A Role of Toll-IL-1 Receptor Domain-Containing Adaptor-Inducing IFN-β in the Host Response to <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> Lung Infection in Mice

Toll-IL-1R domain-containing adaptor-inducing IFN-β (TRIF) is an adaptor molecule that mediates a distinct TLR signaling pathway. Roles of TRIF in the host defense have been primarily associated with virus infections owing to the induction of IFN-αβ. In this study, we investigated a role of TRIF in Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. In vitro, TRIF-deficient mouse alveolar and peritoneal macrophages showed a complete inhibition of RANTES (CCL5) production, severely impaired TNF and KC (CXCL1) production, and reduced NF-κB activation in response to P. aeruginosa stimulation. In vivo, TRIF-deficient mice showed a complete inhibition of RANTES production, a severely impaired TNF and KC production, and an efficient MIP-2 and IL-1β production in the lung following P. aeruginosa infection. This outcome was associated with a delayed recruitment of neutrophils into the airways. These results suggest that TRIF mediates a distinct cytokine/chemokine profile in response to P. aeruginosa infection. P. aeruginosa-induced RANTES production is completely dependent on TRIF pathway in mice. Importantly, TRIF deficiency leads to impaired clearance of P. aeruginosa from the lung during the initial 24–48 h of infection. Thus, TRIF represents a novel mechanism involved in the development of host response to P. aeruginosa infection.