Toll-like receptor 9-mediated induction of the immunosuppressive pathway of tryptophan catabolism

A series of recent studies, including an article in this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, have demonstrated that the administration of CpG-rich oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODN) in experimental settings may lead to the activation of the immunosuppressive pathway of tryptophan catabolism, depending on several factors, including the route of CpG-ODN administration. These studies call attention to the need for a careful evaluation of the modalities of inclusion of CpG-ODN in vaccines for human use. At the same time, these studies may offer novel opportunities for use of CpG-ODN as immunosuppressive agents and may also lead to an improved understanding of the cellular events mediated by Toll-like receptor 9 signaling.