Identification and characterization of oligonucleotides that inhibit Toll-like receptor 2-associated immune responses

FASEB J. 2009 Sep;23(9):3078-88. doi: 10.1096/fj.09-129312. Epub 2009 Apr 30.

Abstract

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play important roles in the immune responses against invading microorganisms. Development of TLR antagonists is recognized as a promising direction in suppressing the associated inflammatory reactions of the TLRs. Aptamers are single-stranded RNA or DNA molecules isolated through an in vitro selection process. Using a novel molecular evolution strategy that combines immunoprecipitation (IP) with systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX), we developed an IP-SELEX selection method to facilitate the screening of high-affinity aptamers for the Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2). Also, human TLR2 functional aptamers were identified and characterized using NF-kappaB reporter assays. Among the functional aptamers, the most effective, AP177, with a dissociation constant of 73 pM, was characterized with TLR2-expressing cells challenged with bacterial cells and purified ligands. The aptamer could effectively antagonize TLR2, significantly inhibit NF-kappaB activity, and suppress the secretion of the cytokines by >80%. In addition, the precise region within the functional aptamer that specifically bound TLR2 was resolved using aptamer microarray analysis. The results of functional assays showed that AP177 acted as a TLR2 antagonist and may hold therapeutic potential in the treatment of diseases related to dysregulated TLR2 immune responses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aptamers, Nucleotide
  • Cell Line
  • Directed Molecular Evolution / methods
  • Drug Discovery
  • Drug Evaluation, Preclinical / methods*
  • Humans
  • Immunity / drug effects*
  • Oligonucleotides / pharmacology*
  • SELEX Aptamer Technique
  • Toll-Like Receptor 2 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Toll-Like Receptor 2 / immunology

Substances

  • Aptamers, Nucleotide
  • Oligonucleotides
  • TLR2 protein, human
  • Toll-Like Receptor 2