How TLR7 Affects Immune Response to Influenza A Virus in Mice
Author Information
Author(s): Jeisy-Scott Victoria, Davis William G., Patel Jenish R., Bowzard John Bradford, Shieh Wun-Ju, Zaki Sherif R., Katz Jacqueline M., Sambhara Suryaprakash
Primary Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
Hypothesis
What is the role of Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) in the immune response to influenza A virus infection in mice?
Conclusion
The absence of TLR7 leads to increased accumulation of myeloid derived suppressor cells and a Th2-biased immune response during influenza A virus infection in mice.
Supporting Evidence
- TLR7-/- mice showed increased morbidity and weight loss compared to wild-type mice.
- Accumulation of Gr1+CD11b+ myeloid derived suppressor cells was significantly higher in TLR7-/- mice.
- TLR7-/- mice produced more Th2 cytokines, indicating a shift in immune response.
Takeaway
Mice without TLR7 get sicker from the flu because their immune system doesn't work as well, leading to more bad cells and a different type of immune response.
Methodology
Mice were infected with influenza A virus and monitored for weight loss and immune response, with lung samples analyzed for cell types and cytokine levels.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in interpreting the role of TLR7 due to reliance on a single animal model.
Limitations
The study was conducted only in mice, which may not fully represent human responses.
Participant Demographics
C57Bl/6 wild-type and TLR7-/- mice were used in the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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