TLR2 regulates angiotensin II-induced vascular remodeling and EndMT through NF-κB signaling

Excessive vascular remodeling has been shown in hypertensive patients. In experimental models of hypertensive vascular injury, such as angiotensin II (Ang II) challenged mice, toll like receptor 2 (TLR2) initiates inflammatory responses. More recently, studies have reported atypical endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) in vascular injuries and inflammatory conditions. Here, we aimed to investigate whether TLR2 mediates Ang II-induced vascular inflammation and initiates EndMT. In a mouse model of angiotensin II-induced hypertension, we show that aortas exhibit increased medial thickening, fibrosis, and features of EndMT. These alterations were not observed in TLR2 knockout mice in response to Ang II. TLR2 silencing in cultured endothelial cells confirmed the essential role of TLR2 in Ang II-induced inflammatory factor induction, and EndMT-associated phenotypic change. Mechanistically, we found Ang II activates nuclear factor-κB signaling, inducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production, and mediates EndMT in both cultured endothelial cells and in mice. These studies illustrate a novel role of TLR2 in regulating Ang II-induced deleterious vascular remodeling through the induction of EndMT. The studies also suggest that TLR2 may be targeted to alleviate hypertension-associated vascular injury.