Immunocytochemistry of in vitro produced mucin from ht29mtx cell line

Abstract

Mucus represents the first line of defense against pathogens and damage in the human intestine. the major components of mucus are mucins which are high molecular weight glycoproteins providing potential binding sites for both pathogenic and commensal microorganisms. To study host-enteric pathogen interactions, human intestinal cell models are widely used. Epithelial cell lines derived from human colon carcinomas providing useful experimental alternatives as getting normal intestinal cells is not easily applicable. In the current study, we described a condition enhances HT29-MTX cells to produce continuous mucus layer. Immunocytochemistry was used to visualize Muc 2, the most secreted mucin from HT29-MTX cells using anti Muc2 antibody. The results showed that incubation of HT-29 MTX cells with shaking and providing cells with fresh medium once to twice daily for three weeks can be the best way to mimic the natural behavior of the intestine which enhanced the seeded cells to produce the mucin in vitro.