Expression of immunoglobulin G in human proximal tubular epithelial cells

Proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs) have innate immune characteristics, and produce proinflammatory factors, chemokines and complement components that drive epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Our previous studies revealed that human mesangial cells and podocytes were able to synthesize and secrete immunoglobulin (Ig)A and IgG, respectively. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression of Igs in PTECs. Firstly, IgG was detected in the cytoplasm, the cell membrane and the lumen of PTECs in the normal renal cortex by immunohistochemistry. Secondly, Ig gamma gene transcription and V(D)J recombination were detected in single PTECs by nested PCR and Sanger sequencing. Thirdly, Ig gamma, Ig kappa and Ig lambda were clearly detected in an immortalized PTEC line (HK-2) by immunostaining and western blotting, in which RP215 (an antibody that predominantly binds to non-B cell-derived IgG) was used. In addition, Ig gamma, Ig kappa and Ig lambda gene transcripts, conservative V(D)J recombination in the Ig gamma variable region, recombination activating gene 1/2 and activation-induced cytidine deaminase were all detected in HK-2 cells. These data suggested that PTECs may express IgG in a similar manner to B cells. Furthermore, IgG expression was upregulated by TGF-beta 1 and may be involved in EMT.

Automated summary

The study found that proximal tubular epithelial cells may express IgG in a similar manner to B cells, and that IgG expression is upregulated by TGF-beta 1, potentially playing a role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition.