Toll-like receptor signaling is functional in immune cells of the endangered Tasmanian devil

作者：Patchett Amanda L; Latham Roger; Brettingham Moore Kate H; Tovar Cesar; Lyons A Bruce; Woods Gregory M

来源：Developmental and Comparative Immunology, 2015, 53(1): 123-133.

DOI：10.1016/j.dci.2015.07.003

• Tasmanian devil
• Toll-like receptor
• Devil facial tumour disease
• Adjuvant
• Innate immunity
• Marsupial

Devil facial tumour disease (DFTD) is a fatally transmissible cancer that threatens the Tasmanian devil population. As Tasmanian devils do not produce an immune response against DFTD cells, an effective vaccine will require a strong adjuvant. Activation of innate immune system cells through toll-like receptors (TLRs) could provide this stimulation. It is unknown whether marsupials, including Tasmanian devils, express functional TLRs. We isolated RNA from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and, with PCR, detected transcripts for TLRs 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 13. Stimulation of the mononuclear cells with agonists to these TLRs increased the expression of downstream TLR signaling products (IL1 alpha, IL6, IL12A and IFN beta). Our data provide the first evidence that TLR signaling is functional in the mononuclear cells of the Tasmanian devil. Future DFTD vaccination trials will incorporate TLR agonists to enhance the immune response against DFTD.

• 出版日期2015-11
• 单位河北医科大学