IFNs activate toll-like receptor gene expression in viral infections

M Miettinen, T Sareneva, I Julkunen, S Matikainen - Genes & Immunity, 2001 - nature.com
M Miettinen, T Sareneva, I Julkunen, S Matikainen
Genes & Immunity, 2001nature.com
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) mediate innate immune responses to microbes. TLR2, TLR5,
TLR6, and TLR9 have been implicated in responses to bacterial components, and TLR4 is
the receptor for Gram-negative bacteria. Recently, TLR4 was described to function in
respiratory syncytial virus-induced NF-κB activation. Here we have analyzed TLR1–9 mRNA
expression in human primary macrophages infected with influenza A and Sendai viruses.
TLR1, TLR2, TLR4, TLR6, and TLR8 mRNAs were expressed at basal levels in …
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) mediate innate immune responses to microbes. TLR2, TLR5, TLR6, and TLR9 have been implicated in responses to bacterial components, and TLR4 is the receptor for Gram-negative bacteria. Recently, TLR4 was described to function in respiratory syncytial virus-induced NF-κB activation. Here we have analyzed TLR1–9 mRNA expression in human primary macrophages infected with influenza A and Sendai viruses. TLR1, TLR2, TLR4, TLR6, and TLR8 mRNAs were expressed at basal levels in macrophages. Viral infection enhanced TLR1, TLR2, TLR3, and TLR7 mRNA expression, and neutralizing anti-IFN-α/β antibodies downregulated gene expression of these TLRs. Exogenously added IFN-α upregulated TLR1, TLR2, TLR3, and TLR7 mRNA expression in macrophages, as well as TLR3 mRNA expression in epithelial and endothelial cell lines. IFN-γ enhanced the expression of TLR1 and TLR2 mRNA in macrophages, and TLR3 in epithelial and endothelial cells. The data suggests a novel role for IFNs in the activation of innate immunity.
nature.com