Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) cell line (LX-2) and Toll-like receptors - Phenotypic/mRNA expression and in vitro functional studies

Background: HSC constitute a small portion of liver cells, but fulfill significant functions. LX-2 cells, a human cell line of HSC , are a model for the study of HSC . HSC express Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and some of them participate in the promotion of liver fibrosis. Little is known about other TLRs expression and function of HSC . Aims of this study were to search the expression and function of all TLRs known in LX-2 cells. Material and methods: Cells were subjected to immunocytochemistry, cell RN A was searched for mRNA specific for respective TLRs. Cells were treated with anti-TLR1-10 antibodies and flow cytometry (FC). They were cultured with TLR ligands and assessed by FC for TLR expression. Supernatants were examined for cytokines content and cells for the percentage of those in a S-phase of cell cycle. Results: All TLRs, both, protein and mRNA were expressed in these cells. TLR ligands had negligible effect on TLR expression. Culture of LX-2 with ligands resulted in the secretion of some cytokines, but did not increase the number of cells in S-phase. Conclusions: To conclude, LX-2 cells express all known TLRs. Their activation has only modest effect on their function.