The Central Leucine-Rich Repeat Region of Chicken TLR16 Dictates Unique Ligand Specificity and Species-Specific Interaction with TLR2

Comparative analysis of species-specific ligand recognition in Toll-like receptor 8 signaling: a hypothesis

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a central role in the innate immune response by recognizing conserved structural patterns in a variety of microbes. TLRs are classified into six families, of which TLR7 family members include TLR7, 8, and 9, which are localized to endolysosomal compartments recognizing viral infection in the form of foreign nucleic acids. In our current study, we focused on TLR8, which has been shown to recognize different types of ligands such as viral or bacterial ssRNA as well as small synthetic molecules. The primary sequences of rodent and non-rodent TLR8s are similar, but the antiviral compound (R848) that activates the TLR8 pathway is species-specific. Moreover, the factors underlying the receptor's species-specificity remain unknown. To this end, comparative homology modeling, molecular dynamics simulations refinement, automated docking and computational mutagenesis studies were employed to probe the intermolecular interactions between this anti-viral compound and TLR8. Furthermore, comparative analyses of modeled TLR8 (rodent and non-rodent) structures have shown that the variation mainly occurs at LRR14-15 (undefined region); hence, we hypothesized that this variation may be the primary reason for the exhibited species-specificity. Our hypothesis was further bolstered by our docking studies, which clearly showed that this undefined region was in close proximity to the ligand-binding site and thus may play a key role in ligand recognition. In addition, the interface between the ligand and TLR8s varied depending upon the amino acid charges, free energy of binding, and interaction surface. Therefore, our current work provides a hypothesis for previous in vivo studies in the context of TLR signaling.

Sensing disease and danger: a survey of vertebrate PRRs and their origins

A key facet of the innate immune response lays in its ability to recognize and respond to invading microorganisms and cellular disturbances. Through the use of germ-line encoded PRRs, the innate immune system is capable of detecting invariant pathogen motifs termed pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPS) that are distinct from host encoded proteins or products released from dying cells, which are known as damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). PAMPs and DAMPs include both protein and nucleic acids for the detection and response to pathogens and metabolic "danger" signals. This is by far one of the most active areas of research as recent studies have shown retinoic acid inducible gene 1 (RIG1)-like receptors (RLRs), the nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich repeat containing proteins (NLRs) and Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and the recently described AIM-like receptors (ALRs) are responsible for initiating interferon production or the assembly and activation of the inflammasome, ultimately resulting in the release of bioactive IL-1 family members. Overall, the vertebrate PRR recognition machinery consists of seven domains (e.g., Death, NACHT, CARD, TIR, LRR, PYD, helicase), most of which can be traced to the very origins of the deuterostomes. This review is intended to provide an overview of the basic components that are used by vertebrates to detect and respond to pathogens, with an emphasis on these receptors in fish as well as a brief note on their likely origins.

Lgt processing is an essential step in Streptococcus suis lipoprotein mediated innate immune activation

BACKGROUND

Streptococcus suis causes invasive infections in pigs and occasionally in humans. The host innate immune system plays a major role in counteracting S. suis infections. The main components of S. suis able to activate the innate immune system likely include cell wall constituents that may be released during growth or after cell wall integrity loss, however characterization of these components is still limited.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

[corrected] A concentrated very potent innate immunity activating supernatant of penicillin-treated S. suis was SDS-PAGE fractionated and tested for porcine peripheral blood mononucleated cell (PBMC) stimulating activity using cytokine gene transcript analysis. More than half of the 24 tested fractions increased IL-1β and IL-8 cytokine gene transcript levels in porcine PBMCs. Mass spectrometry of the active fractions indicated 24 proteins including 9 lipoproteins. Genetic inactivation of a putative prolipoprotein diacylglyceryl transferase (Lgt) gene resulted in deficient lipoprotein synthesis as evidenced by palmitate labeling. The Lgt mutant showed strongly reduced activation of porcine PBMCs, indicating that lipoproteins are dominant porcine PBMC activating molecules of S. suis.

CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE

This study for the first time identifies and characterizes lipoproteins of S. suis as major activators of the innate immune system of the pig. In addition, we provide evidence that Lgt processing of lipoproteins is required for lipoprotein mediated innate immune activation.

Antigen presenting cells in a non-mammalian model system, the chicken

The chicken has a different repertoire of tissues, cells and genes of the immune response compared to mammals, yet generally survives infection with viral, bacterial, protozoal and fungal pathogens, and also worms and ectoparasites, just like mammals. Poultry are also probably the most heavily vaccinated group of farmed animals. Antigen presentation to the adaptive immune response therefore obviously normally occurs efficiently in birds. Although comparatively much is known about macrophages and B cells in the chicken, there is as yet little work on the other, professional, antigen-presenting cells, the dendritic cells (DC). Birds also have at least two other sets of phagocytic cells, heterophils and thrombocytes, which may also have the ability to present antigen. Here we review the current state of knowledge about antigen presenting cells in the chicken, concentrating mainly on recent advances in our knowledge of DC.

Molecular evolution of the vertebrate TLR1 gene family--a complex history of gene duplication, gene conversion, positive selection and co-evolution

Background

The Toll-like receptors represent a large superfamily of type I transmembrane glycoproteins, some common to a wide range of species and others are more restricted in their distribution. Most members of the Toll-like receptor superfamily have few paralogues; the exception is the TLR1 gene family with four closely related genes in mammals TLR1, TLR2, TLR6 and TLR10, and four in birds TLR1A, TLR1B, TLR2A and TLR2B. These genes were previously thought to have arisen by a series of independent gene duplications. To understand the evolutionary pattern of the TLR1 gene family in vertebrates further, we cloned the sequences of TLR1A, TLR1B, TLR2A and TLR2B in duck and turkey, constructed phylogenetic trees, predicted codons under positive selection and identified co-evolutionary amino acid pairs within the TLR1 gene family using sequences from 4 birds, 28 mammals, an amphibian and a fish.

Results

This detailed phylogenetic analysis not only clarifies the gene gains and losses within the TLR1 gene family of birds and mammals, but also defines orthologues between these vertebrates. In mammals, we predict amino acid sites under positive selection in TLR1, TLR2 and TLR6 but not TLR10. We detect co-evolution between amino acid residues in TLR2 and the other members of this gene family predicted to maintain their ability to form functional heterodimers. In birds, we predict positive selection in the TLR2A and TLR2B genes at functionally significant amino acid residues. We demonstrate that the TLR1 gene family has mostly been subject to purifying selection but has also responded to directional selection at a few sites, possibly in response to pathogen challenge.

Conclusions

Our phylogenetic and structural analyses of the vertebrate TLR1 family have clarified their evolutionary origins and predict amino acid residues likely to be important in the host's defense against invading pathogens.

Expression of Toll-like receptors and avian β-defensins and their changes in response to bacterial components in chicken sperm

The aim of the present study was to examine whether chicken sperm express mRNA of Toll-like receptors (TLR) and avian β-defensins (avBD), and whether the expression of avBD in the sperm are regulated by the interaction of TLR-2 and TLR-4 with their corresponding ligands. Total RNA was extracted from fresh sperm and mRNA expression for TLR and avBD were examined by reverse-transcription PCR. Changes in the expression of avBD-5, avBD-9, avBD-10, and avBD-12 in the sperm after incubation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; TLR-4 ligand) or lipopeptide (Pam3CSK4; TLR-2 ligand) were examined by real-time PCR. Among 8 types of TLR, PCR products of 7 types, namely, TLR-2 to TLR-5, TLR-7, TLR-15, and TLR-21, were identified in the sperm. The sperm also expressed cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14), which is required for the binding of LPS to TLR-4. Out of 14 avBD types reported in the chicken, a total of 9 types, namely, avBD-1, avBD-3, avBD-5, and avBD-7 to avBD-12 were expressed by the sperm, whereas avBD-5, avBD-9, avBD-10, and avBD-12 showed dense signals on the gel. Expression levels of avBD-5, avBD-9, avBD-10, and avBD-12 were significantly increased in the sperm stimulated with LPS, and that of avBD-5 was also enhanced by Pam3CSK4. These results suggest that avian sperm have the ability of the innate host defense to protect themselves from infection in the male and female genital tracts.

Cleavage and activation of a Toll-like receptor by microbial proteases

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are innate receptors that show high conservation throughout the animal kingdom. Most TLRs can be clustered into phylogenetic groups that respond to similar types of ligands. One exception is avian TLR15. This receptor does not categorize into one of the existing groups of TLRs and its ligand is still unknown. Here we report that TLR15 is a sensor for secreted virulence-associated fungal and bacterial proteases. Activation of TLR15 involves proteolytic cleavage of the receptor ectodomain and stimulation of NF-κB-dependent gene transcription. Receptor activation can be mimicked by the expression of a truncated TLR15 of which the entire ectodomain is removed, suggesting that receptor cleavage alleviates receptor inhibition by the leucine-rich repeat domain. Our results indicate TLR15 as a unique type of innate immune receptor that combines TLR characteristics with an activation mechanism typical for the evolutionary distinct protease-activated receptors.

Advances in avian immunology--prospects for disease control: a review

In order to develop novel solutions to avian disease problems, including novel vaccines and/or vaccine adjuvants, and the identification of disease resistance genes which can feed into conventional breeding programmes, it is necessary to gain a more thorough understanding of the avian immune response and how pathogens can subvert that response. Birds occupy the same habitats as mammals, have similar ranges of longevity and body mass, and face similar pathogen challenges, yet birds have a different repertoire of organs, cells, molecules and genes of the immune system compared to mammals. This review summarises the current state of knowledge of the chicken's immune response, highlighting differences in the bird compared to mammals, and discusses how the availability of the chicken genome sequence and the associated postgenomics technologies are contributing to theses studies and also to the development of novel intervention strategies againts avian and zoonotic disease.

Toll-like receptors 1 and 2 cooperatively mediate immune responses to curli, a common amyloid from enterobacterial biofilms

Responses to host amyloids and curli amyloid fibrils of Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium are mediated through Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2. Here we show that TLR2 alone was not sufficient for mediating responses to curli. Instead, transfection experiments with human cervical cancer (HeLa) cells and antibody-mediated inhibition of TLR signalling in human macrophage-like (THP-1) cells suggested that TLR2 interacts with TLR1 to recognize curli amyloid fibrils. TLR1/TLR2 also serves as a receptor for tri-acylated lipoproteins, which are produced by E. coli and other Gram-negative bacteria. Despite the presence of multiple TLR1/TLR2 ligands on intact bacterial cells, an inability to produce curli amyloid fibrils markedly reduced the ability of E. coli to induce TLR2-dependent responses in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, our data suggest that curli amyloid fibrils from enterobacterial biofilms significantly contribute to TLR1/TLR2-mediated host responses against intact bacterial cells.

Human and chicken TLR pathways: manual curation and computer-based orthology analysis

The innate immune responses mediated by Toll-like receptors (TLR) provide an evolutionarily well-conserved first line of defense against microbial pathogens. In the Reactome Knowledgebase we previously integrated annotations of human TLR molecular functions with those of over 4000 other human proteins involved in processes such as adaptive immunity, DNA replication, signaling, and intermediary metabolism, and have linked these annotations to external resources, including PubMed, UniProt, EntrezGene, Ensembl, and the Gene Ontology to generate a resource suitable for data mining, pathway analysis, and other systems biology approaches. We have now used a combination of manual expert curation and computer-based orthology analysis to generate a set of annotations for TLR molecular function in the chicken (Gallus gallus). Mammalian and avian lineages diverged approximately 300 million years ago, and the avian TLR repertoire consists of both orthologs and distinct new genes. The work described here centers on the molecular biology of TLR3, the host receptor that mediates responses to viral and other doubled-stranded polynucleotides, as a paradigm for our approach to integrated manual and computationally based annotation and data analysis. It tests the quality of computationally generated annotations projected from human onto other species and supports a systems biology approach to analysis of virus-activated signaling pathways and identification of clinically useful antiviral measures.

The iNOS/Src/FAK axis is critical in Toll-like receptor-mediated cell motility in macrophages

The Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a pivotal role in innate immunity for the detection of highly conserved, pathogen-expressed molecules. Previously, we demonstrated that lipopolysaccharide (LPS, TLR4 ligand)-increased macrophage motility required the participation of Src and FAK, which was inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-dependent. To investigate whether this iNOS/Src/FAK pathway is a general mechanism for macrophages to mobilize in response to engagement of TLRs other than TLR4, peptidoglycan (PGN, TLR2 ligand), polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (polyI:C, TLR3 ligand) and CpG-oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG, TLR9 ligand) were used to treat macrophages in this study. Like LPS stimulation, simultaneous increase of cell motility and Src (but not Fgr, Hck, and Lyn) was detected in RAW264.7, peritoneal macrophages, and bone marrow-derived macrophages exposed to PGN, polyI:C and CpG. Attenuation of Src suppressed PGN-, polyI:C-, and CpG-elicited movement and the level of FAK Pi-Tyr861, which could be reversed by the reintroduction of siRNA-resistant Src. Besides, knockdown of FAK reduced the mobility of macrophages stimulated with anyone of these TLR ligands. Remarkably, PGN-, polyI:C-, and CpG-induced Src expression, FAK Pi-Tyr861, and cell mobility were inhibited in macrophages devoid of iNOS, indicating the importance of iNOS. These findings corroborate that iNOS/Src/FAK axis occupies a central role in macrophage locomotion in response to engagement of TLRs.

Chicken TLR21 is an innate CpG DNA receptor distinct from mammalian TLR9

TLRs comprise a family of evolutionary conserved sensory receptors that respond to distinct classes of ligands. For one major evolutionary branch of TLRs, the ligands are still largely unknown. Here we report the cloning and function of one member of this group, chicken TLR21 (chTLR21). This TLR is absent in the human species but has homologs in fish and frog and displays similarity with mouse TLR13. Expression of chTLR21 in HEK293 cells resulted in activation of NF-kappaB in response to unmethylated CpG DNA, typically recognized by mammalian TLR9. Silencing of chTLR21 (but not chTLR4) in chicken macrophages inhibited the response to CpG-DNA (but not to LPS), indicating similar functionality of the endogenous receptor. ChTLR21 responded to human- and murine-specific TLR9 ligands, as well as to bacterial genomic DNA isolated from Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis. Confocal microscopy located chTLR21 in the same intracellular compartments as human TLR9. Inhibition of the chTLR21 response by the endosomal maturation inhibitor chloroquine suggested that the receptor is functional in endolysosomes, as known for TLR9. The analogous localization and function of the phylogenetically only distantly related chTLR21 and mammalian TLR9 suggest that during evolution different classes of TLRs have emerged that recognize the same type of ligands.

The differential evolutionary dynamics of avian cytokine and TLR gene classes

The potential for investigating immune gene diversity has been greatly enhanced by recent advances in sequencing power. In this study, variation at two categories of avian immune genes with differing functional roles, pathogen detection and mediation of immune mechanisms, was examined using high-throughput sequencing. TLRs identify and alert the immune system by detecting molecular motifs that are conserved among pathogenic microorganisms, whereas cytokines act as mediators of resulting inflammation and immunity. Nine genes from each class were resequenced in a panel of domestic chickens and wild jungle fowl (JF). Tests on population-wide genetic variation between the gene classes indicated that allele frequency spectra at each group were distinctive. TLRs showed evidence pointing toward directional selection, whereas cytokines had signals more suggestive of frequency-dependent selection. This difference persisted between the distributions considering only coding sites, suggesting functional relevance. The unique patterns of variation at each gene class may be constrained by their different functional roles in the immune response. TLRs identify a relatively limited number of exogeneous pathogenic-related patterns and would be required to adapt quickly in response to evolving novel microbes encountered in new environmental niches. In contrast, cytokines interact with many molecules in mediating the power of immune mechanisms, and accordingly respond to the selective stimuli of many infectious diseases. Analyses also indicated that a general pattern of high variability has been enhanced by widespread genetic exchange between chicken and red JF, and possibly between chicken and gray JF at TLR1LA and TLR2A.

Expression of the avian-specific toll-like receptor 15 in chicken heterophils is mediated by gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, but not TLR agonists

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a critical component of the innate immune response of mammalian and avian species. While most mammalian TLRs have been well characterized, the chicken-specific TLR15 has not been extensively studied. We recently demonstrated that TLR15 is differentially expressed between Salmonella-susceptible-and-resistant chickens, indicating a potential role in the innate immune response to infection with Salmonella. The aim of the present study was to gain better insight into the nature of the ligand for TLR15 by characterizing gene expression patterns of TLR15 by heterophils in response to numerous bacterial-derived TLR agonists LPS, flagellin, CpG oligodeoxynucleotides, lipotechoic acid (LTA), peptidoglycan (PGN), and Pam3CSK4 (PAM), stimulation with live Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (SE-used as a positive control), chicken isolates of Escherichia coli (EC) and Enterococcus gallinarum (EG), the equine-specific pathogen Rhodococcus equi, and stimulation with heat-killed, and formalin-killed SE, EC, and EG. TLR15 expression increased significantly in response to stimulation with live, heat-killed and formalin-killed SE, EC, and EG, but was unaffected by stimulation with known TLR agonists and R. equi. Overall, these observations demonstrate that the individual TLR agonists are not the ligand for TLR15, and that TLR15 recognizes a unique, non-secreted, heat-stabile component of both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria commonly found in and/or capable of causing disease in chickens.

Molecular mechanisms of campylobacter infection

Campylobacter jejuni is the principal bacterial foodborne pathogen. A major challenge still is to identify the virulence strategies exploited by C. jejuni. Recent genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics approaches indicate that C. jejuni displays extensive inter- and intrastrain variation. The diverse behavior enables bacterial adaptation to different environmental conditions and directs interactions with the gut mucosa. Here, we report recent progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms and functional consequences of the phenotype diversity. The results suggest that C. jejuni actively penetrates the intestinal mucus layer, secretes proteins mainly via its flagellar apparatus, is engulfed by intestinal cells, and can disrupt the integrity of the epithelial lining. C. jejuni stimulates the proinflammatory pathway and the production of a large repertoire of cytokines, chemokines, and innate effector molecules. Novel experimental infection models suggest that the activation of the innate immune response is important for the development of intestinal pathology.

CpG oligodeoxynucleotide and double-stranded RNA synergize to enhance nitric oxide production and mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in chicken monocytes

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognize microbial components and initiate the innate immune responses that control microbial infections. The interaction between ligands of TLR3 and TLR9, poly I:C (an analog of viral double-stranded RNA) and CpG-ODN (a CpG-motif containing oligodeoxydinucleotide) on the inflammatory immune responses, including the production of nitric oxide (NO) and the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6, and chemokines IL-8 and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1β, were investigated in chicken monocytes. The NO production was significantly higher when stimulated with a combination of CpG-ODN and poly I:C than with either CpG-ODN or poly I:C alone. Similarly, a significant synergistic effect by CpG-ODN and poly I:C was observed in the up-regulation of iNOS and IL-8 mRNA after 2 h and persisted up to 24 h. Although the combinatory treatment of CpG-ODN and poly I:C enhanced the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and MIP-1β(3 after 2 h stimulation, the synergism in the up-regulation of IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA was observed after 8-h and 24-h stimulation, respectively, whereas there was no synergistic effect on MIP-1β. Our results demonstrate that CpG-ODN synergizes with poly I:C to induce pro-inflammatory immune response in chicken monocytes.

Activation of human and chicken toll-like receptors by Campylobacter spp

Campylobacter infection in humans is accompanied by severe inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, in contrast to colonization of chicken. The basis for the differential host response is unknown. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) sense and respond to microbes in the body and participate in the induction of an inflammatory response. Thus far, the interaction of Campylobacter with chicken TLRs has not been studied. Here, we investigated the potential of four Campylobacter strains to activate human TLR1/2/6, TLR4, TLR5, and TLR9 and chicken TLR2t2/16, TLR4, TLR5, and TLR21. Live bacteria showed no or very limited potential to activate TLR2, TLR4, and TLR5 of both the human and chicken species, with minor but significant differences between Campylobacter strains. In contrast, lysed bacteria induced strong NF-kappaB activation through human TLR1/2/6 and TLR4 and chicken TLR2t2/16 and TLR4 but not via TLR5 of either species. Interestingly, C. jejuni induced TLR4-mediated beta interferon in human but not chicken cells. Furthermore, isolated chromosomal Campylobacter DNA was unable to activate human TLR9 in our system, whereas chicken TLR21 was activated by DNA from all of the campylobacters tested. Our data are the first comparison of TLR-induced immune responses in humans and chickens. The results suggest that differences in bacterial cell wall integrity and in TLR responses to Campylobacter LOS and/or DNA may contribute to the distinct clinical manifestation between the species.

Involvement of TLR21 in baculovirus-induced interleukin-12 gene expression in avian macrophage-like cell line HD11

Our previous work showed that baculovirus (Antheraea pernyi nuclear polyhedrosis virus [ApNPV]) induced a strong innate immunity and protected chicken from a lethal challenge of bronchitis virus. The purpose of present study was to determine the chicken Toll-like receptors (TLRs) used by BV-infected immune cells to induce this immune response. We first investigated the expression of the Toll-like receptor (TLR) genes in resting and BV-infected HD11 (chicken macrophage-like cell line) and DT40 (chicken B cell-like cell line) cells. Expressions of TLRs were detected in both cell types. After BV stimulation, TLR21 was the only upregulated TLR in HD11 cells, and all the TLRs were down-regulated in DT40 cells. Since TLR activation generally leads to cytokine induction, we then determined the expression of IL-12 in the two cell lines following treatment with BV or oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) containing CpG dinucleotides (CpG-ODN). BV and CpG-ODN treatment induced the expression of IL-12 in HD11 but not in DT40 cells. HD11 cells transfected with siRNA specific for TLR21 significantly diminished BV- and CpG-ODN-induced IL-12 expression. Therefore, BV and CpG-ODN stimulated IL-12 expression involved TLR21 signaling and chicken TLR21 may have similar functions to the mammalian TLR9.

Unraveling bacterial interactions with toll-like receptors

Bacterial diversity, tight regulation of Toll-like receptor function, and the variation of cellular phenotypes dependent on the local microenvironment, are increasingly recognized as key factors in maintaining immune homeostasis. Here we discuss bacterial and host factors important for a balanced immune response during infection.

The avian Toll-Like receptor pathway--subtle differences amidst general conformity

The Toll-Like receptor (TLR) pathway plays a core role in innate immunity and is maintained with remarkable consistency across all vertebrate species. Amidst this background of overall conservation, subtle differences in the components that make up this pathway may have important implications for species-specific defense against key pathogens. Here we employ a homology-based comparative method to characterize the TLR pathway in the recently sequenced chicken and zebra finch genomes, which represent two distantly related bird species. The key features of the TLR pathway are conserved in birds and mammals, although some clear differences exist. The TLR receptors show a pattern of gene duplication and gene loss in both avian species when compared to mammals. In particular, we observe avian specific duplication of both TLR1 and TLR2 as well and a recent duplication of the TLR7 gene in the zebra finch lineage. Both positive selection and gene conversion shape the evolution of the avian specific TLR2 genes. In addition, there are notable differences in the zebra finch repertoire of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) when compared to those of the chicken. Bioinformatic analysis reveals no evidence of cathelicidins in the zebra finch genome but does identify a cluster of 12 novel defensins which map to the avian beta-defensin locus on chromosome 3. These findings contribute to the characterization of the differing immune response systems that have evolved in individual vertebrate species in response to their microbiological environment.

Prospects for understanding immune-endocrine interactions in the chicken

Despite occupying the same habitats as mammals, having similar ranges of body mass and longevity, and facing similar pathogen challenges, birds have a different repertoire of organs, cells, molecules and genes of the immune system when compared to mammals. In other words, birds are not "mice with feathers", at least not in terms of their immune systems. Here we discuss differences between immune gene repertoires of birds and mammals, particularly those known to play a role in immune-endocrine interactions in mammals. If we are to begin to understand immune-endocrine interactions in the chicken, we need to understand these repertoires and also the biological function of the proteins encoded by these genes. We also discuss developments in our ability to understand the function of dendritic cells in the chicken; the function of these professional antigen-presenting cells is affected by stress in mammals. With regard to the endocrine system, we describe relevant chicken pituitary-adrenal hormones, and review recent findings on the expression of their receptors, as these receptors play a crucial role in modulating immune-endocrine interactions. Finally, we review the (albeit limited) work that has been carried out to understand immune-endocrine interactions in the chicken in the post-genome era.

Genetic lines differ in Toll-like receptor gene expression in spleens of chicks inoculated with Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis

Toll-like receptors (TLR) recognize evolutionarily conserved molecular motifs (pathogen-associated molecular patterns) of infectious microbes and initiate innate immune response upon activation with relevant pathogens. This study investigated the acute effect of Salmonella Enteritidis challenge on TLR mRNA expression in cecum and spleen of birds from 3 distinct genetic lines. Chicks from broiler, Leghorn, and Fayoumi lines were inoculated or mock-inoculated with Salmonella Enteritidis. The mRNA expression levels of TLR2, TLR4, and TLR5 genes were assessed by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR of cecum and spleen tissue harvested at 2 or 18 h postinoculation (PI). There were no significant genetic line effects on TLR mRNA expression in spleen or cecum of mock-infected birds, or in the cecum of infected birds. Genetic line effect was significant (P < 0.05) on TLR mRNA expression in the spleen of Salmonella Enteritidis-infected birds. The Fayoumi line had higher TLR2 and TLR4 expression than Leghorn, higher TLR2 mRNA expression than broiler, and the broiler line had higher TLR5 expression than Leghorn and Fayoumi. In Salmonella Enteritidis-infected birds, the TLR2 expression in both cecum and spleen and TLR4 expression in spleen were significantly higher at 18 h PI than 2 h PI. The results demonstrate a significant genetic line effect on TLR expression in the spleen of Salmonella Enteritidis-infected birds, which may partly explain genetic variability in immune response to Salmonella Enteritidis.

Porcine Toll-like receptors: the front line of pathogen monitoring and possible implications for disease resistance

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are the most famous pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs); they monitor pathogen-associated molecular patterns and play a critical role in activation of the immune system against infection. TLR gene mutations may affect the gene products in terms of their ligand-binding ability or their signal transduction ability after ligand binding; such changes have a great influence on pathogen monitoring and disease resistance. Thirteen mammalian TLRs have been identified, and genes corresponding to all 10 TLR genes identified in humans have been fully cloned in pigs. Porcine TLR gene coding sequences possess a large number of nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). They are concentrated in ectodomains, and may increase the variability of pathogen recognition in pig populations. We summarize the current knowledge of TLR molecules in mammals and livestock (particularly pigs) and speculate on the relationship between SNPs in porcine TLRs and their application to vaccine design and disease-resistance breeding.

Variation matters: TLR structure and species-specific pathogen recognition

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a family of pattern recognition receptors that are an important link between innate and adaptive immunity. Many vaccines incorporate ligands for TLRs as an adjuvant and are developed in rodent models, with the resulting data transferred to other species. Vaccine features can be improved markedly by emphasizing the biological relevance when evaluating other animal models for host-pathogen interaction and by taking greater advantage of the unique experimental opportunities that are offered by large animal, non-rodent models. Here, we aim to summarize our current knowledge of species-specific TLR responses and briefly discuss that vaccine efficacy in relevant host species might be improved by considering the species-specific TLR responses.

Interactions between commensal bacteria and the gut-associated immune system of the chicken

The chicken gut-associated lymphoid tissue is made up of a number of tissues and cells that are responsible for generating mucosal immune responses and maintaining intestinal homeostasis. The normal chicken microbiota also contributes to this via the ability to activate both innate defense mechanisms and adaptive immune responses. If left uncontrolled, immune activation in response to the normal microbiota would pose a risk of excessive inflammation and intestinal damage. Therefore, it is important that immune responses to the normal microbiota be under strict regulatory control. Through studies of mammals, it has been established that the mucosal immune system has specialized regulatory and anti-inflammatory mechanisms for eliminating or tolerating the normal microbiota. The mechanisms that exist in the chicken to control host responses to the normal microbiota, although assumed to be similar to that of mammals, have not yet been fully described. This review summarizes what is currently known about the host response to the intestinal microbiota, particularly in the chicken.

Differential activation of human and mouse Toll-like receptor 4 by the adjuvant candidate LpxL1 of Neisseria meningitidis

Neisseria meningitidis LpxL1 lipopolysaccharide (LPS) bearing penta-acylated lipid A is considered a promising adjuvant candidate for inclusion in future N. meningitidis vaccines, as it elicits a markedly reduced endotoxic response in human macrophages relative to that in wild-type (hexa-acylated) LPS, while it is an equally effective adjuvant in mice. As dendritic cells (DC) and Toll-like receptors (TLR) are regarded as central mediators in the initiation of an immune response, here we evaluated the ability of LpxL1 LPS to mature and to activate human DC and examined its TLR4-/MD-2-activating properties. Unexpectedly, purified LpxL1 LPS displayed minimal human DC-stimulating properties compared to wild-type LPS. Although whole bacteria induced DC maturation and activation irrespective of their type of LPS, the LpxL1 mutant failed to activate the human recombinant TLR4/MD-2 complex expressed in HeLa cells. Similarly, purified LpxL1 LPS was unable to activate human TLR4/MD-2 and it even acted as an antagonist of wild-type LPS. Both wild-type and LpxL1 LPSs activated the murine TLR4/MD-2 complex, consistent with their abilities to induce maturation and activation of murine DC. Assays with cells transfected with different combinations of human and murine TLR4 and MD-2 indicated that TLR4 was a more-major determinant of the LPS response than MD-2. The species-specific activation of the TLR4/MD-2 complex by LpxL1 LPS may have an impact on the use of LpxL1 LPS as an adjuvant and the use of murine immunization models in human meningococcal vaccine development.

Toll-like receptor gene expression in cecum and spleen of advanced intercross line chicks infected with Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis

Understanding the changes in host gene expression that occur with bacterial infection will help to elucidate the basis of molecular genetic control of disease resistance. The effect of infecting chicks with Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis on the RNA expression level of Toll-like receptor (TLR) genes, and the correlation between TLR RNA expression level and bacterial burden in the cecum and spleen of young birds was studied. Chicks from two advanced intercross lines were either infected or mock infected with S. enteritidis at 1 day of age. The RNA expression levels of TLR2, TLR4 and TLR5 genes were assessed by quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR (qRT-PCR) in cecum and spleen tissues harvested at one week post-infection. Infected chicks had significant upregulation of TLR2 RNA expression in spleen, TLR4 RNA expression in both cecum and spleen, and downregulation of TLR5 RNA expression in cecum. Bacterial burden of S. enteritidis in infected birds was not correlated with TLR RNA expression level. Infecting chicks with S. enteritidis caused an increase in TLR2, TLR4 and TLR5 RNA expression level in spleen in males but not in females. The effect of sex on response to S. enteritidis infection suggests a role for TLR signaling pathways in sex-based modulation of immune response to pathogens. High correlation between TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA expression level in cecum of S. enteritidis infected birds suggests coordinated regulation or simultaneous stimulation of these genes by S. enteritidis. In conclusion, this study clearly showed that young chicks respond to S. enteritidis infection by upregulating TLR2, TLR4 RNA expression. The downregulation of TLR5 RNA expression was observed in cecum by S. enteritidis infection, which might be beneficial to protect host cells from overstimulation by bacterial flagellin.

Evolution of the chicken Toll-like receptor gene family: a story of gene gain and gene loss

Background

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) perform a vital role in disease resistance through their recognition of pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Recent advances in genomics allow comparison of TLR genes within and between many species. This study takes advantage of the recently sequenced chicken genome to determine the complete chicken TLR repertoire and place it in context of vertebrate genomic evolution.

Results

The chicken TLR repertoire consists of ten genes. Phylogenetic analyses show that six of these genes have orthologs in mammals and fish, while one is only shared by fish and three appear to be unique to birds. Furthermore the phylogeny shows that TLR1-like genes arose independently in fish, birds and mammals from an ancestral gene also shared by TLR6 and TLR10. All other TLRs were already present prior to the divergence of major vertebrate lineages 550 Mya (million years ago) and have since been lost in certain lineages. Phylogenetic analysis shows the absence of TLRs 8 and 9 in chicken to be the result of gene loss. The notable exception to the tendency of gene loss in TLR evolution is found in chicken TLRs 1 and 2, each of which underwent gene duplication about 147 and 65 Mya, respectively.

Conclusion

Comparative phylogenetic analysis of vertebrate TLR genes provides insight into their patterns and processes of gene evolution, with examples of both gene gain and gene loss. In addition, these comparisons clarify the nomenclature of TLR genes in vertebrates.

Differential induction of nitric oxide, degranulation, and oxidative burst activities in response to microbial agonist stimulations in monocytes and heterophils from young commercial turkeys

The toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognize microbial pathogens and pathogen-associated molecular patterns and trigger inflammatory immune responses to control the infection. Here, we examined functional innate immune responses to Salmonella enteritidis (SE, live or formalin-killed) and various TLR agonists including lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and peptidoglycan (PGN) from Staphylococcus aureus and synthetic lipoprotein Pam3CSK4 (PAM), poly I:C (synthetic double-stranded RNA analog), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from S. enteritidis, flagellin (FGN) from S. typhimurium, loxoribine (LOX) and R837 (synthetic anti-viral compounds), and CpG oligodeoxydinucleotide (CpG ODN)by measuring antimicrobial activities including oxidative burst and degranulation in heterophils and nitric oxide production in peripheral blood monocytes. Our results demonstrate differential nitric oxide responses to TLR agonists in turkey monocytes. LTA and CpG ODN were the most potent stimuli for nitric oxide induction followed by PAM, poly I:C, and LPS, whereas FGN, PGN, LOX, R837, and control ODN stimulated little or no nitric oxide production. Live SE stimulated significantly less NO production than formalin-killed SE (FKSE). Although FKSE induced significant degranulation and oxidative burst, most TLR agonists stimulate little oxidative burst and degranulation responses in turkey heterophils.

Phospholipase C, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and intracellular [Ca(2+)] mediate the activation of chicken HD11 macrophage cells by CpG oligodeoxynucleotide

The activation of phospholipases is one of the earliest key events in receptor-mediated cellular responses to a number of extracellular signaling molecules. Oligodeoxynucleotides containing CpG motifs (CpG ODN) mimic microbial DNA and are immunostimulatory to most vertebrate species. In the present study, we used the production of nitric oxide (NO) as an indicator to evaluate the involvement of the signaling cascades of phospholipases and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) in the activation of chicken HD11 macrophage cells by CpG ODN. Using selective inhibitors, we have identified the involvement of phosphatidylinositol (PI)-phospholipase C (PI-PLC), but not phosphatidylcholine (PC)-phospholipase C (PC-PLC) and PC-phospholipase D (PC-PLD), in CpG ODN-induced NO production in HD11 cells. Preincubation with PI-PLC selective inhibitors (U-73122) completely abrogated CpG ODN-induced NO production in HD11 cells, whereas PC-PLC inhibitor (D609) and PC-PLD inhibitor (n-butanol) had no inhibitory effects. Additionally, inhibition of PI3K and protein kinase C (PKC) with selective inhibitors and chelation of intracellular [Ca(2+)] also significantly attenuated NO production in CpG ODN-activated HD11 cells. Our results demonstrate that PI-PLC, PI3 K, PKC, and intracellular [Ca(2+)] are important components of the CpG ODN-induced signaling pathway that leads to the production of NO in avian macrophage cells.

Genetic polymorphisms within the human Toll-like receptor 2 subfamily

Infectious disease is a formidable selective force in Nature as is evident from the complexity of immune systems across multicellular species. TLRs (Toll-like receptors) constitute central pattern-recognition molecules of the innate immune system that sense bacterial, viral, fungal, protozoan and helminth organisms and activate responses that provide immediate as well as long-term protection for the host. The present article reviews the function and evolution of vertebrate TLRs with an emphasis on the subfamily of receptors comprising human TLR1, 2, 6 and 10. The idea that TLRs undergo strong purifying selection provides the framework for the discussion of single nucleotide polymorphisms, many of which are associated with the incidence of infectious disease.

Conserved and distinct aspects of the avian Toll-like receptor (TLR) system: implications for transmission and control of bird-borne zoonoses

This mini-review focuses on recent research with avian TLRs (Toll-like receptors), highlighting shared and distinct features compared with the more intensively studied mammalian TLR. These include the avian TLR repertoire and the response to various agonists. Studies with avian TLR can be applied to development of new approaches to control diseases of birds and is especially relevant to bird-borne zoonoses including avian influenza, Salmonella and Campylobacter.

Functional characterization of chicken TLR5 reveals species-specific recognition of flagellin

Mammalian Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) senses flagellin of several bacterial species and activates the innate immune system. The avian TLR repertoire exhibits considerable functional diversity compared to mammalian TLRs and evidence of a functional TLR5 in the avian species is lacking. In the present study we cloned and successfully expressed chicken TLR5 (chTLR5) in HeLa cells, as indicated by laser confocal microscopy. Infection of chTLR5 transfected cells with Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis activated NF-kappaB in a dose- and flagellin-dependent fashion. Similar NF-kappaB activation was observed with recombinant bacterial flagellin. Targeted mutagenesis of the proline residue at position 737 in the chTLR5-TIR domain was detrimental to chTLR5 function, confirming that the observed effects were conferred via chTLR5 and the MyD88 signaling pathway. Comparison of human, mouse and chicken TLR5 activation by flagellin of S. enterica serovar Typhimurium revealed that chTLR5 consistently yielded stronger responses than human but not mouse TLR5. This species-specific reactivity was not observed with flagellin of serovar Enteritidis. The species-specific TLR5 response was nullified after targeted mutagenesis of a single amino acid (Q89A) in serovar Typhimurium flagellin, while L415A and N100A substitutions had no effect. These results show that chickens express a functional TLR5 albeit with different flagellin sensing qualities compared to human TLR5. The finding that single amino acid substitutions in bacterial flagellin can alter the species-specific TLR5 response may influence the host range and susceptibility of infection.