Biochimie
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Extracellular Hsp70 (eHsp70) can activate immune cells via Toll-like receptors (TLR) 2 and 4, and induce cytokine synthesis. The aim of this study was to explore inflammation-associated effects of eHsp70 alone and in combination with cigarette smoke extract (CSE) in primary bronchial epithelial cells. We assessed IL-6 and IL-8 concentrations, TLR2, TLR4 and Hsp70 mRNA expressions, and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) activation induced by recombinant human (rh) Hsp70, CSE or their combinations in normal human bronchial epithelial cells (NHBE) obtained commercially, and primary bronchial epithelial cells isolated from non-COPD lung donors (PBEC) or COPD patients (PBEC COPD). ⋯ CSE activated JNK and p38 MAPKs, while rhHsp70 increased activation of c-Jun kinase in NHBE cells. Collectively, both eHsp70 and CSE induce pro-inflammatory responses in PBECs from non-COPD as well as COPD donors, but in combination antagonistic effects were observed in COPD-derived cells. These effects may be related to the regulation of TLR2/4 and might lead to modulation of inflammation with possible deleterious consequences for COPD patients.