'Toll' gates for future immunotherapy

Curr Pharm Des. 2006;12(32):4135-42. doi: 10.2174/138161206778743484.

Abstract

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are evolutionary conserved transmembrane proteins that recognize a unique pattern of molecules derived from pathogens or damaged cells, triggering robust but defined innate immune responses. TLR-mediated innate and/or adaptive immune responses play an important role in a variety of diseases including infectious diseases, sepsis, autoimmune diseases, allergy, and atherosclerosis. Each TLR displays a differential expression pattern, intracellular localization and signaling pathway, resulting in distinct immune responses. A variety of new TLR ligands including agonists (e.g. urinary Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein as a TLR4 ligand, siRNA as TLR3 or 7 ligand, Plasmodium falciparum Hemozoin as a TLR9 ligand, Profilin-like protein in Toxoplasma gondii as a TLR11 ligand) and antagonists (G-rich oligodeoxynucleotides as antagonist for TLR9) have been identified, and some of other TLR ligands are already under clinical trials. The manipulation or intervention of TLR-mediated immune responses is a possible multiple 'Toll' gate for future developments of immunotherapies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Immunotherapy / trends*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Toll-Like Receptors / agonists*
  • Toll-Like Receptors / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Toll-Like Receptors / immunology

Substances

  • Toll-Like Receptors