• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.105-115
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• 2015

Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) is critical for the triggering of innate immune response by recognizing the conserved molecular patterns of single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) viruses and mediated antigenic adaptive immunity. To understand how TLR7 distinguish pathogen-derived molecular patterns from the host self, it is essential to be able to identify TLR7 receptor interaction interfaces, such as active sites or R848-agonist binding sites. The functional interfaces of TLR7 can serve as targets for structure-based drug design in studying the TLR7 receptor's structure-function relationship. In contrast to mammalian TLR7, chicken TLR7 (chTLR7) is unknown for its important biological function. Therefore, it has been targeted to mediate contrasting evolutionary patterns of positive selection into non-synonymous SNPs across eleven species using TLR7 conservation patterns (evolutionary conserved and class-specific trace residues), where protein sequence differences to the TLR7 receptors of interest record mutation that have passed positive section across the species. In this study, we characterized the Lys609 residue on chTLR7-ECD homodimer interfaces to reflect the current tendency of evolving positive selection to be transfer into a stabilization direction of the R848-agonist/chTLR7-ECDs complex under the phylogenetically variable position across species and we suggest a potential indicator for contrasting evolutionary patterns of both the species TLR-ECDs.

• Anatomy and Cell Biology
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• v.56 no.2
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• pp.228-235
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• 2023

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are the mammalian ortholog of Drosophila melanogaster protein Toll, originally identified for its involvement in embryonic development. In mammals, TLRs are mainly known for their ability to recognize pathogen- or damage-associated molecular patterns and, consequently, to initiate the immune response. However, it is becoming clear that TLRs can play a role also in mammal embryo development. We have previously described TLR4 and TLR7 expression in developing mouse peripheral nervous system and gastrointestinal tract. In the present study, we extended the investigation of TLR4 and TLR7 to the respiratory system and to the two main accessory organs of the digestive system, the liver and pancreas. TLR4 and TLR7 immunostaining was performed on mouse conceptuses collected at different stages, from E12 to E18. TLR4 and TLR7 immunoreactivity was evident in the embryo pancreas and liver at E12, while, in the respiratory apparatus, appeared at E14 and E17, respectively. Although further studies are required to elucidate the specific role of these TLRs in embryo development, the differential spatiotemporal TLR4 and TLR7 appearance may suggest that TLR expression in developing embryos is highly regulated for a possible their direct involvement in the formation of the organs and in the acquisition of immune-related features in preparation for the birth.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.10-16
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• 2013

Background: Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are well-known pattern recognition receptors. Among the 13 TLRs, TLR2 is the most known receptor for immune response. It activates mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), which are counterbalanced by MAPK phosphatases [MKPs or dual-specificity phosphatases (DUSPs)]. However, the regulatory mechanism of DUSPs is still unclear. In this study, the effect of a TLR2 ligand (TLR2L, Pam3CSK4) on DUSP4 expression in Raw264.7 cells was demonstrated. Methods: A Raw264.7 mouse macrophage cell line was cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum and 1% antibiotics (100 U/mL penicillin and 100 g/mL streptomycin) at $37^{\circ}C$ in 5% $CO_2$. TLR2L (Pam3CSK4)-mediated DUSP4 expressions were confirmed with RT-PCR and western blot analysis. In addition, the detection of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured with lucigenin assay. Results: Pam3CSK4 induced the expression of DUSP1, 2, 4, 5 and 16. The DUSP4 expression was also increased by TLR4 and 9 agonists (lipopolysaccharide and CpG ODN, respectively). Pam3CSK4 also induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation and ROS production, and the Pam3CSK4-induced DUSP4 expression was decreased by ERK1/2 (U0126) and ROS (DPI) inhibitors. U0126 suppressed the ROS production by Pam3CSK4. Conclusion: Pam3CSK4-mediated DUSP4 expression is regulated by ERK1/2 and ROS. This finding suggests the physiological importance of DUSP4 in TLR2-mediated immune response.

• BMB Reports
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• v.47 no.7
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• pp.361-368
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• 2014

Lipid components in biological membranes are essential for maintaining cellular function. Phosphoinositides, the phosphorylated derivatives of phosphatidylinositol (PI), regulate many critical cell processes involving membrane signaling, trafficking, and reorganization. Multiple metabolic pathways including phosphoinositide kinases and phosphatases and phospholipases tightly control spatio-temporal concentration of membrane phosphoinositides. Metabolizing enzymes responsible for PI 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) production or degradation play a regulatory role in Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling and trafficking. These enzymes include PI 4-phosphate 5-kinase, phosphatase and tensin homolog, PI 3-kinase, and phospholipase C. PI(4,5)P2 mediates the interaction with target cytosolic proteins to induce their membrane translocation, regulate vesicular trafficking, and serve as a precursor for other signaling lipids. TLR activation is important for the innate immune response and is implicated in diverse pathophysiological disorders. TLR signaling is controlled by specific interactions with distinct signaling and sorting adaptors. Importantly, TLR signaling machinery is differentially formed depending on a specific membrane compartment during signaling cascades. Although detailed mechanisms remain to be fully clarified, phosphoinositide metabolism is promising for a better understanding of such spatio-temporal regulation of TLR signaling and trafficking.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.154-162
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• 2018

Objective: The fallopian tubes play a critical role in the early events of fertilization. The rapid innate immune defense is an important part of the fallopian tubes. Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3), as a part of the innate immune system, plays an important role in detecting viral infections. In this basic and experimental study, the effect of sex hormones on the function of TLR3 in the OE-E6/E7 cell line was investigated. Methods: The functionality of TLR3 in this cell line was evaluated by cytokine measurements (interleukin [IL]-6 and IL-1b) and the effects of sex hormones on TLR3 were tested by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Additionally, TLR3 small interfering RNA (siRNA) and a TLR3 function-blocking antibody were used to confirm our findings. Results: The production of IL-6 significantly increased in the presence of polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)) as the TLR3 ligand. Using a TLR3-siRNA-ransfected OE-E6/E7 cell line and function-blocking antibody confirmed that cytokine production was due to TLR3. In addition, 17-${\beta}$ estradiol and progesterone suppressed the production of IL-6 in the presence and absence of poly(I:C). Conclusion: These results imply that sex hormones exerted a suppressive effect on the function of TLR3 in the fallopian tube cell line when different concentrations of sex hormones were present. The current results also suggest that estrogen receptor beta and nuclear progesterone receptor B are likely to mediate the hormonal regulation of TLR3, as these two receptors are the main estrogen and progesterone receptors in OEE6/E7 cell line.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.636-642
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• 2007

Background: CpG DNA plays an important role in immune cell function. This study examined whether the temporal control of toll-like receptor (TLR)9 by CpG DNA can regulate the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9). Methods and materials: Macrophages were cultured in the presence of 10% FBS. For the various MMP genes analysis, RT-PCR and real-time PCR were performed. In addition, zymography assay performed for the MMP activity. The phosphorylation assay did for the ERK1/2 and NF${\kappa}B$ activation, and luciferase promoter assay was for the NF${\kappa}B$ activity. Results: CpG DNA induced the mRNA expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, and MMP-13, but not of MMP-7, MMP-8, and MMP-12, in a time-dependent manner. Especially, the mRNA expression of MMP-9 was strongly induced by CpG DNA using real-time RT-PCR. The TLR9 inhibitor, chloroquine, suppressed CpG DNA-induced MMP-9 expression and its activity. Moreover, CpG DNA induced the phosphorylation of ERK and the inhibition of ERK by U0126 suppressed CpG DNA-induced MMP-9 expression and its activity. CpG DNA stimulated $I{\kappa}B-{\alpha}$ degradation and luciferase activity. In addition, pretreatment of SN-50, the inhibitor of NF${\kappa}B$, strongly blocked the CpG DNA-induced MMP-9 expression and activity. Conclusion: These observations suggest that CpG DNA may play important roles in the activation of macrophages by regulating the production of MMP-9 via the sequential TLR9-ERK-NF${\kappa}B$ signaling pathway.

• Genomics & Informatics
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.153-166
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• 2012

A variety of ligands differ in their capacity to bind the receptor, elicit gene expression, and modulate physiological responses. Such receptors include Toll-like receptors (TLRs), which recognize various patterns of pathogens and lead to primary innate immune activation against invaders, and G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), whose interaction with their cognate ligands activates heterotrimeric G proteins and regulates specific downstream effectors, including immuno-stimulating molecules. Once TLRs are activated, they lead to the expression of hundreds of genes together and bridge the arm of innate and adaptive immune responses. We characterized the gene expression profile of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in RAW 264.7 cells when it bound with its ligand, 2-keto-3-deoxyoctonate (KDO), the active part of lipopolysaccharide. In addition, to determine the network communications among the TLR, Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT), and GPCR, we tested RAW 264.7 cells with KDO, interferon-${\beta}$, or cAMP analog 8-Br. The ligands were also administered as a pair of double and triple combinations.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.387-394
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• 2016

Sepsis, a serious clinical problem, is characterized by a systemic inflammatory response to infection and leads to organ failure. Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling is intimately implicated in hyper-inflammatory responses and tissue injury during sepsis. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective mechanisms of trichostatin A (TSA), a HDAC inhibitor, associated with TLR signaling pathway during sepsis. The anti-inflammatory properties of TSA were assayed in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Polymicrobial sepsis was induced in mice by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), a clinically relevant model of sepsis. The mice were intraperitoneally received TSA (1, 2 or 5 mg/kg) 30 min before CLP. The serum and liver samples were collected 6 and 24-h after CLP. TSA inhibited the increased production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$ and interleukin (IL)-6 in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. TSA improved sepsis-induced mortality, attenuated liver injury and decreased serum TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-6 levels. CLP increased the levels of TLR4, TLR2 and myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88) protein expression and association of MyD88 with TLR4 and TLR2, which were attenuated by TSA. CLP increased nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B and decreased cytosolic inhibitor of kappa B ($I{\kappa}B$) protein expression, which were attenuated by TSA. Moreover, CLP decreased acetylation of $I{\kappa}B$ kinase (IKK) and increased association of IKK with $I{\kappa}B$ and TSA attenuated these alterations. Our findings suggest that TSA attenuates liver injury by inhibiting TLR-mediated inflammatory response during sepsis.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.60 no.7
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• pp.208-215
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• 2017

Purpose: Activation of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) present on circulating monocytes in patients with Kawasaki disease (KD) can lead to the production of proinflammatory cytokines and interleukin-10 (IL-10). We aimed to determine the association of the frequency of circulating TLR2+/ CD14+ monocytes (FTLR2%) with the outcomes of KD, as well as to compare FTLR2% to the usefulness of sIL-10. Methods: The FTLR2% in patients with KD was measured by flow cytometry. Serum levels of IL-10 (sIL-10) were determined in 31 patients with KD before the initial treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and in 21 febrile controls by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Patients were classified as having coronary artery lesions (CALs) based on the maximal internal diameters of the proximal right coronary artery and proximal left anterior descending coronary artery one month after the initial diagnosis. Results: We found that FTLR2% greater than 92.62% predicted CALs with 80% sensitivity and 68.4% specificity, whereas FTLR2% more than 94.61% predicted IVIG resistance with 66.7% sensitivity and 71.4% specificity. Moreover, sIL-10 more than 15.52 pg/mL predicted CALs and IVIG resistance with 40% and 66.7% sensitivity, respectively, and 73.7% and 76.2% specificity, respectively. Conclusion: We showed that measuring FTLR2% before the initial treatment could be useful in predicting CAL development with better sensitivity than sIL-10 and with results comparable to sIL-10 results for the prediction of IVIG resistance in patients with KD. However, further studies are necessary to validate FTLR2% as a marker of prognosis and severity of KD.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.21 no.9
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• pp.1259-1265
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a single bout of aerobic exercise affects the expression level of toll-like receptor4 (TLR4), IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$, and suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS-3) expression in rat hindlimb muscles depending on fiber types. To accomplish this, thirteen 7-wk Balb/c male mice were randomly assigned to an experimental group or a control group. The exercise protocol consisted of a single bout of treadmill exercise (inclination $10^{\circ}$, speed 17 cm/sec 10 min, 33 cm/sec 10 min, 50 cm/sec) and the animals were killed 24 hr after the exhaustion protocol. The level of TLR4, IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$, and SOCS-3 mRNA expression was measured by quantitative real-time PCR in soleus and plantaris muscles. A single bout of aerobic treadmill exercise increased TLR4 mRNA expression in the soleus muscle (p<0.05), whereas plantaris TLR4 mRNA expression did not change. Additionally, acute exercise led to a significant increase in IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$, and SOCS-33 mRNA in the soleus muscle, while transcripts of these genes were not affected by exercise in the plantaris muscle. In conclusion, expression level of several immune-related genes such as TLR4, cytokines, and SOCS-3 is regulated by acute exercise in a fiber type specific manner.