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Toll-like receptor signaling is functional in immune cells of the endangered Tasmanian devil
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-18, 11:55 authored by Amanda PatchettAmanda Patchett, Roger Latham, Kate Brettingham-MooreKate Brettingham-Moore, Cesar Tovar LopezCesar Tovar Lopez, Alan Lyons, Gregory WoodsGregory WoodsDevil facial tumour disease (DFTD) is a fatally transmissible cancer that threatens the Tasmanian devil population. As Tasmanian devils do not produce an immune response against DFTD cells, an effective vaccine will require a strong adjuvant. Activation of innate immune system cells through toll-like receptors (TLRs) could provide this stimulation. It is unknown whether marsupials, including Tasmanian devils, express functional TLRs. We isolated RNA from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and, with PCR, detected transcripts for TLRs 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 13. Stimulation of the mononuclear cells with agonists to these TLRs increased the expression of downstream TLR signaling products (IL1α, IL6, IL12A and IFNβ). Our data provide the first evidence that TLR signaling is functional in the mononuclear cells of the Tasmanian devil. Future DFTD vaccination trials will incorporate TLR agonists to enhance the immune response against DFTD.
History
Publication title
Developmental and Comparative ImmunologyVolume
53Pagination
123-133ISSN
0145-305XDepartment/School
Menzies Institute for Medical ResearchPublisher
Pergamon-Elsevier Science LtdPlace of publication
The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford, England, Ox5 1GbRights statement
© 2015 Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Repository Status
- Restricted