune system was determined and results for selected key molecules verified by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS: A comprehensive overview of expressed genes of the innate immune system was obtained. Multiple key elements of both the cellular and humoral innate immune system were expressed, including Toll-like receptors 4 and 7, as well as beta-defensin and lactoferrin.

CONCLUSIONS: The present data provides the first direct evidence of an immunological capacity of the human endolymphatic sac. At the molecular level, the endolymphatic sac is capable of antigen recognition and processing for initiation of an immune response. In addition, potent molecules directly toxic to invading pathogens are expressed by the sac epithelium. This evidence strongly supports the endolymphatic sac as a significant immunological entity of the inner ear.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A. Laryngoscope, 2015.

© 2015 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

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