Differential expression of Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 in tissues of the human female reproductive tract.
Toll-like receptor (TLR) signal transduction is a central component of the innate immune response to pathogenic challenge. Although recent studies have begun to elucidate differences in acquired immunity in tissues of the human female reproductive tract, there is a relative paucity of work regarding innate defense mechanisms. We investigated TLR mRNA and protein expression in tissues of the human female reproductive tract. Constitutive mRNA expression of TLRs 1 to 6 was observed in fallopian tubes, uterine endometrium, cervix, and ectocervix. Furthermore, transcripts of the signaling adapter MyD88 and the accessory molecule CD14 were also detected in all tissues assayed. Quantitative analysis of TLR2 mRNA levels revealed highest expression of this molecule in fallopian tube and cervical tissues, followed by endometrium and ectocervix. In contrast to TLR2, TLR4 expression declined progressively along the tract, with highest expression in the upper tissues (fallopian tubes and endometrium), followed by cervix and ectocervix. In addition to mRNA, protein expression of TLR2 and TLR4 was also documented in these tissues. These data suggest that TLRs are differentially expressed in distinct compartments of the female reproductive tract and may provide insight regarding the regulation of inflammation and immunity within the tract.
Pioli
Patricia A
PA
Department of Physiology, Dartmouth Medical School, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03756, USA. pioli@dartmouth.edu
Amiel
Eyal
E
Schaefer
Todd M
TM
Connolly
John E
JE
Wira
Charles R
CR
Guyre
Paul M
PM
D048868:Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000943:Antigens, Differentiation / Q000235:genetics; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D005836:Genitalia, Female / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D018950:Lipopolysaccharide Receptors / Q000235:genetics; D051218:Lymphocyte Antigen 96; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D008875:Middle Aged; D053594:Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88; D009928:Organ Specificity; D017698:Postmenopause; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000235:genetics; D051195:Toll-Like Receptor 2; D051197:Toll-Like Receptor 4; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors
D048868:Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; D000943:Antigens, Differentiation; D000954:Antigens, Surface; C495377:LY96 protein, human; D018950:Lipopolysaccharide Receptors; D051218:Lymphocyte Antigen 96; C507779:MYD88 protein, human; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D053594:Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic; C495342:TLR2 protein, human; C495345:TLR4 protein, human; D051195:Toll-Like Receptor 2; D051197:Toll-Like Receptor 4; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors