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Updated: Apr 28, 2026

Screening Bioactive Nanoparticles in Phagocytic Immune Cells for Inhibitors of Toll-like Receptor Signaling
Published on: July 26, 2017
Toll-like receptor polymorphisms are associated with increased neurosyphilis risk
Christina M Marra1, Sharon K Sahi, Lauren C Tantalo
1From the *Departments of Neurology and †Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.
Common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in toll-like receptors (TLRs) 1, 2, and 6 are linked to neurosyphilis. Specific TLR1, TLR2, and TLR6 SNPs increase the risk for both laboratory- and clinically-defined neurosyphilis.
Area of Science:
- Immunogenetics
- Infectious Diseases
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in toll-like receptors (TLRs) 1, 2, and 6 can disrupt cellular responses to spirochetal lipoproteins.
- Investigating the association between common TLR gene SNPs and neurosyphilis is crucial for understanding disease pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if common SNPs in TLR1, TLR2, or TLR6 are associated with laboratory- or clinically-defined neurosyphilis.
- To explore the role of host genetic factors in the manifestation of neurosyphilis.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping for specific SNPs in TLR1, TLR2, and TLR6 was performed in 456 white patients with syphilis.
- Neurosyphilis was defined by reactive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-VDRL tests (laboratory) or new vision/hearing loss (clinical).
- Controls exhibited normal CSF findings and no neurological deficits.
Main Results:
- Patients with any of the three studied SNPs were more likely to have laboratory-defined neurosyphilis compared to controls.
- Individuals with TLR2 or TLR6 SNPs showed a higher likelihood of clinically-defined neurosyphilis.
- These associations remained significant irrespective of serum rapid plasma reagin (RPR) titer.
Conclusions:
- A common TLR1 polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of laboratory-defined neurosyphilis.
- Common TLR2 and TLR6 polymorphisms are linked to an elevated risk of both laboratory- and clinically-defined neurosyphilis.
- These findings highlight the influence of host genetic factors on the clinical course of syphilis.
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