TLR 1-9 mRNA expression was conserved in NuLi-1 and HNECs.
Several TLR related genes were differentially expressed in NuLi-1 cells vs HNECs.
The two cell types showed a conserved response to TLR3 agonists.
NuLi-1 cells did not exhibit differentiation at air-liquid interface.
HNECs were more susceptible to infection by S. aureus than NuLi-1 cells.