Expression and Distribution of Nucleic Acid-sensing TLRs in Porcine Sperm

  Objective   Expression and distribution of the toll-like receptor (TLR) in porcine sperm were analyzed to facilitate the study on the related signaling pathway and antimicrobial properties.

  Method  The mRNA expressions of TLR3, 7, 8, and 9 in pig sperm were detected by RT-PCR, and the distribution of TLR3 by immunofluorescence.

  Result  The mRNA of TLR3, 7, 8, and 9 were all expressed in the sperm, and TLR3 mainly found in the posterior head and midpiece.

  Conclusion  The expression of nucleic acid-sensing TLRs and the localizations of TLR3 in the porcine sperm revealed in this study gave clues of how the sperm might respond to attacks by virus and derivatives. The information paved the way for further investigation on the sperm TLR signaling pathway and pathogen recognition function.