Localization of TFF3, a new mucus-associated peptide of the human respiratory tract.

Trefoil factor family (TFF)-domain peptides (formerly P-domain peptides, trefoil factors) represent major mucin-associated peptides of the gastrointestinal tract. Here, the first localization studies on TFF3 in the lower respiratory tract of human material are presented. Immunohistochemistry revealed significant accumulation of TFF3 to mucous cells in the acini of submucosal glands and varying amounts in goblet cells at the ductular portions and the surface epithelium. TFF3 appears also as a component of the mucus, for example from patients with chronic bronchitis. Expression of TFF3 was also shown by use of the polymerase chain reaction. In contrast, TFF1 and TFF2 transcripts were hardly detectable in the human respiratory tract. Thus, a structural function of TFF3 for the airway mucus is discussed, possibly together with the mucins MUC5B and MUC5AC.