在MRSA系统性感染模型中Pam3CSK4预处理降低小鼠肾组织的炎症反应

目的:在耐甲氧西林金葡菌(MRSA)系统性感染模型中,观察低剂量TLR2激动剂Pam3CSK4预处理对小鼠肾组织中炎症反应的影响并初步探讨其机制。方法:于感染前48 h、24 h对BALB/c小鼠行尾静脉注射Pam3CSK4(10μg/100μl/只);2×10~7CFU/只MRSA经静脉感染小鼠,ELISA和荧光实时定量PCR(Q-PCR)检测细胞因子水平,Q-PCR检测TLR2、IRAKs等相对表达量,Western blot检测NF-κB p65磷酸化、IRAK-M及A20表达。结果:与对照组相比,预处理组在感染6 h后肾组织中TNF-α、IL-6、IL-1β、CCL3和IFN-γ含量显著减少,i NOS表达量降低,IL-10和TGF-β表达量增高,TLR2表达下降;处理组肾组织在感染12 h后IRAK-1表达无明显增加,而IRAK-M表达量显著增加;Western blot结果显示Pam3CSK4预处理组NF-κBp65磷酸化降低,IRAK-M表达明显增高。结论:Pam3CSK4预处理降低MRSA系统性感染小鼠肾组织的炎症反应,这可能与诱导IRAK-M表达相关。     

Pam3CSK4诱导肥大细胞产生IL-6的效应研究

目的探讨Pam3CSK4对肥大细胞产生IL-6的影响及其涉及的机制。方法体外诱导培养小鼠骨髓来源的肥大细胞(bone marrow-derived mast cells,BMMCs),通过RT-PCR、Western blot检测BMMCs Toll样受体2(toll-like receptor 2,TLR2)基因和蛋白的表达;在有或无SB203580预处理的情况下,Pam3CSK4刺激BMMCs 24 h后,ELISA检测上清中IL-6的含量;同时应用Western blot对Pam3CSK4作用后BMMCs p38MAPK磷酸化的情况进行检测。结果 BMMCs存在TLR2的表达;BMMCs受Pam3CSK4(10~100 ng/ml)刺激后,IL-6的分泌明显增加(P0.01),并且出现了明显的p38MAPK磷酸化;与Pam3CSK4单刺激组相比,SB203580与Pam3CSK4联合刺激组IL-6的含量明显降低(P0.01)。结论 Pam3CSK4诱导肥大细胞产生IL-6,这一效应涉及p38MAPK信号途径。     

Toll样受体2(TLR2)激动剂Pam3Csk4预处理对耐甲氧西林金黄色葡萄球菌攻击小鼠的保护作用

目的耐甲氧西林金黄色葡萄球菌(MRSA)感染日趋严重,免疫防治被寄予厚望。本研究旨在探索Toll样受体2(TLR2)激动剂Pam3Csk4预处理小鼠对MRSA攻击的保护作用。方法每只昆明小鼠用(25、50、100)μg Pam3Csk4尾静脉预处理12、24 h,小鼠尾静脉注射7×1010集落形成单位(CFU)/kg的MRSA(ATCC43300)。小鼠生存率按前24 h每2 h观察1次,后续每6 h记录小鼠存活情况,共观察1周。感染MRSA(3×108CFU/只)6 h后,菌落计数法观察肝、脾和肾等器官对MRSA的清除能力;3×108CFU/只MRSA攻击6、12、24 h后,ELISA检测小鼠血清中肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素6(IL-6)、γ干扰素(IFN-γ)和IL-10含量,实时荧光定量PCR(q PCR)检测MRSA攻击后小鼠脾脏TNF-α、IL-6、IFN-γ和IL-10的mRNA水平,以及Pam3Csk4预处理小鼠24 h后,CXC趋化因子配体1(CXCL1)和Fcγ受体Ⅲ(FcγRⅢ)表达量。结果 100μg Pam3Csk4预处理能显著提高MRSA攻击小鼠的生存率,与Pam3Csk4预处理时间呈时间依赖关系;MRSA攻击小鼠的生存时间与Pam3Csk4预处理剂量相关,50μg以上剂量Pam3Csk4预处理能显著提高MRSA攻击小鼠生存率至70%以上;与对照组比较,Pam3Csk4预处理小鼠血清中TNF-α在6 h和12 h均显著降低,24 h后2组间无显著差别;IL-6在处理6 h内显著降低,12 h和24 h后无显著差异,IFN-γ在24 h内均显著降低,而IL-10则无显著变化;Pam3Csk4预处理24 h后,脾脏中CXCL1和FcγRⅢ表达量均显著高于生理盐水组。结论 Pam3Csk4预处理对MRSA攻击小鼠具有保护作用。     

Pam3Csk4 预处理增强巨噬细胞对耐甲氧西林金黄色葡萄球菌杀菌作用

目的:初步探讨TLR2激动剂Pam3Csk4预处理后,小鼠腹腔巨噬细胞对耐甲氧西林金葡菌(Methicillin-resistant S.aureus,MRSA)的免疫反应性。方法:1μg/ml Pam3Csk4作用于鼠腹腔巨噬细胞,12 h后以热灭活耐甲氧西林金葡菌刺激细胞,ELISA和荧光定量PCR(Q-PCR)法分别检测培养细胞中TNF-α、IL-6和IL-1及mRNA含量,流式检测小鼠腹腔巨噬细胞对热灭活金葡菌的吞噬能力,平板计数法检测Pam3Csk4预处理巨噬细胞对金葡菌杀菌能力;Q-PCR法检测Pam3Csk4预处理巨噬细胞6 h和12 h后吞噬相关受体与补体受体、一氧化氮诱导合成酶(i NOS)及抗菌肽LL37基因表达。结果:金葡菌刺激后,Pam3Csk4预处理组TNF-α、IL-6、IL-1蛋白和基因水平均显著低于未处理组(P0.05),但Pam3Csk4预处理组细胞对金葡菌吞噬和杀菌能力均显著增强(P0.05),对于MRSA菌株,增强的杀菌能力在补体和抗体参与。进一步Q-PCR结果显示Pam3Csk4预处理巨噬细胞6 h和12 h后调理吞噬相关受体FCγRⅠ/Ⅲ与补体受体CR1/3表达均显著增强,i NOS和LL37基因表达也显著增加。结论:Pam3Csk4预处理小鼠腹腔巨噬细胞能增强其对金黄色葡萄球菌甲氧西林敏感和耐药菌株杀菌或抑菌能力,并降低其相应炎症反应,该现象可能与Pam3Csk4激活巨噬细胞吞噬相关受体以及i NOS和抗菌肽表达有关。     

人肺组织体外感染模型的建立及 NTHi 诱导炎症反应的机制研究

目的: 研究不可分型流感嗜血杆菌(NTHi)诱导肺组织炎症反应的关键信号通路。方法: 肺组织与NTHi(10¹⁰ CFU/L)共孵育4 h和24 h。Western blotting检测肺组织的磷酸化p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(p38 MAPK),电泳迁移率法检测核因子κB(NF-κB)核转位,实时定量RT-PCR检测Toll样受体(TLR)2 mRNA, 酶联免疫吸附试验检测上清的白细胞介素(IL)-8水平。另外,肺组织预先与抗TLR2单抗(anti-TLR2: 5 mg/L)、p38 MAPK抑制剂(SB203580: 20 μmol/L)或NF-κB抑制剂(PDTC: 25 μmol/L)孵育2 h,再加入NTHi(10¹⁰ CFU/L)刺激24 h,收集组织上清,测定IL-8。结果: 肺组织感染NTHi 4 h后,肺组织TLR2-p38 MAPK-NF-κB信号通路迅速被激活。感染24 h后,肺组织IL-8表达较未感染组显著增加 (P<0.05)。抗TLR2单抗、特异性p38 MAPK和NF-κB分子阻断剂可以明显抑制NTHi诱导的IL-8表达。结论: NTHi通过TLR2-p38 MAPK-NF-κB信号通路诱导肺组织分泌炎症因子。人体外肺组织感染模型为研究病原体和宿主相互作用提供了新的平台。     

阻断TLR2结合降低β2GP1-抗β2GP1复合物刺激的小鼠腹腔巨噬细胞TNF-α的表达

目的探讨β2糖蛋白1(β2GP1)-抗β2GP1复合物诱导小鼠腹腔巨噬细胞表达肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)中Toll样受体2(TLR2)的作用。方法用β2GP1-抗β2GP1复合物、TLR2激动剂Pam3CSK4及TLR4激动剂脂多糖(LPS)、TLR2阻断剂抗小鼠TLR2-Ig G(m TLR2-Ig G)及TLR4阻断剂TAK-242对BALB/c小鼠腹腔巨噬细胞进行体外处理。用实时荧光定量PCR检测TNF-αmRNA水平,Western blot法及免疫荧光细胞化学方法检测TNF-α蛋白表达;采用流式细胞术检测小鼠腹腔巨噬细胞表面TLR2的水平。结果β2GP1-抗β2GP1复合物、Pam3CSK4及LPS均能够显著增加BALB/c小鼠腹腔巨噬细胞表达TNF-αmRNA及蛋白水平,抗m TLR2-Ig G能够抑制上述刺激物促进细胞TNF-α表达的效应,但弱于TAK-242的抑制效应,抗m TLR2-Ig G与TAK-242联合使用未显示更强的抑制效应。流式细胞术结果显示,β2GP1-抗β2GP1复合物、Pam3CSK4及LPS均能增加小鼠腹腔巨噬细胞TLR2的表达,而抗m TLR2-Ig G、TAK-242以及二者联合使用均未显示对TLR2表达的抑制效应。结论TLR4、TLR2都增强β2GP1-抗β2GP1复合物对小鼠腹腔巨噬细胞TNF-α的刺激作用。     

Pam3CSK4对血小板活化及其TLR2表达的影响

目的 探讨Toll样受体2(TLR2)在血小板激活及免疫方面的作用.方法 取健康人(n=5)全血6 ml,以密度梯度离心法制备洗涤血小板.用1、5、10μg/ml的TLR2激动剂Pam3CSK4(一种合成的细菌脂蛋白)刺激人洗涤血小板,然后测定血小板聚集率,血小板表面蛋白CD62p和TLR2表达的变化.结果 Pam3CSK4以浓度0、1、5和10μg/ml激活血小板:聚集率增加分别为(12.83±2.43)%、(28.32±5.67)%、(52.56±8.54)%、(76.24±11.23)%,P<0.01;血小板表面CD62p表达量增加分别为(11.20±1.67)%、(18.45±2.66)%、(22.45±2.04)%、(29.53±4.08)%,P<0.01.Pam3CSK4在1μg/ml时TLR2表达为(16.85±6.10)%,与对照组(10.81±3.99)%相比差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),在5 μg/ml、10μg/ml时TLR2表达量分别为(21.15±9.90)%和(22.52±9.26)%,与对照组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).结论 细菌脂蛋白Pam3CSK4通过激活TLR2引起血小板聚集、活化,是血小板参与抑制革兰阳性细菌感染的免疫应答机制之一.     

IL-38 抑制LPS / TLR4 诱导炎症减轻类风湿关节炎的机制研究

目的:探讨IL-38 和TLR4 在类风湿关节炎中的潜在关联及其在类风湿性关节炎中致病的机制。方法:选取2013 年1 月至2016 年2 月间本院收治的41 例类风湿关节炎患者(观察组)及45 例本院实施创伤后滑膜切除术的患者(对照组)为研究对象。收集观察组和对照组的外周血单个核细胞(PBMCs)、滑膜组织及血清。荧光定量PCR 检测PBMCs 及滑膜组织中IL-38 及TLR4 的mRNA 水平。ELISA 检测滑膜液及血清中IL-38 的表达,Western blot 检测滑膜组织中IL-38 及TLR4的表达。LPS 和/ 或IL-38 刺激RAW264.7 细胞,ELISA 检测RAW264.7 细胞上清中IL-6、IL-8 及TNF-α的含量,荧光定量PCR检测RAW264.7 细胞TLR4、IL-6、IL-8 及TNF-α的表达。NF-κB 激活-核转运试剂盒及Western blot 检测NF-κB 信号的激活水平。结果:与对照组相比,类风湿关节炎患者PBMCs、血清及滑膜组织和滑膜液中IL-38 水平显著升高,而TLR4 水平也显著升高,Pearson 相关分析显示二者呈负相关。LPS 和/ 或IL-38 刺激RAW264.7 细胞后,IL-38 能够抑制LPS 诱导的TLR4、IL-6、IL-8 及TNF-α表达,进一步的分析显示,IL-38 能抑制NF-κB 信号途径激活,因此推测IL-38 可能是通过抑制NF-κB 信号途径激活从而抑制LPS/ TLR4 信号诱导的炎症因子表达。结论:IL-38 能抑制LPS/ TLR4 诱导炎症减轻类风湿关节炎,其机制可能是通过抑制NF-κB 信号途径的激活。     

白细胞介素-22预处理对耐甲氧西林金黄色葡萄球菌系统性感染小鼠肝脏炎症应答的影响

目的在耐甲氧西林金黄色葡萄球菌(methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus,MRSA)系统性感染小鼠模型中,观察白细胞介素(interleukin)-22预处理对小鼠肝脏组织炎症应答的影响。方法于感染前24 h对Balb/c小鼠经尾静脉注射25μg重组小鼠IL-22,7×1010CFU/kg的MRSA(ATCC43300)经尾静脉注射感染小鼠,感染6 h后取外周血和肝脏组织。检测血清中谷氨酸氨基转移酶(alanine aminotransferase,ALT)和7种促炎因子[包括:IL-1β、IL-12p70、干扰素-γ(interferon-γ,IFN-γ)、IL-6、趋化因子CXCL1、IL-10、肿瘤坏死因子-α(tumor necrosis factor-α,TNF-α)]的表达水平;实时定量PCR法检测小鼠肝脏中IFN-γ、IL-6、CXCL1和TNF-αm RNA的水平;对小鼠肝脏组织进行HE染色,观察肝细胞坏死和炎症细胞浸润情况,对组织切片进行病理学评分;分离小鼠肝脏内淋巴细胞(intrahepatic lymphocytes,IHLs),应用流式细胞术检测不同炎症细胞亚群的数量。结果 MRSA感染小鼠血清和肝脏中IFN-γ、IL-6、CXCL1和TNF-α的表达水平均较空白对照组显著升高(P0.05),IL-22预处理可降低MRSA感染所致的上述细胞因子升高表达(P0.05)。MRSA感染亦可导致肝脏炎症损伤,主要表现为血清ALT水平升高、肝脏坏死和炎症病理学评分升高以及肝脏内淋巴细胞和各种非特异性炎症细胞向肝脏募集浸润的数量增加。IL-22预处理可降低MRSA感染所致的肝脏炎症损伤,ALT水平下降,病理学评分降低,炎症细胞向肝脏募集浸润的数量亦减少。结论 IL-22预处理降低MRSA系统性感染小鼠肝脏的炎症反应。     

肺炎支原体感染对BALB/c小鼠TLR4/NF-κB信号通路表达的影响

目的探讨肺炎支原体(MP)感染对BALB/c小鼠TLR4/NF-κB信号通路表达的影响。方法BALB/c小鼠80只,随机分成肺炎支原体感染组和对照组,每组40只,分别于接种后3d、7d、14d、21d,,用ELISA试剂盒检测肺泡灌流液(BALF)IL-4和IL-6含量;HE染色观察肺脏病理组织学变化;用Western blot实验检测肺组织TLR4、Myd88与NF-κB表达变化。结果肺泡灌流液中IL-4和IL-6含量于感染后7 d时达到高峰,而后呈下降趋势;感染MP 3d后,BALB/c小鼠肺组织即出现间质性炎症改变,7d时炎症最明显,14d时炎症逐渐减轻;感染MP后,BALB/c小鼠肺组织TLR4、Myd88与NF-κB表达水平显著升高。结论肺炎支原体感染激活TLR4/NF-κB信号通路。     

Toll‐like receptor 2 agonist Pam3CSK4 enhances the induction of antigen‐specific tolerance via the sublingual route

Background Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) has been established in humans as a safe and efficacious treatment for type I respiratory allergies. Objective In this study, we compared three Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 2 ligands (Pam3CSK4, Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide and lipoteichoic acid) as potential adjuvants for sublingual allergy vaccines. Methods These molecules were tested in co‐cultures of adjuvant‐pre‐treated dendritic cells (DCs) with murine naïve CD4⁺ T lymphocytes. Patterns of cytokine production, phenotype, proliferation and gene expression were analysed by ELISA, cytofluorometry and quantitative PCR, respectively. TLR2 ligands were subsequently tested in a model of SLIT in BALB/c mice sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA). Results Among the three TLR2 ligands tested, the synthetic lipopeptide Pam3CSK4 is the most potent inducer of IL‐12p35 and IL‐10 gene expression in murine bone marrow‐derived DCs, as well as in purified oral myeloid DCs. Only Pam3CSK4‐treated DCs induce IFN‐γ and IL‐10 secretion by naïve CD4⁺ T cells. Sublingual administration of Pam3CSK4 together with the antigen in BALB/c mice sensitized to OVA decreases airway hyperresponsiveness as well as OVA‐specific T‐helper type 2 (Th2) responses in cervical lymph nodes dramatically. Conclusion Pam3CSK4 induces Th1/regulatory T cell responses, and as such, is a valid candidate adjuvant for sublingual allergy vaccines.     

Sex differences in TLR2 and TLR4 expression and their effect on coxsackievirus-induced autoimmune myocarditis

Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) infection of C57Bl/6 mice shows a sex bias with males developing more severe cardiac inflammation than females because males develop a Th1 inflammatory response, whereas females develop a Th2 response. Since their discovery, Toll-like receptors have been shown to play an important role in the development of the immune response against harmful pathogens. To assess the role of TLRs in coxsackievirus-induced myocarditis wild type and Toll-like receptor 2 −/− male and female mice were infected and assessed for viral replication, myocarditis, helper T-cell generation, and regulatory T-cell generation. TLR2 −/− mice show reduced Th1 expression compared to controls. Treatment of wild type mice with either Pam3CSK4 (TLR2) or LPS (TLR4) specific TLR agonists resulted in increased Th1 expression in male and female mice and a decrease in FoxP3 + regulatory T-cells in male mice. The suppression of T regulatory cells by TLR signaling in males but not females correlates with the increased myocarditis susceptibility of the males.     

The Toll-like receptor 1/2 agonists Pam(3) CSK(4) and human β-defensin-3 differentially induce interleukin-10 and nuclear factor-κB signalling patterns in human monocytes

Human β-defensin 3 (hBD-3) activates antigen-presenting cells through Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 1/2. Several TLR1/2 agonists have been identified but little is known about how they might differentially affect cellular activation. We compared the effects of hBD-3 with those of another TLR1/2 agonist, Pam(3) CSK(4) , in human monocytes. Monocytes incubated with hBD-3 or Pam(3) CSK(4) produced interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8 and IL-1β, but only Pam(3) CSK(4) induced IL-10. The IL-10 induction by Pam(3) CSK(4) caused down-modulation of the co-stimulatory molecule, CD86, whereas CD86 expression was increased in monocytes exposed to hBD-3. Assessment of signalling pathways linked to IL-10 induction indicated that mitogen-activated protein kinases were activated similarly by hBD-3 or Pam(3) CSK(4) , whereas the non-canonical nuclear factor-κB pathway was only induced by Pam(3) CSK(4) . Our data suggest that the lack of non-canonical nuclear factor-κB signalling by hBD-3 could contribute to the failure of this TLR agonist to induce production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10, in human monocytes.     

Pam2CSK4 and Pam3CSK4 induce iNOS expression via TBK1 and MyD88 molecules in mouse macrophage cell line RAW264.7

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the involvement of TLR adaptor molecules, such as TRIF, MyD88, and TBK1 in the induction of iNOS and nitric oxide (NO) production in Pam2CSK4 and Pam3CSK4-treated mouse macrophages.

Method

Mouse macrophage cell line (RAW264.7) was transfected with trif, myd88, and tbk1 siRNAs before stimulated with Pam2CSK4 and Pam3CSK4. The iNOS gene and protein expression were determined by RT-PCR and immunoblotting, respectively. The NO production was determined by Griess reaction assay.

Results

The results showed that the induction of iNOS expression and NO production by Pam2CSK4 and Pam3CSK4 were diminished in tbk1 and myd88-depleted mouse macrophages but not trif-depleted cells.

Conclusion

These results suggested that the TBK1 and MyD88 molecules were essential for the induction of iNOS expression and NO production by both Pam2CSK4 and Pam3CSK4 via TLR2 signaling.

     

Toll-like Receptor-Induced Inflammatory Cytokines are Suppressed by Gain of Function or Overexpression of Gα i2 Protein

Previous studies have implicated a role of Gα(i) proteins as co-regulators of Toll-like receptor (TLR) activation. These studies largely derived from examining the effect of Gα(i) protein inhibitors or genetic deletion of Gα(i) proteins. However, the effect of increased Gα(i) protein function or Gα(i) protein expression on TLR activation has not been investigated. We hypothesized that gain of function or increased expression of Gα(i) proteins suppresses TLR2- and TLR4-induced inflammatory cytokines. Novel transgenic mice with genomic "knock-in" of a regulator of G protein signaling (RGS)-insensitive Gnai2 allele (Gα (i2) (G184S/G184S) ; GS/GS) were employed. These mice express essentially normal levels of Gα(i2) protein; however, the Gα(i2) is insensitive to its negative regulator RGS thus rendering more sustained Gα(i2) protein activation following ligand/receptor binding. In subsequent studies, we generated Raw 264.7 cells that stably overexpress Gα(i2) protein (Raw Gα(i2)). Peritoneal macrophages, splenocytes, and mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) were isolated from WT and GS/GS mice and were stimulated with LPS, Pam3CSK4, or Poly (I:C). We also subjected WT and GS/GS mice to endotoxic shock (LPS, 25?mg/kg?i.p.) and plasma tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-6 production were determined. We found that in vitro LPS and Pam3CSK4-induced TNF-α, and IL-6 production are decreased in macrophages from GS/GS mice compared with WT mice (p?相似文献   

Role of toll-like receptor 2 in ischemic demyelination and oligodendrocyte death

White matter is frequently involved in ischemic stroke, and progressive ischemic white matter injuries are associated with various neurologic dysfunctions in the elderly population. Demyelination and oligodendrocyte (OL) loss are prominent features of ischemic white matter injury. Endothelin-1 injection into the internal capsule resulted in a localized demyelinating lesion in mice, where loss of OL lineage cells and inflammatory cell infiltration were observed accompanied by upregulation of toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2). Intriguingly, the extent of demyelinating pathology was markedly larger in TLR2 deficient mice than that of wild-type (WT) mice. TLR2 deficient mice showed enhanced OL death and decreased phosphorylation of ERK1/2 compared with WT animals. Cultured OLs from TLR2 deficient mice were more vulnerable to oxygen-glucose deprivation than WT OLs. Applying TLR2 agonists Pam3CSK4 or Zymosan after oxygen-glucose deprivation substantially rescued WT OL death with augmentation of ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Treatment with Pam3CSK4 also reduced the extent of endothelin-1 induced ischemic demyelination in vivo. Our data indicate TLR2 may provide endogenous protective effects on ischemic demyelination and OL degeneration.     

Decreased functional response to Toll like receptor ligands in patients with oral cancer

Patients with oral cancer (OC) show dysregulation of variety of anti tumor immune responses. To assess the role of Toll like receptor (TLR) signaling in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) from OC patients, we analyzed the expression of TLR2, TLR3, TLR4 and TLR9 on various lymphocyte subsets. Results revealed an increased expression of TLRs on unconventional T cells (like γδ T cells, NKT cells and CD4⁺CD8⁺ T cells) as compared to conventional αβ T cells. Functional studies using TLR ligands (CpG, Poly I:C, LPS and Pam3CSK4) showed defects in the TLR mediated signaling in PBLs of OC patients. Proliferation of OC PBLs in response to stimulation with TLR ligands was significantly decreased. TLR ligand induced IFN-γ production by PBLs from OC patients were low as compared to HI. Stimulation with TLR ligands upregulated the levels of activation markers (CD25 and CD69) on PBLs from HI but not from OC patients. TLR ligands CpG, Poly I:C, LPS and Pam3CSK4 significantly augmented the tumor directed cytotoxic response of PBLs from HI but not from OC patients. Our data suggests that impairment of TLR function on PBLs may be another strategy adopted by tumor cells to dampen tumor directed immune responses.