Toll-like receptors 11–13 in the brain during neurocysticercosis
Author Information
Author(s): Bibhuti Mishra, Uma Mahesh Gundra, Judy M. Teale
Primary Institution: The University of Texas at San Antonio
Hypothesis
The functions of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 11–13 in central nervous system (CNS) infections are currently unknown.
Conclusion
TLRs 11–13 are expressed in the CNS and their expression significantly increases during murine neurocysticercosis.
Supporting Evidence
- TLR13 was expressed the most in terms of number of positive cells and brain areas expressing it.
- Parasite infection caused an increase of both mRNAs and protein levels of all three TLRs by several fold.
- TLRs 11–13 mRNAs are expressed in normal, uninfected mouse brains and their levels of expression increase during parasite infection.
Takeaway
This study found that certain proteins in the brain, called TLRs, are more active when there is a parasitic infection, which might help the brain fight off the infection.
Methodology
The study used real-time PCR analysis and immunofluorescence microscopy to assess TLR expression in infected and mock-infected mouse brains.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on a murine model, which may not fully represent human neurocysticercosis.
Participant Demographics
Female Balb/c mice were used in the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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