TLR7 expression patterns in mouse eye development and adult ocular tissues

Int J Dev Biol. 2025 Jun 13;69(2):101-107. doi: 10.1387/ijdb.240229fa.

Abstract

Toll-Like Receptor 7 (TLR7) is recognized for its role in immune responses, particularly in detecting viral RNA. However, emerging evidence suggests that TLR7 may also contribute to ocular development. In this study, we assessed the expression pattern of TLR7 in various CD-1 mouse eye compartments during critical developmental stages, from embryonic day 12 to 16, as well as in adult tissues such as the cornea, pigmented epithelium, neural retina and lens. Our findings reveal a region-specific and time-dependent expression of TLR7, suggesting that it may play a role in the morphogenetic processes that shape the eye during intrauterine development.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cornea / embryology
  • Cornea / metabolism
  • Eye* / embryology
  • Eye* / growth & development
  • Eye* / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental*
  • Lens, Crystalline / embryology
  • Lens, Crystalline / metabolism
  • Membrane Glycoproteins* / genetics
  • Membrane Glycoproteins* / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Retina / embryology
  • Retina / metabolism
  • Toll-Like Receptor 7* / genetics
  • Toll-Like Receptor 7* / metabolism

Substances

  • Toll-Like Receptor 7
  • Tlr7 protein, mouse
  • Membrane Glycoproteins