Activation of Toll-like Receptors 1, 2, 4, 5, and 7 on Human Melanocytes Modulate Pigmentation

作者：Jin Sun Hee; Kang Hee Young^*

来源：Annals of Dermatology, 2010, 22(4): 486-489.

DOI：10.5021/ad.2010.22.4.486

• Melanocytes
• Pigmentation
• Toll-like receptors

Human melanocytes are not simply pigment-producing cells. It may be part of the inflammatory response, during which the pigmentary system may produce more melanin or suppress melanization. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have been implicated in both innate host defense against pathogens and inflammatory response. Therefore, it may be possible that activation of TLRs in melanocytes may play a role in the modulation of melanogenesis. In this study, we investigated whether normal human melanocytes expressed TLRs and analyzed pigmentation changes upon TLR stimulation. The expression of TLR1 similar to 10 mRNA in cultured human melanocyte was analyzed using RT-PCR, Western blotting and immunocytochemistry. Human melanocytes constitutively express mRNA and protein for TLR2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9 and 10. Stimulation of TLR1/2 and 4 with Pam3CSK4 and lipopolysaccharide induced pigmentation of melanocytes. Activation of TLR5 and 7 with flagellin and imiquimod treatments reduced pigmentation of melanocytes and zebrafish. In summary, the results provided evidence for TLRs expression in normal human melanocytes. It is speculated that a response of melanocyte to TLR ligands may play a role in the pigmentary change in the skin. (Ann Dermatol 22(4) 486 similar to 489, 2010)

• 出版日期2010-11