TLR4与β2GPI/抗β2GPI复合物在动脉粥样硬化中的作用研究

<正>动脉粥样硬化(Atherosclerosis,AS)所引起的血栓形成及心血管疾病是目前全世界导致人类死亡的主要原因,对人类的生存和生活质量是一种巨大的威胁和破坏。弗雷明汉研究提出了一系列动脉粥样硬化的危险因素,例如高胆固醇血症、高血压、吸烟、肥胖和家族史等,但这些危险因素已不足以解释该病的发生发展,有关AS的自身免疫因素越来越受到关注。自身免疫性疾病如抗磷脂综合征(An-     

Anti-β(2)GPI/β(2)GPI induced TF and TNF-α expression in monocytes involving both TLR4/MyD88 and TLR4/TRIF signaling pathways

Our previous study demonstrated that Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) could act as a co-receptor with annexin A2 (ANX2) mediating anti-β2-glycoprotein I/β2-glycoprotein I (anti-β(2)GPI/β(2)GPI)-induced tissue factor (TF) expression in human acute monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1. In the current study, we further explored the roles of TLR4 and its adaptors, MyD88 and TRIF, in anti-β(2)GPI/β(2)GPI-induced the activation of human blood monocytes and THP-1 cells and the relationship among TLR4, β(2)GPI and ANX2 in this process. The results showed that treatment of monocytes or THP-1 cells with anti-β(2)GPI/β(2)GPI complex could increase TF, MyD88, TRIF as well as TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor alpha) expression. These effects were blocked by addition of TAK-242, a blocker of signaling transduction mediated by the intracellular domain of TLR4. Moreover, TLR4/β(2)GPI/ANX2 complex could be detected in THP-1 cell lysates. Overall, our results indicate that anti-β(2)GPI/β(2)GPI complex induced TF and TNF-α expression involving both TLR4/MyD88 and TLR4/TRIF signaling pathways and TLR4 and its adaptors might be molecular targets for therapy of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).     

β2GPI/aβ2GPI通过激活TLR4抑制THP-1巨噬细胞对氧化型低密度脂蛋白的摄取

目的探讨β2糖蛋白I/抗β2糖蛋白I抗体复合物(β2GPI/aβ2GPI)对巨噬细胞脂质摄取功能和B型清道夫受体CD36表达的影响,以及Toll样受体4(TLR4)在该过程中的作用。方法用100 ng/mL佛波酯(PMA)将THP-1人单核细胞诱导为THP-1巨噬细胞,通过形态学变化和1,1'-二十八烷基-3,3,3',3'-四甲基吲哚碳花菁高氯酸盐标记的氧化低密度脂蛋白(DiI-oxLDL)吞噬试验加以鉴定。用RPMI1640培养液、β2GPI、抗β2糖蛋白I抗体(aβ2GPI)和β2GPI/aβ2GPI处理THP-1巨噬细胞,实时荧光定量PCR和Western blot法检测TLR4 mRNA和蛋白水平。用RPMI1640培养液、氧化低密度脂蛋白(oxLDL)、oxLDL联合β2GPI/aβ2GPI和oxLDL联合LPS处理THP-1巨噬细胞,油红O染色观察胞内脂质积累,免疫荧光细胞化学染色法检测CD36的表达,实时荧光定量PCR检测CD36 mRNA水平,Western blot法检测CD36蛋白水平。利用TLR4阻断剂TAK-242(1μg/mL)预处理THP-1巨噬细胞,观察抑制TLR4对上述刺激下THP-1巨噬细胞脂质积累和CD36表达的影响。结果PMA处理后,THP-1细胞呈现巨噬细胞形态并具备脂质吞噬能力;与RPMI1640相比,β2GPI/aβ2GPI处理可显著增加THP-1巨噬细胞TLR4表达;与单独oxLDL处理相比,oxLDL联合β2GPI/aβ2GPI能够抑制THP-1巨噬细胞的脂质积累和CD36表达,阻断TLR4可以部分逆转这一现象。结论β2GPI/aβ2GPI能激活TLR4抑制巨噬细胞对oxLDL的摄取和CD36表达。     

Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 mediates anti-β2GPI/β2GPI-induced tissue factor expression in THP-1 cells

Our previous study demonstrated that annexin A2 (ANX2) on cell surface could function as a mediator and stimulate tissue factor (TF) expression of monocytes by anti‐β₂‐glycoprotein I/β₂‐glycoprotein I complex (anti‐β₂GPI/β₂GPI). However, ANX2 is not a transmembrane protein and lacks the intracellular signal transduction pathway. Growing evidence suggests that Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR‐4) might act as an ‘adaptor’ for intracellular signal transduction in anti‐β₂GPI/β₂GPI‐induced TF expressing cells. In the current study, we investigated the roles of TLR‐4 and its related molecules, myeloid differentiation protein 2 (MD‐2) and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), in anti‐β₂GPI/β₂GPI‐induced TF expressing human monocytic‐derived THP‐1 (human acute monocytic leukaemia) cells. The relationship of TLR‐4 and ANX2 in this process was also explored. Along with TF, expression of TLR‐4, MD‐2 and MyD88 in THP‐1 cells increased significantly when treated by anti‐β₂GPI (10 µg/ml)/β₂GPI (100 µg/ml) complex. The addition of paclitaxel, which competes with the MD‐2 ligand, could inhibit the effects of anti‐β₂GPI/β₂GPI on TLR‐4, MD‐2, MyD88 and TF expression. Both ANX2 and TLR‐4 in THP‐1 cell lysates could bind to β₂GPI that had been conjugated to a column (β₂GPI‐Affi‐Gel). Furthermore, TLR‐4, MD‐2, MyD88 and TF expression was remarkably diminished in THP‐1 cells infected with ANX2‐specific RNA interference (RNAi) lentivirus (LV‐RNAi‐ANX2), in spite of treatment with a similar concentration of anti‐β₂GPI/β₂GPI complex. These results indicate that TLR‐4 and its signal transduction pathway contribute to anti‐β₂GPI/β₂GPI‐induced TF expression in THP‐1 cells, and the effects of TLR‐4 with ANX2 are tightly co‐operative.     

β-Glucan attenuates TLR2- and TLR4-mediated cytokine production by microglia

Microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain, are activated in response to any kind of CNS injury, and their activation is critical for maintaining homeostasis within the CNS. However, during inflammatory conditions, sustained microglial activation results in damage to surrounding neuronal cells. β-Glucans are widely recognized immunomodulators, but the molecular mechanisms underlying their immunomodulatory actions have not been fully explored. We previously reported that β-glucans activate microglia through Dectin-1 without inducing significant amount of cytokines and chemokines. Here, we show that particulate β-glucans attenuate cytokine production in response to TLR stimulation; this inhibitory activity of β-glucan is mediated by Dectin-1 and does not require particle internalization. At the molecular level, β-glucan suppressed TLR-mediated NF-κB activation, which may be responsible for the diminished capacity of microglia to produce cytokines in response to TLR stimulation. Overall, these results suggest that β-glucans may be used to prevent or treat excessive microglial activation during chronic inflammatory conditions.     

信号分子IRAK1/4在antiβ-2GPI/β2GPI复合物诱导THP-1细胞表达TF中的作用探讨

目的:探讨IRAK1和IRAK4在antiβ-2GPI/β2GPI复合物诱导单核细胞株THP-1表达组织因子(TF)中的作用。方法:利用荧光定量PCR(Real-time PCR)、TF活性试剂盒分别检测THP-1细胞表达TF mRNA及TF活性;Western blot检测anti-β2GPI/β2GPI复合物诱导THP-1细胞表达IRAK1、磷酸化-IRAK1(p-IRAK1)、IRAK4情况;观察IRAK1/4抑制物是否干预anti-β2GPI/β2GPI复合物诱导THP-1表达TF。结果:Antiβ-2GPI/β2GPI复合物(100μg/ml)诱导THP-1细胞表达TF显著增加(P<0.05 vs control);Antiβ-2GPI/β2GPI复合物(100μg/ml)刺激THP-1细胞表达IRAK1、p-IRAK1、IRAK4(蛋白)显著升高(P<0.05 vscontrol);IRAK1/4抑制物(50μmol/L)能够阻断antiβ-2GPI/β2GPI复合物(100μg/ml)诱导THP-1表达TF及IRAK1磷酸化的效应。结论:antiβ-2GPI/β2GPI复合物诱导THP-1细胞表达TF过程中,信号分子IRAK1/4被激活进而发挥重要作用。     

ox-LDL/β2GPI/aβ2GPI复合物促进小鼠RAW264.7细胞凋亡和炎症因子表达

目的 探讨氧化型低密度脂蛋白/β2糖蛋白I/抗β2糖蛋白I抗体(ox-LDL/β2GPI/aβ2GPI)复合物对小鼠RAW264.7细胞凋亡和炎症因子表达的影响及机制.方法 分别用培养基、ox-LDL、β2GPI/抗β2GPI抗体复合物、ox-LDL/β2GPI复合物、ox-LDL/抗β2GPI抗体复合物和ox-LDL...     

β2GPI/抗 β2GPI抗体复合物激活THP-1细胞内TRIF途径

目的:观察β2GPI/抗β2GPI抗体复合物能否激活单核细胞株THP-1的TRIF途径,以探讨TRIF依赖途径在抗磷脂综合征(APS)发病机制中的作用.方法:采用一定剂量β2GPI/抗β2GPI抗体复合物刺激THP-1细胞一定时间,收集细胞总RNA及总蛋白,荧光定量PCR (RT-PCR)检测细胞TRIF mRNA水平,Western blot检测细胞TRIF蛋白表达情况;进一步观察TLR4途径抑制剂-TAK-242是否干预β2GPI/抗β2 GPI抗体复合物对TRIF的诱导表达以及相关细胞因子IL-6、IL-8、TNF-α的表达.结果:β2GPI/抗β2 GPI抗体复合物( 100 mg/L)能够诱导THP-1细胞表达TRIF(mRNA 及蛋白),并显示时间效应,分别于刺激1h和2h时TRIF mRNA及蛋白表达至高峰.TAK-242(5μmol/L)能够明显抑制β2GPI/抗β2GPI抗体复合物对THP-1细胞TRIF的诱导表达,同时抑制IL-6、IL-8、TNF-α等炎症因子的表达.结论:TRIF依赖的TLR4途径参与了β2GPI/抗β2GPI抗体复合物对THP-1细胞的激活,提示其在抗磷脂综合征的病理机制中发挥一定作用.     

抗β2GPI抗体与β2GPI在血栓形成中作用的研究进展

自身抗体在血栓性疾病的发病中的作用受到广泛关注。β2GPI又称载脂蛋白H（ApoH）,主要由肝脏合成。抗β2GPI抗体（anti—β2GPI）是以β2GPI为靶抗原的抗磷脂抗体,研究表明体内高滴度的anti—β2GPI在体内血栓形成过程中具有极其关键的作用。Anti-β2GPI与β2GPI结合后与细胞表面的磷脂、脂蛋白等多种带负电荷的蛋白作用可引起细胞活化,通过多种途径促使血栓形成。深入研究anti-β2GPI／β2GPI在血栓性疾病发病机制可为自身抗体引起的血栓性疾病的治疗提供新的治疗靶点。     

MAPKs在anti-β2GPI/β2GPI刺激THP-1细胞表达TF过程中的作用探讨

目的:探讨丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(Mitogen-activated protein kinases,MAPKs)在anti-β2 GPI/β2 GPI复合物诱导单核细胞株THP-1表达组织因子(TF)中的活化及其作用。方法:利用荧光定量PCR(Real-time PCR)、TF活性试剂盒等分别检测anti-β2 GPI/β2 GPI复合物诱导THP-1细胞表达TF mRNA及TF活性,Western blot检测细胞表达p38、磷酸化-p38(p-p38)、ERK1/2、磷酸化-ERK1/2(p-ERK1/2)、JNK、磷酸化-JNK(p-JNK)的情况。进一步采用p38、ERK1/2、JNK抑制剂(SB203580、U0126、SP600125)观察是否能阻断anti-β2 GPI/β2 GPI复合物诱导THP-1细胞表达TF。结果:Anti-β2 GPI/β2 GPI复合物(100μg/ml)能够显著增强THP-1细胞表达TF,并使p-p38、p-ERK1/2、p-JNK水平显著升高(P<0.05 vs control);其引发的MAPKs磷酸化具有时间效应性,均在刺激30分钟时达到高峰;对应的特异抑制剂SB203580(10μmol/L)、U0126(5μmol/L)、SP600125(90 nmol/L)单独或合并处理THP-1细胞后,anti-β2 GPI/β2 GPI复合物诱导细胞TF mRNA表达及TF活性的效应明显被阻断(P<0.01 vs control)。结论:Anti-β2 GPI/β2 GPI复合物诱导THP-1细胞表达TF过程中,MAPKs被激活进而发挥重要作用。     

oxLDL/β2GPI/抗β2GPI抗体复合物通过激活AKT通路抑制小鼠RAW264.7细胞自噬

目的探讨氧化低密度脂蛋白/β2糖蛋白I/抗β2糖蛋白I抗体(oxLDL/β2GPI/抗β2GPI抗体)复合物对RAW264.7小鼠巨噬细胞自噬的影响及机制。方法分别用培养基、 oxLDL、 oxLDL/β2GPI复合物、 oxLDL/β2GPI/抗β2GPI抗体复合物、 oxLDL/抗β2GPI抗体复合物和β2GPI/抗β2GPI抗体复合物处理RAW264.7细胞。采用Western blot法检测自噬相关蛋白微管相关蛋白1轻链3(LC3)、 P62的蛋白水平,采用携带双荧光蛋白和LC3基因的腺病毒(mRFP-GFP-LC3)感染巨噬细胞检测自噬体形成以及自噬流情况,采用蛋白激酶B(AKT)通路抑制剂LY294002 (50μmol/L)预处理,观察AKT通路在oxLDL/β2GPI/抗β2GPI抗体复合物介导的RAW264.7细胞自噬中的作用。结果 oxLDL/β2GPI/抗β2GPI抗体复合物能够降低LC3Ⅱ蛋白水平,减少自噬体数量,增加P62蛋白水平,阻断自噬流; LY294002预处理可部分恢复细胞自噬水平,改善自噬流阻断情况。结论oxLDL/β2GPI/抗β2GPI抗体复合物可以通过激活AKT通路抑制RAW264.7细胞的自噬。     

oxLDL/β2GPI/抗β2GPI抗体复合物促进A7r5细胞钙化及炎症因子表达

目的探讨氧化低密度脂蛋白/β2糖蛋白I/抗β2糖蛋白I抗体(oxLDL/β2GPI/抗β2GPI抗体)复合物对大鼠血管平滑肌A7r5细胞钙化、炎症因子表达的影响以及Toll样受体4(TLR4)在其中的作用。方法分别用oxLDL、 oxLDL/β2GPI复合物、β2GPI/抗β2GPI抗体复合物、 oxLDL/抗β2GPI抗体复合物、 oxLDL/β2GPI/抗β2GPI抗体复合物干预刺激大鼠A7r5细胞系不同时间,采用或不采用TLR4抑制剂TAK-242处理。茜素红染色观察细胞钙化结节,实时荧光定量PCR和Western blot法检测平滑肌蛋白22α(SM22α)和RUNX家族转录因子2(RUNX2)的mRNA和蛋白水平, ELISA检测细胞培养上清中肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)水平; A7r5细胞给予TNF-α刺激后,进一步检测SM22α和RUNX2 mRNA和蛋白水平的变化。结果 oxLDL/β2GPI/抗β2GPI抗体复合物能够促进A7r5细胞钙化结节增多, SM22α表达减少而RUNX2明显上升,促进炎症因子TNF-α的表达, TLR4抑制剂能够缓解这一现象;外加不同浓度的TNF-α能够使A7r5细胞SM22α表达下降, RUNX2表达增加。结论 oxLDL/β2GPI/抗β2GPI抗体复合物促使A7r5细胞表达炎症因子TNF-α增加,并由此促进细胞发生钙化,同时使细胞由收缩表型向成骨表型发生转变,TLR4参与这一过程。     

oxLDL/β2GPI/抗β2GPI抗体复合物促进脐静脉内皮细胞迁移及炎症因子表达北大核心CSCD

目的探讨氧化型低密度脂蛋白/β2糖蛋白I/抗β2糖蛋白I抗体(oxLDL/β2GPI/β2GPI antibody)复合物促进人脐静脉内皮细胞(HUVEC)迁移和炎症因子的表达以及与Toll样受体4(TLR4)的关系。方法 oxLDL、oxLDL/β2GPI复合物、oxLDL/抗β2GPI抗体复合物、oxLDL/β2GPI/抗β2GPI抗体复合物、脂多糖(LPS)等刺激物处理HUVEC,采用划痕实验观察HUVEC的迁移能力;根据实验分组,收集HUVEC的总蛋白和总RNA,实时荧光定量PCR和Western blot法检测TLR4的mRNA和蛋白表达。利用上述刺激物分别刺激经TLR4抑制剂TAK-242预处理和未经处理的HUVEC,实时定量PCR检测单核细胞趋化蛋白1(MCP-1)、白细胞介素1β(IL-1β)、IL-6的mRNA水平,ELISA检测细胞上清液中MCP-1、IL-1β、IL-6的蛋白水平。结果 oxLDL/β2GPI/抗β2GPI抗体复合物加速HUVEC迁移和诱导TLR4表达,oxLDL/β2GPI/抗β2GPI抗体复合物促进MCP-1、IL-1β、IL-6三种因子的mRNA和蛋白表达,TAK-242能够显著抑制该现象。结论 oxLDL/β2GPI/抗β2GPI抗体复合物促进HUVEC迁移和相关炎症因子的表达,该过程与TLR4密切相关。     

TRAF6在抗β2GPI/β2GPI复合物诱导THP-1细胞表达组织因子时的活化

目的:探讨肿瘤坏死因子受体相关因子6(TRAF6)在抗β2 GPI/β2 GPI复合物诱导单核细胞株THP-1表达组织因子(TF)中的作用.方法:采用一定剂量抗β2 GPI/β2 GPI复合物刺激THP-1细胞一定时间,收集细胞总RNA及总蛋白,实时定量PCR检测细胞TF mRNA水平,发色底物法检测细胞TF活性;RT-qPCR及Western blot分别检测细胞TRAF6mRNA和蛋白表达情况;进一步采用蛋白酶体抑制剂MG-132,观察是否能够干预抗β2 GPI/β2 GPI复合物对细胞的刺激效应.结果:抗β2 GPI/β2 GPI复合物(100 mg/L)能够刺激THP-1细胞表达TF mRNA及活性,与对照相比差异显著(P<0.05);使细胞TRAF6 mRNA和蛋白表达均增加,并显示时间相关性,分别在刺激15 min和30 min时表达至高峰;MG-132(5μmol/L)明显抑制抗β2 GPI/β2 GPI复合物(100 mg/L)对THP-1细胞TRAF6 mRNA和蛋白的刺激效应及TF的诱导表达.结论:抗β2 GPI/β2 GPI复合物诱导THP-1细胞表达TF过程中,TRAF6被激活并发挥重要作用.     

TLR2和TLR4的TLR/IL-1 receptor结构与功能

Toll样受体(Toll like receptor,TLR)是架接固有免疫和适应性免疫的桥梁。迄今为止,已鉴定的人TLR有10种,分别命名为TLR1~TLR10,TLR是一种Ⅰ型跨膜蛋白,由胞外富含亮氨酸重复序列(LRR)结构域,胞内保守的Toll/IL-1受体(TIR)结构域和跨膜结构域构成。TLRs在识别病原体相关分子模式后,其信号的特异转导主要取决于TLRs的TIR功能域与下游接头分子的TIR功能域的特异相互作用。然而,TLR2和TLR4的TIR功能域在其与下游接头分子Mal和MyD88相互作用、以及TLRs同源或异源二聚化方面的作用模式存在明显的差异。本文就TLR2和TLR4的TIR结构与功能进行简要综述,有助于我们进一步了解TLR TIR功能域与下游接头分子的相互作用。     

TLR2/TLR4在失血性休克引发的脾组织TIPE2和TLR2/TLR4信号通路分子表达上调中的作用北大核心CSCD

目的研究发现,肠淋巴液回流是导致失血性休克后免疫功能紊乱的重要因素。本研究应用TLR2^(-/-)和TLR4^(-/-)小鼠探讨失血性休克对脾组织TIPE2和TLR2/TLR4信号下游分子表达的影响。方法将不同(C57BL/6J、TLR2^(-/-)、TLR4^(-/-))来源雄性小鼠随机分为Sham组、Shock组、Shock+Drainage组,分别予以不同手术处理后,无菌获取各实验组小鼠的脾组织。应用RTPCR技术分别检测WT小鼠脾组织TIPE2、TLR2、TLR4、MyD88、TRIF、TRAF3、TRAF6的mRNA表达。应用Western blotting技术分别检测不同小鼠(C57BL/6J、TLR2^(-/-)、TLR4^(-/-))脾组织TIPE2、TLR2、TLR4、MyD88、TRIF、TRAF3、TRAF6的蛋白表达。结果与Sham组相比,失血性休克后脾脏组织TIPE2、TLR2/TLR4及其下游分子表达水平均上调,肠淋巴液引流显著降低了失血性休克导致的TIPE2、TLR2/TLR4及其下游分子的高表达。TLR2的缺失降低了Shock组脾组织TIPE2、TLR4、MyD88、TRAF6的蛋白表达。TLR4缺失降低了Shock组TIPE2、TLR2、MyD88、TRIF、TRAF6的蛋白表达。结论以TLR2、TLR4作为干预靶点,TIPE2可能通过负反馈机制调控TLR2/TLR4信号通路下游分子mRNA和蛋白的表达,有利于促进失血性休克后免疫平衡状态的恢复。     

TLR4在anti-β2GPⅠ/β2GPⅠ复合物诱导THP-1细胞表达TF中的作用探讨

目的:探讨TLR4及相关信号分子在anti-β2GPⅠ/β2GPⅠ复合物诱导单核细胞株THP-1表达组织因子(TF)中的作用。方法:利用荧光定量PCR(Real-timePCR)检测anti-β2GPⅠ/β2GPⅠ诱导THP-1细胞TFmRNA表达,采用试剂盒检测细胞TF活性;利用自制的β2GPⅠ胶联亲和层析柱(β2GPⅠ-Affi-Gel)分析β2GPⅠ与THP-1细胞表面相应受体结合情况;Real-timePCR及Western蛋白印迹检测anti-β2GPⅠ/β2GPⅠ复合物诱导细胞表达TLR4、MyD88、MD-2情况;观察TLR4途径抑制物——紫杉醇是否干预anti-β2GPⅠ/β2GPⅠ复合物对细胞的作用。结果:Anti-β2GPⅠ/β2GPⅠ复合物(100μg/ml)诱导THP-1细胞TF表达显著增加(P0.05);THP-1细胞表面的TLR4能够结合于β2GPⅠ-Affi-Gel柱;Anti-β2GPⅠ/β2GPⅠ复合物(100μg/ml)刺激THP-1细胞表达TLR4、MyD88、MD-2显著升高(P0.05);紫杉醇(1μmol/L)能够抑制anti-β2GPⅠ/β2GPⅠ复合物对细胞的刺激效应。结论:TLR4及相关信号分子在anti-β2GPⅠ/β2GPⅠ复合物诱导THP-1细胞表达TF中具有重要作用。     

TLR4 and TLR2 activation is differentially associated with age during Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disease characterized by loss of dopaminergic neurons associated with neuroinflammation. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are expressed in peripheral blood leukocytes and also in neurons and glial cells mediating inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the peripheral blood leukocyte response to TLR2 and TLR4 agonists in young and elderly PD patients. Two groups of patients with PD were evaluated (≤ 55 years old and ≥ 65 years old), age-matched with healthy controls (n = 26). Severity of PD was evaluated by Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). Whole blood cultures were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a TLR4 agonist or Pam₃Cys (Pam), a TLR2 agonist. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) were measured by immunoenzimatic assay. 6 h-TNFα production was increased after TLR4 stimulation, mainly in young PD patients, whereas TLR2-induced TNFα and IL-10 levels were decreased in PD patients independent of age (p < 0.05). A reverse correlation between LPS-induced TNFα production and age was observed in PD patients and controls, but TNFα induced by TLR2 agonist was not associated with age of PD patients or controls. TNFα production induced by TLR4 but not by TLR2 was reversely associated with the age at PD onset and disease duration. No associations between UPDRS scores and cytokine levels were detected. In conclusion, TLR4 and TLR2 responses seem to be differentially affected during PD. Data suggest that TLR2 deficiency in periphery is independent of age of the patients, age at PD onset, or PD duration.