Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel TLR2 Agonists as Potential Adjuvants for Cancer Vaccines.

Cancer immunotherapy has gained increasing attention due to its potential specificity and lack of adverse side effects when compared to more traditional modes of treatment. Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) agonists are lipopeptides possessing the S-[2,3-bis(palmitoyloxy)propyl]-l-cysteine (Pam2Cys) motif and exhibit potent immunostimulatory effects. These agonists offer a means of providing "danger signals" in order to activate the immune system toward tumor antigens. Thus, the development of TLR2 agonists is attractive in the search of potential immunostimulants for cancer. Existing SAR studies of Pam2Cys with TLR2 indicate that the structural requirements for activity are, for the most part, very intolerable. We have investigated the importance of stereochemistry, the effect of N-terminal acylation, and homologation between the two ester functionalities in Pam2Cys-conjugated lipopeptides on TLR2 activity. The R diastereomer is significantly more potent than the S diastereomer and N-terminal modification generally lowers TLR2 activity. Most notably, homologation gives rise to analogues which are comparatively active to the native Pam2Cys containing constructs.

Dual TLR2 and TLR7 agonists as HIV latency-reversing agents.

The presence of a reservoir of latently infected cells in HIV-infected patients is a major barrier towards finding a cure. One active cure strategy is to find latency-reversing agents that induce viral reactivation, thus leading to immune cell recognition and elimination of latently infected cells, known as the shock-and-kill strategy. Therefore, the identification of molecules that reactivate latent HIV and increase immune activation has the potential to further these strategies into the clinic. Here, we characterized synthetic molecules composed of a TLR2 and a TLR7 agonist (dual TLR2/7 agonists) as latency-reversing agents and compared their activity with that of the TLR2 agonist Pam2CSK4 and the TLR7 agonist GS-9620. We found that these dual TLR2/7 agonists reactivate latency by 2 complementary mechanisms. The TLR2 component reactivates HIV by inducing NF-κB activation in memory CD4+ T cells, while the TLR7 component induces the secretion of TNF-α by monocytes and plasmacytoid dendritic cells, promoting viral reactivation in CD4+ T cells. Furthermore, the TLR2 component induces the secretion of IL-22, which promotes an antiviral state and blocks HIV infection in CD4+ T cells. Our study provides insight into the use of these agonists as a multipronged approach targeting eradication of latent HIV.

The second and third amino acids of Pam2 lipopeptides are key for the proliferation of cytotoxic T cells.

The TLR2 agonist, dipalmitoyl lipopeptide (Pam2LP), has been used as an immune adjuvant without much success. Pam2LP is recognised by TLR2/6 receptors in humans and in mice. This study examined the proliferative activity of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) using mouse Ag-presenting dendritic cells (DCs) and OT-I assay system, where a library of synthetic Pam2LP was utilised from the Staphylococcus aureus database. Ag-specific CTL expansion and IFN-γ levels largely depended on the Pam2LP peptide sequence. The first Aa is cysteine (Cys), which has an active SH residue to bridge fatty acids, and the second and third Aa are hydrophilic or non-polar. The sequence structurally adapted to the residual constitution of the reported TLR2/6 pocket. The inactive sequence contained proline or leucine/isoleucine after the first Cys. Notably, no direct activation of OT-I cells was detected without DCs by stimulation with the active Pam2LP having the Cys-Ser sequence. MyD88, but not TICAM-1 or IFN pathways, in DCs participates in DC maturation characterised by upregulation of CD40, CD80 and CD86. Hence, the active Pam2LPs appear suitable for dimeric TLR2/6 on DCs, resulting in induction of DC maturation.

A Polysaccharide from the Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom Pholiota nameko (Agaricomycetes) Inhibits the NF-κB Pathway in Dendritic Cells Through the TLR2 Receptor.

A polysaccharide purified from Pholiota nameko (PNPS-1) was found to have anticancer and anti-inflammatory activity. This study investigated the effect of PNPS-1 on the nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway of TLR2 small interfering RNA-silenced murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) and relevant mechanisms. The expression of messenger RNA of 4 NF-κB-related genes, including MyD88, IKBKB, RelA(p65), and CCL2, was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction; the expression of the phenotype molecule intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) by flow cytometry; the protein expression of IKKß and p65 by Western blot; the production of p65 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; and the expression of p65 by immunocytochemistry. The results showed that TLR2-specific small interfering RNA could effectively inhibit the decrease in the expression of MyD88, IKBKB, CCL2, p65, and ICAM-1 in BMDCs induced by PNPS-1, and thus the transcription inactivation of NF-κB, which obviously suggests that PNPS-1 could downregulate the NF-κB signaling pathway via the TLR2 receptor.

Significant Correlation between TLR2 Agonist Activity and TNF-α Induction in J774.A1 Macrophage Cells by Different Medicinal Mushroom Products.

In the US market, there is a variety of mushroom preparations available, even within the same species of mushroom. Nonetheless, little is known about whether species or the various extraction methods affect biological activity and potency of the immune modulatory activity of mushroom extracts. After discovering that protein-bound polysaccharide-K, a hot water extract from Trametes versicolor, was a potent Toll-like receptor (TLR)-2 agonist that stimulates both innate and adaptive immunity, this study was initiated to evaluate whether other medicinal mushroom products also have TLR2 agonist activity and immune-enhancing potential as measured by the induction of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in J774.A1 murine macrophage cells. Furthermore, the products were divided by extraction method and species to determine whether these factors affect their immunomodulatory activity. The results showed that the majority (75%) of mushroom products tested had TLR2 agonist activity and that there was a significant correlation between TLR2 agonist activity and TNF-α induction potential in the mushroom products analyzed. In addition, the data demonstrated that hot water mushroom extracts are more potent than ground mushroom products in activating TLR2 and inducing TNF-α. These data provide evidence that extraction methods may affect the biological activity of mushroom products; thus, further studies are warranted to investigate the structural differences between various mushroom products.

The TLR2 agonist in polysaccharide-K is a structurally distinct lipid which acts synergistically with the protein-bound ß-glucan.

Protein-bound polysaccharide-K (Krestin; PSK) is a hot-water extract of Trametes versicolor with immune stimulatory activity. It has been used for the past 30 years and has demonstrated anti-tumor efficacy in multiple types of cancer. The ability of PSK to activate dendritic cells and T cells is dependent on its ability to stimulate Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), yet it remains unknown which structural component within PSK activates TLR2. The purpose of this study was to identify the TLR2 agonist within PSK and understand its role in the overall mechanism of PSK's immunogenic activity. TLR2 activity was eliminated by treatment with lipoprotein lipase but not by trypsin or lyticase. Rapid centrifugation of PSK can separate the fraction with TLR2 agonist activity from the soluble ß-glucan fraction. To study the potential interaction between the ß-glucan component and the lipid component, we labeled the soluble ß-glucan with fluorescein. Uptake of the labeled ß-glucan by J774A macrophages and JAWSII dendritic cells was inhibited by anti-Dectin-1 antibody but not by anti-TLR2 antibody, confirming that Dectin-1 is the receptor for ß-glucan. Interestingly, pre-treatment of JAWSII cells with the TLR2-active lipid fraction significantly enhanced the uptake of the soluble ß-glucan, indicating the synergy between the TLR2 agonist component and the ß-glucan component. Altogether, these results present evidence that PSK has two active components-the well-characterized protein-bound ß-glucan and a previously unreported lipid-which work synergistically via the Dectin-1 and TLR2 receptors.

Depletion of tumor-associated macrophages enhances the anti-tumor immunity induced by a Toll-like receptor agonist-conjugated peptide.

It has been reported that lipopeptides can be used to elicit cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses against viral diseases and cancer. In our previous study, we determined that mono-palmitoylated peptides can enhance anti-tumor responses in the absence of adjuvant activity. To investigate whether di-palmitoylated peptides with TLR2 agonist activity are able to induce anti-tumor immunity, we synthesized a di-palmitic acid-conjugated long peptide that contains a murine CTL epitope of HPV E749-57 (Pam2IDG). Pam2IDG stimulated the maturation of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) through TLR2/6. After immunization, Pam2IDG induced higher levels of T cell responses than those obtained with its non-lipidated counterpart (IDG). In the prophylactic model, Pam2IDG immunization completely inhibited tumor growth, whereas IDG immunization was unable to inhibit tumor growth. However, Pam2IDG immunization could not effectively inhibit the growth of established tumors. Therefore, we further investigated whether the depletion of immunosuppressive factors could improve the therapeutic effects of Pam2IDG. Our data indicate that treatment with Pam2IDG combined with clodronate/liposome delays tumor growth and increases the survival rate. We also observed that the therapeutic effects of Pam2IDG are improved by diminishing the function of tumor-associate macrophages (TAMs) and through the use of an IL10 receptor blocking antibody or a Cyclooxygenase 2 (Cox-2) inhibitor. In conclusion, the depletion of TAMs may enhance the anti-tumor immunity of a TLR2 agonist-conjugated peptide.

Use of S-[2,3-bispalmitoyiloxy-(2R)-propyl]-R-cysteinyl-amido-monomethoxy polyethylene glycol as an adjuvant improved protective immunity associated with a DNA vaccine encoding Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase of Brucella abortus in mice.

This study was conducted to evaluate the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a DNA vaccine encoding Brucella abortus Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD) using the Toll-like receptor 2/6 agonist S-[2,3-bispalmitoyiloxy-(2R)-propyl]-R-cysteinyl-amido-monomethoxy polyethylene glycol (BPPcysMPEG) as an adjuvant. Intranasal coadministration of BPPcysMPEG with a plasmid carrying the SOD-encoding gene (pcDNA-SOD) into BALB/c mice elicited antigen-specific humoral and cellular immune responses. Humoral responses were characterized by the stimulation of IgG2a and IgG1 and by the presence of SOD-specific secretory IgA in nasal and bronchoalveolar lavage fluids. Furthermore, T-cell proliferative responses and increased production of gamma interferon were also observed upon splenocyte restimulation with recombinant SOD. Cytotoxic responses were also stimulated, as demonstrated by the lysis of RB51-SOD-infected J774.A1 macrophages by cells recovered from immunized mice. The pcDNA-SOD/BPPcysMPEG formulation induced improved protection against challenge with the virulent strain B. abortus 2308 in BALB/c mice over that provided by pcDNA-SOD, suggesting the potential of this vaccination strategy against Brucella infection.

Surfactant protein (SP)-A suppresses preterm delivery and inflammation via TLR2.

Toll like receptors (TLRs) are pattern-recognition molecules that initiate the innate immune response to pathogens. Pulmonary surfactant protein (SP)-A is an endogenously produced ligand for TLR2 and TLR4. SP-A has been proposed as a fetally produced signal for the onset of parturition in the mouse. We examined the effect of interactions between SP-A and the pathogenic TLR agonists lipopolysaccharide (LPS), peptidoglycan (PGN) and polyinosinic:cytidylic acid (poly(I:C)) (ligands for TLR4, TLR2 and TLR3, respectively) on the expression of inflammatory mediators and preterm delivery. Three types of mouse macrophages (the cell line RAW 264.7, and fresh amniotic fluid and peritoneal macrophages, including macrophages from TLR4 and TLR2 knockout mice) were treated for up to 7 hours with pathogenic TLR agonists with or without SP-A. SP-A alone had no effect upon inflammatory mediators in mouse macrophages and did not independently induce preterm labor. SP-A significantly suppressed TLR ligand-induced expression of inflammatory mediators (interleukin (IL)-1ß, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and the chemokine CCL5) via a TLR2 dependent mechanism. In a mouse inflammation-induced preterm delivery model, intrauterine administration of SP-A significantly inhibited preterm delivery, suppressed the expression of proinflammatory mediators and enhanced the expression of the CXCL1 and anti-inflammatory mediator IL-10. We conclude that SP-A acts via TLR2 to suppress TLR ligand-induced preterm delivery and inflammatory responses.

Activation of epidermal toll-like receptor 2 enhances tight junction function: implications for atopic dermatitis and skin barrier repair.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized by epidermal tight junction (TJ) defects and a propensity for Staphylococcus aureus skin infections. S. aureus is sensed by many pattern recognition receptors, including Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2). We hypothesized that an effective innate immune response will include skin barrier repair, and that this response is impaired in AD subjects. S. aureus-derived peptidoglycan (PGN) and synthetic TLR2 agonists enhanced TJ barrier and increased expression of TJ proteins, claudin-1 (CLDN1), claudin-23 (CLDN23), occludin, and Zonulae occludens 1 (ZO-1) in primary human keratinocytes. A TLR2 agonist enhanced skin barrier recovery in human epidermis wounded by tape stripping. Tlr2(-/-) mice had a delayed and incomplete barrier recovery following tape stripping. AD subjects had reduced epidermal TLR2 expression as compared with nonatopic subjects, which inversely correlated (r=-0.654, P=0.0004) with transepidermal water loss (TEWL). These observations indicate that TLR2 activation enhances skin barrier in murine and human skin and is an important part of a wound repair response. Reduced epidermal TLR2 expression observed in AD patients may have a role in their incompetent skin barrier.

CBLB613: a TLR 2/6 agonist, natural lipopeptide of Mycoplasma arginini , as a novel radiation countermeasure.

To date, there are no safe and effective drugs available for protection against ionizing radiation damage. Therefore, a great need exists to identify and develop non-toxic agents that will be useful as radioprotectors or postirradiation therapies under a variety of operational scenarios. We have developed a new pharmacological agent, CBLB613 (a naturally occurring Mycoplasma-derived lipopeptide ligand for Toll-like receptor 2/6), as a novel radiation countermeasure. Using CD2F1 mice, we investigated CBLB613 for toxicity, immunogenicity, radioprotection, radiomitigation and pharmacokinetics. We also evaluated CBLB613 for its effects on cytokine induction and radiation-induced cytopenia in unirradiated and irradiated mice. The no-observable-adverse-effect level of CBLB613 was 1.79 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg for single and repeated doses, respectively. CBLB613 significantly protected mice against a lethal dose of (60)Co γ radiation. The dose reduction factor of CBLB613 as a radioprotector was 1.25. CBLB613 also mitigated the effects of (60)Co γ radiation on survival in mice. In both irradiated and unirradiated mice, the drug stimulated induction of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, keratinocyte-derived chemokine, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and tumor necrosis factor-1α. CBLB613 also reduced radiation-induced cytopenia and increased bone marrow cellularity in irradiated mice. Our immunogenicity study demonstrated that CBLB613 is not immunogenic in mice, indicating that it could be developed as a radioprotector and radiomitigator for humans against the potentially lethal effects of radiation exposure.

Structure-activity relationships in toll-like receptor 2-agonists leading to simplified monoacyl lipopeptides.

Toll-like receptor 2-agonistic lipopeptides typified by S-[2,3-bis(palmitoyloxy)-(2RS)-propyl]-R-cysteinyl-S-serine (PAM(2)CS) compounds are potential vaccine adjuvants. In continuation of previously reported structure-activity relationships on this chemotype, we have determined that at least one acyl group of optimal length (C(16)) and an appropriately oriented ester carbonyl group is essential for TLR2-agonistic activity. The spacing between one of the palmitoyl ester carbonyl and the thioether is crucial to allow for an important H-bond, which observed in the crystal structure of the lipopeptide:TLR2 complex; consequently, activity is lost in homologated compounds. Penicillamine-derived analogues are also inactive, likely due to unfavorable steric interactions with the carbonyl of Ser 12 in TLR2. The thioether in this chemotype can be replaced with a selenoether. Importantly, the thioglycerol motif can be dispensed with altogether and can be replaced with a thioethanol bridge. These results have led to a structurally simpler, synthetically more accessible, and water-soluble analogue possessing strong TLR2-agonistic activities in human blood.

TLR2 agonist PSK activates human NK cells and enhances the antitumor effect of HER2-targeted monoclonal antibody therapy.

PURPOSE: The therapeutic effect of trastuzumab monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy has been shown to be partially dependent on functional natural killer (NK) cells. Novel agents that enhance NK cell function could potentially improve the antitumor effect of trastuzumab. We recently identified polysaccharide krestin (PSK), a natural product extracted from medicinal mushroom Trametes versicolor, as a potent toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) agonist. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of PSK on human NK cells and the potential of using PSK to enhance HER2-targeted mAb therapy. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated with PSK to evaluate the effect of PSK on NK cell activation, IFN-γ production, cytotoxicity, and trastuzumab-mediated antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). Whether the effect of PSK on NK cells is direct or indirect was also investigated. Then, in vivo experiment in neu transgenic (neu-T) mice was carried out to determine the potential of using PSK to augment the antitumor effect of HER2-targeted mAb therapy. RESULTS: PSK activated human NK cells to produce IFN-γ and to lyse K562 target cells. PSK also enhanced trastuzumab-mediated ADCC against SKBR3 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Both direct and interleukin-12-dependent indirect effects seem to be involved in the effect of PSK on NK cells. Oral administration of PSK significantly potentiated the antitumor effect of anti-HER2/neu mAb therapy in neu-T mice. CONCLUSION: These results showed that PSK activates human NK cells and potentiates trastuzumab-mediated ADCC. Concurrent treatment with PSK and trastuzumab may be a novel way to augment the antitumor effect of trastuzumab.

Identification of novel synthetic toll-like receptor 2 agonists by high throughput screening.

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a central role in host defense by inducing inflammatory and adaptive immune responses following infection. Drugs that target TLRs are of considerable interest as potential inflammatory regulators, vaccine adjuvants, and novel immunotherapeutics. TLR2, in cooperation with either TLR1 or TLR6, mediates responses to a wide variety of microbial products as well as products of host tissue damage. In an effort to understand the structural basis of TLR2 recognition and uncover novel TLR2 agonists, a synthetic chemical library of 24,000 compounds was screened using an IL-8-driven luciferase reporter in cells expressing these human receptors. The screening yielded several novel TLR2-dependent activators that utilize TLR1, TLR6, or both as co-receptors. These novel small molecule compounds are aromatic in nature and structurally unrelated to any known TLR2 agonists. The three most potent compounds do not exhibit synergistic activity, nor do they act as pseudoantagonists toward natural TLR2 activators. Interestingly, two of the compounds exhibit species specificity and are inactive toward murine peritoneal macrophages. Mutational analysis reveals that although the central extracellular region of TLR1 is required for stimulation, there are subtle differences in the mechanism of stimulation mediated by the synthetic compounds in comparison with natural lipoprotein agonists. The three most potent compounds activate cells in the nanomolar range and stimulate cytokine production from human peripheral blood monocytes. Our results confirm the utility of high throughput screens to uncover novel synthetic TLR2 agonists that may be of therapeutic benefit.

The synthetic TLR2 agonist BPPcysMPEG leads to efficient cross-priming against co-administered and linked antigens.

The property of DC to generate effective CTL responses is influenced by TLR signaling. TLR ligands contain molecular signatures associated with pathogens, have an impact on the antigen processing and presentation by DC, and are being exploited as potential adjuvants. We hypothesized that the TLR2/6 heterodimer agonist S-[2,3-bispalmitoyiloxy-(2R)-propyl]-R-cysteinyl-amido-monomethoxyl polyethylene glycol (BPP), a synthetic derivative of the Mycoplasma macrophage activating lipopeptide-2, is a potent adjuvant for cross-priming against cellular antigens. Systemic administration of BPP-induced maturation of CD8alpha+ DC and CD8alpha- DC in the spleen and resulted in enhanced cross-presentation of intravenously co-administered antigen in mice. In addition, administration of BPP and cell-associated OVA generated an effective CTL response against OVA in vivo in a CD4+ T helper cell-dependent manner, but independent of IFN-alpha. Delivering antigenic peptides directly linked to BPP led to superior CTL immunity as compared to giving antigens and adjuvants admixed. In contrast to other TLR ligands, such as CpG, systemic activation of DC with BPP did not result in shut-down of antigen presentation by splenic DC subsets, although cross-priming against subsequently encountered antigens was reduced. Together, our data provide evidence that BPP is a potent stimulus to generate CTL via cross-priming.

A Toll-like receptor 2/6 agonist reduces allergic airway inflammation in chronic respiratory sensitisation to Timothy grass pollen antigens.

BACKGROUND: The hygiene hypothesis negatively correlates the microbial burden of the environment with the prevalence of T helper type 2 (Th2)-related disorders, e.g. allergy and asthma. This is explained by Th1 triggering through pathogen-associated molecular patterns via Toll-like receptors (TLRs). In this study, the biological effects of a TLR2/6 agonist as a potential treatment of allergic inflammation are explored. METHODS: In a model of chronic allergic airway inflammation induced by intranasal administration of Timothy grass pollen allergen extract, early TLR agonism and/or interferon (IFN)-gamma administration was compared to the therapeutic and immune-modulating effects of dexamethasone with regard to the cellular inflammation and cytokine profiles. RESULTS: Eosinophilic inflammation was clearly reduced by TLR2/6 agonism. This effect was also seen without simultaneous administration of IFN-gamma. However, lymphocyte counts were not affected among the different treatment groups. More precise determination of the lymphocyte-mediated immune reaction showed that TLR2/6 agonism induced neither CD4+foxp3+ regulatory T cells in draining lymph nodes nor a pronounced Th1 immune response. In contrast, dexamethasone reduced both sensitisation as well as allergic inflammation and, in addition, CD11c+ antigen-presenting cells in lymph nodes. Our data clearly point to the potential to rebalance Th2-skewed allergic immune responses by therapeutic TLR2/6 agonist administration. CONCLUSION: The use of the TLR2/6 agonist is a promising therapeutic approach in diseases with an imbalance in T cell responses, such as allergy and asthma.

The shiitake mushroom-derived immuno-stimulant lentinan protects against murine malaria blood-stage infection by evoking adaptive immune-responses.

Lentinan, a (1-3)-beta glucan from Lentinus edodes, is an effective immunostimulatory drug. We tested the effects of lentinan during blood-stage infection by Plasmodium yoelii 17XL (P.y17XL). Pre-treatment of mice with lentinan significantly decreased the parasitemia and increased their survival after infection. Enhanced IL-12, IFN-gamma and NO production induced by lentinan in spleen cells of infected mice revealed that the Th1 immune response was stimulated against malaria infection. In vitro and in vivo, lentinan can result in enhanced expression of MHC II, CD80/CD86, and Toll-like receptors (TLR2/TLR4), and increased production of IL-12 in spleen dendritic cells (DCs) co-cultured with parasitized red blood cells (pRBCs). Moreover, both the number of CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) and the levels of IL-10 secreted by Tregs were reduced by pre-treatment with lentinan in the spleen of malaria-infected mice. Meanwhile, apoptosis of CD4(+) T cell in spleens of mice pretreated with lentinan was significantly reduced. In summary, lentinan can induce protective Th1 immune responses to control the proliferation of malaria parasites during the blood-stage of P.y17XL infection by stimulating maturation of DCs to inhibit negative regulation of the Th1 immune response by Tregs. Taken together, our findings suggest that lentinan has prophylactic potential for the treatment of malaria.

Regulation of TLR2 expression by prostaglandins in brain glia.

TLR have emerged as important primary sensors for diverse stimuli and are increasingly implicated in various diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of the TLR system remain poorly understood. In this study, we report that some PGs may control TLR-mediated inflammatory events through modulation of TLR2 expression in brain immune cells. We first found that 15-deoxy-Delta12,14-PG J(2) (15d-PGJ(2)) markedly altered the expression of TLR2 but not TLR4, TLR1, and TLR9 at the message and protein levels in activated glia. Down-regulation of TLR2 expression and downstream events of TLR2 activation, including phagocytosis by 15d-PGJ(2), were also observed in cells treated with representative TLR2 ligands such as lipoteichoic acid and Pam(3)CSK(4). We further revealed that certain 15d-PGJ(2)-related PGs such as 15d-PGD(2) and PGD(2) also suppressed the ligand-stimulated increase of TLR2 expression, whereas PGE(2) and arachidonic acids did not. Interestingly, TLR2 expression was down-regulated even when such PGs were added at several hours after stimulator treatment. These findings appear to be independent of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and D prostanoid receptors (DPs) because potent synthetic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma agonists, selective DP1 agonist, or DP2 agonist did not mimic the effects of such PGs on TLR2 expression. Taken together, our results suggest that 15d-PGJ(2), 15d-PGD(2), and PGD(2) may play notable roles as modulators of the TLR2-mediated inflammatory events, and provide new insight into the resolution of inflammation in the brain.

Oxidized phospholipid inhibition of toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling is restricted to TLR2 and TLR4: roles for CD14, LPS-binding protein, and MD2 as targets for specificity of inhibition.

The generation of reactive oxygen species is a central feature of inflammation that results in the oxidation of host phospholipids. Oxidized phospholipids, such as 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine (OxPAPC), have been shown to inhibit signaling induced by bacterial lipopeptide or lipopolysaccharide (LPS), yet the mechanisms responsible for the inhibition of Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling by OxPAPC remain incompletely understood. Here, we examined the mechanisms by which OxPAPC inhibits TLR signaling induced by diverse ligands in macrophages, smooth muscle cells, and epithelial cells. OxPAPC inhibited tumor necrosis factor-alpha production, IkappaBalpha degradation, p38 MAPK phosphorylation, and NF-kappaB-dependent reporter activation induced by stimulants of TLR2 and TLR4 (Pam3CSK4 and LPS) but not by stimulants of other TLRs (poly(I.C), flagellin, loxoribine, single-stranded RNA, or CpG DNA) in macrophages and HEK-293 cells transfected with respective TLRs and significantly reduced inflammatory responses in mice injected subcutaneously or intraperitoneally with Pam3CSK4. Serum proteins, including CD14 and LPS-binding protein, were identified as key targets for the specificity of TLR inhibition as supplementation with excess serum or recombinant CD14 or LBP reversed TLR2 inhibition by OxPAPC, whereas serum accessory proteins or expression of membrane CD14 potentiated signaling via TLR2 and TLR4 but not other TLRs. Binding experiments and functional assays identified MD2 as a novel additional target of OxPAPC inhibition of LPS signaling. Synthetic phospholipid oxidation products 1-palmitoyl-2-(5-oxovaleryl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine and 1-palmitoyl-2-glutaryl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine inhibited TLR2 signaling from approximately 30 microm. Taken together, these results suggest that oxidized phospholipid-mediated inhibition of TLR signaling occurs mainly by competitive interaction with accessory proteins that interact directly with bacterial lipids to promote signaling via TLR2 or TLR4.