Expression of toll-like receptor 4 and its associated cytokines from peripheral blood mononuclear cells in Leghorn chickens

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Immune cells require toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) to respond to lipopolysaccharides (LPS) by releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are used to assess changes in cytokines released in response to diseases or pathogens. This study aimed to assess TLR4 gene expression in PBMCs from Leghorn chicken and the release of related cytokines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from blood samples obtained from Leghorn chicks. The PBMC cultures were stimulated with various concentrations of LPS (0.01-1 μg/ml). Polymerase chain reaction was used to detect TLR4 expression. The production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukins (IL-1β and IL-6) was quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: We found that TLR4 was expressed in both non-stimulated and stimulated Leghorn chicken PBMCs. In addition, the release of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels in Leghorn chicken PBMCs increased significantly with an increase in LPS concentration (0.01–1 μg/mL) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although TLR4 was expressed in both non-stimulated and stimulated Leghorn chicken PBMCs, its expression was significantly higher in LPS-stimulated PBMCs Therefore, the chicken’s endotoxin response can be assessed by evaluating the pro-inflammatory cytokine production from PBMCs.