Modulation of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR4 responses by Aspergillus fumigatus.

Abstract

Toll-like receptor (TLR)-based signaling pathways in the host may be modulated by pathogens during the course of infection. We describe a novel immunomodulatory mechanism in which Aspergillus fumigatus conidia induce attenuation of TLR2- and TLR4-mediated interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1beta proinflammatory responses in human mononuclear cells with suppression of IL-1beta mRNA transcription. Background TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA transcription was not influenced. A. fumigatus conidia induced TLR2 internalization and uptake into the phagosome with a resultant decrease in surface receptor expression. A. fumigatus hyphae, on the other hand, selectively downregulated the TLR4-mediated response. These novel immunosuppressive effects may facilitate the invasiveness of A. fumigatus.

• Authors: Louis Y A Chai, Bart Jan Kullberg, Alieke G Vonk, Adilia Warris, Alessandra Cambi, Jean-Paul Latgé, Leo A B Joosten, Jos W M van der Meer, Mihai G Netea
• Journal: Infection and immunity (Infect Immun) Vol. 77 Issue 5 Pg. 2184-92 (May 2009) ISSN: 1098-5522 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 19204090 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Interleukin-1beta
• Interleukin-6
• TLR4 protein, human
• Toll-Like Receptor 2
• Toll-Like Receptor 4

Topics

• Aspergillus fumigatus (immunology)
• Humans
• Hyphae (immunology)
• Immune Tolerance
• Interleukin-1beta (antagonists & inhibitors, biosynthesis)
• Interleukin-6 (antagonists & inhibitors, biosynthesis)
• Spores, Fungal (immunology)
• Toll-Like Receptor 2 (immunology)
• Toll-Like Receptor 4 (immunology)