We recently showed that mice deficient in Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) or its adapter molecule MyD88 have increased signs of colitis compared with wild-type (WT) mice after dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced injury. We wished to test the hypothesis that cyclooxygenase 2 (Cox-2)–derived prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) is important in TLR4-related mucosal repair.

Cox-2 expression was analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and luciferase reporter constructs. Small interfering RNA was used to inhibit expression of MyD88. TLR4−/− or WT mice were given 2.5% DSS for 7 days. Proliferation and apoptosis were assessed using bromodeoxyuridine staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling assays, respectively. PGE₂ was given orally to DSS-treated mice.

Intestinal epithelial cell lines up-regulated Cox-2 expression in a TLR4- and MyD88-dependent fashion. Lipopolysaccharide-mediated stimulation of PGE₂ production was blocked by a selective Cox-2 inhibitor or small interfering RNA against MyD88. After DSS injury, Cox-2 expression increased only in WT mice. TLR4−/− mice have significantly reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis after DSS injury compared with WT mice. PGE₂ supplementation of TLR4−/− mice resulted in improvement in clinical signs of colitis and restoration of proliferation and apoptosis to WT values. The mechanism for improved epithelial repair may be through PGE₂-dependent activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor.

We describe an important link between TLR4 signaling and Cox-2 expression in the gut. TLR4 and MyD88 signaling are required for optimal proliferation and protection against apoptosis in the injured intestine. Although TLR4 signaling is beneficial in the short term, chronic signaling through TLR4 may lower the threshold for colitis-associated cancer.