title: Toll-like receptor 11-initiated innate immune response in male mouse germ cells.
abstract: Toxoplasma gondii and uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) may infect the testis and impair testicular function. Mechanisms underlying testicular innate immune response to these two pathogens remain to be clarified. The present study examined the function of TLR11, which can be recognized by T. gondii-derived profilin and UPEC, in initiating innate immune response in male mouse germ cells. TLR11 is predominantly expressed in spermatids. Profilin and UPEC induced the expressions of different inflammatory cytokine profiles in the germ cells. In particular, profilin induced the expressions of macrophage chemotactic protein 1 (MCP1), interleukin 12 (IL12), and interferon gamma (IFNG) through nuclear factor KB (NFKB) activation. UPEC induced the expressions of MCP1, IL12, and IFNG, as well as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFA), IL6, and IFNB, through the activation of NFKB, IFN regulatory factor 3, and mitogen-activated protein kinases. Evidence showed that profilin induced the innate response in male germ cells through TLR11 signaling, and UPEC triggered the response through TLR11 and other TLR-signaling pathways. We also provided evidence that local injection of profilin or UPEC induces the innate immune response in the germ cells. Data describe TLR11-mediated innate immune function of male germ cells in response to T. gondii profilin and UPEC stimulations. This system may play a role in testicular defense against T. gondii and UPEC infections in mice.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
authors.forename: Qiaoyuan
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Weiwei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Zhu
authors.forename: Zhenghui
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Keqin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yan
authors.forename: Shutao
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.forename: Daishu
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Han
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004927:Escherichia coli Infections / Q000276:immunology; D005854:Germ Cells / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000235:genetics*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors / Q000502:physiology*; D014122:Toxoplasma / Q000276:immunology; D014123:Toxoplasmosis / Q000276:immunology; D056689:Uropathogenic Escherichia coli / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: C482903:Tlr11 protein, mouse; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors
keywords: T. gondii; Toll-like receptor 11; male mouse germ cell; uropathogenic E. coli