Search

SLC29A3, also known as ENT3, is a lysosomal transmembrane protein that transports nucleosides from the lysosomes to the cytoplasm1. Loss-of-function mutations inSLC29A3cause lysosomal nucleoside storage and histiocytosis: phagocyte accumulation in multiple organs2,3. However, little is known about the mechanism through which lysosomal nucleoside storage drives histiocytosis. Herein, histiocytosis inSlc29a3−/−mice was demonstrated to depend on TLR7, which senses a combination of nucleosides and oligoribonucleotides4,5. TLR7 responded to lysosomal nucleoside storage and enhanced proliferation of Ly6ChiCX3CR1lowimmature monocytes and their maturation into Ly6Clowphagocytes inSlc29a3−/−mice. Because accumulated nucleosides primarily originated from cell corpse phagocytosis, TLR7 in immature monocytes recognized nucleoside storage as lysosomal stress and increased phagocyte numbers. This non-inflammatory compensatory response is referred to as the TLR7 stress response where Syk, GSK3β, β-catenin, and mTORC1 serve as downstream signalling molecules. In SLC29A3 disorders, histiocytosis accompanies inflammation6,7. Nucleoside storage failed to induce pro-inflammatory cytokine production inSlc29a3−/−mice, but enhanced ssRNA-dependent pro-inflammatory cytokine production in Ly6Chiclassical monocytes and peripheral macrophages, not proliferating immature monocytes. Patient-derived monocytes harbouring G208RSLC29A3mutation showed higher survival and proliferation in the presence of M-CSF and produced larger amounts of IL-6 upon ssRNA stimulation than did those derived from healthy subjects. A TLR8 antagonist inhibited the survival/proliferation of patient-derived macrophages. These results demonstrated that TLR7/8 responses to lysosomal nucleoside stress drive SLC29A3 disorders.

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) impact myeloid cell responsiveness to environmental cues such as pathogen components and metabolites. Although TLR protein expression in monocytes and tissue macrophages is thought to be optimized for microenvironments in each tissue, a comprehensive study has not been reported. We here examined protein expression of endogenous TLRs in tissue-resident myeloid cells. Neutrophils in peripheral blood, spleen, liver and lung expressed TLR2, TLR4 and TLR5 in all tissues. Ly6C+ MHC II‒ classical monocytes mature into Ly6C‒ MHC II+ monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDCs) or Ly6C‒ MHC II‒ patrolling monocytes. These subsets were found in all the tissues studied. TLR2 and TLR4 were displayed on all of these subsets, regardless of location. In contrast, expression of endosomal TLRs did vary with tissues and subsets. moDCs expressed TLR9, but much less TLR7. In contrast, TLR7, not TLR3 or TLR9, was highly expressed in classical and patrolling monocytes. Tissue macrophages such as red pulp macrophages in the spleen, Kupffer cells in the liver, microglia in the brain, alveolar macrophages in the lung and adipose tissue macrophages all expressed TLR2, TLR4 and TLR3. TLR7 was also expressed in these tissue macrophages except Kupffer cells in the liver. TLR9 expression in tissue macrophages was much lower or hard to detect. These results suggest that expression of endosomal TLRs in myeloid cells is influenced by their differentiation status and tissue-specific microenvironments.

Nucleic-acid (NA)-sensing Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum and mature with chaperones, such as Unc93B1 and the protein associated with TLR4 A (PRAT4A)–gp96 complex. The TLR–Unc93B1 complexes move to the endosomal compartment, where proteases such as cathepsins activate their responsiveness through proteolytic cleavage of the extracellular domain of TLRs. Without proteolytic cleavage, ligand-dependent dimerization of NA-sensing TLRs is prevented by the uncleaved loop in the extracellular domains. Additionally, the association of Unc93B1 inhibits ligand-dependent dimerization of TLR3 and TLR9 and, therefore, Unc93B1 is released from these TLRs before dimerization. Ligand-activated NA-sensing TLRs induce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and act on the endosomal compartment to initiate anterograde trafficking to the cell periphery for type I interferon production. In the endosomal compartment, DNA and RNA are degraded by DNases and RNases, respectively, generating degradation products. DNase 2A and RNase T2 generate ligands for TLR9 and TLR8, respectively. In this mechanism, DNases and RNases control innate immune responses to NAs in endosomal compartments. NA-sensing TLRs and the endosomal compartment work together to monitor environmental cues through endosomes and decide to launch innate immune responses.

TLRs respond to a variety of microbial products and initiate defense responses against bacteria and viruses. A variety of pathogens invade into and control the endosomal compartment to survive in host cells. On the other hand, host cells deploy cell surface and endosomal TLRs to pathogen-containing vesicles to mount defense responses. The endosomal compartment is a site for pathogen-sensing. As TLR-dependent defense responses are accompanied with a shift to the anabolic state, TLR responses need to be under metabolic control. Cellular metabolic state is monitored by sensing lysosomal metabolites by the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). Type I IFN production induced by endosomal TLRs requires mTORC1. Recent studies have demonstrated that the interaction between TLRs and mTORC1 depends on their anterograde movement to the cell periphery. In a nutrient-sufficient state, a molecular complex called Ragulator recruits and activates mTORC1 in lysosomes. In parallel, Ragulator allows the small GTPase Arl8b to drive lysosomes to the cell periphery. Nutrient-activated mTORC1 in peripheral lysosomes is constitutively associated with type I IFN signaling molecules such as TRAF3 and IKKα. On the other hand, TLR7 and TLR3 are activated in the endosomal compartment and induce trafficking of TLR-containing vesicles to the cell periphery in a manner dependent on Arl8b or another GTPase Rab7a, respectively. Lysosomal trafficking helps TLR7 and TLR3 to interact with nutrient-activated mTORC1 and type I IFN signaling molecules. The endosomal compartments serve as platforms where metabolic sensing machinery licenses TLRs to initiate type I IFN responses.

Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) and type I interferons (IFN-1) are essential for the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) models such as BXSB.Yaa and 2,6,10,14-tetramethyl-pentadecane (TMPD)-induced experimental lupus. However, the mechanism underlying the development of SLE remains undefined. We report a requirement for ADP-ribosylation factor-like 8b (Arl8b) for TLR7-dependent IFN-1 production in plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). We analyzed whether Arl8b plays a role in two SLE models by comparing wild-type and Arl8b-deficient Arl8b GeneTrap (Arl8bGt/Gt) mice. We found that BXSB.Yaa Arl8bGt/Gt mice showed none of the abnormalities characterized in BXSB.Yaa mice. TMPD treatment of Arl8bGt/Gt mice significantly inhibited the development of SLE. pDCs were required for TMPD-induced peritonitis. Our data demonstrate that Arl8b contributes to disease pathogenesis in two SLE models via IFN-1-dependent and -independent mechanisms and suggest that Arl8b is an attractive new target for therapeutic intervention in SLE.

Toll-like receptor 8 (TLR8), a sensor for pathogen-derived single-stranded RNA (ssRNA), binds to uridine (Uri) and ssRNA to induce defense responses. We here show that cytidine (Cyd) with ssRNA also activated TLR8 in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) and a myeloid cell line U937, but not in an embryonic kidney cell line 293T. Cyd deaminase (CDA), an enzyme highly expressed in leukocytes, deaminates Cyd to Uri. CDA expression enabled TLR8 response to Cyd and ssRNA in 293T cells. CDA deficiency and a CDA inhibitor both reduced TLR8 responses to Cyd and ssRNA in U937. The CDA inhibitor also reduced PBL response to Cyd and ssRNA. A Cyd analogue, azacytidine, is used for the therapy of myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia. Azacytidine with ssRNA induced tumor necrosis factor-α expression in U937 and PBLs in a manner dependent on CDA and TLR8. These results suggest that CDA enables TLR8 activation by Cyd or its analogues with ssRNA through deaminating activity. Nucleoside metabolism might impact TLR8 responses in a variety of situations such as the treatment with nucleoside analogues.

TLR3 is a sensor of double-stranded RNA that is indispensable for defense against infection with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in the brain. We found here that TLR3 was required for innate immune responses to HSV-1 in neurons and astrocytes. During infection with HSV-1, TLR3 recruited the metabolic checkpoint kinase complex mTORC2, which led to the induction of chemokines and trafficking of TLR3 to the cell periphery. Such trafficking enabled the activation of molecules (including mTORC1) required for the induction of type I interferons. Intracranial infection of mice with HSV-1 was exacerbated by impairment of TLR3 responses with an inhibitor of mTOR and was significantly 'rescued' by potentiation of TLR3 responses with an agonistic antibody to TLR3. These results suggest that the TLR3-mTORC2 axis might be a therapeutic target through which to combat herpes simplex encephalitis.

A lysosomal transmembrane protein SLC29A3 transports nucleosides from lysosomes to the cytoplasm. Loss-of-function mutations of the SLC29A3 gene cause lysosomal nucleoside storage in monocyte/macrophages, leading to their accumulation called histiocytosis in humans and mice. Little is known, however, about a mechanism behind nucleoside-dependent histiocytosis. TLR7, an innate immune sensors for single stranded RNA, bind and respond to nucleosides. We here show that they drive nucleoside-mediated histiocytosis. Patrolling monocyte/macrophages accumulate in the spleen of Slc29a3−/− mice but not Slc29a3−/−Tlr7−/− mice. Accumulated patrolling monocyte/macrophages stored nucleosides derived from cell corpse. TLR7 was recruited to phagosomes and activated as evidenced by TLR7-dependent phagosomal maturation. TLR7 induced hyper-responsiveness to M-CSF in Slc29a3−/− monocyte/macrophages. These results suggest that TLR7 drives histiocytosis in SLC29A3 disorders.One Sentence SummarySLC29A3 disorders are caused by activation of TLR7 with accumulated nucleosides in lysosomes.

Nucleic acid (NA)-sensing Toll-like receptors (TLRs) respond to DNA/RNA derived from pathogens and dead cells. Structural studies have revealed a variety of molecular mechanisms by which TLRs sense NAs. Double-stranded RNA and single-stranded DNA directly bind to TLR3 and TLR9, respectively, whereas TLR7 and TLR8 bind to nucleosides and oligoribonucleotides derived from RNAs. Activation of ligand-bound TLRs is influenced by the functional status of TLRs. Proteolytic cleavage of NA-sensing TLRs enables ligand-dependent TLR dimerization. Trafficking of ligand-activated TLRs in endosomal and lysosomal compartments is requisite for production of type I interferons. Activation of NA-sensing TLRs is required for the control of viruses such as herpes simplex virus and endogenous retroviruses. On the other hand, excessive activation of NA-sensing TLRs drives disease progression in a variety of inflammatory diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus, heart failure, arthritis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. NA-sensing TLRs are targets for therapeutic intervention in these diseases. We here focus on our recent progresses in our understanding of NA-sensing TLRs.

Tetraspanin membrane protein, epithelial membrane protein 3 (Emp3), is expressed in lymphoid tissues. Herein, we have examined the Emp3 in antigen presenting cell (APC) function in the CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) induction. Emp3-overexpressing RAW264.7 macrophage cell line derived from BALB/c mice reduced anti-C57BL/6 alloreactive CTL induction, while Emp3-knockdown RAW264.7 enhanced it compared with parent RAW267.4. Emp3-overexpressing RAW264.7 inhibited, but Emp3-knockdown RAW264.7 augmented, CD8+ T cell proliferation, interferon-γ secretion, IL-2 consumption, and IL-2Rα expression on CD8+ T cells. The supernatant from co-culture with Emp3-overexpressing RAW264.7 contained higher amount of TNF-α, and TNF- α neutralization significantly restored all these inhibitions and the alloreactive CTL induction. These results suggest that Emp3 in allogeneic APCs possesses the inhibitory function of alloreactive CTL induction by downregulation of IL-2Rα expression CD8+ T cells via an increase in TNF-α production. This demonstrates a novel mechanism for regulating CTL induction by Emp3 in APCs through TNF-α production.

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) sense viral RNA through toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7), form self-adhesive pDC–pDC clusters, and produce type I interferons. This cell adhesion enhances type I interferon production, but little is known about the underlying mechanisms. Here we show that MyD88-dependent TLR7 signaling activates CD11a/CD18 integrin to induce microtubule elongation. TLR7+ lysosomes then become linked with these microtubules through the GTPase Arl8b and its effector SKIP/Plekhm2, resulting in perinuclear to peripheral relocalization of TLR7. The type I interferon signaling molecules TRAF3, IKKα, and mTORC1 are constitutively associated in pDCs. TLR7 localizes to mTORC1 and induces association of TRAF3 with the upstream molecule TRAF6. Finally, type I interferons are secreted in the vicinity of cell–cell contacts between clustered pDCs. These results suggest that TLR7 needs to move to the cell periphery to induce robust type I interferon responses in pDCs., Antiviral immune responses involve clustering of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) in response to endosomal TLR7-mediated sensing of viral RNA. Here the authors show the GTPase Arl8b controls translocation of TLR7+ endosomes to the periphery of the cell via microtubule interactions, thus enabling pDC clustering and type I interferon production.

Core fucosylation, a posttranslational modification of N-glycans, modifies several growth factor receptors and impacts on their ligand binding affinity. Core-fucose-deficient mice generated by ablating the α1,6 fucosyltransferase enzyme, Fut8, exhibit severe pulmonary emphysema, partly due to impaired macrophage function, similar to aged Toll-like receptor 4 (Tlr4)-deficient mice. We therefore suspect that a lack of core fucose affects the TLR4-dependent signaling pathway. Indeed, upon lipopolysaccharide stimulation, Fut8-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) produced similar levels of interleukin-6 but markedly reduced levels of interferon-β (IFN-β) compared with wild-type MEFs. Lectin blot analysis of the TLR4 signaling complex revealed that core fucosylation was specifically found on CD14. Even though similar levels of TLR4/myeloid differentiation factor 2 (MD2) activation and dimerization were observed in Fut8-deficient cells after lipopolysaccharide stimulation, internalization of TLR4 and CD14 was significantly impaired. Given that internalized TLR4/MD2 induces IFN-β production, impaired IFN-β production in Fut8-deficient cells is ascribed to impaired TLR4/MD2 internalization. These data show for the first time that glycosylation critically regulates TLR4 signaling.

Viral infection is a serious threat to humans. Nucleic acid (NA) sensing is an essential strategy to protect humans from viral infection. Currently, many intracellular NA sensors for DNA and RNA have been identified. To control viral infections, the immune system uses a variety of NA sensors, including Toll-like receptors in endolysosomes and cytosolic NA sensors. These sensors activate defence responses by inducing the production of a variety of cytokines, including type I interferons and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β). In addition to viral NAs, self-derived NAs are released during tissue damage and activate NA sensors, which leads to a variety of inflammatory diseases. To avoid unnecessary activation of NA sensors, the processing and trafficking of NA sensors and NAs needs to be tightly controlled. The regulatory mechanisms of NA sensors and NAs have been clarified by biochemical, cell biological, and crystal structure analyses. Here, we summarize recent progress on the mechanisms controlling NA sensor activation.

TLRs are distributed in their characteristic cellular or subcellular compartments to efficiently recognize specific ligands and to initiate intracellular signaling. Whereas TLRs recognizing pathogen-associated lipids or proteins are localized to the cell surface, nucleic acid–sensing TLRs are expressed in endosomes and lysosomes. Several endoplasmic reticulum (ER)–resident proteins are known to regulate the trafficking of TLRs to the specific cellular compartments, thus playing important roles in the initiation of innate immune responses. In this study, we show that an ER-resident protein, Nogo-B (or RTN4-B), is necessary for immune responses triggered by nucleic acid–sensing TLRs, and that a newly identified Nogo-B–binding protein (glucosyltransferases, Rab-like GTPase activators and myotubularins [GRAM] domain containing 4 [GRAMD4]) negatively regulates the responses. Production of inflammatory cytokines in vitro by macrophages stimulated with CpG-B oligonucleotides or polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid was attenuated in the absence of Nogo-B, which was also confirmed in serum samples from Nogo-deficient mice injected with polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid. Although a deficiency of Nogo-B did not change the incorporation or delivery of CpG to endosomes, the localization of TLR9 to endolysosomes was found to be impaired. We identified GRAMD4 as a downmodulator for TLR9 response with a Nogo-B binding ability in ER, because our knockdown and overexpression experiments indicated that GRAMD4 suppresses the TLR9 response and knockdown of Gramd4 strongly enhanced the response in the absence of Nogo-B. Our findings indicate a critical role of Nogo-B and GRAMD4 in trafficking of TLR9.

Toll-like Receptor 9 (TLR9) is an innate immune receptor recognizing microbial DNA. TLR9 is also activated by self-derived DNA, such as mitochondrial DNA, in a variety of inflammatory diseases. We show here that TLR9 activation in vivo is controlled by an anti-TLR9 monoclonal Ab (mAb). A newly established mAb, named NaR9, clearly detects endogenous TLR9 expressed in primary immune cells. The mAb inhibited TLR9-dependent cytokine production in vitro by bone marrow-derived macrophages and conventional dendritic cells. Furthermore, NaR9 treatment rescued mice from fulminant hepatitis caused by administering the TLR9 ligand CpGB and D-(+)-galactosamine. The production of proinflammatory cytokines induced by CpGB and D-(+)-galactosamine was significantly impaired by the mAb. These results suggest that a mAb is a promising tool for therapeutic intervention in TLR9-dependent inflammatory diseases.

Wheat amylase/trypsin bi-functional inhibitors (ATIs) are protein stimulators of innate immune response, with a recently established role in promoting both gastrointestinal and extra-gastrointestinal inflammatory syndromes. These proteins have been reported to trigger downstream intestinal inflammation upon activation of TLR4, a member of the Toll-like family of proteins that activates signalling pathways and induces the expression of immune and pro-inflammatory genes. In this study, we demonstrated the ability of ATI to directly interact with TLR4 with nanomolar affinity, and we kinetically and structurally characterized the interaction between these macromolecules by means of a concerted approach based on surface plasmon resonance binding analyses and computational studies. On the strength of these results, we designed an oligopeptide capable of preventing the formation of the complex between ATI and the receptor.

Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) and TLR9 sense microbial single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) and ssDNA in endolysosomes. Nucleic acid (NA)-sensing in endolysosomes is thought to be important for avoiding TLR7/9 responses to self-derived NAs. Aberrant self-derived NA transportation to endolysosomes predisposes to autoimmune diseases. To restrict NA-sensing in endolysosomes, TLR7/9 trafficking is tightly controlled by a multiple transmembrane protein Unc93B1. In contrast to TLR7/9 trafficking, little is known about a mechanism underlying NA transportation. We here show that Mucolipin 1 (Mcoln1), a member of the transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channel gene family, has an important role in ssRNA trafficking into lysosomes. Mcoln1−/− dendritic cells (DCs) showed impaired TLR7 responses to ssRNA. A mucolipin agonist specifically enhanced TLR7 responses to ssRNAs. The channel activity of Mcoln1 is activated by a phospholipid phosphatidylinositol (3,5) bisphosphate (PtdIns(3,5)P2), which is generated by a class III lipid kinase PIKfyve. A PIKfyve inhibitor completely inhibited TLR7 responses to ssRNA in DCs. Confocal analyses showed that ssRNA transportation to lysosomes in DCs was impaired by PIKfyve inhibitor as well as by the lack of Mcoln1. Transportation of TLR9 ligands was also impaired by the PIKfyve inhibitor. These results demonstrate that the PtdIns(3,5)P2–Mcoln1 axis has an important role in ssRNA transportation into lysosomes in DCs.

A cell surface heterodimer Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/MD-2 senses lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a principal membrane component of Gram-negative bacteria. LPS binds to MD-2 and induces dimerization of TLR4/MD-2. Dimerized TLR4 activates downstream signaling. TLR4 polymorphism replacing Asp299 with Gly and Thr399 with Ile (D299G/T399I) causes LPS hyporesponsiveness, and is associated with a variety of infectious and noninfectious diseases. However, a molecular mechanism underlying the LPS hyporesponsiveness remains controversial. We here asked whether the TLR4 polymorphism influenced cell surface expression of TLR4/MD-2, ligand-dependent TLR4/MD-2 dimerization or TLR4/MD-2 responses to a weak agonist monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL). A newly established anti-TLR4 mAb detected D299G/T399I TLR4/MD-2 on Ba/F3 cells, whereas a previous anti-TLR4 mAb did will this fit on the line above?, suggesting that the D299G/T399I polymorphism caused a conformational change in TLR4. Hyporesponsiveness of D299G/T399I TLR4/MD-2 was much more apparent when cells were stimulated with MPL than with lipid A. MPL-dependent TLR4/MD-2 dimerization was impaired by the D299G/T399I polymorphism. The D299G/T399I polymorphism did not alter LPS-binding to soluble TLR4/MD-2, but impaired its dimerization. These results suggest that the D299G/T399I TLR4 polymorphism impairs TLR4/MD-2 responses by altering ligand-dependent dimerization.

Summary Toll-like receptor-7 (TLR7) and 9, innate immune sensors for microbial RNA or DNA, have been implicated in autoimmunity. Upon activation, TLR7 and 9 are transported from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to endolysosomes for nucleic acid sensing by an ER-resident protein, Unc93B1. Little is known, however, about a role for sensor transportation in controlling autoimmunity. TLR9 competes with TLR7 for Unc93B1-dependent trafficking and predominates over TLR7. TLR9 skewing is actively maintained by Unc93B1 and reversed to TLR7 if Unc93B1 loses preferential binding via a D34A mutation. We here demonstrate that mice harboring a D34A mutation showed TLR7-dependent, systemic lethal inflammation. CD4 + T cells showed marked differentiation toward T helper 1 (Th1) or Th17 cell subsets. B cell depletion abolished T cell differentiation and systemic inflammation. Thus, Unc93B1 controls homeostatic TLR7 activation by balancing TLR9 to TLR7 trafficking.

The molecular action of Alexa 594-labeled lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Escherichia coli was examined on living peritoneal macrophages of C57BL/6 mice by total internal reflection fluorescence microscope (TIRFM), and the molecular kinetics of LPS was analyzed. TIRFM visualization of the action of fluorescence-labeled LPS revealed an increase in the mean fluorescence intensity of LPS on the plasma membrane of wild type macrophages at 60 min after administration, indicating the oligomerization of LPS after binding to the macrophages. Additionally, a time-dependent sharp decrease in the mean diffusion coefficient of LPS was observed. On the other hand, both mean fluorescence intensity and diffusion coefficient of LPS in cases of TLR4(-/-), MD2(-/-), MyD88(-/-), and TRIF(-/-) macrophages were significantly different from the corresponding values of wild type macrophage, whereas differences were also noticed among these molecule-deficient macrophages. Furthermore, statistical analysis indicated the major role of receptors (TLR4 and MD2) and intracellular signaling molecules (MyD88 and TRIF) in oligomerization and lowering of the diffusion rate of LPS on the plasma membrane of murine macrophages, respectively.

Toll-like receptors (TLR) recognize a variety of microbial products and activate defense responses. Pathogen sensing by TLR2/4 requires accessory molecules, whereas little is known about a molecule required for DNA recognition by TLR9. After endocytosis of microbes, microbial DNA is exposed and recognized by TLR9 in lysosomes. We here show that cathepsins, lysosomal cysteine proteases, are required for TLR9 responses. A cell line Ba/F3 was found to be defective in TLR9 responses despite enforced TLR9 expression. Functional cloning with Ba/F3 identified cathepsin B/L as a molecule required for TLR9 responses. The protease activity was essential for the complementing effect. TLR9 responses were also conferred by cathepsin S or F, but not by cathepsin H. TLR9-dependent B cell proliferation and CD86 upregulation were apparently downregulated by cathepsin B/L inhibitors. Cathepsin B inhibitor downregulated interaction of CpG-B with TLR9 in 293T cells. These results suggest roles for cathepsins in DNA recognition by TLR9.

Immune cells express multiple Toll-like receptors (TLRs) that are concomitantly activated by a variety of pathogen products. Although there is presumably a need to coordinate the expression and function of TLRs in individual cells, little is known about the mechanisms governing this process. We show that a protein associated with TLR4 (PRAT4A) is required for multiple TLR responses. PRAT4A resides in the endoplasmic reticulum, and PRAT4A knockdown inhibited trafficking of TLR1 and TLR4 to the cell surface and ligand-induced trafficking of TLR9 to lysosomes. Other cell-surface molecules were expressed normally on immunocytes from PRAT4A−/− mice. There was impaired cytokine production to TLR ligands, except to the TLR3 ligand poly(I:C), and to whole bacteria. Activation of antigen-specific T helper type 1 responses were also defective. Moreover, PRAT4A−/− bone marrow chimeric mice were resistant to lipopolysaccharide-induced sepsis. These results suggest that PRAT4A regulates the subcellular distribution and response of multiple TLRs and is required for both innate and adaptive immune responses.

DNase II digests DNA in endolysosomes. In the absence of DNase II, undigested DNA activates cytoplasmic DNA-sensing pathways. Little is known, however, about the role of DNase II in endolysosomal DNA sensing by TLR9. Here we show that DNase II is required for TLR9. We test two types of TLR9 ligands, CpG-A and CpG-B, and show that only CpG-A response is impaired in DNase II-deficient dendritic cells (DCs). Enzymatically inactive DNase II mutants cannot rescue CpG-A responses. DNase II cleaves CpG-A from 20-mer to 11-12-mer. The 3'11-mer CpG-A fragment activates DNase II-deficient DCs. CpG-A shows higher co-localization with LAMP-2(+) lysosomes than CpG-B and induces DNase II localization in LAMP-2(+) lysosomes. Moreover, we demonstrate that DNase II is required for TLR9 activation by bacterial genomic DNA. Taken together, these results demonstrate that TLR9 responds to DNA fragments generated by DNase II.

TLRs recognize microbial products. Their subcellular distribution is optimized for microbial recognition. Little is known, however, about mechanisms regulating the subcellular distribution of TLRs. LPS is recognized by the receptor complex consisting of TLR4 and MD-2. Although MD-2, a coreceptor for TLR4, enhances cell surface expression of TLR4, an additional mechanism regulating TLR4 distribution has been suggested. We show here that PRAT4A, a novel protein associated with TLR4, regulates cell surface expression of TLR4. PRAT4A is associated with the immature form of TLR4 but not with MD-2 or TLR2. PRAT4A knockdown abolished LPS responsiveness in a cell line expressing TLR4/MD-2, probably due to the lack of cell surface TLR4. PRAT4A knockdown down-regulated cell surface TLR4/MD-2 on dendritic cells. These results demonstrate a novel mechanism regulating TLR4/MD-2 expression on the cell surface.

LPS is recognized by a heterodimer consisting of TLR4 and its coreceptor MD-2. LPS signal causes excessive inflammation and tissue damage. In this study, we show that a mAb to TLR4/MD-2 protected mice from acute lethal hepatitis caused by LPS/d-galactosamine. The protective effect of the mAb was not due to inhibition of LPS response, because serum TNF-α, which was induced by LPS and caused lethal hepatitis, was 10 times up-regulated by the mAb pretreatment. Moreover, this mAb induced antiapoptotic genes in liver in a TLR4/MD-2-dependent manner. These results demonstrated that an agonistic mAb to TLR4/MD-2 protected mice from LPS/d-galactosamine-induced acute lethal hepatitis by delivering a protective signal activating NF-κB through TLR4/MD-2.

Low-affinity IgG3 Abs to microbial membranes are important for primary immune defense against microbes, but little is known about the importance of TLRs in their production. IgG3 levels were extremely low in mice lacking radioprotective 105 (RP105), a B cell surface molecule structurally related to TLRs. RP105−/− B cells proliferated poorly in response to not only the TLR4 ligand LPS but also TLR2 ligand lipoproteins, both of which mediate the immunostimulatory activity of microbial membranes. RP105−/− mice were severely impaired in hapten-specific Ab production against LPS or lipoproteins. CD138 (syndecan-1)-positive plasma cells were detected after lipid A injection in wild-type spleen but much less in RP105−/− spleen. RP105 ligation in vivo induced plasma cell differentiation. RP105 expression was ∼3-fold higher on marginal zone B cells than on follicular and B1 cells and was down-regulated on germinal center cells. These results demonstrate that a signal via RP105 is uniquely important for regulating TLR-dependent Ab production to microbial membranes.

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and MD-2 recognize lipid A, the active moiety of microbial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Little is known about mechanisms for LPS recognition by TLR4/MD-2. We here showed, by using in vitro transfectants, ligand-induced TLR4-oligomerization, which required both membrane CD14 and MD-2. We previously reported that lipid IVa, a lipid A precursor, is agonistic on mouse TLR4/MD-2 but antagonistic on human TLR4/MD-2 and chimeric mouse TLR4/human MD-2. Lipid IVa triggered oligomerization of mouse TLR4/MD-2 but not human TLR4/MD-2 or chimeric mouse TLR4/human MD-2. Further, lipid IVa inhibited lipid A-dependent oligomerization of chimeric mouse TLR4/human MD-2. These results demonstrate that ligand-induced TLR4-oligomerization is directly linked with TLR4-signaling and suggest that MD-2 has an important role in regulating TLR4-oligomerization.

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and MD-2 recognizes lipid A, the active moiety of microbial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Little is known about mechanisms for LPS recognition by TLR4-MD-2. Here we show ligand-induced TLR4 oligomerization, homotypic interaction of TLR4, which directly leads to TLR4 signaling. Since TLR4 oligomerization normally occurred in the absence of the cytoplasmic portion of TLR4, TLR4 oligomerization works upstream of TLR4 signaling. Lipid IVa, a lipid A precursor, is agonistic on mouse TLR4-MD-2 but turns antagonistic on chimeric mouse TLR4-human MD-2, demonstrating that the antagonistic activity of lipid IVa is determined by human MD-2. Binding studies with radioactive lipid A and lipid IVa revealed that lipid IVa is similar to lipid A in dose-dependent and saturable binding to mouse TLR4-human MD-2. Lipid IVa, however, did not induce TLR4 oligomerization, and inhibited lipid A-dependent oligomerization of mouse TLR4-human MD-2. Thus, lipid IVa binds mouse TLR4-human MD-2 but does not trigger TLR4 oligomerization. Binding study further revealed that the antagonistic activity of lipid IVa correlates with augmented maximal binding to mouse TLR4-human MD-2, which was approximately 2-fold higher than lipid A. Taken together, lipid A antagonist lipid IVa is distinct from lipid A in binding to TLR4-MD-2 and in subsequent triggering of TLR4 oligomerization. Given that the antagonistic activity of lipid IVa is determined by MD-2, MD-2 has an important role in a link between ligand interaction and TLR4 oligomerization.

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are innate recognition molecules for microbial products, but their direct interactions with corresponding ligands remain unclarified. LPS, a membrane constituent of gram-negative bacteria, is the best-studied TLR ligand and is recognized by TLR4 and MD-2, a molecule associated with the extracellular domain of TLR4. Although TLR4-MD-2 recognizes LPS, little is known about the physical interaction between LPS and TLR4-MD-2. Here, we demonstrate cell surface LPS-TLR4-MD-2 complexes. CD14 greatly enhances the formation of LPS-TLR4-MD-2 complexes, but is not coprecipitated with LPS-TLR4-MD-2 complexes, suggesting a role for CD14 in LPS loading onto TLR4-MD-2 but not in the interaction itself between LPS and TLR4-MD-2. A tentative dissociation constant (Kd) for LPS-TLR4-MD-2 complexes was approximately 3 nM, which is approximately 10-20 times lower than the reported Kd for LPS-MD-2 or LPS-CD14. The presence of detergent disrupts LPS interaction with CD14 but not with TLR4-MD-2. E5531, a lipid A antagonist developed for therapeutic intervention of endotoxin shock, blocks LPS interaction with TLR4-MD-2 at a concentration 100 times lower than that required for blocking LPS interaction with CD14. These results reveal direct LPS interaction with cell surface TLR4-MD-2 that is distinct from that with MD-2 or CD14.

TLR3 senses viral dsRNA in endolysosomes. The TLR3 ectodomain is cleaved by proteases such as cathepsins in endolysosomes. It remains controversial whether the N-terminal fragment of TLR3 ectodomain (TLR3N) is cleaved off or remains associated with the C-terminal TLR3 fragment (TLR3C). In addition to endosomes, TLR3 is reported to be expressed on the surface of human fibroblasts, but not of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells. Less is known about roles of TLR3N and cell surface TLR3 in dsRNA sensing. In this study, we show the cleavage site of the TLR3 ectodomain and cell surface expression of TLR3 on mouse primary immune cells. TLR3C, which started at 343S, was associated with TLR3N. Both TLR3N and TLR3C were required for activation of IFN-β and NF-κB promoters by dsRNA, demonstrating that dsRNA is sensed by the TLR3N+C complex. Newly established mAbs to mouse TLR3 revealed that cell surface TLR3 was highly expressed on splenic CD8+ dendritic cells and marginal zone B cells. Cell surface expression of TLR3 on these cells was dependent on the TLR-specific transporter Unc93B1. Although cell surface TLR3 was only weakly expressed on macrophages, TLR3 mAb specifically enhanced TLR3 responses to dsRNA. These results demonstrate that dsRNA is sensed by the TLR3N+C complex and that cell surface TLR3 is a promising target for modulating TLR3 responses.

Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) senses microbial-derived RNA but can also potentially respond to self-derived RNA. To prevent autoimmune responses, TLR7 is thought to localize in endolysosomes. Contrary to this view, we show here that TLR7 is present on the cell surface of immune cells and that TLR7 responses can be inhibited by an anti-TLR7 antibody. The anti-TLR7 antibody is internalized with TLR7 and accumulates in endolysosomes as an immune complex. TLR7 responses in dendritic cells, macrophages and B cells are all inhibited by the anti-TLR7 antibody. Furthermore, the anti-TLR7 antibody inhibits in vivo cytokine production induced by a TLR7 ligand. Spontaneous TLR7 activation in Unc93b1(D34A/D34A) mice causes lethal inflammation. Progressive inflammation such as splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia and chronic active hepatitis are ameliorated by anti-TLR7 antibody treatment. These results demonstrate that cell surface TLR7 is a promising target for therapeutic intervention in autoimmune diseases.

TLR4/MD-2 senses lipid A, activating the MyD88-signaling pathway on the plasma membrane and the TRIF-signaling pathway after CD14-mediated TLR4/MD-2 internalization into endosomes. Monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL), a detoxified derivative of lipid A, is weaker than lipid A in activating the MyD88-dependent pathway. Little is known, however, about mechanisms underlying the attenuated activation of MyD88-dependent pathways. We here show that MPL was impaired in induction of CD14-dependent TLR4/MD-2 dimerization compared with lipid A. Impaired TLR4/MD-2 dimerization decreased CD14-mediated TNFα production. In contrast, MPL was comparable to lipid A in CD14-independent MyD88-dependent TNFα production and TRIF-dependent responses including cell surface CD86 up-regulation and IFNβ induction. Although CD86 up-regulation is dependent on TRIF signaling, it was induced by TLR4/MD-2 at the plasma membrane. These results revealed that the attenuated MPL responses were due to CD14-initiated responses at the plasma membrane, but not just to responses initiated by MyD88, that is, MPL was specifically unable to induce CD14-dependent TLR4/MD-2 dimerization that selectively enhances MyD88-mediated responses at the plasma membrane.

Lck, a Src family protein tyrosine kinase (PTKs), is post-translationally modified by palmitoylation, a process thought to regulate the biological function, membrane affinity and glycolipid-enriched microdomain (GEM) localization of this molecule. To examine the importance of palmitoylation sites Cys3 and Cys5 in Lck, one or both of these residues was mutated to serine to create mutants S3, S5, and S3,5, respectively. Immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy of COS-7 cells transfected with these constructs showed that while S5 and S3 localized to the plasma membrane, S3,5 was localized to the cytoplasm, suggesting that palmitoylation at at least one site is essential for membrane localization. Sucrose gradient based fractionation of these mutants expressed in COS-7 cells showed that while S5 localized to GEMs in similar fashion to the wild type, GEM localization of S3 was severely inhibited. Expression of these mutants in Lck-negative JCaM1 cells showed that although S5 reconstituted activation of nuclear factor NFAT as per the wild type, S3 expression failed to do so. These results suggest that Cys3 of Lck plays a more important role than Cys5 in GEM localization and T cell activation. Additionally, it was found that the degree of T cell function recovery is positively correlated with the degree of Lck expression in GEMs.

Lck is a member of the Src family kinases expressed predominantly in T cells, and plays a pivotal role in TCR-mediated signal transduction. Myristoylation of glysine 2 in the N-terminal Src homology 4 (SH4) domain of Lck is essential for membrane localization and function. In this study, we examined a site within the SH4 domain of Lck regulating myristoylation, membrane localization, and function of Lck. A Lck mutant in which serine 6 (Ser6) was substituted by an alanine was almost completely cytosolic in COS-7 cells, and this change of localization was associated with a drastic inhibition of myristoylation in this mutant. To assess the role of Ser6 of Lck in T cell function, we established stable transfectants expressing various Lck mutants using Lck-negative JCaM1 cells. The Lck mutant of Ser6 to alanine, most of which did not target to the plasma membrane, was not able to reconstitute TCR-mediated signaling events in JCaM1 cells, as analyzed by tyrosine phosphorylation of intracellular proteins and CD69 expression. These results demonstrate that Ser6 is a critical factor for Lck myristoylation, membrane localization, and function in T cells, presumably because the residue is important for N-myristoyl transferase recognition.

Recent studies point to glycolipid-enriched membrane (GEM) microdomains as the critical sites for TCR-mediated signal transduction. However, whether the TCR complex is localized in the GEM domain is not well-defined. In the present study, we analyzed localization of the TCR-CD3 complex in the GEM domain by isolating the GEM fraction with sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Although 10% of TCRzeta chains was localized in the GEM fraction, most of the TCR complexes were excluded from the GEM before and after T cell activation, and the amount of TCRzeta in the GEM was not increased after activation. However, the tyrosine-phosphorylated form of TCRzeta was strongly concentrated in the GEM fraction upon TCR engagement. A kinetic study revealed that tyrosine phosphorylation of TCRzeta occurred initially in the Triton X-100-soluble membrane fraction followed by the accumulation of phosphorylated TCRzeta in the GEM. Thus, these results indicate that phosphorylated TCRzeta migrates into the GEM domains on T cell activation. We speculate that the GEM microdomains may function as a reservoir of activation signals from triggered TCR.

Thymic shared antigen-1 (TSA-1)/stem cell Ag-2 (Sca-2) is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored antigen expressed on lymphocytes. We have previously demonstrated that a signal via TSA-1/Sca-2 inhibits T cell receptor (TCR)-mediated T cell activation and apoptosis. To elucidate a molecular mechanism for TSA-1-mediated modulation of the TCR-signaling pathway, we examined whether TSA-1 is physically coupled to the TCR in the present study. TSA-1 was clearly associated with CD3zeta chains in T cell hybridomas, activated T cells, and COS-7 cells transfected with TSA-1 and CD3zeta cDNA. The physical association was confirmed on the surface of T cells in immunoprecipitation and confocal microscopy. The analysis using stable and transient transfectants expressing a transmembrane form of TSA-1 revealed that the association of CD3zeta did not require the GPI anchor of TSA-1. Finally, tyrosine phosphorylation of CD3zeta chains was induced after stimulation with anti-TSA-1, suggesting that a functional association between these two molecules also exists. These results imply that the physical association to CD3zeta underlies a regulatory role of TSA-1/Sca-2 in the TCR-signaling pathway.

The pre-T-cell receptor (TCR) complex, which consists of a heterodimer of the TCR beta-chain and the pre-TCR alpha-chain, is known to regulate early thymocyte development. The pre-TCR complex contains CD3 subunits as a signal-transducing molecule, but the exact subunit composition of the fully assembled pre-TCR complex remains to be elucidated. In particular, the association of the CD3 zeta-chain with the pre-TCR is controversial. In the present study, we have generated a monoclonal antibody against the cytoplasmic portion of the pre-TCR alpha-chain, and analysed a subunit composition of the pre-TCR complex. We demonstrated that the CD3 zeta-chain is physically associated with the pre-TCR in immature T cells. Thus, the result strongly supports the previous findings that CD3 zeta contributes to signalling mediated through the pre-TCR complex.

Nucleotide sensing-TLRs (Toll-like receptors) recognize pathogen derived-nucleic acids and trigger immune response [1]. Because of the highly conserved structure of nucleic acids, these TLRs have risk to recognize host derived-nucleic acids and induce autoimmune disease, therefore it is important to clarify the mechanisms and control the response. We found that the responses of TLR7 and TLR9 are balanced reciprocally, and Unc93 homolog B1 (Unc93B1) is a key molecule for this balancing system [2]. Unc93B1 is known as an essential molecule for TLR3, TLR7, and TLR9 responses, and the function depends on its C-terminal region [3]. The balancing function of Unc93B1 is located on 34th aspartic acids from N-terminal, and alanine mutant (D34A) Unc93B1 up-regulates TLR7 response and down-regulates TLR9 response (Figure ​(Figure1)1) [2]. Figure 1 The D34A mutation of Unc93B1 up-regulates TLR7 response and down-regulates TLR9 response. (A and B). Empty vector was transfected to bone marrow derived stem cells (BMSCs) from wild tipe mice (gray bars). Empty vector (yellow bars), wild type Unc93B1 ... It is reported that TLR7 or TLR9 response contributes to some kinds of autoimmune disease and TLR7 overexpressed mice develop SLE like autoimmune disease [4-8]. To investigate the significance of reciprocal TLR7/TLR9 balance in vivo, we generated Unc93b1D34A/D34A mice and observed the phenotypes. As results, Unc93b1D34A/D34A mice were born according to Mendelian rule but started to die spontaneously at 10 weeks old and over half of Unc93b1D34A/D34A mice died within 1 year (Figure ​(Figure2A)2A) [9]. Unc93b1D34A/D34A mice developed various phenotypes, for example, splenomegaly, hepatitis, glomerulonephritis, thrombocytopenia, myeloproliferative disorder (Figure 2B-2E). Especially, lethal acute hepatitis was observed in moribund mice and infiltrated myeloid cells in liver were expanded in spleen. These phenotypes are vanished by TLR7 deficient Unc93B1D34A/D34A mice, thus TLR7 hyper-response caused by TLR7/TLR9 balance disruption is factor of phenotypes in Unc93b1D34A/D34A mice (Figure ​(Figure22). Figure 2 Unc93b1D34A/D34A mice develop systemic lethal inflammation spontaneously. (A) Survival curves of Unc93b1WT/WT, Unc93b1D34A/D34A, or Unc93b1D34A/D34ATlr7-/- mice (blue, red, or green line, respectively). (B and C) Macroscopic images of spleen (B) and liver ... Not only innate immune system, acquired immune system is also affected by D34A mutation. Expanded memory T cells, up-regulation of ICOS and CD69 on T cells were observed by TLR7 dependent manner and some classes of serum immunoglobulin level is increased in Unc93b1D34A/D34A mice. In addition, Th1 and Th17 cells were expanded and activated in Unc93b1D34A/D34A mice. The activation of T cells were TLR7 dependent, and mature B cell depleted Ighm-/-Unc93b1D34A/D34A mice did not induce T cell activation and moderated phenotypes (Figure ​(Figure3D3D and ​and3E).3E). It suggests that B cells are activated by TLR7 hyper-response, and the B cells activate T cells to generate phenotypes of Unc93b1D34A/D34A mice.However, thrombocytopenia was not completely recovered in Ighm-/-Unc93b1D34A/D34A mice but completely recovered in Rag2-/-Unc93b1D34A/D34A mice. Interaction between cell types and phenotypes should be confirmed as a future plan. Figure 3 T cells and B cells are activated in Unc93b1D34A/D34A mice. (A or D) Flow cytometry analysis for memory T cells (A upper, or D) or Th1/Th17 cells (A lower). (B) Expression of ICOS was measured by cell surface staining of CD4+ T cells. Mean fluorescent ...

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play an important role in innate immune responses against bacteria and viruses. TLRs recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns as foreign ligands. After their ligands binding, TLRs dimerize and change their conformation to activate MyD88-dependent pathway or MyD88-independent pathway. The cell surface TLRs, including TLR1, TLR2, TLR4, and TLR6, recognize microbial membrane lipids, whereas TLR3, TLR7, TLR8, and TLR9 recognize pathogen-derived nucleotides in intracellular compartments. The localization and maturation of TLRs are regulated by ER resident molecules, gp96, a protein associated with TLR4A, and UNC93B1. TLR activation leads to the induction of immune responses. However, excessive activation of the TLR signaling contributes to pathogenesis of autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases. TLRs activation is tightly regulated by negative regulatory molecules at the multiple steps to maintain immune balance.

Summary: Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play an important role in innate immune responses against bacteria and viruses. TLRs localize either on the cell surface or in intracellular vesicular compartments. The cell-surface TLRs, including TLR1, TLR2, TLR4, and TLR6, recognize microbial membrane lipids, whereas TLR3, TLR7, TLR8, and TLR9 recognize pathogen-derived nucleotides in intracellular compartments. TLR7 and TLR9 respond to host-derived nucleotides as well, and they have been implicated in a variety of autoimmune diseases. Safety mechanisms are required to avoid detrimental autoimmune responses. TLR7 and TLR9 are sequestered in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in a resting state and traffic to endolysosomes upon ligand-induced stimulation. Sequestration in the ER is a mechanism controlling TLR7/9 responses. A chaperone, gp96, in the ER is reported to regulate TLR7/9 maturation. gp96 is associated with TLR9 and is required for ligand-induced activation of TLR7/9. Two molecules in the ER are reported to regulate TLR7/9 trafficking to endolysosomes. PRAT4A (a protein associated with TLR4 A) is associated with TLR9 and is required for ligand-induced trafficking of TLR9 to endolysosomes. UNC93B1 is specifically associated with TLR3, TLR7, TLR9, and TLR13 and regulates ligand-induced trafficking of TLR7 and TLR9 from the ER to endolysosomes. These molecules are potential therapeutic targets for controlling dysregulated TLR7/9 responses in autoimmune diseases.

TLR4/MD-2 plays an important role in the inflammatory responses against lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a principal membrane component in Gram-negative bacteria. LPS recognition by TLR4/MD-2 is followed by the homotypic interaction of TLR4 (TLR4 dimerization) on the cell surface, leading to the activation of the downstream signaling pathways. The activated TLR4 is transported from plasma membrane to lysosomes, where TLR4 is degraded as a mechanism terminating LPS responses. TLR4 endocytosis is dependent on clathrin-coated vesicles. On the other hand, chaperones play an important role in TLR4 trafficking from endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to cell surface, where TLR4 recognizes LPS and activates. Chaperone gp96 and newly identified chaperone PRAT4A differentially regulate TLR4 translocation to the cell surface. In this review, we discuss TLR4 localization from endoplasmic reticulum to the cell surface and from the cell surface to endosome/lysosome that regulate TLR4 activation.

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) activates two distinct signaling pathways inducing production of proinflammatory cytokines or type I interferons (IFNs), respectively. MyD88 and TIRAP/Mal are essential adaptor molecules for the former but not for the latter pathway. In contrast, TRIF/TICAM-1 and TRAM/TICAM-2 are essential for both. TIRAP is a sorting adaptor molecule recruiting MyD88 to activated TLR4 in the plasma membrane. TRAM is thought to bridge between TLR4 and TRIF by physical association. Little is known, however, how TRAM interacts with TLR4 or with TRIF during LPS response. Here, we show that TRAM recruits TRIF to the plasma membrane. Moreover, LPS induces upregulation of TLR4-association with TRAM and their subsequent translocation into endosome/lysosome. The internalized signaling complex consisting of TLR4 and TRAM colocalizes with TRAF3, a signaling molecule downstream of TRIF, in endosome/lysosome. These results suggest that TLR4 activates TRIF-signaling in endosome/lysosome after relocation from the cell surface.

The Toll family of receptors senses microbial invasion and activates defense responses. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is a member of the Toll family that senses lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a principal membrane component from Gram-negative bacteria. LPS is known as an endotoxin that strongly activates immune cells such as macrophages and dendritic cells. LPS recognition by TLR4 requires an additional accessory molecule, MD-2. MD-2 is associated with the extracellular portion of TLR4, directly binds to LPS, and regulates subsequent LPS-induced TLR4 clustering. LPS recognition occurs on the cell surface. The subcellular distribution of TLR was shown to influence TLR responses. An endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone, glycoprotein 96, is required for the stability of TLR4 and the formation of a TLR4/MD-2 complex in ER. MD-2 facilitates TLR4 glycosylation and its trafficking to the cell surface. Recently, another molecule, a protein associated with Toll-like receptor 4 (PRAT4A), was shown to play a critical role in cell surface expression of TLR4. These molecules control LPS responsiveness by regulating the subcellular distribution of TLR4.

A mutant lipopolysaccharide (LPS) lacking a myristate chain in lipid A was shown to be non-pathogenic both in humans and mice. The mutant penta-acylated LPS from the lpxM- strain did not induce TNF-α production in murine peritoneal macrophages, or activation of NF-κB in transfected cells expressing murine TLR4/MD-2. We prepared a recombinant murine MD-2 in Escherichia coli (E. coli) , and examined the binding function. Unexpectedly, specific binding was detected to both wild type and mutant LPS. However, the mutant LPS did not induce conformation changes or oligomerization of TLR4, which have been shown to be required for signal transduction. Mutant LPS appears to fail to induce appropriate conformational changes, resulting in oligomerization of the murine complex for triggering cell responses.

Palmitoylation is a protein modification for trafficking to lipid raft. Without palmitoylation, linker for activation of T cells (LAT), an adaptor molecule mediating T cell receptor signaling, is unable to localize in lipid rafts and to mediate T cell activation. We here show a novel role for palmitoylation in LAT trafficking to the plasma membrane and in the stability of the LAT protein. The human LAT mutant lacking palmitoylation was unable to traffic to the plasma membrane despite the presence of transmembrane portion. The mouse LAT mutant lacking palmitoylation was unstable and susceptible to degradation via the proteasome pathway. The human LAT mutant became unstable when the extracellular portion was swapped for that from mouse, indicating that both palmitoylation and the extracellular portion regulate the stability of LAT. These results suggest that palmitoylation has an important role in trafficking to the plasma membrane and the stability of LAT.

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognize microbial products and induce immune responses. Their subcellular distribution is believed to be optimized for their pathogen recognition. Little is known, however, about molecular mechanisms regulating the subcellular distribution of TLR. Lipopolysaccharide, a principal membrane component of the Gram-negative bacteria, is recognized by the receptor complex consisting of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and MD-2. We here show that a novel molecule, a PRotein Associated with Tlr4 (PRAT4B), regulates cell surface expression of TLR4. PRAT4B has a signal peptide followed by a mature peptide. PRAT4B is associated with the hypoglycosylated, immature form of TLR4 but not with MD-2 or TLR2. Downregulation of PRAT4B mRNA with small interfering RNA decreased cell surface TLR4 on HEK293 cells. These results suggest a novel mechanism regulating the subcellular distribution of TLR4.