Mucosal immunity of the middle ear: analysis at the single cell level

OBJECTIVE: Studies have suggested that the middle ear is a potential site of immunological regulation and that the middle ear mucosa constitutes a part of the mucosal immune system. We clarify the characteristics of the middle ear mucosa with respect to immune potential. STUDY DESIGN: We investigated lymphocyte subsets, mRNA of cytokines, and induction of antigen-specific IgA-producing cells in the middle ear mucosa in specific pathogen-free C57BL/6 mice. RESULTS: Flow cytometric analysis showed a certain amount (10%-15%) of gammadelta T cells among CD3+ T cells. P6-specific IgA-producing cells were induced by intranasal immunization with P6 together with cholera toxin. RT-PCR assay of mucosal T cells detected mRNA of Th2 type cytokines such as IL-5 and IL-10. CONCLUSION: These findings support the fact that the middle ear is potentially an effector site of the mucosal immunity.