TLR3 is a key receptor for recognition of double-stranded RNA and initiation of immune responses against viral infections. However, hyperactive responses can have adverse effects, such as virusinduced asthma. Strategies to prevent TLR3-mediated pathology are therefore desired. We investigated the effect of single-stranded DNA oligonucleotides (ssDNA-ODNs) on TLR3 activation. Human monocyte-derived dendritic cells up-regulate maturation markers and secrete proinflammatory cytokines on treatment with the synthetic TLR3 ligand polyinosine-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C). These events were inhibited in cultures with ssDNA-ODNs. Poly I:C activation of nonhematopoietic cells was also inhibited by ssDNA-ODNs. The uptake of poly I:C into cells was reduced in the presence of ssDNA-ODNs, preventing TLR3 engagement from occurring. To confirm this inhibition in vivo, we administered ssDNAODNs and poly I:C, alone or in combination, via the intranasal route in cynomolgus macaques. Proinflammatory cytokines were detected in nasal secretions in the poly I:C group, while the levels were reduced in the groups receiving ssDNA-ODNs or both substances.
IntroductionThe immune system distinguishes between self and non-self with a variety of pattern recognition receptors such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs), C-type lectins, RIG-I-like receptors, and Nod-like receptors. [1][2][3][4] Ten genes for TLRs exist in humans and they are expressed on the cellular surface or in the intracellular endosomal compartment. 2 For activation to take place, the receptors form homodimers or heterodimers and transmit a signal via the adaptor proteins MyD88 and/or TIR domain-containing adapter-inducing INF- (TIRF). The extracellular TLRs recognize conserved glycoprotein and lipopeptide structures specific to microbial organisms, while the endosomal receptors recognize nucleic acids. 2 TLR3 is the only receptor transmitting its signal merely via the adaptor protein TRIF and it does so in response to double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) present in, for example, viral genomes or their intermediates during the replication cycle. 5,6 However, selfproduced dsRNA can also engage TLR3 when released from damaged tissues. 7-9 The synthetic ligand polyinosine-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) is commonly used to target TLR3 in vaccine adjuvant constructs and in different experimental conditions. 4,7,10 Immune activation mediated via TLR3 has been shown to be important in clearance of viral infections because of a robust induction of IL-12 and type I interferons. 5 Furthermore, studies revealing its ability to mediate efficient cross-presentation of endocytosed Ags 11,12 have made TLR3 an interesting target in vaccine adjuvant development. 4,13,14 However, several reports have also implicated TLR3 in having detrimental effects during certain infections or conditions. 5,6 Cells infected with Epstein-Barr virus have been shown to secrete virally encoded RNA detected by TLR3 that results in systemic pathologic immune activation. 15 The role of TLR3 in viral CNS infections is debated, w...