(535a) Intracellular Trafficking of Toll-Like Receptor 9 Ligands

The innate immune system relies on innate immune cells to survey their environment for pathogens and to mount responses through the activation of pattern recognition receptors.  To activate intracellular pattern recognition receptors such as toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9), innate immune cells must first internalize exogenous material.  However, complex cellular processes control the intracellular fate of internalized ligands, and ultimately, the cytokine secretion profiles.  In this study, we aim to (1) examine the trafficking of TLR9 ligands, and (2) identify the possible intracellular mechanisms which affect the trafficking and immunogenicity of TLR9 ligands.