Toll-like receptor-7 ligand Imiquimod induces type I interferon and antimicrobial peptides to ameliorate dextran sodium sulfate-induced acute colitis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with a dysregulated mucosal immune response. Certain stimulators of innate immunity (CpG DNA or GM-CSF) are reported to be anti-inflammatory in IBD. Toll-like receptor-7 (TLR7) is an important regulator of innate immunity and its activation plays a key role in induction of type I interferon (IFN). The present study tests the hypothesis that the TLR7 agonists Imiquimod has therapeutic efficacy in IBD.

Methods

Acute colitis was induced in Balb/c mice by giving 5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in drinking water for 7 days. Mice were treated with Imiquimod either orally or topically and its therapeutic effects on disease activity were examined. Isolated mouse CD11c+ dendritic cells and human intestinal

SUBMITTER: Sainathan SK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3878618 | biostudies-literature | 2012 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature