# Cell surface Toll-like receptor polymorphisms influence Bartonella and ectoparasite infections in striped hamsters

## TL;DR

This study shows how genetic variations in Toll-like receptors affect striped hamsters' resistance to infections like Bartonella and ectoparasites.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific TLR polymorphisms linked to infection resistance and their spatial localization in wild hamsters.

## Key findings

- Four TLR sites are associated with Bartonella susceptibility, while twelve sites relate to flea resistance.
- TLR polymorphisms in uninfected hamsters show higher genetic diversity compared to infected individuals.
- Pathogen-related TLR sites differ in their location on the receptor's 3D structure.

## Abstract

This study explored how polymorphisms in cell surface Toll-like receptors (TLRs) influence susceptibility to Bartonella and ectoparasite infections in striped hamsters. Among six TLR genes, four sites in TLR1, TLR4, and TLR10 genes were associated with Bartonella susceptibility, while twelve sites across TLR4, TLR5, and TLR10 contributed to flea resistance. Similarly, eleven sites in TLR5, TLR6, and TLR10 were linked to gamasid mite parasitism. Genetic polymorphism analysis revealed that when heterozygous or rare genotypes protected the host from infections, the polymorphisms of these sites in uninfected individuals exceeded that of the infected group. The distribution of these sites on the three-dimensional structure of TLRs varied. All Bartonella-related sites were in the extracellular domain, whereas some of those related to fleas and gamasid mites were located in other domains. This research highlights the importance of cell surface TLRs in immune regulation and provides insights into evolutionary dynamics in natural environments.

•TLR gene polymorphisms were associated with Bartonella, flea, and mite infections in hamsters•TLR polymorphisms differentially influenced susceptibility to distinct pathogens•TLR sites linked to distinct pathogens varied in spatial localization•The study uncovered TLR-driven immunity and host adaptation in wild hamsters

TLR gene polymorphisms were associated with Bartonella, flea, and mite infections in hamsters

TLR polymorphisms differentially influenced susceptibility to distinct pathogens

TLR sites linked to distinct pathogens varied in spatial localization

The study uncovered TLR-driven immunity and host adaptation in wild hamsters

Microbiology; Cell biology