Cited 15 times since 2013 (1.3 per year) source: EuropePMC Arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, and vascular biology, Volume 33, Issue 12, 10 2 2013, Pages 2810-2817 An unexpected intriguing effect of Toll-like receptor regulator RP105 (CD180) on atherosclerosis formation with alterations on B-cell activation. Karper JC, de Jager SC, Ewing MM, de Vries MR, Bot I, van Santbrink PJ, Redeker A, Mallat Z, Binder CJ, Arens R, Jukema JW, Kuiper J, Quax PH

Objective

In atherosclerosis, Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are traditionally linked to effects on tissue macrophages or foam cells. RP105, a structural TLR4 homolog, is an important regulator of TLR signaling. The effects of RP105 on TLR signaling vary for different leukocyte subsets known to be involved in atherosclerosis, making it unique in its role of either suppressing (in myeloid cells) or enhancing (in B cells) TLR-regulated inflammation in different cell types. We aimed to identify a role of TLR accessory molecule RP105 on circulating cells in atherosclerotic plaque formation.

Approach and results

Irradiated low density lipoprotein receptor deficient mice received RP105(-/-) or wild-type bone marrow. RP105(-/-) chimeras displayed a 57% reduced plaque burden. Interestingly, total and activated B-cell numbers were significantly reduced in RP105(-/-) chimeras. Activation of B1 B cells was unaltered, suggesting that RP105 deficiency only affected inflammatory B2 B cells. IgM levels were unaltered, but anti-oxidized low-density lipoprotein and anti-malondialdehyde-modified low-density lipoprotein IgG2c antibody levels were significantly lower in RP105(-/-) chimeras, confirming effects on B2 B cells rather than B1 B cells. Moreover, B-cell activating factor expression was reduced in spleens of RP105(-/-) chimeras.

Conclusions

RP105 deficiency on circulating cells results in an intriguing unexpected TLR-associated mechanisms that decrease atherosclerotic lesion formation with alterations on proinflammatory B2 B cells.

Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2013 10;33(12):2810-2817