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Vet. Res. (2008) 39:13
DOI: 10.1051/vetres:2007051

Expression of toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) in porcine leukocyte subsets and tissues

Belén Álvarez¹, Concepción Revilla¹, Nieves Doménech², Carlos Pérez¹, Paloma Martínez¹, Fernando Alonso¹, Angel Ezquerra¹ and Javier Domínguez<sup>1

1</sup>  Dpto. Biotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), 28040 Madrid, Spain
²  Unidad de Investigación, CHU Juan Canalejo, 15006 La Coruña, Spain

(Received 23 April 2007; accepted 19 October 2007; published online 21 December 2007)

Abstract - Toll-like receptors (TLR) are a group of pattern recognition molecules that play a crucial role in innate immunity. TLR2 recognises a variety of microbial components leading to the development of inflammatory and immune responses. To characterise the expression and functional properties of porcine TLR2 (pTLR2), we have raised a panel of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) against this molecule. Mouse 3T3 cell transfectants expressing pTLR2 were used for immunisation of mice. The specificity of these antibodies was confirmed by their reactivity with CHO cells transfected with pTLR2 but not with pTLR4 or with non-transfected cells. Using one of these mAbs, named 1H11, pTLR2 was found on cells of the innate immune system, including monocytes, macrophages, and granulocytes, but not on peripheral blood lymphocytes. Staining of tissue sections showed that pTLR2 is also expressed on epithelial cells lining the tracheobronchial and intestinal tracts, bile ducts in the liver and renal tubules, and on the basal layer of the epidermis. This distribution is consistent with a surveillance function at entry sites, allowing for early detection of microbial invasion.

Key words: toll-like receptor / monoclonal antibody / monocyte / epithelial cell / pig

Corresponding author: juncal@inia.es

© INRA, EDP Sciences 2008

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