The role of pattern-recognition receptors in innate immunity: update on Toll-like receptors

Nat Immunol. 2010 May;11(5):373-84. doi: 10.1038/ni.1863. Epub 2010 Apr 20.

Abstract

The discovery of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) as components that recognize conserved structures in pathogens has greatly advanced understanding of how the body senses pathogen invasion, triggers innate immune responses and primes antigen-specific adaptive immunity. Although TLRs are critical for host defense, it has become apparent that loss of negative regulation of TLR signaling, as well as recognition of self molecules by TLRs, are strongly associated with the pathogenesis of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, it is now clear that the interaction between TLRs and recently identified cytosolic innate immune sensors is crucial for mounting effective immune responses. Here we describe the recent advances that have been made by research into the role of TLR biology in host defense and disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptive Immunity
  • Animals
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology*
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate*
  • Nucleic Acids / immunology
  • Nucleoproteins / immunology*
  • Signal Transduction / immunology
  • Toll-Like Receptors / immunology*

Substances

  • Nucleic Acids
  • Nucleoproteins
  • Toll-Like Receptors