MyD88 functions as an essential adapter protein in the Toll-like receptor (TLR) and interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1R) signaling pathways involved in innate and adaptive immune responses. It plays a central role in mediating signal transduction from activated receptors to downstream components, ultimately leading to inflammatory responses.
The MyD88 protein comprises three distinct functional domains:
An N-terminal death domain (DD) that interacts with IL-1R-associated kinases (IRAKs)
A C-terminal Toll/Interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) domain responsible for receptor interactions
An intermediary domain (INT) connecting these two functional regions
The solution structure of the MyD88 TIR domain (residues 157-296) reveals a central 5-stranded parallel β-sheet (βA–βE) surrounded by 4 α-helices (αA–αC and αE) . Notably, the BB loop region (Ser-194-Ala-208) shows the greatest structural divergence when compared with other TIR domains, reflecting its importance in mediating TIR-TIR interactions . This structural uniqueness likely contributes to MyD88's specific binding properties in the signaling cascade.
Upon TLR/IL-1R activation, MyD88 is recruited to the receptor complex, often via the adapter protein Mal (also known as TIRAP) in the case of TLR4 signaling. Higher-order assembly of MyD88 TIR domains forms a two-stranded arrangement with specific intrastrand and interstrand interfaces critical for signaling . This assembly creates a scaffold for recruiting downstream molecules including IRAK4, IRAK1, and IRAK2, leading to activation of TRAF6, which ultimately results in NF-κB activation, cytokine secretion, and the inflammatory response .
The MyD88-dependent signaling pathway induces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, and type I interferons through several mechanisms:
Activation of NF-κB pathway
Activation of MAP kinases (including p38 and JNK)
Activation of IRF transcription factors (particularly IRF5 and IRF7)
In addition to its role in inflammatory signaling, MyD88 is critical for antimicrobial responses in epithelial cells, controlling the expression of antimicrobial lectin REG3G in the small intestine .
Commercial MyD88 antibodies typically undergo validation through multiple techniques to ensure specificity and sensitivity. The Thermo Fisher polyclonal antibody targeting residues 279-296 of human MyD88 has been validated for immunoblotting applications with a recommended dilution range of 1:500-1:1000 . Using Jurkat cell lysate as a positive control, a band at approximately 35 kDa can be detected, corresponding to the expected molecular weight of MyD88 .
Antibody purity is typically greater than 90% as determined by SDS-PAGE, with aggregation less than 10% as determined by HPLC. Most manufacturers employ 0.2 μm post-manufacturing filtration to ensure product quality .
MyD88 antibodies serve as essential tools in multiple research applications, providing insights into immune signaling pathways, disease mechanisms, and potential therapeutic targets.
Western blotting represents one of the most common applications of MyD88 antibodies. The technique allows for detection of MyD88 protein expression levels in various cell and tissue lysates. For optimal results, recommended dilutions typically range from 1:300-1:5000 depending on the specific antibody and sample type .
In a representative study investigating MyD88's role in colorectal cancer, researchers used Western blotting to validate MyD88 knockdown efficiency after siRNA transfection. The results clearly demonstrated reduced MyD88 protein levels in siRNA-transfected SW480 and HCT116 cells compared to control cells, confirming successful gene silencing .
MyD88 antibodies are frequently used in immunohistochemical analysis of tissue sections to evaluate protein expression and localization in situ. The Bioss polyclonal antibody (bs-1047R) has been validated for both paraffin-embedded and frozen sections with recommended dilutions of 1:200-400 and 1:100-500, respectively .
In a study examining the role of MyD88 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), immunohistochemical staining with anti-MyD88 antibodies revealed significantly higher MyD88 expression in tumor tissues compared to normal pancreatic tissue. This differential expression was correlated with poor clinical outcomes, highlighting the potential prognostic value of MyD88 detection .
MyD88 antibodies can be employed for cellular localization studies through immunofluorescence and immunocytochemistry. The recommended dilution for these applications typically ranges from 1:50-200 .
Several commercial MyD88 antibodies have been validated for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and flow cytometry applications. For ELISA, recommended dilutions range from 1:500-1000, while flow cytometry applications typically use dilutions around 1:100 .
MyD88 antibodies have been instrumental in elucidating the structural basis of MyD88-mediated signaling. In a study published in PNAS, researchers used co-immunoprecipitation with MyD88 antibodies to investigate interactions between MyD88, PI3K, and TLR4. Their findings revealed that mutation of the YXXM motif in MyD88 (changing methionine to alanine) enhanced binding to TLR4, p85, and wild-type MyD88, but paradoxically decreased signaling capability . This unexpected result suggested that sustained interaction with the TLR4 signaling platform may negatively regulate signaling, providing important insights into the complex mechanisms governing MyD88-dependent immune responses.
MyD88 plays critical roles in various disease processes, with antibodies against MyD88 serving as valuable tools for investigating these pathological mechanisms.
Studies using MyD88 antibodies have revealed that MyD88 promotes proliferation, invasion, and migration in colorectal cancer cells. In a comprehensive investigation, researchers knocked down MyD88 expression in SW480 and HCT116 colorectal cancer cell lines and observed significantly reduced cell proliferation in colony formation assays (p<0.05) . Furthermore, migration and invasion capabilities were markedly impaired in MyD88-knockdown cells as demonstrated by Transwell and wound healing assays .
In vivo experiments using nude mice with subcutaneous xenograft tumors confirmed these findings, with the growth rate of tumors derived from MyD88-knockdown cells being significantly lower than control tumors (p<0.05) . Immunohistochemical analysis using MyD88 antibodies confirmed reduced MyD88 expression in the knockdown tumors, establishing a clear link between MyD88 expression and tumor growth .
The MYD88 L265P mutation is present in more than 90% of patients with Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (WM) and IgM monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (IgM-MGUS) . This mutation leads to constitutive activation of the MyD88 signaling pathway, promoting tumor cell survival and proliferation.
Table 2: Prevalence of MYD88 L265P mutation in various B-cell disorders:
*43% in a series of CLL with an IgM component.
MyD88 signaling plays a critical role in inflammatory responses, with dysregulated signaling contributing to various inflammatory conditions. Studies in models of acute lung injury have demonstrated that inhibition of MyD88 signaling can mitigate inflammatory damage and provide organ protection .
In inflammatory bowel disease and colitis-associated colorectal cancer, MyD88 signaling promotes intestinal inflammation that can lead to tumorigenesis. Research has shown that MyD88 pathway inhibition can suppress inflammation, thereby delaying tumor onset and progression .
MyD88 antibodies have emerged as valuable diagnostic tools, particularly in the context of lymphoproliferative disorders where the MYD88 L265P mutation serves as a key biomarker.
Detection of the MYD88 L265P mutation is particularly important in the diagnosis of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (WM) and differentiating it from other related B-cell disorders . Several methods have been developed for this purpose:
Allele-specific quantitative PCR (ASqPCR)
Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR)
Next-generation sequencing (NGS)
MyD88 antibodies and MYD88 L265P detection methods are increasingly being applied for minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring in patients with lymphoproliferative disorders . Several studies have demonstrated the utility of MYD88 L265P as a predictive biomarker of therapy response in both bone marrow and peripheral blood compartments .
MYD88 L265P testing has been shown to be more useful than serum IgM levels in estimating the underlying disease burden, especially with therapeutic agents that affect serum IgM levels either by inducing an IgM flare or by blocking IgM secretion, such as rituximab, bortezomib, everolimus, and ibrutinib .
The critical role of MyD88 in various pathological processes has led to significant interest in developing therapeutic strategies targeting this protein and its signaling pathway.
Several MyD88 inhibitors have been developed and studied in preclinical models, demonstrating promising therapeutic potential:
TJ-M2010-5, a novel MyD88 inhibitor, effectively suppresses inflammatory responses by blocking the TLR/MyD88 signaling pathway . Preclinical studies have demonstrated its protective effects against various inflammatory diseases:
In models of inflammation-related colorectal cancer, TJ-M2010-5 inhibits intestinal inflammation, thereby delaying tumor onset and progression .
In models of acute liver injury, it alleviates inflammatory damage to the liver and provides organ protection .
In allogeneic transplantation models, TJ-M2010-5 can mitigate immune cell attacks on transplant tissues, reducing rejection responses .
A study investigating the effects of TJ-M2010-5 in mice infected with Echinococcus multilocularis found that inhibition of the MyD88 pathway resulted in reduced inflammation levels and upregulated Ghrelin expression . Analysis of liver tissue section immunohistochemistry staining revealed significantly higher protein expression of MyD88 and NF-κB p65 in the inflammatory cell band of liver lesions in both the infected and inhibitor-treated groups compared to the control group, though the inhibitor-treated group exhibited lower levels than the infected-only group .
M20 is another MyD88 inhibitor with a novel chemical skeleton that has shown promising results in preclinical studies . Computational chemistry, surface plasmon resonance detection, and biological experiments have demonstrated that M20 forms important interactions with the MyD88-TIR domain, thereby inhibiting protein dimerization .
In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that M20 exhibits favorable bioactivity against acute lung injury and other inflammatory diseases, providing further evidence for the therapeutic potential of MyD88 inhibition .
ST2825, a MyD88 inhibitor that targets MyD88 dimerization, has shown efficacy in suppressing tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo . In pancreatic cancer cell lines (PANC-1 and BxPC-3), ST2825 treatment significantly reduced cell viability and colony formation in a dose-dependent manner .
In vivo studies using nude mice with subcutaneous xenograft tumors demonstrated that ST2825 treatment significantly reduced tumor growth compared to control treatment . Immunohistochemical analysis of the tumor tissues confirmed reduced MyD88 expression in the ST2825-treated group, indicating successful target engagement .
The development of MyD88 inhibitors represents a promising therapeutic approach for various conditions, including inflammatory diseases, certain cancers, and autoimmune disorders. The growing body of preclinical evidence supporting the efficacy of MyD88 inhibition warrants further clinical investigation of these agents.
In the context of lymphoproliferative disorders with the MYD88 L265P mutation, targeting the constitutively active MyD88 signaling pathway could provide a novel therapeutic strategy. Indeed, the presence of this mutation has been shown to predict response to Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors in patients with Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, highlighting the clinical relevance of MYD88 assessment .
Applications : Immunohistochemistry
Review: Results of immunohistochemistry shown that MyD88 expression level increased significantly in the PT–G group, while significant
When selecting a MyD88 antibody, consider these critical factors: (1) The specific application (WB, IP, IF, IHC, ELISA, or flow cytometry), as different antibodies perform optimally in specific applications; (2) Species reactivity - confirm the antibody recognizes MyD88 in your experimental species (human, mouse, rat); (3) Clonality - monoclonal antibodies offer high specificity for particular epitopes while polyclonal antibodies may provide stronger signals by recognizing multiple epitopes; (4) Validation status - prioritize antibodies validated in knockout/knockdown models or with published citations; and (5) The epitope/immunogen location, as this affects detection of specific domains or isoforms .
Validating MyD88 antibody specificity requires a multi-faceted approach: (1) Perform western blotting using positive control samples (e.g., Jurkat cell lysate) to confirm detection of the expected 33-35 kDa band; (2) Include negative controls such as MyD88 knockout or knockdown samples; (3) Block with the immunizing peptide to confirm specificity; (4) Compare results across multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes; and (5) Verify subcellular localization patterns in immunofluorescence assays align with known MyD88 cytoplasmic distribution. KO/KD validated antibodies, such as the rabbit monoclonal antibody CAB22600, provide additional confidence in specificity .
MyD88 antibodies should detect a protein band of approximately 33-35 kDa on western blots. The calculated molecular weight is 33 kDa, but observed weights may vary slightly (33-35 kDa) depending on post-translational modifications, sample preparation methods, and gel system used. For example, the Thermo Fisher polyclonal antibody detects a 35 kDa band in Jurkat cell lysate, while the Assay Genie monoclonal antibody identifies a 33 kDa band. Always include positive control samples (A549, HeLa, mouse lung/heart tissues) when establishing the correct band pattern for your experimental system .
Optimal western blot conditions for MyD88 antibodies vary by manufacturer: (1) For polyclonal antibodies like those from Thermo Fisher, use 1:500-1:1000 dilution and confirm with Jurkat cell lysate as a positive control; (2) For monoclonal antibodies from Santa Cruz (E-11), recommended dilutions range from 1:2000-1:9000; (3) Rabbit monoclonal antibodies like CAB22600 perform well at 1:2000-1:9000 dilution; (4) For all antibodies, optimization is required for specific sample types and detection methods. Use BSA-based blocking solutions (3-5%) and TBST for washing steps. Include positive control samples such as A549, HeLa cells, or mouse lung/heart tissue lysates to validate your protocol .
For successful immunofluorescence with MyD88 antibodies: (1) Fix cells with 4% paraformaldehyde (10-15 minutes) and permeabilize with 0.1-0.5% Triton X-100; (2) Block with 5% normal serum from the species of the secondary antibody; (3) Incubate with primary MyD88 antibody (start with 1:100-1:500 dilution and optimize); (4) Use appropriate fluorophore-conjugated secondary antibodies or directly conjugated primary antibodies (Santa Cruz offers FITC, PE, and Alexa Fluor conjugated options); (5) Include DAPI for nuclear counterstaining; (6) Expect predominantly cytoplasmic staining pattern for MyD88. Conjugated antibodies like E-11 (with FITC, PE, or Alexa Fluor) can be used for direct immunofluorescence, eliminating the need for secondary antibodies .
For flow cytometry applications with MyD88 antibodies: (1) Since MyD88 is primarily cytoplasmic, intracellular staining protocols are required - fix cells with 2-4% paraformaldehyde and permeabilize with 0.1% saponin or commercial permeabilization buffers; (2) Use titrated antibody concentrations (starting at manufacturer recommendations); (3) For directly conjugated antibodies (PE, FITC), follow manufacturer's protocols; (4) Include appropriate isotype controls (e.g., mouse IgG2b kappa for E-11 clone); (5) Validate specificity with positive and negative control cell types; (6) When studying lymphocytes or myeloid cells, include lineage markers to properly identify populations of interest; (7) For multicolor panels, perform compensation controls with single-stained samples .
MyD88 plays a multifaceted role in T-cell responses that can be investigated using specific antibodies: (1) MyD88 intrinsically regulates CD4 T-cell responses, not only through its expression in antigen-presenting cells but directly within T cells; (2) For studying this phenomenon, use cell-specific knockout models coupled with MyD88 antibody staining to confirm deletion; (3) Use co-immunoprecipitation with MyD88 antibodies to identify T-cell specific binding partners in the signaling cascade; (4) Flow cytometry with MyD88 antibodies can quantify expression levels in specific T-cell subsets; (5) Immunoblotting to track phosphorylation events downstream of MyD88 in T cells provides insights into activation kinetics. Research has demonstrated that MyD88 expression in T cells is crucial for their activation and pathogenesis in response to model antigens or parasites .
MyD88 is essential for inducing protective humoral immunity after vaccination, as demonstrated in influenza vaccine studies. To study this: (1) Use MyD88 antibodies to track protein expression in B cells before and after vaccination; (2) Employ immunoprecipitation with MyD88 antibodies followed by immunoblotting for interacting partners to map signaling networks; (3) Flow cytometry with MyD88 antibodies can identify B-cell subsets with differential MyD88 expression; (4) Compare wild-type and MyD88-deficient models using antibody-based techniques to analyze differences in B-cell activation markers. Research shows MyD88-deficient mice have significant defects in inducing boost IgG antibody responses and altered antibody isotype switching, particularly after influenza virus-like particle vaccination .
To investigate MyD88's role in inflammatory diseases: (1) Use immunohistochemistry with anti-MyD88 antibodies on tissue sections from inflammatory disease models to analyze expression patterns and cellular distribution; (2) Employ western blotting to quantify MyD88 expression levels across different disease states and treatment conditions; (3) Perform co-immunoprecipitation studies to identify disease-specific MyD88 interaction partners; (4) Use immunofluorescence to co-localize MyD88 with other inflammatory pathway proteins; (5) Flow cytometry can identify immune cell populations with altered MyD88 expression in disease states. Since MyD88 mediates signaling from multiple TLRs and IL-1R/IL-18R, it serves as a convergence point for various inflammatory pathways, making it a critical target for understanding inflammatory disease mechanisms .
Multiple bands in MyD88 western blots can result from several factors: (1) Post-translational modifications - MyD88 undergoes phosphorylation and ubiquitination, potentially causing mobility shifts; (2) Alternative splicing - MyD88s is a shorter splice variant lacking the intermediate domain that may appear as a lower molecular weight band; (3) Proteolytic degradation during sample preparation - optimize your lysis buffer with appropriate protease inhibitors; (4) Non-specific binding - optimize blocking and antibody dilutions or try different antibody clones; (5) Cross-reactivity with structurally similar proteins - especially with polyclonal antibodies. To address these issues, include positive controls with known MyD88 expression patterns, reduce sample heating time, and compare results using antibodies targeting different epitopes .
For optimal MyD88 immunoprecipitation: (1) Select antibodies specifically validated for IP applications, such as the Santa Cruz E-11 clone; (2) Use gentle lysis buffers (e.g., NP-40 or CHAPS-based) that preserve protein-protein interactions; (3) Pre-clear lysates with control IgG and protein A/G beads to reduce non-specific binding; (4) Optimize antibody-to-lysate ratios (typically 2-5 μg antibody per 500 μg protein); (5) Consider antibody-conjugated agarose beads like the MyD88 Antibody (E-11) AC for direct IP without secondary capture; (6) Include appropriate negative controls (isotype-matched IgG or MyD88-deficient samples); (7) Verify results with reciprocal IP using antibodies against known MyD88 interaction partners (IRAK1, IRAK4, TRAF6); (8) For studying transient interactions, consider crosslinking approaches before cell lysis .
To ensure consistent MyD88 detection: (1) For cell lysis, use buffers containing 1% NP-40 or Triton X-100 with protease and phosphatase inhibitors to preserve protein integrity; (2) Maintain cold temperatures throughout sample preparation to minimize degradation; (3) For tissue samples, rapid freezing in liquid nitrogen followed by homogenization in lysis buffer is critical; (4) Standardize protein quantification methods and loading amounts (typically 20-50 μg total protein per lane for western blotting); (5) For immunohistochemistry, optimize fixation protocols (typically 10% neutral buffered formalin) and antigen retrieval methods (citrate or EDTA-based); (6) For flow cytometry, standardize fixation and permeabilization conditions to ensure consistent intracellular staining. Different applications may require specific buffer systems - for example, RIPA buffers may yield higher protein extraction but could disrupt protein-protein interactions important for immunoprecipitation studies .
To investigate MyD88's role in TLR8-mediated viral RNA responses: (1) Design co-immunoprecipitation experiments using MyD88 antibodies to identify interaction partners specifically in TLR8-activated conditions; (2) Employ proximity ligation assays with antibodies against MyD88 and TLR8 to visualize and quantify their interactions in situ; (3) Use confocal microscopy with fluorescently labeled antibodies to track MyD88 redistribution after TLR8 activation by GU-rich single-stranded RNA from viruses like SARS-CoV-2; (4) Perform immunoblotting to monitor downstream signaling events, particularly NLRP3 inflammasome activation and IL-1β production; (5) Compare these patterns across different viral RNA sequences. Research demonstrates that upon TLR8 activation by viral GU-rich RNA, MyD88 induces IL-1β release through NLRP3 inflammasome activation, providing a mechanism by which viral RNA triggers inflammatory responses .
To investigate MyD88's role in intestinal homeostasis: (1) Use immunohistochemistry with MyD88 antibodies on intestinal tissue sections to map expression patterns along the gut; (2) Employ laser capture microdissection combined with western blotting to analyze MyD88 expression in specific intestinal cell populations; (3) Perform co-immunoprecipitation to identify intestine-specific MyD88 interaction partners; (4) Use intestinal organoid cultures with MyD88 knockdown/knockout followed by immunofluorescence to study effects on epithelial organization; (5) Quantify antimicrobial lectin REG3G levels via western blotting in wild-type versus MyD88-deficient models. Research indicates that MyD88-mediated signaling in intestinal epithelial cells maintains gut homeostasis and controls REG3G expression in the small intestine, making this pathway critical for understanding intestinal immunity and barrier function .
To study the crosstalk between MyD88-dependent and independent pathways: (1) Use phospho-specific antibodies alongside MyD88 antibodies to simultaneously track activation of both pathways; (2) Perform sequential immunoprecipitation experiments to identify proteins that participate in both MyD88-dependent (via TLR2/4) and independent (via TLR3/TRIF) signaling; (3) Use proximity ligation assays to visualize potential interactions between components of both pathways; (4) Employ immunofluorescence microscopy with antibodies against MyD88 and TRIF to analyze their subcellular distribution and potential co-localization during different activation states; (5) Use flow cytometry to quantify the kinetics of both pathways in single cells. This research approach is particularly valuable for understanding how TLR4 signals through both MyD88-dependent (early phase) and TRIF-dependent (late phase) pathways, and how these pathways may compensate for or regulate each other .
| Antibody Type | Advantages | Limitations | Best Applications | Example Products |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mouse Monoclonal (e.g., E-11) | High specificity, lot-to-lot consistency, ideal for specific epitopes | May miss isoforms or modified epitopes | WB, IP, IF, IHC, ELISA, Flow cytometry | Santa Cruz E-11 (sc-74532), Abcam OTI1B4 (ab119048) |
| Rabbit Monoclonal (KO/KD validated) | High specificity, validated in knockout models, reduced background | Higher cost, potentially limited epitope recognition | WB, ELISA, high-sensitivity applications | Assay Genie CAB22600 |
| Rabbit Polyclonal | Recognizes multiple epitopes, stronger signal, versatile across species | Batch-to-batch variation, potential cross-reactivity | WB, IHC-P, comprehensive protein detection | Thermo Fisher 14-6223-63, Enzo Life Sciences |
| Goat Polyclonal | Reduced background in mouse/rabbit tissues, multiple epitope recognition | Limited conjugate availability | WB, IHC-P, Flow cytometry, ICC | Abcam ab28763 |
When selecting between these antibody types, consider: (1) The level of specificity required; (2) Need for detecting modified forms; (3) The species of your samples relative to the host species; (4) Application requirements for signal strength versus specificity; and (5) Validation requirements for your experimental system .
To study MyD88 function in knockout/knockdown models: (1) Verify MyD88 deletion or knockdown using validated antibodies via western blotting and immunofluorescence; (2) Compare immune responses to TLR ligands (LPS, flagellin, CpG DNA) between wild-type and MyD88-deficient cells by measuring cytokine production; (3) Analyze NF-κB activation kinetics using phospho-specific antibodies against IκB or p65; (4) Assess susceptibility to infections in MyD88-deficient models through pathogen burden quantification and survival studies; (5) Examine adaptive immune responses by measuring antibody production and T-cell activation markers. Research with MyD88-deficient mice has revealed critical roles in responses to IL-1, IL-18, and LPS, with these mice showing significant defects in inducing boost IgG antibody responses and altered antibody isotype switching following vaccination .
To investigate MyD88-IRAK interactions: (1) Perform co-immunoprecipitation using MyD88 antibodies followed by immunoblotting for IRAK1, IRAK2, IRAK4, and IRAK-M to identify specific interaction patterns; (2) Use proximity ligation assays with MyD88 and IRAK antibodies to visualize and quantify their interactions in intact cells; (3) Employ immunofluorescence microscopy to track co-localization patterns following receptor stimulation; (4) Conduct sequential immunoprecipitation to identify complexes containing multiple components; (5) Use western blotting with phospho-specific antibodies to monitor IRAK activation downstream of MyD88. Research has demonstrated that MyD88 associates with and recruits IRAK to the IL-1 receptor, and that IRAK-M functions as a negative regulator of Toll-like receptor signaling, providing critical feedback control of inflammatory responses .
MyD88 antibodies are instrumental in studying viral immune evasion: (1) Use immunoblotting to track MyD88 protein levels during viral infection to identify viruses that target MyD88 for degradation; (2) Perform co-immunoprecipitation with MyD88 antibodies to isolate viral proteins that directly interact with this adaptor; (3) Use confocal microscopy with fluorescently-labeled antibodies to visualize MyD88 redistribution during viral infection; (4) Employ proximity ligation assays to quantify changing interaction patterns between MyD88 and downstream effectors in infected cells; (5) Compare these patterns across different viral strains to identify specific evasion mechanisms. Recent research on RNA viruses has shown that TLR8 activation by GU-rich viral RNA (including from SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and HIV-1) induces IL-1β release through MyD88-dependent NLRP3 inflammasome activation, representing a key innate immune pathway that viruses may target for evasion .
For cancer immunology research: (1) Use immunohistochemistry with MyD88 antibodies on tumor tissue microarrays to establish expression patterns across different cancer types; (2) Perform western blotting to compare MyD88 expression levels between normal and malignant tissues; (3) Utilize flow cytometry with MyD88 antibodies to analyze expression in tumor-infiltrating immune cell populations; (4) Conduct co-immunoprecipitation to identify cancer-specific MyD88 interaction partners; (5) Employ CRISPR/Cas9 MyD88 knockout in cancer cell lines followed by antibody validation to study functional consequences. Given MyD88's role in both pro-inflammatory responses (potentially anti-tumorigenic) and cell survival signaling (potentially pro-tumorigenic), this research area offers significant insights into inflammation-associated carcinogenesis and potential therapeutic approaches targeting innate immune signaling in cancer .