The viral TLR3 agonist poly(I:C) stimulates phagocytosis and intracellular killing of Escherichia coli by microglial cells

Neurosci Lett. 2010 Sep 20;482(1):17-20. doi: 10.1016/j.neulet.2010.06.078. Epub 2010 Jul 3.

Abstract

Stimulation of murine primary microglia with Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists enhances their ability to phagocytose and kill bacteria. Here we show that the viral TLR3 agonist poly(I:C) stimulates the release of cyto-/chemokines and nitric oxide by microglia. Poly(I:C) increases microglial phagocytosis and intracellular killing of Escherichia coli K1, a pathogenic encapsulated bacterial strain, after 30 and 90 min of co-incubation. Stimulation with a viral epitope may strengthen the resistance of the brain to bacterial infections in vivo. Our data encourage animal experiments with poly(I:C) derivatives to assess whether this approach can increase the resistance of the CNS against bacterial infections.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents / immunology*
  • Escherichia coli / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Microglia / immunology*
  • Microglia / microbiology
  • Phagocytosis / immunology*
  • Poly I-C / immunology*
  • Toll-Like Receptor 3 / immunology*

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • TLR3 protein, mouse
  • Toll-Like Receptor 3
  • Poly I-C