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Expression and function of Toll-like receptor on T cells
Damo Xu1, Mousa Komai-Koma, Foo Y Liew
1Division of Immunology, Infection and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G11 6NT, Scotland, UK.
Cellular Immunology
|June 14, 2005
Summary
Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) is expressed on human T cells, acting as a co-stimulatory receptor. This receptor enhances T cell development and memory, suggesting pathogens can directly impact long-term T cell responses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are key pattern recognition receptors in innate immunity.
- Human TLRs, including 13 identified Toll-like receptors (TLRs), recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs).
- Previous research primarily focused on TLRs in innate immune cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and function of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) in human T cells.
- To determine the role of TLR2 in T cell activation, proliferation, and memory.
Main Methods:
- Activation of naïve human T cells using anti-T cell receptor (TCR) antibody and interferon-alpha.
- Stimulation of activated T cells and memory T cells with bacterial lipopeptide (BLP), a TLR2 ligand.
- Analysis of cytokine production (IFNgamma) and cell proliferation.
Main Results:
- Naïve human T cells expressed cell surface TLR2 upon activation.
- Activated T cells produced elevated cytokines in response to TLR2 ligand BLP.
- CD4(+)CD45RO(+) memory T cells constitutively expressed TLR2 and responded to BLP with IFNgamma production.
- BLP enhanced proliferation and IFNgamma production in memory T cells.
Conclusions:
- TLR2 functions as a co-stimulatory receptor in antigen-specific T cell development.
- TLR2 plays a role in the maintenance of T cell memory.
- Pathogen PAMPs may directly contribute to the perpetuation and activation of long-term T cell memory.