Modulation of TLR2 and TLR4 in Macrophages Following Infection.

Parasitic helminthes can suppress and/or regulate the host immune response to allow long-term survival and chronic infection where toll-like receptors (TLRs) expressed on macrophages play essential roles in response to parasitic infection. Semi-quantitative PCR and flow cytometry studies about the modulation of TLRs and cytokine profiles in macrophages following infection were performed. TLRs, MyD88 and NF-κB were up-regulated by infection and essential to the parasite life cycles. Cytokines profiles (IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, TNF-α) were modulated during infection. Results suggest that infection may regulate the expression of TLR4 on macrophages and TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathways. This study provides further insights into the mechanisms of TLR-mediated post-inflammatory response during infection.