C4b-binding protein negatively regulates TLR4/MD-2 response but not TLR3 response.

Recently, we reported a novel function for C4b-binding protein (C4BP) in inhibiting the toll-like receptor (TLR)1/2 response by interacting with TLR2. TLRs share a common structure; hence, we examined the effect of C4BP on activation of other TLRs-TLR4 and TLR3. The results of immunoprecipitation assays suggest that C4BP interacts with TLR4/MD-2 but not TLR3. C4BP inhibits TLR4/MD-2-mediated, but not TLR3-mediated, proinflammatory cytokine production and nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling. C4BP-deficient mice show increased interleukin (IL)-6 production in response to the TLR4/MD-2 ligand. A competition assay revealed that C4BP prevents an interaction between TLR4/MD-2 and its ligand. These findings indicate that C4BP binds to cell surface TLRs and inhibits the TLR-TLR ligand interaction, thereby inhibiting TLR activation.