Messenger RNA expression of toll-like receptors (TLR2, TLR4, and TLR9) in HIV-1 infected patients with and without tuberculosis co-infection

Background: Gene expression levels of TLRs (TLR2, TLR4 and TLR9) are directly involved in the virus recognition and initiation of innate immune responses, therefore, the effect of HIV infection on TLRs gene expression was investigated in functional context through mRNA levels estimations of selected TLRs. Methods: In the present study mRNA gene expression of TLR2, TLR4 and TLR9 has been investigated in HIV+ and HIV+TB patients and compared with healthy subjects. Result: The increase expression of TLR2, TLR4 and TLR9 (mRNA level) relative to the internal gene GAPDH was observed in HIV+ and HIV+TB patients as compared to healthy subjects. Similarly, increase in TLRs mRNA expression was observed in HIV+TB patients as compared to HIV+ patients. Conclusion: A modest increase in expression of TLRs in HIV+ patients with and without TB co-infection suggest a potential role for these TLRs in HIV-1 immunopathogenesis.