Immunological Characterization of the Peritoneal Cavity of the TLR5 Knockout Mouse

Immunological Characterization of the Peritoneal Cavity of the TLR5 Knockout Mouse

Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) is a cell surface molecule associated with cells of the innate immune system, particularly those in proximity to the gut mucosa. TLR5 detects flagellin, the major protein comprising the flagella (“tails”) of bacteria. Most current TLR5 research focuses on organized lymphoid tissue; its function in the peritoneal cavity (PerC), a location enriched with innate immune cells, has not been investigated. We have been comparing the immunobiology of normal (“wild type”) mice with those lacking, or “knocked out” for, TLR5 (TLR5KO). Flow cytometry analyses revealed an increase in B1 B cells and a decrease in B2 B cells in the spleen of TLR5KO mice. Surprisingly, no differences were seen between PerC B cells of TLR5KO and wildtype mice. T cell analyses revealed a decrease in CD4+ helper T cells of the TLR5KO spleen; in the PerC, a decrease in CD8+ killer T cells was observed coinciding with a decrease in activated killer T cells. All spleen cell analyses revealed decreased amounts of macrophages relative to wildtype mice. These differences in the immune cells of TLR5KO mice invite further research of their immunobiology to advance understanding of the role of TLR5.

Bay, Tanner

Rider University

Baccalaureate Honors Program

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English

Capstone