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Isolation of Leukocytes from the Murine Tissues at the Maternal-Fetal Interface
Published on: May 21, 2015
TLR2 polymorphisms influence neonatal regulatory T cells depending on maternal atopy
1Department of Pulmonary & Allergy, University Children's Hospital Munich, LMU Munich, Germany.
Allergy
|March 5, 2011
Summary
Genetic variations in Toll-like receptors (TLRs) influence T-regulatory cells (Tregs) in newborns. Maternal atopy modifies these effects, impacting immune maturation and the development of childhood atopic diseases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Neonatal Health
Background:
- Toll-like receptor (TLR) polymorphisms are linked to atopic diseases.
- TLR signaling may modulate T-regulatory cells (Tregs) during early development.
- Maternal influences are significant in early-life immune programming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of genetic TLR variants on neonatal Tregs.
- To explore gene-immunological interactions in the context of maternal atopy.
- To assess the early-life impact on immune maturation relevant to atopic diseases.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of 12 single nucleotide polymorphisms in TLR1, TLR2, TLR4, TLR6, and TLR10.
- Culture of cord blood mononuclear cells with TLR ligand stimulation (LpA, Ppg).
- Measurement of mRNA expression for Treg markers (FOXP3, GITR, LAG3), TLRs, cytokines (Th1/Th2), and TNF-α.
Main Results:
- TLR2 rs4696480 (AA genotype) showed increased FOXP3, GITR, LAG3, Th2 cytokines, and TNF-α with maternal atopy, but decreased Tregs without it.
- TLR2 rs1898830 (GG genotype) demonstrated decreased Treg marker expression with maternal atopy and increased expression without it.
- FOXP3 expression was modulated by TLR1 rs4833095 and TLR10 rs4129009 variants.
Conclusions:
- Genetic variations in TLR2, TLR1, and TLR10 impact cord blood Treg marker gene expression.
- TLR pathway interactions influence neonatal Tregs, modulated by maternal atopy.
- These findings are relevant for understanding immune maturation and atopic disease development.
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