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Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Analyses of Proteinuria, Renal Infiltration of Leukocytes, and Renal Deposition of Proteins in Lupus-prone MRL/lpr Mice
09:43

Analyses of Proteinuria, Renal Infiltration of Leukocytes, and Renal Deposition of Proteins in Lupus-prone MRL/lpr Mice

Published on: June 8, 2022

Coactivation of Toll-like receptor-3 and -7 in immune complex glomerulonephritis

Prashant S Patole1, Rahul D Pawar, Julia Lichtnekert

  • 1Medical Policlinic, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Pettenkoferstr. 8a, 80336 Munich, Germany.

Journal of Autoimmunity
|June 5, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Simultaneous activation of Toll-like receptor (TLR)-3 and TLR7 did not worsen glomerulonephritis in mice. This suggests mechanisms protect against additive TLR3-TLR7 coactivation effects on kidney disease.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Nephrology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Viral infections can trigger glomerulonephritis, a kidney inflammation.
  • Toll-like receptors (TLRs) like TLR3 and TLR7 recognize viral RNA and can worsen kidney disease.
  • Previous studies suggested TLR3 and TLR7 coactivation might synergistically impact immune responses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if simultaneous TLR3 and TLR7 activation exacerbates glomerulonephritis in MRLlpr mice.
  • To determine if coactivation leads to additive effects on immune markers and kidney pathology.

Main Methods:

  • MRLlpr mice were treated with saline, poly(I:C) (TLR3 agonist), imiquimod (TLR7 agonist), or a combination.
  • Treatments were administered bi-daily from week 16 to 18 of age.
  • Serum levels of cytokines (IL-6, IL12p70), anti-dsDNA antibodies, and glomerulonephritis severity were assessed.

Main Results:

  • Combined TLR3 and TLR7 agonist treatment did not show synergistic effects on serum cytokines, autoantibodies, or glomerulonephritis.
  • In vitro studies showed no synergistic cytokine release from monocytes.
  • Glomerular mesangial cells lacked TLR7 expression, preventing synergistic responses.

Conclusions:

  • Coactivation of TLR3 and TLR7 does not have additive effects on exacerbating glomerulonephritis in MRLlpr mice.
  • Mechanisms exist that protect against detrimental additive effects of TLR3-TLR7 coactivation on renal pathology.

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