Adjuvant-enhanced antibody responses in the absence of toll-like receptor signaling

Innate immune signals mediated by Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have been thought to contribute considerably to the antibody-enhancing effects of vaccine adjuvants. However, we report here that mice deficient in the critical signaling components for TLR mount robust antibody responses to T cell-dependent antigen given in four typical adjuvants: alum, Freund's complete adjuvant, Freund's incomplete adjuvant, and monophosphoryl-lipid A/trehalose dicorynomycolate adjuvant. We conclude that TLR signaling does not account for the action of classical adjuvants and does not fully explain the action of a strong adjuvant containing a TLR ligand. This may have important implications in the use and development of vaccine adjuvants.     

Structural basis of toll-like receptor 3 signaling with double-stranded RNA

Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) recognizes double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), a molecular signature of most viruses, and triggers inflammatory responses that prevent viral spread. TLR3 ectodomains (ECDs) dimerize on oligonucleotides of at least 40 to 50 base pairs in length, the minimal length required for signal transduction. To establish the molecular basis for ligand binding and signaling, we determined the crystal structure of a complex between two mouse TLR3-ECDs and dsRNA at 3.4 angstrom resolution. Each TLR3-ECD binds dsRNA at two sites located at opposite ends of the TLR3 horseshoe, and an intermolecular contact between the two TLR3-ECD C-terminal domains coordinates and stabilizes the dimer. This juxtaposition could mediate downstream signaling by dimerizing the cytoplasmic Toll interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) domains. The overall shape of the TLR3-ECD does not change upon binding to dsRNA.     

Role of adaptor TRIF in the MyD88-independent toll-like receptor signaling pathway

Stimulation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) triggers activation of a common MyD88-dependent signaling pathway as well as a MyD88-independent pathway that is unique to TLR3 and TLR4 signaling pathways leading to interferon (IFN)-beta production. Here we disrupted the gene encoding a Toll/IL-1 receptor (TIR) domain-containing adaptor, TRIF. TRIF-deficient mice were defective in both TLR3- and TLR4-mediated expression of IFN-beta and activation of IRF-3. Furthermore, inflammatory cytokine production in response to the TLR4 ligand, but not to other TLR ligands, was severely impaired in TRIF-deficient macrophages. Mice deficient in both MyD88 and TRIF showed complete loss of nuclear factor kappa B activation in response to TLR4 stimulation. These findings demonstrate that TRIF is essential for TLR3- and TLR4-mediated signaling pathways facilitating mammalian antiviral host defense.     

赤眼鳟Toll样受体9基因的cDNA全长克隆及表达特性分析

为探究赤眼鳟(Squaliobarbus curriculus)Toll样受体9基因(toll–like receptor 9,ScTLR9)的结构特性及其参与免疫应答草鱼呼肠弧病毒(grass carp reovirus,GCRV)感染时的表达特性,采用RACE技术克隆Sc TLR9基因c DNA全长序列,采用实时荧光定量PCR技术比较分析ScTLR9免疫应答GCRV的表达特性。结果显示:ScTLR9的cDNA全长为3 687 bp,编码1 059个氨基酸,有17个富含亮氨酸重复序列(leucine rich repeats,LRRs)结构域。ScTLR9在被检测的9个组织中均有表达,在中肾和头肾中的表达量最高;感染GCRV后,基因TLR9在赤眼鳟和草鱼头肾中的表达量均上调,在赤眼鳟头肾中的表达量于感染后12 h达到峰值,推测TLR9参与了赤眼鳟抗GCRV的免疫应答,且在抗GCRV入侵免疫反应中赤眼鳟较草鱼的免疫应答更为迅速。     

小鼠Toll样受体9基因的克隆、表达及其活性的初步鉴定

从小鼠巨噬细胞中提取细胞总RNA,采用RT-PCR技术扩增小鼠Toll样受体9(mTLR9)cDNA,构建真核表达质粒p3XFLAG-CMV-7.1-mTLR9,转染293T细胞,利用Western Blotting检测蛋白表达,并用双荧光素酶报告基因系统检测mTLR9对其介导的信号通路下游转录因子NF-κB转录活性影响.结果表明,本试验成功克隆到小鼠TLR9cDNA,构建的重组体转染细胞后表达的蛋白分子质量与预计相符,并能激活下游转录因子NF-κB的转录活性.     

凡纳滨对虾Toll样受体基因cDNA片段的克隆及序列分析

对凡纳滨对虾(Litopenaeus vannamei)Toll样受体基因的cDNA片段进行了克隆.从凡纳滨对虾提取肌肉、鳃和肝胰腺中的总RNA,根据黑腹果蝇(Drosophila melanogaster)Toll样受体的TIR区设计引物,从鳃中逆转录扩增得到cDNA序列,进行测序.所得序列结果与其他物种的已知TIR及TLR氨基酸序列进行聚类分析建立系统进化树,并进行氨基酸序列同源性比较.结果表明所得序列与斑节对虾(Penaeus monodon)、赤拟谷盗(Tribolium castaneum)、果蝇(Drosophila melanogaster)、意大利蜜蜂(Apis mellifera)、线虫(Caenorhabditiselegans)、紫海胆(Strongylocentrotus purpuratus)的Toll样基因TIR区域的氨基酸序列有较高的相似性.     

凡纳滨对虾Toll样受体基因cDNA片段的克隆及序列分析

对凡纳滨对虾(Litopenaeus vannamei)Toll样受体基因的cDNA片段进行了克隆.从凡纳滨对虾提取肌肉、鳃和肝胰腺中的总RNA,根据黑腹果蝇(Drosophila melanogaster)Toll样受体的TIR区设计引物,从鳃中逆转录扩增得到cDNA序列,进行测序.所得序列结果与其他物种的已知TIR及TLR氨基酸序列进行聚类分析建立系统进化树,并进行氨基酸序列同源性比较.结果表明所得序列与斑节对虾(Penaeus monodon)、赤拟谷盗(Tribolium castaneum)、果蝇(Drosophila melanogaster)、意大利蜜蜂(Apis mellifera)、线虫(Caenorhabditiselegans)、紫海胆(Strongylocentrotus purpuratus)的Toll样基因TIR区域的氨基酸序列有较高的相似性.     

A glial-neuronal signaling pathway revealed by mutations in a neurexin-related protein

In the nervous system, glial cells greatly outnumber neurons but the full extent of their role in determining neural activity remains unknown. Here the axotactin (axo) gene of Drosophila was shown to encode a member of the neurexin protein superfamily secreted by glia and subsequently localized to axonal tracts. Null mutations of axo caused temperature-sensitive paralysis and a corresponding blockade of axonal conduction. Thus, the AXO protein appears to be a component of a glial-neuronal signaling mechanism that helps to determine the membrane electrical properties of target axons.     

多子小瓜虫感染后草鱼TLR信号通路基因 的表达动态

[目的]明确草鱼Toll样受体(Toll-like receptor,TLR)信号通路基因在防御多子小瓜虫(Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)感染过程中的免疫作用,为有效防控鱼类多子小瓜虫感染提供理论参考.[方法]以多子小瓜虫感染草鱼后,采用实时荧光定量PCR检测分析在不同时间点(感染后6 h、12 h、1 d、2 d、3 d、5 d和7 d)草鱼部分TLRs基因(TLR1、TLR2、TLR4、TLR9、TLR20和TLR21)、接头蛋白基因(MyD88和TRIF)、信号转导分子(IRAK4和IRAK1)及细胞因子(IL-1β、TNF-α和IFN)在其皮肤和脾脏中的表达动态变化.[结果]草鱼感染多子小瓜虫后,TLR1、TLR2、TLR9、TLR20和TLR21基因在皮肤和脾脏中的表达主要呈上调趋势,TLR4基因在皮肤中主要呈上调表达,在脾脏中则主要呈下调表达;TLR信号通路接头蛋白基因MyD88和TRIF的表达变化趋势明显不同,其中,MyD88基因的表达在感染后第1~3 d均呈显著上调趋势(P<0.05,下同),而TRIF基因的表达在整个试验过程中绝大多数时间点与对照组无显著差异(P>0.05);IRAK4和IRAK1在皮肤和脾脏中的表达也主要呈上调趋势,但在脾脏中IRAK4在感染后第1 d和IRAK1在感染后第6 h的表达呈显著下调趋势;IL-1β和TNF-α在绝大多数时间点均显著上调,但IFN的表达基本没有变化.[结论]草鱼TLR信号通路中的部分TLRs基因(TL1、TLR2、TLR4、TLR9、TLR20和TLR21)、接头蛋白基因(MyD88)、信号转导分子(IRAK4和IRAK1)及下游细胞因子(IL-1β和TNF-α)均参与防御多子小瓜虫感染的免疫反应,尤其是在感染早期和中期发挥关键作用.     

An agonist of toll-like receptor 5 has radioprotective activity in mouse and primate models

The toxicity of ionizing radiation is associated with massive apoptosis in radiosensitive organs. Here, we investigate whether a drug that activates a signaling mechanism used by tumor cells to suppress apoptosis can protect healthy cells from the harmful effects of radiation. We studied CBLB502, a polypeptide drug derived from Salmonella flagellin that binds to Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) and activates nuclear factor-kappaB signaling. A single injection of CBLB502 before lethal total-body irradiation protected mice from both gastrointestinal and hematopoietic acute radiation syndromes and resulted in improved survival. CBLB502 injected after irradiation also enhanced survival, but at lower radiation doses. It is noteworthy that the drug did not decrease tumor radiosensitivity in mouse models. CBLB502 also showed radioprotective activity in lethally irradiated rhesus monkeys. Thus, TLR5 agonists could potentially improve the therapeutic index of cancer radiotherapy and serve as biological protectants in radiation emergencies.     

An ultrasensitive bacterial motor revealed by monitoring signaling proteins in single cells

Understanding biology at the single-cell level requires simultaneous measurements of biochemical parameters and behavioral characteristics in individual cells. Here, the output of individual flagellar motors in Escherichia coli was measured as a function of the intracellular concentration of the chemotactic signaling protein. The concentration of this molecule, fused to green fluorescent protein, was monitored with fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. Motors from different bacteria exhibited an identical steep input-output relation, suggesting that they actively contribute to signal amplification in chemotaxis. This experimental approach can be extended to quantitative in vivo studies of other biochemical networks.     

Erythrocyte G protein-coupled receptor signaling in malarial infection

Erythrocytic mechanisms involved in malarial infection are poorly understood. We have found that signaling via the erythrocyte beta2-adrenergic receptor and heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding protein (Galphas) regulated the entry of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Agonists that stimulate cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate production led to an increase in malarial infection that could be blocked by specific receptor antagonists. Moreover, peptides designed to inhibit Galphas protein function reduced parasitemia in P. falciparum cultures in vitro, and beta-antagonists reduced parasitemia of P. berghei infections in an in vivo mouse model. Thus, signaling via the erythrocyte beta2-adrenergic receptor and Galphas may regulate malarial infection across parasite species.     

A role for thrombin receptor signaling in endothelial cells during embryonic development

The coagulation protease thrombin triggers fibrin formation, platelet activation, and other cellular responses at sites of tissue injury. We report a role for PAR1, a protease-activated G protein-coupled receptor for thrombin, in embryonic development. Approximately half of Par1-/- mouse embryos died at midgestation with bleeding from multiple sites. PAR1 is expressed in endothelial cells, and a PAR1 transgene driven by an endothelial-specific promoter prevented death of Par1-/- embryos. Our results suggest that the coagulation cascade and PAR1 modulate endothelial cell function in developing blood vessels and that thrombin's actions on endothelial cells-rather than on platelets, mesenchymal cells, or fibrinogen-contribute to vascular development and hemostasis in the mouse embryo.     

Cortical 5-HT2A receptor signaling modulates anxiety-like behaviors in mice

Serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] neurotransmission in the central nervous system modulates depression and anxiety-related behaviors in humans and rodents, but the responsible downstream receptors remain poorly understood. We demonstrate that global disruption of 5-HT2A receptor (5HT2AR) signaling in mice reduces inhibition in conflict anxiety paradigms without affecting fear-conditioned and depression-related behaviors. Selective restoration of 5HT2AR signaling to the cortex normalized conflict anxiety behaviors. These findings indicate a specific role for cortical 5HT2AR function in the modulation of conflict anxiety, consistent with models of cortical, "top-down" influences on risk assessment.     

Long-distance signaling in nodulation directed by a CLAVATA1-like receptor kinase

Proliferation of legume nodule primordia is controlled by shoot-root signaling known as autoregulation of nodulation (AON). Mutants defective in AON show supernodulation and increased numbers of lateral roots. Here, we demonstrate that AON in soybean is controlled by the receptor-like protein kinase GmNARK (Glycine max nodule autoregulation receptor kinase), similar to Arabidopsis CLAVATA1 (CLV1). Whereas CLV1 functions in a protein complex controlling stem cell proliferation by short-distance signaling in shoot apices, GmNARK expression in the leaf has a major role in long-distance communication with nodule and lateral root primordia.     

B cell antigen receptor signaling: roles in cell development and disease

Signals propagated through the B cell antigen receptor (BCR) are vital for the development and survival of B lymphocytes in both the bone marrow and the periphery. These signals not only guide maturation and activation but also affect the removal of potentially self-reactive B lymphocytes. Interestingly, these signals are known to be either ligand-independent ("tonic" signals) or induced by ligand (antigen) binding to the BCR. We focus on the problems that occur in B cell development due to defects in signals emanating from the BCR. In addition, we present the B Cell Antigen Receptor Pathway, an STKE Connections Map that illustrates the events involved in B cell signaling.     

A domain in TNF receptors that mediates ligand-independent receptor assembly and signaling

A conserved domain in the extracellular region of the 60- and 80-kilodalton tumor necrosis factor receptors (TNFRs) was identified that mediates specific ligand-independent assembly of receptor trimers. This pre-ligand-binding assembly domain (PLAD) is physically distinct from the domain that forms the major contacts with ligand, but is necessary and sufficient for the assembly of TNFR complexes that bind TNF-alpha and mediate signaling. Other members of the TNFR superfamily, including TRAIL receptor 1 and CD40, show similar homotypic association. Thus, TNFRs and related receptors appear to function as preformed complexes rather than as individual receptor subunits that oligomerize after ligand binding.     

Role of Rab9 GTPase in facilitating receptor recruitment by TIP47

Mannose 6-phosphate receptors (MPRs) deliver lysosomal hydrolases from the Golgi to endosomes and then return to the Golgi complex. TIP47 recognizes the cytoplasmic domains of MPRs and is required for endosome-to-Golgi transport. Here we show that TIP47 also bound directly to the Rab9 guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) in its active, GTP-bound conformation. Moreover, Rab9 increased the affinity of TIP47 for its cargo. A functional Rab9 binding site was required for TIP47 stimulation of MPR transport in vivo. Thus, a cytosolic cargo selection device may be selectively recruited onto a specific organelle, and vesicle budding might be coupled to the presence of an active Rab GTPase.