Methylation pattern of the CD14 and TLR2 genes in human dental pulp

摘要

Introduction Pattern recognition receptors, such as toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2) and TLR-4, participate in the activation of immune cells by microorganisms in dental pulp. However, the expression levels of pattern recognition receptors can be modulated by epigenetic factors, especially DNA methylation. In this study, the methylation status of the TLR-2 and CD14 (TLR4 co-receptor) genes in healthy and inflamed human dental pulp was examined. Methods The Methyl-Profiler DNA Methylation qPCR Assay was used to verify the DNA methylation patterns. Results No differences in the methylation patterns were observed between the 2 groups. Most DNA was unmethylated in both groups. Conclusions The hypomethylation of TLR2 and CD14 genes is a usual feature in human dental pulp.