Mapping of TLR5 and TLR7 in central and distal human airways and identification of reduced TLR expression in severe asthma

• DOI: 10.1111/cea.12176
• Publication Date: 2013-07-19T10:35:41Z
• Authors: M. M. Shikhagaie; C. K. Andersson; M. Mori; I. Kortekaas Krohn; A. Bergqvist; R. Dahl; E. Ekblad; H. J. Hoffmann; L. Bjermer; J. S. Erjefält
• Keywords: TLR5; TLR7

Summary Background The toll‐like receptors, TLR5 and TLR7, have recently been proposed in asthma immunopathogenesis. While supporting data come from animal or vitro studies, little is known about TLR7 expression human asthmatic airways. Methods Advanced immunohistochemical mapping of was performed on bronchial transbronchial biopsies healthy individuals patients with moderate severe asthma. Results identified multiple structural cells; epithelium, alveolar type II pneumocytes, plasma cells, macrophages neutrophils. Contrary to TLR5, which had a basolateral expression, polarized apical localization. Patients decreased total epithelial compared controls asthmatics ( P < 0.001). found several cells asthma‐related immune cells. Whereas 0.001), nerve‐associated increased = 0.035). Within the groups, both correlated lung function parameters. Conclusions Our results reveal broad patterns that Hence, may suffer insufficient TLR signalling during viral bacterial infections leading poor impaired defence mechanisms.