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TLR4 gene dosage contributes to endotoxin-induced acute respiratory inflammation.

Toll-like receptor (TLR)4 is critical for endotoxin recognition and cellular responses. Using Tlr4 transgenic mice, we investigated the influence of Tlr4 gene dosage on acute respiratory response to endotoxin. Transgenic mice expressing three, six, or 30 copies of Tlr4, control, and Tlr4-deficient mice received intranasal administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 10 ug), and the airway response was analyzed by plethysmography, lung histology, cell recruitment, cytokine and chemokine secretion and protein leakage into the bronchoalveolar space. We demonstrate that overexpression of Tlr4 augmented a LPS-induced bronchoconstrictive effect, as well as tumor necrosis factor and CXC chemokine ligand 1 (keratinocyte-derived chemokine) production. Neutrophil recruitment, microvascular and alveolar epithelial injury with protein leak in the airways, and damage of the lung microarchitecture were Tlr4 gene dose-dependently increased. Therefore, the TLR4 expression level determines the extent of acute pulmonary response to inhaled endotoxin, and TLR4 may thus be a valuable target for immunointervention in acute lung inflammation as a result of endotoxins.

Acute Disease↗

TLR4 is lower in resistance-trained older women and related to inflammatory cytokines.

INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE: Regular exercise may offset age-associated increases in inflammatory cytokines and reduce the risk of developing diseases with an inflammatory etiology by exerting "anti-inflammatory" effects. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling stimulates inflammatory cytokine production, and may explain the "anti-inflammatory" effect attributed to regular exercise. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to compare the effect of acute (3 sets, 9 exercises, 10 repetitions at 80% of the 1-repetition maximum) and chronic resistance exercise on TLR4 and inflammatory cytokines. METHODS: Venous blood samples were collected from trained (TR, N = 10) and untrained (UT, N = 10) older (65-80 yr) postmenopausal women: before (PRE), immediately post (POST), and 2 h (2H), 6 h (6H), and 24 h (24H) after completion of exercise. Cell-surface expression of TLR4 (two-color immunofluorescent cytometry), LPS (25 microg x mL(-1))-stimulated cytokine production (ELISA), plasma cytokines (ELISA), and mRNA expression of TLR4 and cytokines (RT-PCR) were determined for each sample. RESULTS: TR had 124% less cell-surface TLR4 expression than UT (P < 0.05). A significant time effect was found for LPS-stimulated IL-6, IL-1beta, and TNF-alpha, where 6H was significantly greater than all other samples. No significant effects were found for plasma (IL-6 and TNF-alpha) or mRNA expression (IL-6, TNF-alpha, and IL-1beta) of inflammatory cytokines. When subjects were grouped according to cell-surface TLR4 expression (HI and LO), LPS-stimulated TNF-alpha (302%), IL-1beta (209%), and IL-6 (167%) production was greater for HI than LO (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Regularly exercising older women expressed less cell-surface TLR4 but did not have lower plasma levels or produce less LPS-stimulated inflammatory cytokines at rest or in response to a single bout of resistance exercise. TLR4 changes may explain the "anti-inflammatory" effect that has recently been attributed to chronic (2x wk for previous 24 months) resistance exercise training.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Essential role of MD-2 in TLR4-dependent signaling during Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis.

TLR4, a member of pattern recognition receptors, is the main receptor of LPS. MD-2 physically associates with TLR4 on the cell surface and confers LPS responsiveness. Helicobacter pylori LPS is one of the major virulence factors for induction of gastritis. We demonstrated in this study the role of MD-2 in TLR4-dependent signaling in H. pylori-associated gastritis. Gastric biopsy samples collected from patients with and without H. pylori infection and four gastric cancer cell lines were used for this study. TLR-4 and MD-2 expression in biopsy specimens and the cell lines was examined by using RT-PCR. Localization of TLR-4 in histological sections was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. For in vitro functional assays, we established stable transfectants of AGS cells expressing TLR4 and MD-2. Cellular distribution of TLR4 was examined by flow cytometry. NF-kappaB activation and activation of IL-8 and MD-2 promoters were assessed by reporter gene assay. H. pylori infection up-regulated the TLR4 and MD-2 expression in gastric mucosa. TLR4 staining was observed predominantly in epithelial cells, located in both the cytoplasm and at the apical surface. MD-2 transfection in AGS cells markedly increased cell surface expression of TLR4 and augmented the activation of NF-kappaB and IL-8 promoter upon stimulation with H. pylori LPS. Live H. pylori also stimulated transcriptional activation of MD-2. This study revealed that MD-2 expression is elevated in gastric epithelial cells during H. pylori infection, suggesting that the TLR4/MD-2 system is a potent receptor complex involved in the response to H. pylori LPS in the stomach.

Adult↗

Expression of functional TLR4 confers proinflammatory responsiveness to Trypanosoma cruzi glycoinositolphospholipids and higher resistance to infection with T. cruzi.

TLRs function as pattern recognition receptors in mammals and play an essential role in the recognition of microbial components. We found that the injection of glycoinositolphospholipids (GIPLs) from Trypanosoma cruzi into the peritoneal cavity of mice induced neutrophil recruitment in a TLR4-dependent manner: the injection of GIPL in the TLR4-deficient strain of mice (C57BL/10ScCr) caused no inflammatory response. In contrast, in TLR2 knockout mice, neutrophil chemoattraction did not differ significantly from that seen in wild-type controls. GIPL-induced neutrophil attraction and MIP-2 production were also severely affected in TLR4-mutant C3H/HeJ mice. The role of TLR4 was confirmed in vitro by testing genetically engineered mutants derived from TLR2-deficient Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-K1 fibroblasts that were transfected with CD14 (CHO/CD14). Wild-type CHO/CD14 cells express the hamster TLR4 molecule and the mutant line, in addition, expresses a nonfunctional form of MD-2. In comparison to wild-type cells, mutant CHO/CD14 cells failed to respond to GIPLs, indicating a necessity for a functional TLR4/MD-2 complex in GIPL-induced NF-kappaB activation. Finally, we found that TLR4-mutant mice were hypersusceptible to T. cruzi infection, as evidenced by a higher parasitemia and earlier mortality. These results demonstrate that natural resistance to T. cruzi is TLR4 dependent, most likely due to TLR4 recognition of their GIPLs.

Animals↗

TLR4 up-regulation at protein or gene level is pathogenic for lupus-like autoimmune disease.

TLR4 is the receptor for the Gram-negative bacterial cell wall component LPS. TLR4 signaling is controlled by both positive and negative regulators to balance optimal immune response and potential sepsis. Unchecked TLR4 activation might result in autoimmune diseases, a hypothesis that has not been formally resolved. In this study, we found that TLR4 signaling to LPS can be positively enforced by expressing gp96 on cell surfaces through the chaperone function of, but not the direct signaling by, gp96; TLR4 as well as the commensal flora are essential for the production of anti-dsDNA Ab and the immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis in transgenic mice that express surface gp96. Moreover, a similar constellation of autoimmunity was evident in mice that encode multiple copies of tlr4 gene. Our study has revealed that increased TLR4 signaling alone without exogenous insult can break immunological tolerance. It provides a strong experimental evidence for TLR4 dysregulation as an etiology of lupus-like renal disease.

Animals↗

A protein associated with toll-like receptor 4 (PRAT4A) regulates cell surface expression of TLR4.

TLRs recognize microbial products. Their subcellular distribution is optimized for microbial recognition. Little is known, however, about mechanisms regulating the subcellular distribution of TLRs. LPS is recognized by the receptor complex consisting of TLR4 and MD-2. Although MD-2, a coreceptor for TLR4, enhances cell surface expression of TLR4, an additional mechanism regulating TLR4 distribution has been suggested. We show here that PRAT4A, a novel protein associated with TLR4, regulates cell surface expression of TLR4. PRAT4A is associated with the immature form of TLR4 but not with MD-2 or TLR2. PRAT4A knockdown abolished LPS responsiveness in a cell line expressing TLR4/MD-2, probably due to the lack of cell surface TLR4. PRAT4A knockdown down-regulated cell surface TLR4/MD-2 on dendritic cells. These results demonstrate a novel mechanism regulating TLR4/MD-2 expression on the cell surface.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

[TLR4 is involved in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury in mice].

OBJECTIVES: To explore the role of TLR4 in the mechanism of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in mice. METHODS: Wild-type (C3H/Heouj) mice and TLR4 deficient mice (C3H/Hej) were used to prepare the models of liver I/R injury. Partial hepatic ischemia was produced by inflow causing occlusion in the median and left lobes for 45 minutes. Blood was drawn to kill the mice at 1 hours and 3 hours after reperfusion. The blood was used to analyze aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha). TNF-alpha mRNA expression and myeloperoxidase (MPO) level in ischemic lobes was examined by northern blot and myeloperoxidase assay, respectively. RESULTS: AST levels were significantly lower in TLR4 deficient mice, compared with those in wild-type mice at both time points (661.83U/L+/-106.09U/L vs. 1215.5U/L+/- 174.03U/L, t=-6.65, P<0.01; 1145.17U/L+/-132.42U/L vs. 2958.17U/L+/-186.81U/L, t=-5.57, P<0.01). Serum TNF-alpha level was lower in TLR4 deficient mice at 3 hours after reperfusion compared with that in wild-type mice (152.39pg/ml+/-43.3 pg/ml vs. 249.12pg/ml+/-51.89pg/ml, t=-3.13, P<0.05). This difference appeared to be mediated at the gene level, since TNF-alpha mRNA expression had decreased in TLR4 deficient mice at 1 hours after reperfusion, compared with that in wild type mice (80.3+/-28.8 vs. 189.4+/-24.6, t=-3.25, P<0.05). MPO level in ischemic lobes in TLR4 deficient mice at 3 hours after reperfusion was significantly lower than that in wild type mice (F=33.49, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: I/R hepatic injury in TLR4 deficient mice is less than that in wild-type mice. TNF-alpha expression down-regulated at the mRNA level appears critical. These suggest that TLR4 be involved in the mechanism of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury in mice.

Alanine Transaminase↗

[The expression of TLR4 in rat acute lung injury induced by lipopolysaccharide and the influence of Eucalyptus globulus oil].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the distribution of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in rats' respiratory tract. To study the influence of LPS and Eucalyptus globulus oil on the distribution of TMR4. METHOD: The Sprague-Dawley rats were intratracheally instilled with lipopolysaccharide (LPS,2 mg x kg(-1) per day) for two days to induce acute lung injury. The rats were sacrificed at 72 hours after LPS instillation. Lung morphology was studied. Leukocytes in Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured and TLR4 were detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULT: The result of immunohistochemistry showed that TLR4 distributed widely in common rats' respiratory tract. In the group of acute lung injury, the number of leucocyte in BALF was increased apparently, the inflammation in bronchus and bronchioles was more apparently than that of the control group in morphology. And the expression of TLR4 was reinforced in main bronchus and bronchioles. In the group of E. globules oil (300 mg x kg(-1)), the leucocyte number was decreased apparently in BALF, the inflammation was lightened and the expression of TLR4 decreased as compared with the group of models. CONCLUSION: The expression of TLR4 distributes widely in rats' respiratory tract. The stimulation of LPS can reinforce the expression of TLR4. The E. globules oil can reduce the increase of TLR4 induced by LPS in bronchioles.

Animals↗

The role of MyD88 and TLR4 in the LPS-mimetic activity of Taxol.

Taxol can mimic bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) by activating mouse macrophages in a cell cycle-independent, LPS antagonist-inhibitable manner. Macrophages from C3H/HeJ mice, which have a spontaneous mutation in Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), are hyporesponsive to both LPS and Taxol, suggesting that LPS and Taxol may share a signaling pathway involving TLR4. To determine whether TLR4 and its interacting adaptor molecule MyD88 are necessary for Taxol's LPS mimetic actions, we examined Taxol responses of primary macrophages from genetically defective mice lacking either TLR4 (C57BL/10ScNCr) or MyD88 (MyD88 knockout). When stimulated with Taxol, macrophages from wild-type mice responded robustly by secreting both TNF and NO, while macrophages from either TLR4-deficient C57BL/10ScNCr mice or MyD88 knockout mice produced only minimal amounts of TNF and NO. Taxol-induced NF-kappa B-driven luciferase activity was reduced after transfection of RAW 264.7 macrophages with a dominant negative version of mouse MyD88. Taxol-induced microtubule-associated protein kinase (MAPK) activation and NF-kappa B nuclear translocation were absent from TLR4-null macrophages, but were preserved in MyD88 knockout macrophages with a slight delay in kinetics. Neither Taxol-induced NF-kappa B activation, nor I kappa B degradation was affected by the presence of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitors. These results suggest that Taxol and LPS not only share a TLR4/MyD88-dependent pathway in generating inflammatory mediators, but also share a TLR4-dependent/MyD88-independent pathway leading to activation of MAPK and NF-kappa B.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) does not confer a resistance advantage on mice against low-dose aerosol infection with virulent type A Francisella tularensis.

Francisella tularensis, the causative agent of tularemia, is a gram-negative facultative intracellular bacterium. Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 is considered to be critical for inducing host innate immunity against many gram-negative bacteria including many respiratory pathogens. To determine the role of TLR4 in host defense against airborne F. tularensis infection, TLR4-defective C3H/HeJ (TLR4(d)) or wild-type C3H/HeOuJ (WT) mice were challenged by low-dose aerosol with type A F. tularensis, and the course of the infection and host responses were compared at day 2 and 4 post-inoculation (dpi). At dpi 2, bacterial burdens in the lungs were similar between TLR4(d) and WT mice, but TLR4(d) mice surprisingly harbored approximately 10-fold fewer bacteria in their spleens and livers. However, the bacterial burdens at dpi 4, the mortality and median time to irreversible moribundity were indistinguishable between the two mouse strains. In addition, the inflammatory responses to the infection, as reflected by the cytokine levels and leukocyte influx in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and histopathological analysis, were similar between both mouse strains. Additionally, as with C3H mice, we found no difference in either the median time to death or the survival rate between TLR4-deleted C57BL/10ScNJ mice and WT C57BL/10 mice. Combined, these data suggest that TLR4 does not contribute to resistance of mice to airborne type A F. tularensis infection.

Animals↗

Genomic structure, promoter analysis and expression of the porcine (Sus scrofa) TLR4 gene.

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is essential for initiating the innate response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Gram-negative bacteria by acting as a signal-transducing receptor. As the pig industry faces a unique array of related pathogens, it is anticipated that the genotype of swine TLR4 could be of crucial importance in future strategies aimed at improving genetic resistance to infectious diseases. In order to help in investigating TLR4 as a candidate disease-resistance gene in pigs, we established its genomic structure and produced sufficient flanking intronic sequences to enable simple PCR amplification of the coding portions of the gene. Expression in different porcine tissues was studied and showed splicing variations in mRNA sequences. The cDNA sequence for poTLR4 contains an open reading frame of 2526bp that codes for 841 aa, 98 and 568bp in the 5'- and 3'-UTRs, respectively. Overall, the general organization of porcine, human, murine, and avian TLR4 genes is quite similar: three exons with the third one very long. A high level of conservation of the size and the sequence, especially for the two last exons and particularly in the sequence corresponding to the LRRs and TIR domain, is observed between species. The important antimicrobial properties of these proteins may account for a conservative selection pressure on these TLR4 coding sequences. Several putative binding sites described in the human and murine promoter of TLR4 genes have been identified in the 5'-flanking region of poTLR4. Conversely, this region lacks a TATA box, consensus initiator sequences, or GC-rich regions. The basic sequence data gathered will allow the establishment of an inventory of naturally occurring variation in porcine TLR4, so that alleles can be tested for disease association studies.

Animals↗

TLR2 and TLR4 agonists synergistically up-regulate SR-A in RAW264.7 through p38.

It is known that macrophage scavenger receptor A (SR-A) can protect mice from endotoxemia. In addition, Escherichia coli O111:B4 LPS from Sigma (sLPS), which contains both TLR4 and TLR2 agonists, was previously reported to be able to induce SR-A expression on murine macrophage cell line RAW264.7. However, the relative role of both TLR4 and TLR2 agonists from Sigma (sLPS) in the up-regulation of SR-A on RAW264.7 is still undefined. Here, we found that sLPS could only slightly up-regulate SR-A on RAW264.7 following removing its TLR4 and TLR2 agonists, respectively. In contrast, the combination of TLR4 agonist uLPS (re-extracted sLPS) and TLR2 agonist Pam3CSK4 dramatically induced SR-A expression, and synergistically promoted RAW264.7 to bind and internalize FITC-LPS specifically through SR-A. The combination had no such effect either on TLR2 or TLR4 expression, and incubation with IL-6, IL-10, IL-12 or TNF-alpha alone could not induce SR-A expression on RAW264.7. In addition, treatment with a NF-kappaB inhibitor pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) could only weakly suppress the up-regulation of SR-A by the combination. However, the combination synergistically promoted MAPK p38 phosphorylation, and p38 specific inhibitor SB203580 completely suppressed its inducible effect on SR-A expression. Hence, we demonstrated that up-regulation of SR-A by sLPS was resulted from the cooperation of its TLR4 and TLR2 agonists through p38, and we also presented a novel synergy effect of TLR2 and TLR4 agonists.

Animals↗

Incremental expression of Tlr4 correlates with mouse resistance to Salmonella infection and fine regulation of relevant immune genes.

The mouse response to Salmonella Typhimurium infection is partly controlled through detection of the bacterium lipopolysaccharide by the host pattern recognition receptor, Toll-like receptor 4 (Tlr4). Mice deficient in Tlr4 signaling are extremely susceptible to Salmonella infection with a 1,000-fold reduction in LD(50). In a previous study, we showed, using transgenic mice carrying one, three, six and >30 copies of Tlr4, that the level of expression of this gene influences the outcome of Salmonella infection, with a plateau effect starting at three copies. In the present study, we further investigate the impact of Tlr4 during Salmonella infection in mice expressing Tlr4 at slightly sub-normal, normal and slightly supra-normal levels by comparing host responses in mice carrying one, two and three copies of Tlr4 on the same genetic background. We describe in detail the in vivo host response to pathogenic Salmonella and show for the first time, in this narrow range of Tlr4 expression, an incremental protective effect against Salmonella due to improved control of bacterial growth in target organs and increased expression of important immune response genes in the spleen.

Alleles↗

Involvement of ERK, p38 and NF-kappaB signal transduction in regulation of TLR2, TLR4 and TLR9 gene expression induced by lipopolysaccharide in mouse dendritic cells.

Toll-like receptors (TLR) are sentinel receptors capable of recognizing pathogen-associated molecule patterns (PAMP) such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and CpG-containing oligonucleotides (CpG ODN). TLR2 and TLR4 are major receptors for Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial cell wall components, respectively. TLR9 is necessary for CpG signalling. LPS or CpG ODN can activate immature dendritic cells (DC) and induce DC maturation characterized by production of cytokines, up-regulation of co-stimulatory molecules, and increased ability to activate T cells. However, little is known regarding the regulation of TLR gene expression in mouse DC. In this study, we investigated the regulation of TLR2, TLR4 and TLR9 gene expression by LPS in murine immature DC. TLR2, TLR4 and TLR9 mRNA were up-regulated following LPS stimulation. The up-regulation of TLR9 expression coincided with significantly increased production of tumour necrosis factor-alpha induced by LPS plus CpG ODN. While inhibition of extracellular signal-related kinase and NF-kappaB activation suppressed the up-regulation of the expression of TLR2, TLR4 and TLR9 mRNA, inhibition of p38 kinase prevented the up-regulation of TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA expression but enhanced the up-regulation of TLR9 expression. These results demonstrated that TLR2, TLR4 and TLR9 gene expression was differently regulated by LPS in mouse immature DC. Up-regulation of TLR2, TLR4 and TLR9 expression by LPS might promote the overall responses of DC to bacteria and help to explain the synergy between LPS and other bacterial products in the induction of cytokine production.

Animals↗

Type 1 fimbriae deliver an LPS- and TLR4-dependent activation signal to CD14-negative cells.

Fimbriae target bacteria to different mucosal surfaces and enhance the inflammatory response at these sites. Inflammation may be triggered by the fimbriae themselves or by fimbriae-dependent delivery of other host activating molecules such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Although LPS activates systemic inflammation through the CD14 and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathways, mechanisms of epithelial cell activation by LPS are not well understood. These cells lack CD14 receptors and are unresponsive to pure LPS, but fimbriated Escherichia coli overcome this refractoriness and trigger epithelial cytokine responses. We now show that type 1 fimbriae can present an LPS- and TLR4-dependent signal to the CD14-negative epithelial cells. Human uroepithelial cells were shown to express TLR4, and type 1 fimbriated E. coli strains triggered an LPS-dependent response in those cells. A similar LPS- and fimbriae-dependent response was observed in the urinary tract of TLR4-proficient mice, but not in TLR4-defective mice. The moderate inflammatory response in the TLR4-defective mice was fimbriae dependent but LPS independent. The results demonstrate that type 1 fimbriae present LPS to CD14-negative cells and that the TLR4 genotype determines this response despite the absence of CD14 on the target cells. The results illustrate how the host "sees" LPS and other microbial products not as purified molecules but as complexes, and that fimbriae determine the molecular context in which LPS is presented to host cells.

Animals↗

Involvement of toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 and TLR4 in cell activation by mannuronic acid polymers.

The alginate capsule produced by the human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is composed mainly of mannuronic acid polymers (poly-M) that have immunostimulating properties. Poly-M shares with lipopolysaccharide the ability to stimulate cytokine production from human monocytes in a CD14-dependent manner. In the present study we examined the role of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 and TLR4 in responses to poly-M. Blocking antibodies to TLR2 and TLR4 partly inhibited tumor necrosis factor production induced by poly-M in human monocytes, and further inhibition was obtained by combining the antibodies. By transiently transfecting HEK293 cells, we found that membrane CD14 together with either TLR2 or TLR4/MD-2 could mediate activation by poly-M. Transfection of HEK293 cells with TLR2 and fluorescently labeled TLR4 followed by co-patching of TLR2 with an antibody revealed no association of these molecules on the plasma membrane. However, macrophages from the Tlr4 mutant C3H/HeJ mice and TLR4 knockout mice were completely non-responsive to poly-M, whereas the tumor necrosis factor release from TLR2 knockout macrophages was half of that seen with wild type cells. Taken together the results suggest that both TLR2 and TLR4 are involved in cell activation by poly-M and that TLR4 may be required in primary murine macrophages.

Animals↗

Characterization of monoclonal antibody HTA125 with specificity for human TLR4.

Binding of monoclonal antibody HTA125 to human toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) was characterized by flow cytometry using MonoMac6 human monocytic cells. Data were obtained using direct binding to cell surface TLR4 by labeled HTA125, as well as inhibition of direct binding using purified reagents, and by two-step binding. HTA125 bound weakly to human TLR4, and could be inhibited by mouse Ig, mouse IgG Fc, and mouse IgG2a. In addition, purified human IgG Fc and purified human immunoglobulin of isotypes IgG1 and IgG4 could block binding of HTA125 to MonoMac6 cells. Furthermore, a mouse IgG1 monoclonal antibody possessing specificity for human CD64, which is a high affinity IgG Fc receptor, partially inhibited binding of HTA125 to MonoMac6 cells. Finally, co-stimulation via TLR4 and Fc receptor, resulted in cytokine production by MonoMac6 cells different than that induced via TLR4 alone. Therefore, the utility of HTA125 remains as a weak detector of human TLR4, and as an agent to block TLR4 ligands with an understanding that Fc receptor may be engaged also.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

The effect of polymorphisms at the CD14 promoter and the TLR4 gene on asthma phenotypes in Turkish children with asthma.

BACKGROUND: Endotoxin, with its potential to enhance type 1 immunity, is a significant player in the hygiene hypothesis. The combined effects of the genetic variants of various molecules in the endotoxin response pathway on asthma related phenotypes are largely unknown. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of the genetic variants of CD14 and TLR4 genes on asthma phenotypes in a large number of asthmatic children. METHODS: 613 asthmatic children were genotyped at the CD14-C159T, TLR4-A896G and TLR4-C1196T loci. IgE, eosinophil numbers and FEV1 were compared in 327 children who were not on any controller medications and were symptom free. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with total IgE. RESULTS: Among children with atopic asthma, total IgE levels were significantly different among the three genotypes in the co-dominant model [CC: 435 kU/l (interquartile range: 146-820); CT: 361 (140-710); TT 204 (98-435), P = 0.035]. TT genotype was significantly and independently associated with lower IgE levels (OR: 0.5 95%; CI = 0.28-0.90, P = 0.021). Both TLR4-A896G and TLR4-C1196T polymorphisms were more frequent in the mild asthma group with atopy (P = 0.032, 0.018, respectively). The combined effects of the genetic variants in CD14 and TLR4 genes did not improve the observed associations. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that the CD14-C159T promoter variant influences total IgE levels and also indicates that the T allele has a more profound effect on total IgE in children with atopic asthma. Polymorphisms in the TLR4 gene may be associated with milder forms of disease in atopic asthmatics in the population studied.

Adolescent↗