Role for MyD88, TLR2 and TLR9 but not TLR1, TLR4 or TLR6 in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

The potential roles of TLRs in the cause and pathogenesis of autoimmune CNS inflammation remain contentious. In this study, we examined the effects of targeted deletions of TLR1, TLR2, TLR4, TLR6, TLR9, and MyD88 on the induction of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein 35-55 (MOG(35-55)) peptide/CFA/pertussis toxin-induced autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Although C57BL/6.Tlr1(-/-), C57BL/6.Tlr4(-/-) and C57BL/6.Tlr6(-/-) mice showed normal susceptibility to disease, signs were alleviated in female C57BL/6.Tlr2(-/-) and C57BL/6.Tlr9(-/-) mice and C57BL/6.Tlr2/9(-/-) mice of both sexes. C57BL/6.Myd88(-/-) mice were completely protected. Lower clinical scores were associated with reduced leukocyte infiltrates. These results were confirmed by passive adoptive transfer of disease into female C57BL/6.Tlr2(-/-) and C57BL/6.Tlr9(-/-) mice, where protection in the absence of TLR2 was associated with fewer infiltrating CD4(+) cells in the CNS, reduced prevalence of detectable circulating IL-6, and increased proportions of central (CD62L(+)) CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells. These results provide a potential molecular mechanism for the observed effects of TLR signaling on the severity of autoimmune CNS inflammation.