TLR and NOD2 ligands induce cell proliferation in the rat intact spinal cord

We demonstrate, by 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) tracing, the effects of peripheral administration of toll-like receptor (TLR) and NOD2 ligands (stimulators of the innate immune system) on the proliferation of spinal cord cells. Bolus injection of phosphorothioate oligonucleotides containing CpG motifs had no prominent effects on spinal cord neural progenitor cell proliferation, whereas single intraperitoneal injection of polyinosine-polycytidylic acid (Poly I:C, TLR3 ligand), lipopolysaccharide (LPS, TLR4 ligand), R848 (TLR7/8 ligand), or N-acetylmuramyldipeptide (MDP, Nod2 ligand) temporarily increased the number of BrdU(+) cells in the spinal cord. For Poly I:C- or R848-treated groups, the density of BrdU cells reached maximal levels on days 2 to 3 postinjection and then rapidly declined to baseline levels. Only a few of the proliferating cells were of microglial origin, but BrdU(+)/nestin(+) cells were found, suggestive of a proliferation of local progenitor cells. In addition, stimulation of cell proliferation correlated with activation of the innate immune system, that is, microglial cells. Interestingly, activation and cell proliferation was inhibited by corticosteroid dexamethasone but not by indomethacin. These findings suggest an intricate interaction of phylogenetically ancient cellular processes of the innate immune system and regeneration.