Figure 9: Proposed model of TLR5-Nox4 complex function in atherosclerosis.
From: Flagellin-induced NADPH oxidase 4 activation is involved in atherosclerosis
Interaction of TLR5 with Nox4 plays an essential role in atherosclerosis. Ligation of TLR5 with flagellin stimulated Nox4 to generate H2O2 which in turn promoted the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-8 and IL-6, as well as the expression of ICAM-1 in endothelial cells. The expressions of pro-inflammatory mediators induced binding and transmigration of monocytes, leading to the development of atherosclerotic lesions in the aortas. It demonstrated that activation of TLR5-Nox4 cascade contributed to the early events of atherogenesis.
