Cutting edge: TLR2 directly triggers Th1 effector functions

Toll-like receptors recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns, activate innate immunity, and consequently modulate adaptive immunity in response to infections. TLRs are also expressed on T cells, and it has been shown that T cell activation is modulated by TLR ligands. However, the functions of Ms on Th1 and Th2 effector cells and the molecular mechanisms underlying M-mediated activation are not fully understood. We analyzed TLR functions and downstream signaling events in both effector T cells. In mouse Th1 cells the stimulation by TLR2 but not by other Ms directly induced IFN-gamma yproduction, cell proliferation, and cell survival without TCR stimulation, and these effects were greatly enhanced by IL-2 or IL-12 through the enhanced activation of MAPKs. In contrast, no TLR affected the function of effector Th2 cells. These results identify TLR2 as a new specific activator of Th1 cell function and imply the involvement in th1-mediated responses.