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PubMed2001

Toll-like receptor 4 mediates ozone-induced murine lung hyperpermeability via inducible nitric oxide synthase.

We tested the hypotheses that 1) inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mediates ozone (O3)-induced lung hyperpermeability and 2) mRNA levels of the gene for iNOS (Nos2) are modulated by Toll-like receptor 4 (Tlr4) during O3 exposure. Pretreatment of O3-susceptible C57BL/6J mice with a specific inhibitor of total NOS (N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine) significantly decreased the mean lavageable protein concentration (a marker of lung permeability) induced by O3 (0.3 parts/million for 72 h) compared with vehicle control mice. Furthermore, lavageable protein in C57BL/B6 mice with targeted disruption of Nos2 [Nos2(-/-)] was 50% less than the protein in wild-type [Nos2(+/+)] mice after O3. To determine whether Tlr4 modulates Nos2 mRNA levels, we studied C3H/HeJ (HeJ) and C3H/HeOuJ mice that differ only at a missense mutation in Tlr4 that confers resistance to O3-induced lung hyperpermeability in the HeJ strain. Nos2 and Tlr4 mRNA levels were significantly reduced and correlated in resistant HeJ mice after O3 relative to those in susceptible C3H/HeOuJ mice. Together, the results are consistent with an important role for iNOS in O3-induced lung hyperpermeability and suggest that Nos2 mRNA levels are mediated through Tlr4.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed2005

Thermoregulatory responses of rats to conventional preparations of lipopolysaccharide are caused by lipopolysaccharide per se-- not by lipoprotein contaminants.

LPS preparations cause a variety of body temperature (T(b)) responses: monophasic fever, different phases of polyphasic fever, and hypothermia. Conventional (c) LPS preparations contain highly active lipoprotein contaminants (endotoxin proteins). Whereas LPS signals predominantly via the Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4, endotoxin proteins signal via TLR2. Several TLR2-dependent responses of immunocytes to cLPS in vitro are triggered by endotoxin proteins and not by LPS itself. We tested whether any T(b) response to cLPS from Escherichia coli 055:B5 is triggered by non-TLR4-signaling contaminants. A decontaminated (d) LPS preparation (free of endotoxin proteins) was produced by subjecting cLPS to phenol-water reextraction. The presence of non-TLR4-signaling contaminants in cLPS (and their absence in dLPS) was confirmed by showing that cLPS (but not dLPS) induced IL-1beta expression in the spleen and increased serum levels of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta of C3H/HeJ mice; these mice bear a nonfunctional TLR4. Yet, both cLPS and dLPS caused cytokine responses in C3H/HeOuJ mice; these mice bear a fully functional TLR4. We then studied the T(b) responses to cLPS and dLPS in Wistar rats preimplanted with jugular catheters. At a neutral ambient temperature (30 degrees C), a low (0.1 microg/kg iv) dose of cLPS caused a monophasic fever, whereas a moderate (10 microg/kg iv) dose produced a polyphasic fever. In the cold (20 degrees C), a high (500 microg/kg iv) dose of cLPS caused hypothermia. All T(b) responses to dLPS were identical to those of cLPS. We conclude that all known T(b) responses to LPS preparations are triggered by LPS per se and not by non-TLR4-signaling contaminants of such preparations.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Sepsis induces changes in the expression and distribution of Toll-like receptor 4 in the rat kidney.

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are now recognized as the major receptors for microbial pathogens on cells of the innate immune system. Recently, TLRs were also identified in many organs including the kidney. However, the cellular distribution and role of these renal TLRs remain largely unknown. In this paper, we investigated the expression of TLR4 in a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model of sepsis in Sprague-Dawley rats utilizing fluorescence microscopy. In sham animals, TLR4 was expressed predominantly in Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP)-positive tubules. In CLP animals, TLR4 expression increased markedly in all tubules (proximal and distal), glomeruli, and the renal vasculature. The staining showed a strong apical distribution in all tubules. A moderately less intense cellular signal colocalized partially with the Golgi apparatus. In addition, kidneys from septic rats showed increased expression of CD14 and THP. They each colocalized strongly with TLR4, albeit in different tubular segments. We also imaged the kidneys of live septic animals with two-photon microscopy after fluorescent lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection. Within 10 min, LPS was seen at the brush border of some proximal tubules. Within 60 min, LPS was fully cytoplasmic in proximal tubules. Conversely, distal tubules showed no LPS uptake. We conclude that TLR4, CD14, and THP have specific renal cellular and tubular expression patterns that are markedly affected by sepsis. Systemic endotoxin can freely access the tubular and cellular sites where these proteins are present. Therefore, locally expressed TLRs and other interacting proteins could potentially modulate the renal response to systemic sepsis.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Toll-like receptors on tumor cells facilitate evasion of immune surveillance.

The signal pathways that trigger tumor cell escape from immune surveillance are incompletely understood. Toll-like receptors (TLRs), which activate innate and adaptive immune responses, are thought to be restricted to immune cells. We show here that TLRs, including TLR4, are expressed on tumor cells from a wide variety of tissues, suggesting that TLR activation may be an important event in tumor cell immune evasion. Activation of TLR4 signaling in tumor cells by lipopolysaccharide induces the synthesis of various soluble factors and proteins including interleukin-6, inducible nitric oxide synthase, interleukin-12, B7-H1, and B7-H2, and results in resistance of tumor cells to CTL attack. In addition, lipopolysaccharide-stimulated tumor cell supernatants inhibit both T cell proliferation and natural killer cell activity. Blockade of the TLR4 pathway by either TLR4 short interfering RNA or a cell-permeable TLR4 inhibitory peptide reverses tumor-mediated suppression of T cell proliferation and natural killer cell activity in vitro, and in vivo, delays tumor growth and thus prolongs the survival of tumor-bearing mice. These findings indicate that TLR signaling results in a cascade leading to tumor evasion from immune surveillance. These novel functions of TLRs in tumor biology suggest a new class of therapeutic targets for cancer therapy.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2002

Possible involvement of toll-like receptor 4 in endothelial cell activation of larger vessels in response to lipopolysaccharide.

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) serve as recognition and signaling elements for bacterial substances. To examine the role of TLRs in endothelial cells of larger vessels in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced signaling, the expression and function of TLRs in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were analyzed. A high level of TLR4 mRNA expression was found in HUVEC, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and human monocyte cell line THP-1 cells. Little or no TLR2 mRNA expression was observed in HUVEC. In contrast, strong TLR2 mRNA expression was observed in PBMC and THP-1 cells. Moderate and high levels of TLR1 mRNA expression were found in HUVEC, PBMC and THP-1 cells, respectively. TLR3 mRNA expression was moderate in PBMC but weak in HUVEC and THP-1 cells. Little or no TLR5 and RP105 mRNA expression was observed in HUVEC, whereas a moderate level was detected in PBMC and THP-1 cells. The LPS-induced E-selectin expression in HUVEC was significantly inhibited by pretreatment with an anti-TLR4 mAb. Preincubation of HUVEC with an anti- TLR4 mAb significantly reduced the LPS-induced IL-6 production. LPS induced E-selectin and IL-6 production by HUVEC only in the presence of human serum, suggesting the involvement of soluble CD14. Anti-CD14 mAb strongly inhibited the LPS-induced E-selectin and IL-6 production by HUVEC. The inhibition with the concomitant treatment with anti-TLR4 and anti-CD14 mAbs was stronger than that with anti-CD14 mAb only, although it was slight. These results show that TLR4 in the presence of soluble CD14 plays a major role in the signaling of LPS in endothelial cells of larger vessels.

Blotting, Northern↗
PubMed2006

The intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes with t cell receptor alphabeta express toll-like receptor 4 and are responsive to lipopolysaccharide.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (iIELs) play an important role in intestinal innate immunity and oral immune tolerance. To compare the differences in gene expression between murine iIELs and splenic T lymphocytes, we established the cDNA subtractive library of iIELs and analyzed the iIELs special genes. Our study focused on the relationship between Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), TLR5 and iIELs. METHODS: Ninety percent purified iIELs and splenic T lymphocytes were isolated by density-gradient centrifugation in a Percoll and nylon column, respectively. We then established the cDNA subtractive library of iIELs via improved subtractive hybridization. The special expressed sequence tags of iIELs were screened by reverse Northern blot. The expressions of TLR4 and TLR5 were analyzed by RT-PCR and fluorescence staining. The proliferation of T cells was determined by (3)H-TdR incorporation. RESULTS: TLR4, but not TLR5, was detected in iIELs by RT-PCR and fluorescence staining. However, TLR4 was only found in alphabeta iIELs. Furthermore, iIELs were observed to proliferate in response to lipopolysaccharide in vitro, with upregulation of IRAK-1 mRNA expression. CONCLUSION: alphabeta iIELs can recognize lipopolysaccharide via TLR4, which may play an important role in the intestinal innate immunity.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Toll-like receptor 4-dependent and -independent cytokine secretion induced by minimally oxidized low-density lipoprotein in macrophages.

OBJECTIVE: Innate immune responses to oxidized low-density lipoprotein LDL (LDL) regulate the development of atherosclerosis. We demonstrated previously that an early form of oxidized LDL, minimally modified LDL (mmLDL), triggers cytoskeletal rearrangements in macrophages via CD14 and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/MD-2. Because lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activation of TLR4 leads to proinflammatory gene expression, in this study, we asked whether mmLDL also induced proinflammatory signaling. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied cytokine secretion and signaling in J774 and primary peritoneal macrophages stimulated with mmLDL, which was prepared by incubating LDL with cells expressing human 15-lipoxygenase. MmLDL stimulated robust phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) activation, and Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation, which exceeded that induced by LPS. On the other hand, although mmLDL induced nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) p65 translocation to the nucleus, there was no detectable NF-kappaB activation. However, mmLDL induced early mRNA and protein expression of the cytokines MIP-2, MCP-1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-6. Chemokine MIP-2 but not MCP-1 secretion depended on TLR4/MyD88, ERK1/2, and PI3K signaling. In turn, TLR4 regulated phosphorylation of ERK1/2 but not of Akt, suggesting that mmLDL-induced PI3K activation is TLR4 independent. CONCLUSIONS: In macrophages, mmLDL activates TLR4-dependent and -independent signaling pathways, resulting in secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. These results provide new insights into the inflammatory origins of atherosclerosis.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗
PubMed2004

Toll-like receptor 4 or 2 agonists decrease allergic inflammation.

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognize highly conserved microbial molecular patterns, such as found in endotoxin. This study tested whether TLR4 and TLR2 stimulation in vivo would modulate subsequent adaptive (allergic) immune responses. We analyzed the effects of pulmonary administration of a TLR4 agonist, lipid A (LpA), and two TLR2 agonists, peptidoglycan (Ppg) and PamCys, in a murine model of allergic inflammation. The TLR agonists were administered during allergen sensitization or challenge. Both TLR agonists decreased the allergen-induced pulmonary recruitment of eosinophils when administered at sensitization or challenge. When given before sensitization, the TLR4 and TLR2 agonists decreased additional allergen-induced parameters of inflammation (pulmonary eosinophilia, bronchoalveolar lavage IL-13, total serum IgE, and airway hyperresponsiveness). Interestingly, TLR4 and TLR2 agonists decreased the number of CD4+ cells in the lung. Also, at the site of local allergen stimulation, the draining thoracic lymph nodes, allergen-induced lymphocyte proliferation, and IL-13 secretion were decreased by administration of LpA and Ppg. These data provide a distinct example of the modulation of adaptive (allergic) responses by non-antigen-dependent stimuli. Our findings also demonstrate that both TLR4 and TLR2 agonists decrease allergic responses, supporting the concept that exposure to bacterial components under defined conditions may protect against allergic disease.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed2005

HIV impairs TNF-alpha release in response to Toll-like receptor 4 stimulation in human macrophages in vitro.

The molecular mechanisms for increased risk of bacterial pneumonia in HIV+ persons remain incompletely understood. Recognizing the critical role of Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling in host defense, this study showed that human U937 macrophage stimulation by the TLR4-specific ligand, lipid A (biologically active component of bacterial LPS), promoted TNF-alpha release through extracellular regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase phosphorylation. In contrast, HIV+ U1 macrophages had significantly reduced TNF-alpha release (despite preserved TLR4 expression) and reduced ERK1/2 phosphorylation, whereas TNF-alpha release was intact via a TLR4-independent pathway. In HIV+ U1 cells, reduced ERK1/2 phosphorylation was not due to reduced upstream MEK1/2 activation, but was associated with a reciprocal induction of MAP kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1). HIV nef protein was sufficient to reduce TNF-alpha release and induce MKP-1 in healthy macrophages. Pharmacologic inhibition of endogenous cellular phosphatases increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation and partially restored TLR4-mediated TNF-alpha release in HIV+ macrophages. Furthermore, targeted gene silencing of MKP-1 partially restored lipid A-mediated TNF-alpha release in HIV+ U1 cells. Similar results were observed using clinically relevant human alveolar macrophages, comparing healthy to asymptomatic HIV+ persons at clinical risk for bacterial pneumonia. Thus, reduced TLR4-mediated TNF-alpha release through altered ERK1/2 regulation by HIV may impair an effective innate immune response to bacterial challenge. Inhibition of cellular phosphatases may serve as a potential therapeutic target in the management of bacterial pneumonia in HIV+ persons.

Case-Control Studies↗
PubMed2006

Toll-like receptor 4 deficiency causes pulmonary emphysema.

TLRs have been studied extensively in the context of pathogen challenges, yet their role in the unchallenged lung is unknown. Given their direct interface with the external environment, TLRs in the lungs are prime candidates to respond to air constituents, namely particulates and oxygen. The mechanism whereby the lung maintains structural integrity in the face of constant ambient exposures is essential to our understanding of lung disease. Emphysema is characterized by gradual loss of lung elasticity and irreversible airspace enlargement, usually in the later decades of life and after years of insult, most commonly cigarette smoke. Here we show Tlr4(-/-) mice exhibited emphysema as they aged. Adoptive transfer experiments revealed that TLR4 expression in lung structural cells was required for maintaining normal lung architecture. TLR4 deficiency led to the upregulation of what we believe to be a novel NADPH oxidase (Nox), Nox3, in lungs and endothelial cells, resulting in increased oxidant generation and elastolytic activity. Treatment of Tlr4(-/- )mice or endothelial cells with chemical NADPH inhibitors or Nox3 siRNA reversed the observed phenotype. Our data identify a role for TLR4 in maintaining constitutive lung integrity by modulating oxidant generation and provide insights into the development of emphysema.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Regulation of interactions of endotoxin with host cells.

Potent Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-dependent cell activation by endotoxin requires lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) and CD14-dependent delivery of endotoxin to cells containing MD-2 and TLR4. We have used metabolically labeled [(14)C] meningococcal lipooligosaccharide (LOS), purified recombinant endotoxin-binding proteins, and cultured endothelial cells to better define protein:endotoxin intermediates key in cell activation in the absence of functional membrane (m) CD14. Protein:endotoxin complexes or aggregates (agg) were purified by gel sieving and characterized by immunocapture and bio-assays. Cell activation closely correlated with LBP, albumin and soluble (s) CD14-dependent conversion of endotoxin agg (M(r) > or = 20 x 10(6)) to monomeric (M(r) approximately 55 x 10(3)) endotoxin:sCD14 complexes. Ordered interaction of LBP (+ albumin) and sCD14 with LOSagg was required for the efficient formation of a bioactive endotoxin:sCD14 complex and potent cell activation. Increasing the ratio of LBP/sCD14 or addition of bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) reduced accumulation of endotoxin:sCD14 complexes and instead yielded aggregates of endotoxin (M(r) approximately 1-20 x 10(6)) containing LBP or BPI that were taken up by cells in a CD14- and TLR4-independent manner without inducing pro-inflammatory responses. These findings strongly suggest that host machinery linked to TLR4-dependent cellular activation or TLR4-independent cellular clearance of endotoxin selectively recognizes different protein:endotoxin complexes. At the outset of infection, the low concentrations of LBP present and absence of extracellular BPI favor formation of pro-inflammatory endotoxin:CD14 complexes. The mobilization of LBP and BPI that is triggered by inflammation directs endotoxin for clearance and hence resolution of endotoxin-triggered inflammation.

Albumins↗
PubMed2003

The LPS receptor generates inflammatory signals from the cell surface.

Bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) are recognized in mammals by a receptor complex composed of CD14, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and MD-2. The mechanism of TLR4 function remains to be elucidated. We constructed chimeric TLR molecules C-terminally fused to fluorescent proteins and stably expressed these chimeric constructs in cells. Confocal microscopy revealed TLR4 to be expressed on the plasma membrane and the Golgi apparatus. Time-lapse confocal imaging showed rapid recycling of TLR4/CD14/MD-2 complexes between the Golgi and the plasma membrane. Membrane TLR4 engagement by antibody was sufficient to induce signaling and pharmacological disruption of the Golgi did not affect cellular responses to LPS. Thus, LPS signaling commences after LPS recognition by surface-expressed TLR4 independent of LPS trafficking to the Golgi.

Cell Line↗
PubMed2004

Soluble MD-2 activity in plasma from patients with severe sepsis and septic shock.

In this paper, we show that plasma from patients with severe sepsis and septic shock but not normal plasma supports lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activation of epithelial cells expressing Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Recombinant soluble myeloid differentiation protein-2 (MD-2) complemented normal plasma and allowed LPS activation of epithelial cells to levels measured with "septic" plasma, whereas soluble MD-2-depleted plasma lost its effects. The same "MD-2 activity" was found in urine from a patient with septic shock and in lung edema fluids from patients with adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Recombinant soluble MD-2 enabled LPS-dependent activation of epithelial cells bearing TLR4. LPS-binding protein (LBP) and soluble CD14 increased the sensitivity of TLR4-expressing epithelial cells to LPS but were not able to mediate LPS activation of these cells in the absence of soluble MD-2. An anti-MD-2 monoclonal antibody blocked LPS activation of TLR4-expressing cells only in the presence of septic plasma or septic urine. These results suggest that septic plasma containing soluble MD-2 leaking into the extravascular space supports LPS activation of TLR4-expressing epithelial cells. We therefore propose that soluble MD-2 is an important mediator of organ inflammation during sepsis.

Antigens, Surface↗
PubMed2006

Reduced thromboxane biosynthesis in carriers of toll-like receptor 4 polymorphisms in vivo.

The recent demonstration that platelets express a functional toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) prompted us to explore the influence of TLR4 polymorphisms (Asp299Gly alone or in combination with Thr399Ile) on thromboxane A(2) (TXA(2)) biosynthesis in vivo. In 17 subjects with TLR4 polymorphisms versus 17 wild type (untreated with aspirin, matched for age, sex, and cardiovascular risk factors), intima-media thickness in the common carotid arteries was significantly lower. Average urinary excretion of 11-dehydro-TXB(2), an index of systemic biosynthesis of TX, was significantly reduced by 65%. The urinary excretion of 2,3-dinor-6-keto-prostaglandin F(1alpha), an index of systemic biosynthesis of prostacyclin, was marginally depressed but the prostacyclin/TXA(2) biosynthesis ratio was significantly higher than in wild type. Selective inhibition of cyclooxygenase 2-dependent prostacyclin (by rofecoxib or etoricoxib) was associated with increased urinary excretion of 11-dehydro-TXB(2) in carriers of TLR4 polymorphisms, but not in wild-type, suggesting a restrainable effect of prostacyclin on platelet function in vivo in this setting. Reduced TXA(2) biosynthesis may contribute to the protective cardiovascular phenotype of TLR4 polymorphisms.

Cardiovascular Diseases↗
PubMed2002

Requirement for MD-1 in cell surface expression of RP105/CD180 and B-cell responsiveness to lipopolysaccharide.

RP105 is a B-cell surface molecule that has been recently assigned as CD180. RP105 ligation with an antibody induces B-cell activation in humans and mice, leading to proliferation and up-regulation of a costimulatory molecule, B7.2/CD86. RP105 is associated with an extracellular molecule, MD-1. RP105/MD-1 has structural similarity to Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/MD-2. TLR4 signals a membrane constituent of Gram-negative bacteria, lipopolysaccharide (LPS). MD-2 is indispensable for TLR4-dependent LPS responses because cells expressing TLR4/MD-2, but not TLR4 alone, respond to LPS. RP105 also has a role in LPS responses because B cells lacking RP105 show hyporesponsiveness to LPS. Little is known, however, regarding whether MD-1 is important for RP105-dependent LPS responses, as MD-2 is for TLR4. To address the issue, we developed mice lacking MD-1 and generated monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to the protein. MD-1-null mice showed impairment in LPS-induced B-cell proliferation, antibody production, and B7.2/CD86 up-regulation. These phenotypes are similar to those of RP105-null mice. The similarity was attributed to the absence of cell surface RP105 on MD-1-null B cells. MD-1 is indispensable for cell surface expression of RP105. A role for MD-1 in LPS responses was further studied with anti-mouse MD-1 mAbs. In contrast to highly mitogenic anti-RP105 mAbs, the mAbs to MD-1 were not mitogenic but antagonistic on LPS-induced B-cell proliferation and on B7.2 up-regulation. Collectively, MD-1 is important for RP105 with respect to B-cell surface expression and LPS recognition and signaling.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Infection of C57BL/10ScCr and C57BL/10ScNCr mice with Leishmania major reveals a role for Toll-like receptor 4 in the control of parasite replication.

The innate immune system is essential for host defense; it senses the presence of potentially pathogenic-invading microorganisms, and the contribution of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) to this response is increasingly recognized. In the present study, we investigated the contribution of TLR4 to the course of cutaneous leishmaniasis in vivo. We used C57BL/10ScNCr (TLR4(0/0)) and C57BL/10ScCr [TLR4/interleukin-12 (IL-12)Rbeta2(0/0)] mice and compared the course of Leishmania major infection, parasite load, cell recruitment, and cytokine profile with those of wild-type C57BL/10ScSn mice. Our results confirm the importance of IL-12 receptor-mediated signaling in resistance to L. major infections. Importantly, we show that the lack of TLR4 results in an increased permissiveness for parasite growth during the innate and adaptive phase of the immune response and in delayed healing of the cutaneous lesions. The use of the tlr4 transgenic mouse strain TCr5 demonstrated unequivocally that TLR4 contributes to the efficient control of Leishmania growth in vivo.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Monocyte toll-like receptor 4 expression and LPS-induced cytokine production increase during gestational aging.

Premature newborns are highly susceptible to severe bacterial infections. This is partially due to their immature innate immune system, characterized by decreased neutrophil and monocyte activity as well as by reduced concentrations of complement factors. However, additional mechanisms might be important for innate immunity and are still the subject of considerable debate. The importance of pattern recognition domains such as Toll-like receptors (TLR) has been fully acknowledged within the last few years. Therefore, we investigated age-related monocyte TLR4 expression and lipopolysaccharide-induced cytokine secretion from very low birth weight infants (VLBWI) and from newborns after wk 30 of gestation in comparison to healthy adults. In VLBWI, expression of TLR4 surface protein, detected by flow cytometry, and TLR4-specific mRNA, quantified by real time-PCR, were significantly reduced in comparison to mature infants and to adults. Reduced TLR4 expression was paralleled by significantly diminished ex vivo LPS stimulated IL-1beta, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha secretion into whole blood. We conclude that, in VLBWI, the minimized expression of TLR4 contributes to the susceptibility of VLBWI to infections with Gram-negative bacteria due to the lack of cytokines to boost initial immune response.

Cytokines↗
PubMed2017

Ischemia/Reperfusion Induces Interferon-Stimulated Gene Expression in Microglia.

Innate immune signaling is important in the pathophysiology of ischemia/reperfusion (stroke)-induced injury and recovery. Several lines of evidence support a central role for microglia in these processes. Recent work has identified Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and type I interferon (IFN) signaling in both ischemia/reperfusion-induced brain injury and ischemic preconditioning-mediated neuroprotection. To determine the effects of "ischemia/reperfusion-like" conditions on microglia, we performed genomic analyses on wild-type (WT) and TLR4-/- cultured microglia after sequential exposure to hypoxia/hypoglycemia and normoxia/normoglycemia (H/H-N/N). We observed increased expression of type 1 IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) as the predominant transcriptomal feature of H/H-N/N-exposed WT, but not TLR4-/-, microglia. Microarray analysis on ex vivo sorted microglia from ipsilateral male mouse cortex after a transient in vivo ischemic pulse also demonstrated robust expression of ISGs. Type 1 IFNs, including the IFN-αs and IFN-β, activate the interferon-α/β receptor (IFNAR) complex. We confirmed both in vitro H/H-N/N- and in vivo ischemia/reperfusion-induced microglial ISG responses by quantitative real-time PCR and demonstrated that both were dependent on IFNAR1. We characterized the effects of hypoxia/hypoglycemia on phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), release of type 1 IFNs, and surface expression of IFNAR1 in microglia. We demonstrated that IFN-β induces dose-dependent secretion of ISG chemokines in cultured microglia and robust ISG expression in microglia both in vitro and in vivo Finally, we demonstrated that the microglial ISG chemokine responses to TLR4 agonists were dependent on TLR4 and IFNAR1. Together, these data suggest novel ischemia/reperfusion-induced pathways for both TLR4-dependent and -independent, IFNAR1-dependent, type 1 IFN signaling in microglia.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and is a leading cause of serious long-term disability worldwide. Innate immune responses are critical in stroke pathophysiology, and microglia are key cellular effectors in the CNS response to ischemia/reperfusion. Using a transcriptional analysis approach, we identified a robust interferon (IFN)-stimulated gene response within microglia exposed to ischemia/reperfusion in both in vitro and in vivo experimental paradigms. Using a number of complementary techniques, we have demonstrated that these responses are dependent on innate immune signaling components including Toll-like receptor-4 and type I IFNs. We have also elucidated several novel ischemia/reperfusion-induced microglial signaling mechanisms.

Animals↗