Functional analysis of pattern recognition receptors in miniature dachshunds with inflammatory colorectal polyps

Inflammatory colorectal polyps (ICRPs) frequently occur in miniature dachshunds (MDs) in Japan. MDs with ICRPs develop multiple polyps with severe neutrophil infiltration that respond to immunosuppressive therapy. Therefore, ICRPs are thought to constitute a novel, breed-specific form of canine inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) play a key role in the distinction of pathogens from commensal bacteria and food antigens. Dysfunction resulting from genetic disorders of PRRs have been linked to human and canine IBD. Therefore, we analyzed the reactivity of PRRs in MDs with ICRPs. Twenty-six MDs with ICRPs and 16 control MDs were recruited. Peripheral blood-derived monocytes were obtained from each dog and then stimulated with PRR ligands for 6 and 24 hr; subsequently, messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels and protein secretion of IL-1β were quantified using quantitative real-time PCR and ELISA, respectively. The levels of IL-1β mRNA and protein secretion after stimulation with a nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2) ligand were significantly greater in monocytes from ICRP-affected MDs than in those from control MDs. In addition, IL-1β protein secretion induced by toll-like receptor (TLR) 1/2, TLR2 and TLR2/6 stimulation was also significantly greater in ICRP-affected MDs. These results suggest that reactivity against NOD2, TLR1/2, TLR2 and TLR2/6 signals is enhanced in ICRP-affected MDs and may play a role in the pathogenesis of ICRPs in MDs. Additional studies of the genetic background of these PRRs should be performed.