Rotavirus double-stranded RNA induces apoptosis and diminishes wound repair in rat intestinal epithelial cells

Background: Recent studies have shown that toll‐like receptor 3 (TLR3) recognizes double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA). Rotaviruses, having a dsRNA genome, infect intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) and cause acute gastroenteritis in young children. The aim of the present study was to clarify the pathophysiological function of rotavirus dsRNA in IEC. Methods: Expression of TLR3 mRNA or protein in IEC cell lines (IEC‐6, HT‐29, Caco‐2) was assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR), Western blot analysis or immunohistochemistry. Induction of cytokines (TNF‐α, interferon‐β, interleukin‐6) mRNA and activation of signal proteins (ERK1/2 MAPK and IκB‐α) in IEC after stimulation with rotavirus dsRNA were assessed by RT–PCR or Western blot analysis. IEC‐6 cells were wounded and cell migration into wound areas after stimulation with rotavirus dsRNA (1–25 µg/mL) was assessed. Induction of apoptosis after stimulation with rotavirus dsRNA was also assessed. Results: Expression of TLR3 mRNA and TLR3 protein was detected in IEC. Expression of TLR3 mRNA in IEC‐6 tended to be up‐regulated by exposure to IFN‐γ. Induction of cytokine mRNA and activation of the signal proteins were detected after stimulation with rotavirus dsRNA. Apoptosis was induced and epithelial migration into the wound area was dose‐dependently diminished (44.1–94.4%, P