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Toll-like receptor 7 function is reduced in adolescents with asthma
M Roponen1, S T Yerkovich, E Hollams
1Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, Centre for Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
The European Respiratory Journal
|August 1, 2009
Summary
Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) function is reduced in adolescents with asthma, potentially increasing their susceptibility to respiratory viral infections. TLR7-mediated antiviral responses were significantly lower in asthmatic individuals compared to healthy controls.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Asthma is associated with impaired anti-viral innate immune responses, but underlying mechanisms remain unclear.
- Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 7 and 3 are crucial for recognizing viral RNA and initiating anti-viral defenses.
- Investigating TLR7 and TLR3 function is essential for understanding asthma-related viral susceptibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) and Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) in adolescents with asthma.
- To assess the impact of asthma and atopy on anti-viral immune responses mediated by TLRs.
Main Methods:
- Blood mononuclear cells from asthmatic, atopic non-asthmatic, and healthy non-atopic adolescents were stimulated with TLR7 and TLR3 agonists.
- Gene expression of antiviral molecules (e.g., myxovirus resistance protein A, 2'5' oligoadenylate synthetase) was measured using real-time PCR.
- Protein levels of interferon-gamma-inducible protein 10 (IP-10) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were quantified by ELISA.
Main Results:
- TLR7-induced expression of antiviral molecules and IP-10 protein was significantly lower in adolescents with asthma compared to healthy controls.
- A negative correlation was observed between total serum immunoglobulin E and IP-10 levels following TLR7 stimulation.
- TLR3-induced responses did not differ significantly between asthmatic and control groups; IL-10 and IL-6 levels were similar.
Conclusions:
- Reduced Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) function is evident in adolescents with asthma.
- Impaired TLR7-mediated anti-viral responses may contribute to increased susceptibility to respiratory viral infections in asthmatic individuals.
- TLR3 function appears unaffected by asthma or atopy in this adolescent cohort.
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