Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) expression is found to be enriched in mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) A-fiber neurons known to mediate mechanical allodynia, a form of chronic neuropathic pain. Selective silencing of both mouse and human DRG A-fiber neurons is achieved by co-application of the TLR5 ligand flagellin and the lidocaine derivative QX-314, which is also sufficient to reverse mechanical allodynia in three different mouse models of chronic neuropathic pain.
- Zhen-Zhong Xu
- Yong Ho Kim
- Ru-Rong Ji