At the crossroads: mucosal immunology of the larynx

Abstract

The larynx sits at the crossroads between gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. Besides its intrinsic importance in breathing, swallowing and voice production, the larynx is also exposed to unique immunological challenges. Given the propensity of chronic inflammatory conditions such as chronic laryngitis, which affects up to 20% of Western populations, it is perhaps surprising that our understanding of the immunology of this organ remains relatively limited. However, recent work on the immunological architecture of the laryngeal mucosa, and its changes that result from external challenges and inflammatory conditions, provided valuable insight into the fascinating immunology of this organ. The lessons learnt from these investigations may go beyond devising improved therapy for chronic laryngeal inflammation. Establishing whether and how the laryngeal mucosa may be involved in the modulation of wider mucosal responses may provide novel routes to the treatment of other inflammatory diseases of the respiratory and alimentary tracts such as asthma and inflammatory bowel disease.

E-Cadherin and Transglutaminase-1 Epithelial Barrier Restoration Precedes Type IV Collagen Basement Membrane Reconstruction following Vocal Fold Mucosal Injury

“…The vocal fold epithelium is critical to upper airway immunologic defense [Thibeault et al, 2009] and water/ion transport [Fisher et al, 2001]; therefore, any form of physical trauma or insult increases the vulnerability of this structure to functional impairment and pathogen invasion/infection. We observed complete mucosal reepithelialization by 3 days postinjury, as previously reported [Ling et al, 2010].…”

“…analysis of variance A-P anterior-posterior Col-IV type IV collagen CPF ciliated pseudocolumnar formation DAPI 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole dihydrochloride E-cad E-cadherin HE hematoxylin and eosin LP lamina propria M-L medial-lateral S-I superior-inferior SSC stratified squamous cell TGase-1 transglutaminase-1 ated pseudocolumnar cell formation along its superiorinferior (S-I) axis [Ling et al, 2010] and is primarily responsible for vocal fold immune, transport, and barrier functions [Sivasankar and Fisher, 2007;Leydon et al, 2009;Thibeault et al, 2009]. The physiologic and molecular mechanisms regulating these protective functions are poorly understood, particularly under conditions of epithelial compromise such as mucosal injury.…”

Vocal Fold Epithelial Barrier in Health and Injury: A Research Review

“…The larynx is situated at the separation of the respiratory and digestive tracts (Mouadeb et al, 2009; Thibeault, Rees, Pazmany, & Birchall, 2009). Narrowing at the level of the vocal folds creates an area of highly turbulent airflow that promotes the deposition of a wide-range of inhaled, environmental and sometimes ingested, systemic irritants.…”

Vocal Fold Ion Transport and Mucin Expression Following Acrolein Exposure

“…As the outermost layer of the vocal folds, the epithelium is exposed to a multitude of inhaled particulates including pollutants (Thibeault et al 2009). However, our understanding of the effects of pollutants on vocal fold epithelial function is extremely limited.…”