Development of TLR7/8 small RNA antagonists

Methods Mol Biol. 2010:629:387-94. doi: 10.1007/978-1-60761-657-3_25.

Abstract

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) expressed by innate immune cells recognize a spectrum of microbial structures. Recent studies have provided convincing evidence that TLR7 and TLR8 play a key role in sensing viral RNAs. Under certain conditions these receptors can also recognize self-RNA leading to the induction and/or perpetuation of autoimmune diseases. Recently, we have shown that the incorporation of 2'-modifications in RNAs not only evade immune activation but also suppress TLR7 and TLR8 signaling triggered by immunostimulatory RNAs. Comparable to immunosuppressive DNA oligonucleotides, 2'-modified RNAs may have utility as inhibitors of pathogenic inflammatory reactions mediated by TLR activation. This chapter describes the characterization of immunosuppressive RNA oligonucleotides carrying 2'-modified uridines.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Base Sequence
  • Cell Separation
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Humans
  • Immunization
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / metabolism
  • Molecular Biology / methods*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Oligonucleotides / genetics
  • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / metabolism
  • RNA, Small Interfering / metabolism*
  • Toll-Like Receptor 7 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Toll-Like Receptor 8 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Transfection
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / biosynthesis

Substances

  • Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated
  • Oligonucleotides
  • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Toll-Like Receptor 7
  • Toll-Like Receptor 8
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • 1,2-dioleoyloxy-3-(trimethylammonium)propane