Toll-like receptor triggering of a vitamin D-mediated human antimicrobial response

In innate immune responses, activation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) triggers direct antimicrobial activity against intracellular bacteria, which in murine, but not human, monocytes and macrophages is mediated principally by nitric oxide. We report here that TLR activation of human macrophages up-regulated expression of the vitamin D receptor and the vitamin D-1-hydroxylase genes, leading to induction of the antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin and killing of intracellular Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We also observed that sera from African-American individuals, known to have increased susceptibility to tuberculosis, had low 25-hydroxyvitamin D and were inefficient in supporting cathelicidin messenger RNA induction. These data support a link between TLRs and vitamin D-mediated innate immunity and suggest that differences in ability of human populations to produce vitamin D may contribute to susceptibility to microbial infection.     

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.     

Toll-like receptor signaling pathways

Members of the Toll-like receptor (TLR) family recognize conserved microbial structures, such as bacterial lipopolysaccharide and viral double-stranded RNA, and activate signaling pathways that result in immune responses against microbial infections. All TLRs activate MyD88-dependent pathways to induce a core set of stereotyped responses, such as inflammation. However, individual TLRs can also induce immune responses that are tailored to a given microbial infection. Thus, these receptors are involved in both innate and adaptive immune responses. The mechanisms and components of these varied responses are only partly understood. Given the importance of TLRs in host defense, dissection of the pathways they activate has become an important emerging research focus. TLRs and their pathways are numerous; Science's Signal Transduction Knowledge Environment's TLR Connections Map provides an immediate, clear overview of the known components and relations of this complex system.     

猪源Toll样受体家族(TLRs)及其在抗病育种中的应用

Toll样受体(toll like receptors, TLRs)作为模式识别受体,不仅能够对机体特异性配体进行识别,并通过多种信号传导通路(由髓样分化蛋白88或由β-干扰素TLR结构域衔接蛋白介导)启动信号传导继而引发特异性的免疫应答,同时还在一些由支原体、病毒、细菌等感染引起的免疫应答过程中发挥了重要的调控功能。因为其重要的免疫调控作用,Toll样受体家族已成为近些年研究的热点,对畜禽抗病育种工作也具有重要的科学意义和应用前景。文章综述了猪源TLRs的种类、功能、遗传变异以及介导的信号通路,并重点介绍了猪源TLRs在抗病育种中的应用,旨在为猪Toll样受体家族基因功能研究及有效遗传标记的筛选提供参考依据。     

Enhanced dendritic cell antigen capture via toll-like receptor-induced actin remodeling

Microbial products are sensed through Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and trigger a program of dendritic cell (DC) maturation that enables DCs to activate T cells. Although an accepted hallmark of this response is eventual down-regulation of DC endocytic capacity, we show that TLR ligands first acutely stimulate antigen macropinocytosis, leading to enhanced presentation on class I and class II major histocompatibility complex molecules. Simultaneously, actin-rich podosomes disappear, which suggests a coordinated redeployment of actin to fuel endocytosis. These reciprocal changes are transient and require p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation. Thus, the DC actin cytoskeleton can be rapidly mobilized in response to innate immune stimuli to enhance antigen capture and presentation.     

The Toll-like receptor 2 pathway establishes colonization by a commensal of the human microbiota

Mucosal surfaces constantly encounter microbes. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) mediate recognition of microbial patterns to eliminate pathogens. By contrast, we demonstrate that the prominent gut commensal Bacteroides fragilis activates the TLR pathway to establish host-microbial symbiosis. TLR2 on CD4(+) T cells is required for B. fragilis colonization of a unique mucosal niche in mice during homeostasis. A symbiosis factor (PSA, polysaccharide A) of B. fragilis signals through TLR2 directly on Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells to promote immunologic tolerance. B. fragilis lacking PSA is unable to restrain T helper 17 cell responses and is defective in niche-specific mucosal colonization. Therefore, commensal bacteria exploit the TLR pathway to actively suppress immunity. We propose that the immune system can discriminate between pathogens and the microbiota through recognition of symbiotic bacterial molecules in a process that engenders commensal colonization.     

Species-specific recognition of single-stranded RNA via toll-like receptor 7 and 8

Double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) serves as a danger signal associated with viral infection and leads to stimulation of innate immune cells. In contrast, the immunostimulatory potential of single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) is poorly understood and innate immune receptors for ssRNA are unknown. We report that guanosine (G)- and uridine (U)-rich ssRNA oligonucleotides derived from human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) stimulate dendritic cells (DC) and macrophages to secrete interferon-alpha and proinflammatory, as well as regulatory, cytokines. By using Toll-like receptor (TLR)-deficient mice and genetic complementation, we show that murine TLR7 and human TLR8 mediate species-specific recognition of GU-rich ssRNA. These data suggest that ssRNA represents a physiological ligand for TLR7 and TLR8.     

Toll pathway-dependent blockade of CD4+CD25+ T cell-mediated suppression by dendritic cells

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) control activation of adaptive immune responses by antigen-presenting cells (APCs). However, initiation of adaptive immune responses is also controlled by regulatory T cells (TR cells), which act to prevent activation of autoreactive T cells. Here we describe a second mechanism of immune induction by TLRs, which is independent of effects on costimulation. Microbial induction of the Toll pathway blocked the suppressive effect of CD4+CD25+ TR cells, allowing activation of pathogen-specific adaptive immune responses. This block of suppressor activity was dependent in part on interleukin-6, which was induced by TLRs upon recognition of microbial products.     

不同品种羊血液和肺脏中TLRs基因转录水平差异分析

【目的】分析不同品种羊Toll样受体（TLRs）基因转录水平的差异性,为揭示TLRs基因转录水平与羊疫病间的关联性提供参考依据。【方法】选取贵州省主要饲养的贵州黑山羊、贵州白山羊、黔北麻羊、波尔山羊和湖羊为研究对象,根据GenBank已公布的TLRs基因序列设计荧光定量PCR特异性扩增引物及TaqMan探针引物,利用TaqMan探针荧光定量PCR检测不同品种羊血液和肺脏中TLR1~TLR10基因转录水平差异。【结果】 TLR1~TLR10基因在不同品种羊血液和肺脏中均有转录表达。不同品种羊血液和肺脏中的TLRs基因转录水平均存在差异性,在波尔山羊血液中TLR2、TLR4和TLR5基因转录水平均极显著低于其他4种羊（P<0.01,下同）,TLR7和TLR8基因转录水平则极显著低于除黑山羊外的其他3种羊;在白山羊血液中TLR4、TLR7、TLR8和TLR9基因转录水平极显著高于其他4种羊;在湖羊肺脏中TLR2、TLR3、TLR4、TLR5和TLR8基因转录水平极显著低于其他4种羊,而在黔北麻羊肺脏中TLR5和TLR8基因转录水平极显著高于其他4种羊。此外,在5种羊血液中TLR2、TLR4、TLR7和TLR8基因转录水平均极显著高于其他TLRs基因转录水平;羊肺脏中TLR2、TLR3、TLR4、TLR5和TLR8基因转录水平相对较高,在贵州白山羊、贵州黑山羊和波尔山羊均表现为极显著高于其他TLRs基因转录水平。【结论】不同品种羊血液和肺脏中TLRs基因转录水平具有差异性,以TLR2、TLR3、TLR4、TLR5和TLR8基因转录水平相对较高,提示TLRs在不同品种羊机体中发挥着清除病原体及维持机体稳态的作用,而TLRs基因转录水平差异可能是造成不同品种羊对疫病易感差异的原因之一。     

A mutant Drosophila insulin receptor homolog that extends life-span and impairs neuroendocrine function

The Drosophila melanogaster gene insulin-like receptor (InR) is homologous to mammalian insulin receptors as well as to Caenorhabditis elegans daf-2, a signal transducer regulating worm dauer formation and adult longevity. We describe a heteroallelic, hypomorphic genotype of mutant InR, which yields dwarf females with up to an 85% extension of adult longevity and dwarf males with reduced late age-specific mortality. Treatment of the long-lived InR dwarfs with a juvenile hormone analog restores life expectancy toward that of wild-type controls. We conclude that juvenile hormone deficiency, which results from InR signal pathway mutation, is sufficient to extend life-span, and that in flies, insulin-like ligands nonautonomously mediate aging through retardation of growth or activation of specific endocrine tissue.     

TOLL样受体抗体对鼠疟疾病理进程的影响

利用TOLL样受体抗体(TLRs)尾静脉注射并封闭对应TLR的方法,观察疟疾病理进程的变化.结果表明,TLR2、9、11抗体处理后小鼠的存活率在第10天分别为70％、0、0,对照组为50％；TLR2、9、11抗体处理后小鼠的红细胞感染率峰值分别为55％、61％、58％,对照组为52％.抗体封闭TLR2后,可提高小鼠的存活率；抗体封闭TLR9、11后,小鼠红细胞感染率显著升高而存活率显著降低.证明TLR是一类有潜力的抗疟药物或治疗辅助药物的靶点.     

TLR11 activation of dendritic cells by a protozoan profilin-like protein

Mammalian Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play an important role in the innate recognition of pathogens by dendritic cells (DCs). Although TLRs are clearly involved in the detection of bacteria and viruses, relatively little is known about their function in the innate response to eukaryotic microorganisms. Here we identify a profilin-like molecule from the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii that generates a potent interleukin-12 (IL-12) response in murine DCs that is dependent on myeloid differentiation factor 88. T. gondii profilin activates DCs through TLR11 and is the first chemically defined ligand for this TLR. Moreover, TLR11 is required in vivo for parasite-induced IL-12 production and optimal resistance to infection, thereby establishing a role for the receptor in host recognition of protozoan pathogens.     

Crystal structure of human toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) ectodomain

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play key roles in activating immune responses during infection. The human TLR3 ectodomain structure at 2.1 angstroms reveals a large horseshoe-shaped solenoid assembled from 23 leucine-rich repeats (LRRs). Asparagines conserved in the 24-residue LRR motif contribute extensive hydrogen-bonding networks for solenoid stabilization. TLR3 is largely masked by carbohydrate, but one face is glycosylation-free, which suggests its potential role in ligand binding and oligomerization. Highly conserved surface residues and a TLR3-specific LRR insertion form a homodimer interface in the crystal, whereas two patches of positively charged residues and a second insertion would provide an appropriate binding site for double-stranded RNA.     

TLR13 recognizes bacterial 23S rRNA devoid of erythromycin resistance-forming modification

Host protection from infection relies on the recognition of pathogens by innate pattern-recognition receptors such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Here, we show that the orphan receptor TLR13 in mice recognizes a conserved 23S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequence that is the binding site of macrolide, lincosamide, and streptogramin group (MLS) antibiotics (including erythromycin) in bacteria. Notably, 23S rRNA from clinical isolates of erythromycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and synthetic oligoribonucleotides carrying methylated adenosine or a guanosine mimicking a MLS resistance-causing modification failed to stimulate TLR13. Thus, our results reveal both a natural TLR13 ligand and specific mechanisms of antibiotic resistance as potent bacterial immune evasion strategy, avoiding recognition via TLR13.     

Identification and characterization of a TLR13 gene homologue from Laodelphax striatellus involved in the immune response induced by rice stripe virus

Toll-like receptors(TLRs) are the critical superfamily homologues that initiate sensing of the invasion of pathogens by the Toll pathway. As one of several intracellular nucleic acid-sensing TLRs, TLR13 is activated by an unmethylated motif present in the large ribosomal subunit of bacterial RNA. However, little attention has been paid to the function of TLR13 gene homologue from Laodelphax striatellus(designated as LsToll-13) in the immune response to rice stripe virus(RSV). Herein, LsToll-13 was cloned and characterized using RACE-PCR. Phylogenetic analysis showed that LsToll-13 was clustered with the TLR13 from six insects. Real-time PCR analysis demonstrated that the expression level of LsToll-13 was significantly reduced in L. striatellus with RSV infection compared with that in the naive strain. When the expression of LsToll-13 was significantly up-regulated at 6 h after bacterial infection, the expression of ribonucleoprotein(RNP) indicated that the RSV titer in the host insect was significantly suppressed. Upon knockdown of LsToll-13, using RNA interference(RNAi) in L. striatellus, the expression level of RNP was significantly increased with enhanced RSV accumulation, suggesting that LsToll-13 potentially protects L. striatellus from RSV infection. Taken together, our results indicated that LsToll-13 might be involved in the immune response of L. striatellus to RSV infection, and provided a new insight into further elucidating the molecular mechanisms of complex pathogen-host interactions and integrative pest management.     

Immune control of tuberculosis by IFN-gamma-inducible LRG-47

Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) provides an essential component of immunity to tuberculosis by activating infected host macrophages to directly inhibit the replication of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). IFN-gamma-inducible nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2) is considered a principal effector mechanism, although other pathways may also exist. Here, we identify one member of a newly emerging 47-kilodalton (p47) guanosine triphosphatase family, LRG-47, that acts independently of NOS2 to protect against disease. Mice lacking LRG-47 failed to control Mtb replication, unlike those missing the related p47 guanosine triphosphatases IRG-47 or IGTP. Defective bacterial killing in IFN-gamma-activated LRG-47-/- macrophages was associated with impaired maturation of Mtb-containing phagosomes, vesicles that otherwise recruited LRG-47 in wild-type cells. Thus, LRG-47 may serve as a critical vacuolar trafficking component used to dispose of intracellular pathogens like Mtb.     

Drosophila RNAi screen reveals CD36 family member required for mycobacterial infection

Certain pathogens, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, survive within the hostile intracellular environment of a macrophage. To identify host factors required for mycobacterial entry and survival within macrophages, we performed a genomewide RNA interference screen in Drosophila macrophage-like cells, using Mycobacterium fortuitum. We identified factors required for general phagocytosis, as well as those needed specifically for mycobacterial infection. One specific factor, Peste (Pes), is a CD36 family member required for uptake of mycobacteria, but not Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus aureus. Moreover, mammalian class B scavenger receptors (SRs) conferred uptake of bacteria into nonphagocytic cells, with SR-BI and SR-BII uniquely mediating uptake of M. fortuitum, which suggests a conserved role for class B SRs in pattern recognition and innate immunity.