• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제26권7호
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• pp.1333-1340
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• 2016

The main objective of this study was to investigate whether Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) ameliorated the effects of Citrobactor rodentium infection in Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) knockout (KO) and TLR4 KO mice, as well as in wild-type C57BL/6 (B6) mice. TLR2 KO, TLR4 KO, and B6 mice were divided into three groups per each strain. Each group had an uninfected control group (n = 5), C. rodentium-infected group (n = 8), and LGG-pretreated C. rodentium-infected group (n = 8). The survival rate of B6 mice infected with C. rodentium was higher when pretreated with LGG. Pretreatment with LGG ameliorated C. rodentium-induced mucosal hyperplasia in B6 and TLR4 KO mice. However, in C-rodentium-infected TLR2 KO mice, mucosal hyperplasia persisted, regardless of pretreatment with LGG. In addition, LGG-pretreated B6 and TLR4 KO mice showed a decrease in spleen weight and downregulation of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interferon gamma, and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 mRNA expression compared with the non-pretreated group. In contrast, such changes were not observed in TLR2 KO mice, regardless of pretreatment with LGG. From the above results, we conclude that pretreatment with LGG ameliorates C. rodentium-induced colitis in B6 and TLR4 KO mice, but not in TLR2 KO mice. Therefore, LGG protects mice from C. rodentium-induced colitis in a TLR2-dependent manner.

• Anatomy and Cell Biology
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• 제56권2호
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• pp.228-235
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• 2023

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are the mammalian ortholog of Drosophila melanogaster protein Toll, originally identified for its involvement in embryonic development. In mammals, TLRs are mainly known for their ability to recognize pathogen- or damage-associated molecular patterns and, consequently, to initiate the immune response. However, it is becoming clear that TLRs can play a role also in mammal embryo development. We have previously described TLR4 and TLR7 expression in developing mouse peripheral nervous system and gastrointestinal tract. In the present study, we extended the investigation of TLR4 and TLR7 to the respiratory system and to the two main accessory organs of the digestive system, the liver and pancreas. TLR4 and TLR7 immunostaining was performed on mouse conceptuses collected at different stages, from E12 to E18. TLR4 and TLR7 immunoreactivity was evident in the embryo pancreas and liver at E12, while, in the respiratory apparatus, appeared at E14 and E17, respectively. Although further studies are required to elucidate the specific role of these TLRs in embryo development, the differential spatiotemporal TLR4 and TLR7 appearance may suggest that TLR expression in developing embryos is highly regulated for a possible their direct involvement in the formation of the organs and in the acquisition of immune-related features in preparation for the birth.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제17권11호
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• pp.1862-1867
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• 2007

An individual's immune response is critical for host protection from many different pathogens, and the responsiveness can be assessed by the amount of cytokine production upon stimulating bacterial components such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The difference between individuals in their peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) responsiveness to LPS, a Gram-negative endotoxin, was investigated from 27 healthy individuals. We observed a large variation in $IFN{\gamma}$ production among different individuals. The PBMC of the consistently three highest and three lowest $IFN{\gamma}$ producers were investigated. Since previous studies described that a single point mutation in the coding region of TLR2 and TLR4 is linked to the individual responsiveness to pathogenic bacterial infections, we first examined the known point mutations in the coding region of $TLR2^{Pro681His}$, $TLR4^{Pro714His}$ located in the cytoplasmic regions of the Toll-like domain as well as $TLR4^{Asp299Gly}$ located in the extracellular region. None of these mutations were associated with an individual's responsiveness to LPS, despite the presence of $TLR4^{Asp299Gly}$ mutation. Further investigation revealed that the variation of PBMC responsiveness to LPS among healthy individuals was due to constitutive expression levels of TLR4 and TLR2. This result is consistent with an aging-related low expression of Toll-like receptors in the mouse model of LPS responsiveness. The present study therefore suggests that the constitutive expression levels of TLR2 and TLR4 may contribute to the individual response to LPS.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제53권4호
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• pp.431-438
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• 2015

In Trichinella spiralis infection, type 2 helper T (Th2) cell-related and regulatory T ($T_{reg}$) cell-related immune responses are the most important immune events. In order to clarify which Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are closely associated with these responses, we analyzed the expression of mouse TLR genes in the small intestine and muscle tissue during T. spiralis infection. In addition, the expression of several chemokine- and cytokine-encoding genes, which are related to Th2 and $T_{reg}$ cell mediated immune responses, were analyzed in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) isolated from myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/TIR-associated proteins (TIRAP) and Toll receptor-associated activator of interferons (TRIF) adapter protein deficient and wild type (WT) mice. The results showed significantly increased TLR4 and TLR9 gene expression in the small intestine after 2 weeks of T. spiralis infection. In the muscle, TLR1, TLR2, TLR5, and TLR9 gene expression significantly increased after 4 weeks of infection. Only the expression of the TLR4 and TLR9 genes was significantly elevated in WT MEF cells after treatment with excretory-secretory (ES) proteins. Gene expression for Th2 chemokine genes were highly enhanced by ES proteins in WT MEF cells, while this elevation was slightly reduced in MyD88/$TIRAP^{-/-}$ MEF cells, and quite substantially decreased in $TRIF^{-/-}$ MEF cells. In contrast, IL-10 and $TGF-{\beta}$ expression levels were not elevated in MyD88/$TIRAP^{-/-}$ MEF cells. In conclusion, we suggest that TLR4 and TLR9 might be closely linked to Th2 cell and $T_{reg}$ cell mediated immune responses, although additional data are needed to convincingly prove this observation.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제16권6호
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• pp.447-453
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• 2012

TLR6 forms a heterodimer with TLR2 and TLR4. While proinflammatory roles of TLR2 and TLR4 are well documented, the role of TLR6 in inflammation is poorly understood. In order to understand mechanisms of action of TLR6 in inflammatory responses, we investigated the effects of FSL-1, the TLR6 ligand, on expression of chemokine CCL2 and cytokine IL-$1{\beta}$ and determined cellular factors involved in FSL-1-mediated expression of CCL2 and IL-$1{\beta}$ in mononuclear cells. Exposure of human monocytic leukemia THP-1 cells to FSL-1 resulted not only in enhanced secretion of CCL2 and IL-$1{\beta}$, but also profound induction of their gene transcripts. Expression of CCL2 was abrogated by treatment with OxPAPC, a TLR-2/4 inhibitor, while treatment with OxPAPC resulted in partially inhibited expression of IL-$1{\beta}$. Treatment with FSL-1 resulted in enhanced phosphorylation of Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinases and activation of protein kinase C. Treatment with pharmacological inhibitors, including SB202190, SP6001250, U0126, Akt inhibitor IV, LY294002, GF109203X, and RO318220 resulted in significantly attenuated FSL-1-mediated upregulation of CCL2 and IL-$1{\beta}$. Our results indicate that activation of TLR6 will trigger inflammatory responses by upregulating expression of CCL2 and IL-$1{\beta}$ via TLR-2/4, protein kinase C, PI3K-Akt, and mitogen-activated protein kinases.

• 한국가금학회지
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• 제50권4호
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• pp.283-291
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• 2023

지방산 결합 단백질(FABP)은 LCFA 수송, 지질 합성, 저장을 용이하게 하고, 염증을 포함한 다양한 경로에 영향을 미치는 신호 분자로 작용한다. 특히 FABP4는 혈관 및 심장관련 질환과 관련이 있으며, 대식세포 매개 염증 반응에서 역할을 한다. 이전의 연구들은 FABP4를 지방 생성을 위한 대표적인 바이오 마커일 뿐만 아니라, 면역 반응과도 상관관계가 있는 것으로 확인하였다. 본 연구는 톨-유사 수용체 3(TLR3) 활성화에 의한 닭 FABP4(chFABP4) 유전자의조절을 조사하고 chFABP4 전사 조절에 관여하는 신호 경로를 결정하는 것을 목표로 한다. 우리는 TLR3 자극 DF-1 세포에서 chFABP4의 전사 조절을 분석하였다. 결과는 TLR3 리간드인 폴리이노신-폴리시티딜산(PIC)으로 자극 시 chFABP4가 상향 조절되었음을 보여주었다. 특히 chFABP4 전사는 NF-κB 신호 경로에서 독립적으로 조절되었다. p38 억제에서 상향 조절되어 p38 신호 경로가 TLR3 활성화 DF-1 세포 내에서 chFABP4 전사를 억제할 수 있음을 보여주었다. 이와는 대조적으로, JNK 신호 경로 억제에서는 chFABP4 발현이 하향 조절되었으며, 이는 대식세포의 연구 결과와 일치하며, TLR3 활성화에 반응하여 DF-1 세포에서 chFABP4 전사를 위한 JNK 신호 전달 경로의 긍정적인 조절을 시사한다. MEK 경로 억제는 NF-κB 신호 전달과 유사한 조절을 초래하였다. 이러한 결과는 각 MAPK가 TLR3 활성화에 반응하여 DF-1 세포에서 chFABP4의 전사 조절에 차별적으로 기여함을 시사한다.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제8권2호
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• pp.59-65
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• 2008

Background: Toll-like receptors (TLRs) detect microbial infection and can directly induce innate host defense responses, which are thought to play critical roles in protecting the tubotympanum from infection. However, little is known about the relationship between TLRs, which are related to innate immunity, and immunoglobulins, which are related to adaptive immunity, in recurrent otitis media with effusion (OME). We therefore investigated the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 and immunoglobulin in children with OME. Methods: The study population consisted of 72 children with OME, 31 with more than 4 episodes in 12 months or more than 3 episodes in 6 months (otitis-prone group), and 41 with fewer than 3 episodes in 12 months (non-otitis prone group). The expression in middle ear effusion of TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA, as determined by Real time- -polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and the concentrations of IgG, IgA, and IgM, as determined by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), were compared between the two groups. Results: Expression of TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA was lower in the otitis prone than in the non-otitis prone group, but the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Between group differences in the concentrations of IgG, IgA and IgM in effusion fluid were not significant (p>0.05), and there were no correlations between immunoglobulin concentration and the expression of TLR2 and TLR4. Conclusion: Although there was a trend toward lower expression of TLR2 and TLR4 in the otitis-prone group, the differences, and those in immunoglobulin concentration, did not differ significantly between the otitis-prone and non-prone groups.

• 한국자원식물학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국자원식물학회 2022년도 추계학술대회
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• pp.88-88
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• 2022

In this study, we investigated the effect of Solanum nigrum aerial parts (SNAP) on macrophage activation and macrophage autophagy in RAW264.7 cells. SNAP increased the production of immunostimulatory factors and phagocytosis in RAW264.7 cells. TLR4 inhibition blocked SNAP-mediated production of immunostimulatory factors. In addition, the JNK inhibition reduced the SNAP-mediated production of immunostimulatory factors, and the SNAP-mediated JNK activation was blocked by the TLR4 inhibition. SNAP activated macrophage autophagy. TLR4 inhibition blocked SNAP-mediated macrophage autophagy and inhibition of p38 and JNK attenuated SNAP-mediated macrophage autophagy. These findings indicate that SNAP may induce TLR4/JNK-mediated macrophage activation and TLR4/p38 and JNK-mediated macrophage autophagy.

• Animal Bioscience
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• 제34권10호
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• pp.1590-1599
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• 2021

Objective: This study investigates the expression patterns of toll-like receptors (TLRs) and intracellular mediators in horse muscle cells after exercise, and the relationship between TLRS expression in stressed horse muscle cells and immune cell migration toward them. Methods: The expression patterns of the TLRs (TLR2, TLR4, and TLR8) and downstream signaling pathway-related genes (myeloid differentiation primary response 88 [MYD88]; activating transcription factor 3 [ATF3]) are examined in horse tissues, and horse peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) and muscles in response to exercise, using the quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Expressions of chemokine receptor genes, i.e., C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) and C-C motif chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5), are studied in PBMCs and PMNs. A horse muscle cell line is developed by transfecting SV-T antigen into fetal muscle cells, followed by examination of muscle-specific genes. Horse muscle cells are treated with stressors, i.e., cortisol, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and heat, to mimic stress conditions in vitro, and the expression of TLR4 and TLR8 are examined in stressed muscle cells, in addition to migration activity of PBMCs toward stressed muscle cells. Results: The qPCR revealed that TLR4 message was expressed in cerebrum, cerebellum, thymus, lung, liver, kidney, and muscle, whereas TLR8 expressed in thymus, lung, and kidney, while TLR2 expressed in thymus, lung, and kidney. Expressions of TLRs, i.e., TLR4 and TLR8, and mediators, i.e., MYD88 and ATF3, were upregulated in muscle, PBMCs and PMNs in response to exercise. Expressions of CXCR2 and CCR5 were also upregulated in PBMCs and PMNs after exercise. In the muscle cell line, TLR4 and TLR8 expressions were upregulated when cells were treated with stressors such as cortisol, H₂O₂, and heat. Migration of PBMCs toward stressed muscle cells was increased by exercise and oxidative stresses, and combinations of these. Treatment with methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), an antioxidant on stressed muscle cells, reduced migration of PBMCs toward stressed muscle cells. Conclusion: In this study, we have successfully cultured horse skeletal muscle cells, isolated horse PBMCs, and established an in vitro system for studying stress-related gene expressions and function. Expression of TLR4, TLR8, CXCR2, and CCR5 in horse muscle cells was higher in response to stressors such as cortisol, H₂O₂, and heat, or combinations of these. In addition, migration of PBMCs toward muscle cells was increased when muscle cells were under stress, but inhibition of reactive oxygen species by MSM modulated migratory activity of PBMCs to stressed muscle cells. Further study is necessary to investigate the biological function(s) of the TLR gene family in horse muscle cells.

• 한국식품영양학회지
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• 제30권2호
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• pp.312-318
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• 2017

Aloe-emodin (AE) is the major bioactive component in aloe and known to exhibit anti-inflammatory activities. However, it has not been elucidated whether its anti-inflammatory potency can contribute to the elimination of obesity. The aim of the current study is to investigate the effect of AE on toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathways in the presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. 3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated with AE ($0-20{\mu}M$) for one hour, followed by LPS treatment for 30 min and then, adipokine mRNA expression levels were measured. Next, TLR4-related molecules were measured in LPS-stimulated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. AE significantly decreased the mRNA expression of the tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$ ($TNF-{\alpha}$), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, AE suppressed TLR4 mRNA expression. Further study showed that AE could suppress the nuclear $factor-{\kappa}B$ ($NF-{\kappa}B$) and phosphorylation of extracellular receptor-activated kinase (pERK). The results of this study suggest that AE directly inhibits $TLR4/NF-{\kappa}B/ERK$ signaling pathways and decreases the inflammatory response in adipocytes.