Cutting Edge: Genetic Variation in TLR1 Is Associated with Pam3CSK4-Induced Effector T Cell Resistance to Regulatory T Cell Suppression

TLR play essential roles in the initiation and modulation of immune responses. TLR1/TLR2 heterodimers recognize triacylated bacterial lipopeptides, including the synthetic TLR1/2 lipopeptide Pam3CSK4. Genetic variation in TLR1 is associated with outcomes in diseases in which regulatory T cells (Treg) play a role, including asthma and allergy. To determine whether genetic polymorphisms in TLR1 are associated with alterations in Treg suppression of effector T cells (Teff), we performed in vitro suppression assays in healthy individuals with various haplotypes in TLR1. We show that functional genetic polymorphisms in TLR1 modify surface expression of TLR1 on T lymphocytes and confer enhanced Teff resistance to Treg suppression in the presence of Pam3CSK4. These effects are mediated, in part, by IL-6 and inhibited by blocking IL-6 signaling through STAT3. These findings suggest that TLR1 polymorphisms could influence immune-related disease through Teff resistance to Treg suppression.