Modulation of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR4 responses by Aspergillus fumigatus

Infect Immun. 2009 May;77(5):2184-92. doi: 10.1128/IAI.01455-08. Epub 2009 Feb 9.

Abstract

Toll-like receptor (TLR)-based signaling pathways in the host may be modulated by pathogens during the course of infection. We describe a novel immunomodulatory mechanism in which Aspergillus fumigatus conidia induce attenuation of TLR2- and TLR4-mediated interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1beta proinflammatory responses in human mononuclear cells with suppression of IL-1beta mRNA transcription. Background TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA transcription was not influenced. A. fumigatus conidia induced TLR2 internalization and uptake into the phagosome with a resultant decrease in surface receptor expression. A. fumigatus hyphae, on the other hand, selectively downregulated the TLR4-mediated response. These novel immunosuppressive effects may facilitate the invasiveness of A. fumigatus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aspergillus fumigatus / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Hyphae / immunology
  • Immune Tolerance
  • Interleukin-1beta / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Interleukin-1beta / biosynthesis
  • Interleukin-6 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Interleukin-6 / biosynthesis
  • Spores, Fungal / immunology
  • Toll-Like Receptor 2 / immunology*
  • Toll-Like Receptor 4 / immunology*

Substances

  • Interleukin-1beta
  • Interleukin-6
  • TLR4 protein, human
  • Toll-Like Receptor 2
  • Toll-Like Receptor 4