Meningothelial cells participate in immunological processes in the cerebrospinal fluid

Meningothelial cells (MECs) form the innermost layer of the meningeal sheath and as such are in direct contact with the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) likely influencing CSF composition. The CSF space is a site of active immunological processes. To investigate an immunological role of MECs, cytokine and chemokine secretion, phagocytotic and pinocytotic activity by MECs was analyzed following stimulation with lipopolysaccharide, phorbol ester or rotenone. Secretion of IL-6 and IL-8 by MECs increased in a dose dependent manner after stimulation concomitant with NF-κB activation. In addition, phagocytotic clearance by MECs was enhanced suggesting an immunological role for MECs in the CSF compartment and pointing to a possible connection to neurodegenerative processes.