Cutting Edge: Toll-Like Receptor 9 Expression Is Not Required for CpG DNA-Aided Cross-Presentation of DNA-Conjugated Antigens but Essential for Cross-Priming of CD8 T Cells

Covalent linkage of immunostimulatory CpG DNA to OVA results in CpG DNA-aided cross-presentation of OVA by dendritic cells (DCs). In vivo, cross-presentation is conditional for cross-priming of OVA-specific CD8 T cells. In this study, we investigated the involvement of the CpG DNA receptor Toll-like receptor (TLR)9 in CpG DNA-aided cross-presentation and cross-priming. Although CpG DNA-aided cross-presentation is not altered in TLR9-deficient cells, TLR9 is required for maturation of APC allowing cross-priming, as resulting in CTL function. These findings imply that TLR9 does not trigger endocytosis of CpG-OVA conjugates, but activates DCs downstream of endocytosis.