ABSTRACT
Objective The aim of this study is to examine the expressions of Toll like receptor (TLR) 7 and TLR9 in the peripheral blood B lymphocytes of SLE patients and to analyze the correlation between TLR7/9 and clinical parameters. Methods lntracellular expression of TLR7/9 in the peripheral blood CD19+Blymphocytes was analyzed in 50 SLE patients and 30 healthy controls by flow cytometry. The difference of intracellular TLR7/9 expression levels in two groups was compared. Furthermore,the correlation between TLR7/9 expression and clinical parameters such as ESR, CRP, complement 3 (C3), complement 4 (CA), the level of serum IgG, anti-double stranded DNA antibody, anti-nuclear antibodies, SLEDAI score and urine protein excretion level, were analyzed. Results Compared with healthy subjects, the proportion of B cells expressing TLR7 and TLR9 was higher among SLE patients. Positive correlation was observed between TLR7 expression levels and clinical measurement of the SLEDAI and ESR. Negative correlation was observed between TLR7 expression levels and serum C3 levels. Positive correlation was observed between TLR9 expression levels and SLEDAI scores. Negative correlation was observed between TLR9 expression levels and serum C3 levels. Conclusion TLR7 and TLR9 expression is increased in the peripheral blood B cells of SLE patients, and correlates well with clinical parameters.