Epithelial expression of TLR4 is modulated in COPD and by steroids, salmeterol and cigarette smoke.

ABSTRACT: The toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a key component of host defense in the respiratory epithelium. Cigarette smoking is associated with increased susceptibility to infection, while COPD is characterised by bacterial colonisation and infective exacerbations. We found reduced TLR4 gene expression in the nasal epithelium of smokers compared with non-smoking controls, while TLR2 expression was unchanged. Severe COPD was associated with reduced TLR4 expression compared to less severe disease, with good correlation between nasal and tracheal expression. We went on to examine the effect of potential modulators of TLR4 expression in respiratory epithelium pertinent to airways disease. Using an airway epithelial cell line, we found a dose-dependent downregulation in TLR4 mRNA and protein expression

SUBMITTER: MacRedmond RE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2194695 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature