Expression of immune response genes in human corneal epithelial cells interacting with Asperrgillus flavus conidia

Human corneal epithelial cells internalize Aspergillus flavus conidia. But the biochemical response of corneal epithelial cells in response to A.flavus is not clear. In this study, NanoString analysis was used to study the immune genes expression in primary corneal epithelial cells and cell line infected with A. flavus conidia. The study revealed the differential expression of immune genes associated with TNF, Th17, NF-kB signaling and B cell receptor signaling in corneal epithelial cells. There is also difference in the response between cell line and primary cells to A. flavus implies the use of both cells to understand the host-pathogen interaction. Primary corneal epithelial cells and corneal epithelial cell line were infected with clinical isolates of A .flavus CI1698 and CI1123 for 6h. The experiment was done in duplicates. Un infected cells were taken as control. After infection, total RNA was isolated and after quantity and quality check it was subjected to NanoString. Total samples-12 (6-cell line; 6-primary HCE)