Abstract
Human blood basophils have recently gained interest in addition to their function as allergic effector cells. Previous work suggests the involvement of innate immune mechanisms in the development and exacerbation of allergic responses, which might be mediated by basophils. We assayed the expression levels of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 1, 2, 4 and 6 on purified basophils from birch pollen-, house dust mite-, and non-allergic individuals. Additionally, we compared cytokine and chemokine secretion upon TLR stimulation in these basophil donor groups. Expression of TLR4 on the basophils of the allergic donor groups was decreased and CXCL8 secretion was elevated upon stimulation of TLR1/2 and TLR2/6 compared to the non-allergic donors. Decreased TLR expression and elevated CXCL8 secretion may represent possible mechanisms for aggravation of allergic symptoms in case of parasitic infection.
Highlights
Toll-like receptor (TLR) are central molecules of innate immune responses, as they interact with pathogen-associated molecular patterns derived from microbial invaders[1]
TLR4 levels were significantly lower in house dust mite (HDM)-allergic patients compared to non-allergic donors (Fig 3b)
CXCL8 secretion from allergic donor basophils is augmented upon TLR1/2, TLR2/6 stimulation
Summary
TLRs are central molecules of innate immune responses, as they interact with pathogen-associated molecular patterns derived from microbial invaders[1]. Recent publications suggest that TLRs may be involved in host defense against microbial infection, but may contribute to the formation and exacerbation of allergic responses by influencing IgE-mediated pathways. Tulic et al.[2] compared TLR function and expression in allergic versus non-allergic children. They found excessive TLR function in allergic children at birth and a relative decrease with age thereafter, which they discussed to result in an upregulated TH2 response. A link between TLR signaling and allergy was further strengthened by the studies of Kucuksezer et al. PLOS ONE | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0149275.
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