Our findings uncover a mechanism by which TLR7 and TLR9 specify monocyte fate and identify a specialized population of phagocytes responsible for anemia and thrombocytopenia associated with inflammation and infection.
Polymorphisms in the Fc gamma receptor IIIA and Toll-like receptor 9 are associated with protection against severe malarial anemia and changes in circulating gamma interferon levels.
Recent studies have shown that anemia is commonly observed after exposure to pathogens or pathogen-derived products, which are recognized via Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9).
However, in P. falciparum-infected women, both the TLR4 Asp299Gly and the TLR9 T-1486C polymorphisms increased the risk of low birth weight in term infants 6-fold, and, additionally, TLR4 Asp299Gly increased the risk of maternal anemia 5-fold; preterm delivery was not associated with these TLR variants.
However, in P. falciparum-infected women, both the TLR4 Asp299Gly and the TLR9T-1486C polymorphisms increased the risk of low birth weight in term infants 6-fold, and, additionally, TLR4 Asp299Gly increased the risk of maternal anemia 5-fold; preterm delivery was not associated with these TLR variants.