Diminished expression and function of TLR in lymphatic filariasis: A novel mechanism of immune dysregulation

Lymphatic filariasis is a disease characterized by immune dysregulation involving APC and T cell populations. To assess the contribution of TLR in mediating this dysregulation, we examined the expression of TLR1, TLR2, TLR4, and TLR9 on B cells and monocytes of filaria-infected and uninfected individuals. Baseline expression of TLR was significantly lower in B cells but not in monocytes of the filaria-infected group compared with the uninfected group. Upon stimulation with filarial Ag, a diminished up-regulation of TLR was observed in both B cells and monocytes of infected individuals. Finally, stimulation of B cells and monocytes with TLR ligands resulted in decreased B cell and monocyte activation/cytokine production, indicating a state of immune tolerance. This dysregulation is associated with diminished CD4(+) T cell production of IFN-gamma and IL-5. The diminished expression and function of TLR is thus a likely consequence of chronic Ag stimulation and could serve as a novel mechanism underlying the dysfunctional immune response in filariasis.