Toll-like receptor 3 signaling drives enteric glial cells against dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice

J Mol Histol. 2024 Apr;55(2):201-210. doi: 10.1007/s10735-024-10184-7. Epub 2024 Feb 20.

Abstract

The activation of toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) has been reported to attenuate astrocytes injury in central nervous system, but its effect on enteric glial cells (EGCs) remains unknown. Here, we confirmed that the residence of EGCs was regulated by TLR3 agonist (polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid, PIC) or TLR3/dsRNA complex inhibitor in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced mice. In vitro, TLR3 signaling prevented apoptosis in EGCs and drove the secretion of EGCs-derived glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid and S-nitrosoglutathione. PIC preconditioning enhanced the protective effects of EGCs against the dysfunction of intestinal epithelial barrier and the development of colitis in DSS-induced mice. Interestingly, PIC stimulation also promoted the effects of EGCs on converting macrophages to an M2-like phenotype and regulating the levels of inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-10, in DSS-induced mice. These findings imply that TLR3 signaling in EGCs may provide a potential target for the prevention and treatment of colitis.

Keywords: Colitis; Enteric glial cells; Intestinal epithelial barrier; Macrophage; TLR3.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Colitis* / chemically induced
  • Dextran Sulfate / toxicity
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Neuroglia
  • Signal Transduction
  • Toll-Like Receptor 3*

Substances

  • Toll-Like Receptor 3
  • Dextran Sulfate