Abstract
Background:
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are key pattern-recognition receptors of the innate immune system, but their role in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is largely unknown.
Methods:
In the present study, we examined the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 on monocytes from 48 HIV-infected patients and 21 healthy control subjects by flow cytometry.
Results:
We found that freshly isolated monocytes from HIV-infected patients displayed enhanced expression of TLR2 but not TLR4, that TLR2 expression on the surface of monocytes was significantly increased upon stimulation of HIV type 1 envelope protein gp120, and that TLR2 stimulation in HIV-infected patients induced increased viral replication and TNF- alpha response.
Conclusion:
Our findings suggest potential roles for TLR2 in chronic immune activation and viral replication in HIV infection.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Adult
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Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active
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CD4 Lymphocyte Count
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Case-Control Studies
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Female
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HIV Envelope Protein gp120 / physiology
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HIV Infections / drug therapy
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HIV Infections / immunology*
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HIV Infections / virology
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Humans
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In Vitro Techniques
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Inflammation / immunology
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Interleukin-10 / biosynthesis
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Male
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Membrane Glycoproteins / biosynthesis*
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Membrane Glycoproteins / physiology
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Middle Aged
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Monocytes / immunology*
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Receptors, Cell Surface / biosynthesis*
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Receptors, Cell Surface / physiology
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Toll-Like Receptor 2
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Toll-Like Receptor 4
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Toll-Like Receptors
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / biosynthesis
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Virus Replication / immunology
Substances
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HIV Envelope Protein gp120
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Membrane Glycoproteins
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Receptors, Cell Surface
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TLR2 protein, human
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TLR4 protein, human
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Toll-Like Receptor 2
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Toll-Like Receptor 4
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Toll-Like Receptors
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
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Interleukin-10