TLR7 promotes Th1 polarization in immune thrombocytopenia

IntroductionT helper 1 cell (Th1) polarization persists in the autoimmune response found in immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) expression, which also plays an important role in autoimmune diseases, was verified to increase in ITP. However, the exact role of TLR7 in ITP is not well elucidated. Here, we explored the hypothesis that TLR7 participates in the pathophysiology of ITP by affecting Th1 polarization.Materials and methodsTwenty-two ITP patients and twenty-one controls were enrolled in this study. We examined the cytokine secretion of macrophages in ITP patients and controls using both TLR7 agonist (imiquimod) and antagonist (IRS 661). The influence of macrophage secretion from these groups and its effects on Th1/Th2 differentiation were subsequently studied. Effects of TLR7 on Th1/Th2 balance and platelet counts were also studied in vivo using a thrombocytopenic mouse model.ResultsIn in vitro assays, imiquimod enhanced interleukin (IL)-12 secretion in macrophages from ITP patients inducing Th1 differentiation. However, IRS 661 had the exact opposite effect and skewed Th differentiation towards the Th2 subset in ITP. Results from our in vivo studies indicated that injection of imiquimod in ITP mice resulted in elevated plasma levels of IFN-γ and decreased platelet counts. Nevertheless, injection of IRS 661 resulted in elevated plasma levels of IL-4 and platelet counts.ConclusionThese findings indicate that TLR7 promotes Th1 polarization and may contribute thus in the pathogenesis of ITP.