Background
Mucosal epithelial cells may play a critical role in maintaining the balance between tolerance and induction of IgA response. Current data suggests this homeostatic balance may be regulated by the production of epithelial proteins, including thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) induced through Toll-like receptors. TLR ligands are also thought to play an important role in the activation induction of pro- (or anti-) IgA factors by subepithelial dendritic cells and B cells including TGF-beta, IL-4 and APRIL. In this study we have evaluated a broad range of TLR ligands in mucosal cellular models and in human genital tissue explants for the induction of immunomodulatory cytokines known to influence IgA induction.