Toll-like receptor 3 mediates calcific aortic valve disease via a conserved mechanism of calcification
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ABSTRACT: The molecular mechanisms underlying valvular immunaging are not well understood. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are evolutionary conserved pattern recognition receptors at the interface between innate immunity and tissue repair. Here, we identify TLR3 as a central molecular regulator of calcification in cells exposed to mechanical strain. TLR3 is responsible for the phenotypic switch of valvular interstitial cells (VICs) to bone-forming cells in aortic valves and drives bone formation in vertebrates. Tlr3-/- mice exhibit an osteoporotic phenotype and are protected from CAVD. Moreover, we uncover biglycan (BGN), an extracellular matrix protein released upon mechanical tissue damage, as the first known endogenous TLR3-ligand and provide compelling evidence for receptor-ligand interaction. Our results reveal novel insights in the pathogenesis of CAVD and uncover TLR3 as a potential therapeutic target to prevent cardiovascular calcification and death.
ORGANISM(S): Homo sapiens
PROVIDER: GSE138360 | GEO | 2020/10/01
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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