Differential gene expression during meningeal-meningococcal interaction: Evidence for self-defense and early release of cytokines and chemokines

Using microarray technology, we studied the early differential expression o f 3,528 genes in human meningothelial cells in response to meningococcal ch allenge. Thirty-two genes were up-regulated, and four were down-regulated. Those up-regulated included the tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-8 (but not IL-1 beta) genes, suggesting that meningeal cells may be a local and early source of these cytokines. Also, a trend in up-re gulation of anti-apoptotic genes and down-regulation of pro-apoptotic genes was observed. This is the first evidence that meningothelial cells may mou nt cytoprotective responses to pathogenic bacteria.