Toll-like receptor 2 heterodimers, TLR2/6 and TLR2/1 induce prostaglandin E production by osteoblasts, osteoclast formation and inflammatory periodontitis

TLR2 forms heterodimers with TLR1 and TLR6, and regulates host defense mechanisms against pathogens. We examined the role of TLR2 heterodimer signaling in osteoclast formation and inflammatory periodontitis. In co-cultures of mouse bone marrow cells and osteoblasts, a TLR2/6 ligand (diacylated lipopeptide designed from Gram-positive bacteria) markedly induced osteoclast formation. A TLR2/1 ligand (triacylated lipopeptide designed from Gram-negative bacteria) also induced osteoclast formation. The osteoclast formation induced by TLR2/6 and TLR2/1 ligands was completely suppressed by indomethacin. Osteoblasts expressed TLR1, 2, 4, and 6 mRNAs, and both TLR2/6 and TLR2/1 ligands induced the expression of COX-2, mPGES-1, and RANKL mRNA, as well as PGE production in osteoblasts. Both TLR2/6 and TLR2/1 ligands induced the resorption of mandibular alveolar bone in organ cultures, and elicited inflammatory periodontitis in vivo. Therefore, TLR2 heterodimer signaling may play a key role in PGE-mediated inflammatory bone loss in periodontal disease.

► We examine the role of TLR2 heterodimer signaling in bone metabolism.
► Both TLR2/6 ligand and TLR2/1 ligand markedly induce osteoclast formation in vitro.
► TLR2 heterodimer signaling induces the expression of COX-2 and mPGES-1 in osteoblasts.
► TLR2/6 and TLR2/1 ligands induce the resorption of mandibular alveolar bone in vitro.
► In mouse model, TLR2 heterodimer ligands elicit inflammatory periodontitis in vivo.