Mouse TLR4 vs. Human TLR4

Abstract

The overall goal of the project is to understand the immune response of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in mice that express the human TLR4 gene compared to mice with the mouse TLR4 gene. Research concerning TLR4 has high potential to lead to the modification and transformation of vaccines we use today. The hypothesis is that human TLR4 has an amplified TRIF-biased response compared to mouse TLR4. A TRIF biased response is optimal in vaccine production because the TRIF adaptor protein has minimal inflammatory response. The moving target of creating vaccines on ever changing viruses is a challenge. TLR4 research has the potential to create vast improvements in vaccines we use today and improve biomedical and public health.