TLR2 deletion promotes arthritis through reduction of IL-10

J Leukoc Biol. 2013 May;93(5):751-9. doi: 10.1189/jlb.0912473. Epub 2013 Feb 27.

Abstract

RA is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the persistent expression of inflammatory cytokines from macrophages, which may be mediated, in part, through TLR2 signaling. Earlier studies demonstrate a role for TLR2 signaling in dampening the arthritis in IL-1Ra-/- mice, which was mediated through T cells. This study was performed to determine whether TLR2 signaling plays a role in the pathogenesis of T cell-independent arthritis triggered by transferring serum from K/BxN mice. We documented more severe arthritis in Tlr2-/- mice compared with WT controls. The Tlr2-/- mice also demonstrated increased inflammation, erosion, pannus formation, and osteoclastogenesis, as well as increased IL-1β and decreased IL-10 within the joints. In vitro bone marrow-differentiated macrophages expressed comparable levels of activating and inhibitory FcγRs, however when stimulated with immune complexes, the Tlr2-/- macrophages expressed decreased IL-10 and reduced activation of Akt and ERK. Our findings indicate that Tlr2-/- promotes the effector phase of arthritis through decreased IL-10 by macrophages, which is important, not only as an anti-inflammatory cytokine but also in restraining the differentiation and activation of osteoclasts.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arthritis, Experimental / etiology*
  • Arthritis, Experimental / immunology
  • Interleukin-10 / physiology*
  • Interleukin-1beta / physiology
  • Macrophages / physiology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Osteoclasts / physiology
  • Receptors, Fc / analysis
  • Toll-Like Receptor 2 / physiology*

Substances

  • Interleukin-1beta
  • Receptors, Fc
  • Tlr2 protein, mouse
  • Toll-Like Receptor 2
  • Interleukin-10