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Abstract
Mycoplasmas, the smallest free-living, self-replicating bacteria with diameters of 200 to 800 nm, have been reported to be associated with human diseases. It is well known that the mycoplasma lipoprotein/peptide is able to modulate the host immune system, whose N-terminal structure is an important factor in inducing immunity and distinguishing Toll-like receptors (TLRs). However, there is still no clear elucidation about the pathogenic mechanism of mycoplasma lipoprotein/peptide and the signaling pathway. Some researchers have focused on understanding the structures of these proteins and the relationships between their structure and biological function. This review provides an update on the research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-ling Zuo
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, University of South China, Hengyang, China
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52
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Ebensen T, Guzmán CA. Immune modulators with defined molecular targets: cornerstone to optimize rational vaccine design. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2009; 655:171-88. [PMID: 20047042 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-1132-2_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Vaccination remains the most valuable tool for preventing infectious diseases. However, the performance of many existing vaccines should be improved and there are diseases for which vaccines are still not available. The use of well-defined antigens for the generation of subunit vaccines has led to products with an improved safety profile. However, purified antigens are usually poorly immunogenic, making essential the use of adjuvants. Despite the fact that adjuvants have been used to increase the immunogenicity of vaccines for more than 70 years, only a handful has been licensed for human use (e.g., aluminium salts, the micro-fluidized squalene-in-water emulsion MF59 and monophosphoryl lipid A). Thus, the development of new adjuvants which are able to promote broad and sustained immune responses at systemic and mucosal levels still remains as a major challenge in vaccinology. Recent advances in our understanding of the immune system have facilitated the identification of new biological targets for screening programs aimed at the discovery of novel immune stimulators. This resulted in the identification of new candidate adjuvants, which made possible the modulation of the immune responses elicited according to specific needs. A number of promising adjuvants which are currently under preclinical or clinical development will be described in this chapter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Ebensen
- Department of Vaccinology and Applied Micobiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstrasse 7, D-38124, Braunschweig, Germany
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53
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Brizzolara SS, Killeen J, Urschitz J. Gene expression profile in pelvic organ prolapse. Mol Hum Reprod 2008; 15:59-67. [PMID: 19056808 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gan074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
It was hypothesized that the processes contributing to pelvic organ prolapse (POP) may be identified by transcriptional profiling of pelvic connective tissue in conjunction with light microscopy. In order to test this, we performed a frequency-matched case-control study of women undergoing hysterectomy for POP and controls. Total RNA, extracted from uterosacral and round ligament samples used to generate labeled cRNA, was hybridized to microarrays and analyzed for the expression of 32 878 genes. Significance Analysis of Microarrays (Stanford University, CA, USA) identified differentially expressed genes used for ontoanalysis. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) confirmed results. Light microscopy confirmed the tissue type and assessed inflammatory infiltration. The analysis of 34 arrays revealed 249 differentially expressed genes with fold changes (FC) larger than 1.5 and false discovery rates < or =5.2%. Immunity and defense was the most significant biological process differentially expressed in POP. qPCR confirmed the elevated steady-state mRNA levels for four genes: interleukin-6 (FC 9.8), thrombospondin 1 (FC 3.5) and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (FC 2.4) and activating transcription factor 3 (FC 2.6). Light microscopy showed all the samples were composed of fibromuscular connective tissue with no inflammatory infiltrates. In conclusion, genes enriched for 'immunity and defense' contribute to POP independent of inflammatory infiltrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S Brizzolara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, 1319 Punahou Street #824, Honolulu, HI 96826, USA.
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54
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Abstract
Intrauterine infections represent a significant threat to fetal well-being and pregnancy outcome. Recent studies suggest that non-immune cells of the maternal-fetal interface can actively recognize and respond to microbes through pattern recognition receptors, in order to control pathogens that may compromise the pregnancy. However, these same innate immune responses may inadvertently lead to excessive inflammation or apoptosis at the maternal-fetal interface. Thus, pattern recognition receptors may play a key role in infection-related pregnancy complications. This review discusses what is currently known about the role of Toll-like receptors and NOD-like receptors in controlling infections at the maternal-fetal interface, and what impact their function may have on pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikki M Abrahams
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
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55
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Patni S, Wynen LP, Seager AL, Morgan G, White JO, Thornton CA. Expression and activity of Toll-like receptors 1-9 in the human term placenta and changes associated with labor at term. Biol Reprod 2008; 80:243-8. [PMID: 18815357 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.108.069252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory processes are involved in the initiation and maintenance of labor, suggesting that Toll-like receptor (TLR) activity within gestation-associated tissues, such as the placenta, might contribute to the process of parturition. Expression of transcripts for TLR1-TLR10 was examined in term (>37 wk of gestation) human placentas collected in the absence of labor (elective caesarean sections; ECS; n = 11) and after the completion of labor (normal vaginal delivery; NVD; n = 12). Placental explants were cultured in the presence of agonists for TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR5, TLR7, TLR8, and TLR9, and cytokine production after 24 h was examined. All placentas expressed transcripts for TLR1-TLR10. Reactivity to all agonists except CpG oligonucleotides was observed, indicating that, other than TLR9, all of the receptors studied yielded functional responses. Placental explants prepared from NVD placentas (n = 17) produced significantly more TNFA in response to lipopolysaccharide (TLR4 agonist) and resiquimod (TLR7/8 agonist) than explants from ECS placentas (n = 17). In contrast, gene expression analysis revealed that only transcripts for TLR2 and TLR5 were significantly elevated in association with labor. The human term placenta expresses a variety of functional TLRs, indicating that this family of receptors has an important role in parturition via as yet undetermined cell types and signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalini Patni
- Princess of Wales Maternity Unit, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham B9 5SS, United Kingdom
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56
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Mor G. Inflammation and pregnancy: the role of toll-like receptors in trophoblast-immune interaction. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2008; 1127:121-8. [PMID: 18443339 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1434.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
During normal pregnancy, the decidua is populated by a variety of leucocytes; however, cells of the innate immune system seem to dominate this tissue. Their presence suggests that the innate immune system is not indifferent to the fetus and has been associated with a response of the maternal immune system to the "semi-allograft fetus." New evidences, however, indicates that these immune cells are critical for decidual and trophoblast development, rather than induction of tolerance. We hypothesized that, during implantation, an inflammatory environment is necessary for the attachment and invasion of the blastocyst. Therefore, we propose the existence of an "inflammatory-mediated embryo implantation" condition that is dependent on the proper "education" of the innate immune system by the trophoblast. Here we postulate that trophoblast cells successfully orchestrate their inflammatory environment and regulate immune cell differentiation and activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gil Mor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Reproductive Immunology Unit, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St., FMB 301, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
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57
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Koga K, Mor G. Expression and function of toll-like receptors at the maternal-fetal interface. Reprod Sci 2008; 15:231-42. [PMID: 18421019 DOI: 10.1177/1933719108316391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) form the major family of pattern recognition receptors that are involved in innate immunity. Innate immune responses against microorganisms at the maternal-fetal interface may have a significant impact on the success of pregnancy because intrauterine infections have been shown to be strongly associated with certain complications of pregnancy. At the maternal-fetal interface, TLRs are expressed not only in the immune cells but also in nonimmune cells such as trophoblasts and decidual cells. Moreover, their expression patterns vary according to the stage of pregnancy. Here we will describe potential functions of TLRs in these cells, their recognition and response to microorganisms, and their involvement in the innate immunity. The impact of TLR-mediated innate immune response will be discussed via animal model studies, as well as clinical observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaori Koga
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA
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58
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Brant KA, Fabisiak JP. Nickel alterations of TLR2-dependent chemokine profiles in lung fibroblasts are mediated by COX-2. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2007; 38:591-9. [PMID: 18096868 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2007-0314oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Particulate matter air pollution (PM) has been linked with chronic respiratory diseases. Real-life exposures are likely to involve a mixture of chemical and microbial stimuli, yet little attention has been paid to the potential interactions between PM components (e.g., Ni) and microbial agents on the development of inflammatory-like conditions in the lung. Using the Toll-like receptor (TLR)-2 agonist MALP-2 as a lipopeptide relevant to microbial colonization, we hypothesized that nickel sensitizes human lung fibroblasts (HLF) for microbial-driven chemokine release through modulation of TLR signaling pathways. NiSO(4) (200 muM) synergistically enhanced CXCL8, yet antagonized CXCL10 mRNA expression and protein release from HLF in response to MALP-2. RT(2)-PCR pathway-focused array results indicated that NiSO(4) exposure did not alter the expression of TLRs or their downstream signaling mediators, yet significantly increased the expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2). Moreover, when NiSO(4) was given in combination with MALP-2, there was an amplified induction of COX-2 mRNA and protein along with its metabolic product, PGE2, in HLF. The COX-2 inhibitor, NS-398, attenuated NiSO(4) and MALP-2-induced PGE2 and CXCL8 release and partially reversed the NiSO(4)-dependent inhibition of MALP-2-induced CXCL10 release from HLF. These data indicate that NiSO(4) alters the pattern of TLR-2-dependent chemokine release from HLF via a COX-2-mediated pathway. The quantitative and qualitative effects of NiSO(4) on microbial-driven chemokine release from HLF shed new light on how PM-derived metals can exacerbate respiratory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly A Brant
- University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Bridgeside Point, 100 Technology Drive, Room 327, BRIDG, Pittsburgh, PA 15219-3130, USA.
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59
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Patni S, Flynn P, Wynen LP, Seager AL, Morgan G, White JO, Thornton CA. An introduction to Toll-like receptors and their possible role in the initiation of labour. BJOG 2007; 114:1326-34. [PMID: 17903232 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.2007.01488.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLR) have emerged as key upstream mediators of inflammation at many tissue sites in humans. Inflammatory processes are involved in the process of parturition suggesting that TLR activity within gestation-associated tissues might have an important role in the initiation and/or maintenance of normal term labour and in various pathological states of pregnancy such as infection-associated preterm labour. Either TLRs or their signalling molecules might be excellent therapeutic targets for prevention of preterm labour.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Patni
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Singleton Hospital, Swansea, UK.
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60
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Sarangi PP, Kim B, Kurt-Jones E, Rouse BT. Innate recognition network driving herpes simplex virus-induced corneal immunopathology: role of the toll pathway in early inflammatory events in stromal keratitis. J Virol 2007; 81:11128-38. [PMID: 17686871 PMCID: PMC2045562 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01008-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocular infection with herpes simplex virus (HSV) sets off an array of events that succeed in clearing virus from the cornea but leaves the tissue with a CD4(+) T-cell-orchestrated chronic inflammatory lesion that impairs vision. We demonstrate that Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling forms a part of the recognition system that induces the syndrome that eventually culminates in immunopathology. Accordingly, in a comparison of the outcomes of infection in wild-type (WT) mice and those lacking TLR function, it was apparent that the absence of TLR2 and, to a lesser extent, TLR9 resulted in significantly diminished lesions. Similarly, mice lacking the adapter molecule MyD88 were resistant to lesion development, but such animals were also unable to control infection, with most succumbing to lethal encephalitis. The susceptibility of TLR4(-/-) animals was also evaluated. These animals developed lesions, which were more severe, more rapidly than did WT animals. We discuss the possible mechanisms by which early recognition of HSV constituents impacts the subsequent development of immunopathological lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranita P Sarangi
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Tennessee, M409 Walters Life Sciences Bldg., 1414 Cumberland Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
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61
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Shoji T, Yoshida S, Mitsunari M, Miyake N, Tsukihara S, Iwabe T, Harada T, Terakawa N. Involvement of p38 MAP kinase in lipopolysaccharide-induced production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandin E(2) in human choriodecidua. J Reprod Immunol 2007; 75:82-90. [PMID: 17617469 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2007.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2006] [Revised: 05/14/2007] [Accepted: 05/16/2007] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Chorioamnionitis is implicated in the pathogenesis of preterm delivery. However, the detailed mechanisms by which infection induces preterm labor are not well understood. This study has assessed the involvement of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine and prostaglandin (PG) production in human choriodecidua. Samples of choriodecidua were collected before the onset of labor from women undergoing elective cesarean sections at term for breech presentation, previous cesarean delivery or cephalopelvic disproportion. Concentrations of TNFalpha, IL-10, PGE(2) and PGF(2)alpha in culture supernatants were measured by ELISA. Expression of COX-2 protein was analyzed by Western blotting. In human choriodecidual explants, LPS induced TNFalpha and IL-10 production in a dose- and time-dependent manner. LPS also up-regulated COX-2 expression and PG synthesis. Phosphorylations of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, p38 MAPK, and c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) were also confirmed by Western blotting. Furthermore, the effect of MAPK inhibitors was examined on LPS-induced pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and PG synthesis. Among the MAPK inhibitors examined, the p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB202190, significantly suppressed LPS-induced cytokine and PG production. SB202190 most profoundly suppressed the TNFalpha to IL-10 ratio, demonstrating that p38 MAPK inhibitor reduced predominantly TNFalpha other than IL-10 production. Phospho-p38 MAPK immunostaining was intense in extravillous trophoblast cells. The p38 MAPK seems to be most involved in signaling mechanisms when infection and inflammation cause preterm labor through PG synthesis. Novel therapeutic modalities targeting p38 MAPK may prevent to arrest preterm labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takako Shoji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tottori University School of Medicine, 36-1 Nishimachi, Yonago, Japan
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