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Modulating Toll-like receptor mediated signaling by (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan rapidly induces cardioprotection.

OBJECTIVE: Immune and inflammatory signaling pathways, initiated by the innate response, are involved in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Toll-like receptor (TLR) mediated MyD88-dependent NFkappaB pathways play a role in the induction of innate immunity. We have reported that glucan phosphate (GP) improved survival in experimental sepsis, which correlated with decreased tissue NFkappaB activation. In the present study, we report that GP rapidly induced cardioprotection against I/R injury in vivo. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were pretreated with GP (40 mg/kg, i.p) 1 h before 45 min of ligation of the left anterior descending coronary followed by reperfusion for 4 and 24 h. Infarction size was examined by triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. NFkappaB activation was analyzed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). IkappaB kinase-beta (IKKbeta), IL-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK) and Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) activities were determined by kinase assay with appropriate substrates. Association of TLR4 with MyD88 or with PI3K p85 was assessed by immunoprecipitation with anti-TLR4 followed by immunoblotting with anti-MyD88 or anti-p85. RESULTS: GP treatment reduced infarct size by 47% in rat hearts subjected to reperfusion for 4 h and by 50% following reperfusion for 24 h. The same protective effect was observed when GP was administrated 5 min after initiation of ischemia. The mechanisms of GP induced cardioprotection involve decreased association of TLR4 with MyD88, inhibition of I/R induced IRAK and IKKbeta activity and decreased NFkappaB activity. In addition, GP increased TLR4 phosphotyrosine, resulting in increasing PI3K/Akt activity in the myocardium, which correlated with decreased cardiac myocyte apoptosis following I/R. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that activation of the TLR mediated MyD88-dependent NFkappaB signaling pathway may play an important role in myocardial I/R injury, while stimulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling could serve a protective role. The data indicates that GP treatment shifts the TLR mediated activation signal in I/R from a predominantly NFkappaB pathway to a predominant PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Animals↗

Toll-like receptor stimulation in cardiomyoctes decreases contractility and initiates an NF-kappaB dependent inflammatory response.

OBJECTIVE: The transmembrane receptor family of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) may play a role in initiating early inflammatory and functional responses to danger signals arising from ischemia-reperfusion and inflammatory stimuli. We determined whether Toll-like receptors are expressed in cardiac tissue and whether stimulation with cognate ligands would result in a pro-inflammatory response and decreased cardiomyocyte contractility. METHODS AND RESULTS: We observed mRNA expression of TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR5, TLR7 and TLR9 in both whole heart tissue and a murine cardiomyocyte cell line (HL-1). Ligand activation of TLR2, TLR4 and TLR5, but not TLR3, TLR7 or TLR9, resulted in cardiomyocyte expression of the inflammatory cytokine IL-6, the chemokines KC and MIP-2, and the cell surface adhesion molecule ICAM-1. Activation of these Toll-like receptors was associated with decreased cardiomyocyte contractility. Using transfection of a nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB)-Luciferase reporter plasmid, we found significantly increased NF-kappaB transcriptional activity in response to TLR2, TLR4 and TLR5 activation in cardiomyocytes. Further, a chemical inhibitor of NF-kappaB, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), as well as transfection using a dominant negative form of IKKbeta, resulted in profound reduction of the TLR-initiated pro-inflammatory response. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiomyocytes express most known Toll-like receptors. Of these, TLR2, TLR4 and TLR5 signal via NF-kappaB, resulting in decreased contractility and a concerted inflammatory response.

Adult↗

Differences in the expression of LPS-receptors are not responsible for the sex-specific immune response after trauma and hemorrhagic shock.

Several studies demonstrated a sex-specific cytokine secretion by macrophages following trauma-hemorrhage (T-H) and incubation with lipopolysaccharide A (LPS). Although LPS is known to act via the receptors CD14 and TLR4 on macrophages, it remains unknown whether differences in LPS receptor expression in males and females may be responsible for the gender-specific LPS induced cytokine response following (T-H). To study this, male and proestrus female mice (C3H/HeN) were subjected to trauma (laparotomy) followed by hemorrhage or sham operation. At 2 h thereafter, SMphi and PMphi were harvested and cultured for 2 h. The expression of CD14 and TLR4 was measured by flow cytometry on unstimulated SMphi and PMphi as well as after LPS stimulation. The results indicate that the expression of CD14 and TLR4 on SMphi and PMphi from female and male mice was similar in sham-operated animals and after (T-H). Incubation of macrophages with LPS did not alter CD14 and TLR4 expression in the study groups. Thus, the sex specific LPS induced cytokine secretion after (T-H) is not caused by differences in LPS receptor expression on Mphi of male and female mice.

Animals↗

Association between levels of Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 and CD14 mRNA and allergy in pregnant women and their offspring.

The microbial environment in early infancy or even in utero may modulate the risk to develop allergic disease. Since Toll-like receptors (TLR) recognize microbial products, we hypothesized that maternal allergies may be associated with decreased levels of TLR2, TLR4 and CD14 mRNA in mothers and their offspring. 185 healthy pregnant women from Germany (n = 48), Hungary (n = 50) and Spain (n = 87) were enrolled in a European multicenter study. Levels of TLR2, TLR4 and CD14 mRNA were quantified in maternal peripheral blood samples taken at delivery and placental cord blood samples. Numbers of TLR2+, TLR4+ and CD14+ monocytes were quantified by flow cytometry in 42 cord blood samples obtained from the German participants. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed. Maternal allergies were associated with significantly lower levels of TLR2/4/CD14 mRNA in maternal blood and cord blood samples. Maternal and fetal TLR2/4/CD14 mRNA levels were significantly correlated with each other (TLR2 r = 0.42; TLR4 r = 0.58; CD14 r = 0.54). The results suggest that maternal allergy status may affect allergic risk in offspring through a decreased expression of fetal TLR2/4/CD14.

Adolescent↗

Expression of select immune genes (surfactant proteins A and D, sheep beta defensin 1, and toll-like receptor 4) by respiratory epithelia is developmentally regulated in the preterm neonatal lamb.

Preterm infants experience enhanced susceptibility and severity to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. Terminal airway epithelium is an important site of RSV infection and the extent of local innate immune gene expression is poorly understood. In this study, expression of surfactant proteins A and D (SP-AD), sheep beta defensin 1 (SBD1), and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) mRNA were determined in whole lung homogenates from lambs. SP-AD and TLR4 mRNA expression increased (p < 0.05) from late gestation to term birth. In addition, gene expression of LCM-retrieved type II pneumocytes (CD208+), adjacent epithelium (CD208-) and bronchial epithelium demonstrated that bronchiole-alveolar junction epithelium (combined CD208 +/-) had significant (p < 0.05) developmental increases in SP-AD, SBD1 and TLR4 mRNA, whereas CD208+ cells had statistically significant increases only with SP-A mRNA. Using immunofluorescence, SP-AD antigen distribution and intensity were also greater with developmental age. These studies show reduced SBD1, SP-AD, and TLR4 expression in the preterm lung and this may underlie enhanced RSV susceptibility.

Animals↗

Allelic variation of the ovine Toll-like receptor 4 gene.

The family of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) is responsible for recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) recognizes not only exogenous ligands such as the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Gram-negative bacteria, but also a number of endogenous ligands. Variation in the nucleotide sequence of the ovine TLR4 gene was investigated by amplification of a fragment containing a putative ligand-binding region using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), followed by single-strand conformational polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) analysis and DNA sequencing. Four novel SSCP patterns, representing four different sequences, were identified. Either one or two different sequences were detected in individual sheep and all the sequences identified shared high homology to the TLR4 sequences from a variety of species, suggesting that these sequences represent allelic variants of the ovine TLR4 gene. Fourteen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected, and 79% (11 of 14) of SNPs were non-synonymous substitutions that would result in amino acid changes. Variation detected here might have an impact on pattern recognition and hence affect the immune response to pathogens.

Alleles↗

Lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli induces the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor via toll-like receptor 4 in human limbal fibroblasts.

Corneal neovascularization can be induced by a severe ocular infection, injury or immunological diseases. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the main cytokine involved in this phenomenon, inducing angiogenesis from the vascularized ocular tissues. As the limbal tissue is located between conjunctival and corneal tissues, we suggest that the limbal cells are participating in the production of VEGF induced by bacterial components as LPS. In this work, RT-PCRs and immunoblots were used to investigate the expression of VEGF and other pro-angiogenic genes in primary cultures of human limbal fibroblasts (PCHLF) treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Escherichia coli. We found that the expression of VEGF was initiated at 6 h and reaches its highest expression at 72 h after stimulation with LPS. Up-regulation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) after 3 h of treatment was also observed. LPS-induced the expression of VEGF in a dose-dependent manner, and the blocking of TLR4 with an anti-TLR4 antibody prevented VEGF expression. We also analyzed the molecules that modulate VEGF expression. LPS did not induce the up-regulation of LL-37 nor the hypoxia induced factor 1 alpha (HIF-1alpha) mRNA expression, however, an up-regulation of interleukin 13 receptor alpha 1 (IL-13Ralpha1) and interleukin 4 receptor alpha (IL-4Ralpha) were observed after 3 and 12 h of stimulation, respectively. The expression of interleukin 13 did not change throughout the treatment. These results suggest that TLR4, IL-13Ralpha1 and IL-4Ralpha induced by LPS in PCHLF could be playing an important role in the corneal neovascularization.

Cells, Cultured↗

Endotoxin recognition: in fish or not in fish?

The interaction between pathogens and their multicellular hosts is initiated by activation of pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs). These receptors, that include most notably members of the toll-like receptor (TLR) family, recognize specific pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). TLR4 is a central part of the receptor complex that is involved in the activation of the immune system by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) through the specific recognition of its endotoxic moiety (Lipid A). This is a critical event that is essential for the immune response to Gram-negative bacteria as well as the etiology of endotoxic shock. Interestingly, compared to mammals, fish are resistant to endotoxic shock. This in vivo resistance concurs with in vitro studies demonstrating significantly lowered sensitivity of fish leukocytes to LPS activation. Further, our in vitro analyses demonstrate that in trout mononuclear phagocytes, LPS fails to induce antiviral genes, an event that occurs downstream of TLR4 and is required for the development of endotoxic shock. Finally, an in silico approach that includes mining of different piscine genomic and EST databases, reveals the presence in fish of all of the major TLR signaling elements except for the molecules specifically involved in TLR4-mediated endotoxin recognition and signaling in mammals. Collectively, our analysis questions the existence of TLR4-mediated cellular responses to LPS in fish. We further speculate that other receptors, in particular beta-2 integrins, may play a primary role in the activation of piscine leukocytes by LPS.

Animals↗

Immunomodulating effects of cefodizime on Klebsiella pneumoniae-stimulated neutrophils.

To explore the immunoregulating effects of cefodizime on neutrophils and its mechanisms, we detected the expression of some cytokines secreted by neutrophils after heat-killed Klebsiella pneumoniae induced inflammation. We analyzed the changes of signal transduction in this process by detecting the mRNA expression of toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) and the inhibitor factor of kappaBalpha (I-kappaBalpha) expressed by neutrophils. The activity of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) in neutrophils was also assayed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). We found cefodizime increased neutrophil production of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta in the early stage of inflammation, which was in agreement with the enhanced mRNA expression of TLR4 and DNA-binding activity of NF-kappaB. Taken together, the immunomodulating effects of cefodizime on cytokine production of K. pneumoniae stimulated neutrophils is possibly due to its regulation of TLR4 mRNA expression and DNA binding activities of NF-kappaB through the LPS-TLR4-NF-kappaB pathway.

Animals↗

"Dirty little secrets"--endotoxin contamination of recombinant proteins.

The identification of Toll-like receptors has revolutionised our understanding of innate immunity. TLR4 transduces the LPS signal and that of a number of structurally and functionally unrelated agonists. However, recent evidence adds to longstanding concerns that endotoxin contamination of bacterially derived recombinant TLR4 agonists is responsible for effects attributed to these molecules. We highlight key factors in differentiating specific agonist effects from those of endotoxin and emphasize why conventional methods of detecting and eliminating LPS may lead to erroneous results. We propose that considerable caution is needed in the investigation of TLR4 agonists, particularly when using proteins produced in a bacterium that also houses the most ideal TLR4 agonist, LPS.

Animals↗

Juzentaihoto, a Kampo medicine, enhances IL-12 production by modulating Toll-like receptor 4 signaling pathways in murine peritoneal exudate macrophages.

Juzentaihoto (TJ-48), a Kampo medicine, has been reported to affect the immune system. Although toll-like receptors (TLRs) have been identified as receptors of innate immunity, the effects of TJ-48 on TLR signaling pathways have not been thoroughly investigated. Here we evaluated the effects of TJ-48 on TLR4 signaling pathways. Peritoneal exudate macrophages (PEMs) isolated from mice orally administered TJ-48 for 11 days were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a ligand of TLR4, in vitro. Production of IL-12 p40 was significantly augmented in TJ-48-treated PEMs compared with that in vehicle PEMs, without affecting the surface expression of TLR4. Treatment with chemical inhibitors of NF-kappa B and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in vitro inhibited LPS-induced IL-12 production, whereas JNK and ERK inhibitors increased IL-12 production. Immunoblotting with phosphorylation-state specific antibodies demonstrated that TJ-48 differentially affected LPS-induced phosphorylation of NF-kappa B and MAPKs. In PEMs treated with TJ-48, LPS-induced phosphorylation of p65 NF-kappa B and p38 MAPK was augmented, while that of JNK and ERK was attenuated compared with those in vehicle PEMs. These results suggest that selective modulation of the TLR4 signaling pathways by TJ-48 is involved in enhanced production of IL-12 in PEMs.

Administration, Oral↗

Angelan isolated from Angelica gigas Nakai induces dendritic cell maturation through toll-like receptor 4.

During the evolution of neoplastic diseases, dendritic cell (DC) functions are usually attenuated, and this presents a problem to DC-based immunotherapies against cancer. Here, we investigated the effects of angelan, an acidic polysaccharide isolated from Angelica gigas Nakai, on DC maturation. Angelan efficiently increased the maturation of tlr4(+/+) DCs from C57BL/6 and C3H/HeN mice, but not tlr4(-/-) DCs from C3H/HeJ mice. Phenotypic maturation was confirmed by the elevated expressions of CD80, CD86, and MHC-class II molecules, and functional maturation by increased IL-12 production, enhanced allogenic T cell stimulation, and decreased endocytosis. Angelan was found to activate ERK and NF-kappaB, which are signaling molecules down-stream of toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) receptors. Angelan-treated mature DC more effectively inhibited B16F10 tumor growth than immature DCs in syngenic murine tumor model. These results indicate that angelan induces DC maturation via TLR4 signaling pathways and suggest the possible use of angelan in DC-based immunotherapies.

Angelica↗

Toll-like receptor 2, 3, and 4 expression and function in human airway smooth muscle.

BACKGROUND: Host defense against microbial pathogens is elicited through the innate immune system by means of Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) display proinflammatory and immunomodulatory functions. ASMCs might participate in airway inflammatory responses associated with innate immune activation. OBJECTIVES: We determined the effects of cytokines, TLR ligands, and corticosteroids on TLR expression and function in human ASMCs. METHODS: Real-time PCR and flow cytometry were used to assess TLR mRNA and protein expression, respectively. ASMCs were stimulated with TLR ligands, and chemokine release was measured by means of ELISA. RESULTS: ASMCs expressed TLR1 to TLR10 mRNA, and TLR2 and TLR3 protein expression was demonstrated. TNF-alpha and double-stranded RNA (dsRNA; TLR3 ligand) were potent inducers of TLR2 and TLR3 mRNA expression, and both stimuli had additive or synergistic effects with IFN-gamma on TLR2 and TLR4, but not TLR3, mRNA expression. Peptidoglycan (TLR2 ligand) and LPS (TLR4 ligand) weakly enhanced TLR2 mRNA expression. Peptidoglycan, dsRNA, and LPS induced IL-8 and eotaxin release, with dsRNA being most potent. dsRNA also modulated cytokine-induced chemokine release in a differential manner. Dexamethasone inhibited cytokine- and ligand-induced TLR2, TLR3, and TLR4 expression and chemokine release. However, dexamethasone potentiated TLR2 expression induced by combined IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha stimulation. CONCLUSION: Expression of TLR2, TLR3, and TLR4 is regulated by cytokines and TLR ligands, and their activation mediates chemokine release in ASMCs. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Proinflammatory responses mediated by activation of pathogen-recognition receptors in ASMCs might contribute to infectious exacerbations of airway inflammatory conditions, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Bronchi↗

Human heat shock protein 60 stimulates vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation through Toll-like receptors 2 and 4.

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) of endogenous and exogenous origin are suspected contributors to the initiation and aggravation of vascular pathologies like atherosclerosis and restenosis. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 2 and 4 are well-known receptors for exogenous pathogen-associated molecular patterns and have recently been thought to play a role in HSP60-induced cellular activation. We hypothesized that human HSP60 directly stimulates venous smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation through a TLR-dependent mechanism. Localization of HSP60, TLR2 and TLR4 was studied in failed venous grafts and normal venous tissue by double immunostaining. In vitro VSMCs were incubated for 48 h with recombinant human HSP60. In other experiments, VSMCs were pre-incubated for 30 min with specific anti-TLR2 and anti-TLR4 antibodies. VSMC proliferation was determined by Ki67 immunoreactivity, and mean values were compared between experimental and control groups. In addition, human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells transfected with human TLR2 or TLR4/MD-2 were exposed to HSP60 for 48 h, and proliferation was determined by using a hemocytometer. Co-localization of HSP60 and TLRs was detected in all neointimal lesions but was virtually absent in normal veins. Human HSP60 stimulated VSMC proliferation in a concentration-dependent fashion. In addition, TLR2 and TLR4 antibodies attenuated VSMC proliferation. The role of TLR-mediated stimulation of cell proliferation by HSP60 was supported by the significant increase in proliferation of transfected HEK cells. These findings provide supporting evidence for the role of HSP60 and TLR2 and TLR4 in vascular disease. Moreover, our data surpass the infection- and autoimmunity-based hypotheses of cardiovascular disease and suggest an additional HSP60-related autocrine process.

Cell Line↗

Effect of the functional toll-like receptor 4 Asp299Gly polymorphism on susceptibility to late-onset Alzheimer's disease.

Experimental data have shown an upregulated expression of toll-like receptors, particularly toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), in neurodegeneration. The Asp299Gly polymorphism of the TLR4 gene has been associated with an attenuated receptor signalling and a blunted inflammatory response. In the present study, we sought to determine whether this common genetic variant could influence susceptibility to late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) in an Italian population sample. A cohort of 277 LOAD patients and 300 cognitively healthy controls were genotyped for the TLR4 Asp299Gly polymorphism using restriction isotyping. The frequency of the minor 299Gly allele was significantly higher in the controls than in the LOAD cases (7.2% versus 3.1%, respectively, P=0.003). Additionally, the frequency of the variant genotypes (Asp/Gly and Gly/Gly) was 13.0% in the controls and 5.4% in LOAD patients (P=0.002). After adjustment for age, gender, and the APOE varepsilon4 carrier status, the odds ratio for the development of LOAD associated with the Asp/Gly and Gly/Gly versus Asp/Asp genotype was 0.37 (95% CI: 0.20-0.69, P=0.002). Our data further support a role for innate immunity in neurodegeneration and give the first evidence that the TLR4 Asp299Gly variant may be protective toward the development of LOAD.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter 1↗

Expression of Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 is downregulated after operation.

BACKGROUND: Toll-like receptors (TLR) that recognize microbial pathogens play a critical role in innate immunity; however, their expression and function after surgery remain unknown. The aim of this study was to examine TLR2 and TLR4 expression on monocytes and their responses to each agonist after surgical insults. METHODS: Blood samples were obtained from 83 patients who underwent gastrointestinal surgery. TLR2, TLR4, and inducible nitric oxide synthase expressions on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were analyzed by flow cytometry. Macrophage-activating lipopeptide-2 or lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 production was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: TLR2 and TLR4 decreased and showed the lowest values on the postoperative days 3 and 1, respectively. Macrophage-activating lipopeptide-2-stimulated tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 production was decreased immediately after the operation (P<.05), increased to a maximum value on postoperative day 1, and then decreased gradually. Lipopolysaccharide-stimulated tumor necrosis factor-alpha production was also suppressed immediately (P<.05) after operation then showed a gradual increase to maximum values on postoperative day 3. Inducible nitric oxide synthase in cultured PBMC that was obtained immediately after operation was upregulated (P<.05). CONCLUSION: Expressions of TLR2 and TLR4 were downregulated by operation, and agonist-induced cytokine production was suppressed transiently and soon increased through the activation of PBMC. The present study may offer new insights for postoperative modulation of innate immunity under surgical stress.

Aged↗

Implications of lipid raft disintegration: enhanced anti-inflammatory macrophage phenotype.

BACKGROUND: Lipid rafts are membrane microdomains characterized by an enriched cholesterol environment and appear to serve as a platform for signaling. Their role within the macrophage during endotoxin exposure is unknown. METHODS: THP-1 cells were subjected to lipopolysaccharide stimulation with or without methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MbetaCD) pretreatment, a cholesterol depleting agent. Cell surface expression of toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) and platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFr) was determined by flow cytometry. Membrane receptor components and activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) was determined from lipid raft and cellular protein by immunoblot. Inflammatory mediator production was determined from harvested supernatants by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Surface expression of TLR4 and PAFr was not affected by MbetaCD. Lipopolysaccharide stimulation led to TLR4 mobilization to lipid rafts, MAPK activation, and inflammatory mediator production. Pretreatment with MbetaCD did not affect TLR4 mobilization to lipid rafts, but did result in lost lipid raft expression of the PAFr coupled G-protein, Galpha1. MbetaCD treatment led to selective attenuation of MAPK activation through ERK 1/2. This dysregulated signaling was associated with attenuated production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, but increased production of interleukin-10. CONCLUSION: Lipid raft disintegration results in lost expression of Galpha1, dysregulated MAPK signaling, and selective anti-inflammatory mediator production. Therefore, modulation of lipid raft cholesterol content may represent a potential mechanism for regulation of macrophage phenotypic differentiation.

Cell Line↗

The lack of association between four point mutations in the promoter region of the toll-like 4 receptor gene and myocardial infarction.

The toll-like receptor 4 gene product (TLR4) has been implicated in the pathogen recognition response mechanism because it plays a central role in the transcriptional activation of the host defense system. Activation of TLR4 initiates an intracellular signaling cascade, via the adapter protein MyD88 (myeloid differentiation factor 88), which leads to the activation of NF-kappaB transcriptional factor, and ultimately to the induction of a pro-inflammatory response. This inflammatory response has been increasingly associated with atherosclerosis. Recent analyses on two polymorphisms of TLR4, which affect the extracellular domain of the receptor, have been shown to give rise to an attenuated innate immune defense which may contribute to disease susceptibility. We have investigated the significance of four new substitutions found by re-sequencing in the 5'-proximal promoter region of the TLR4 gene in a case-control study of acute myocardial infarction. Our results found no statistically significant association between these genetic variants and MI.

Adult↗