Toll-like receptor 2: On the crossroad between immune response, cardiac fibrosis and liquorice candy

In mammals, Toll-like receptors (TLRs) represent the front line of the immune response against broad range of infective microorganisms. TLRs recognize conserved components of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens, called pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and initiate a cascade of molecular events activating cells of the innate immune system. The family of TLRs contains more than 10 members and individual TLR is typically involved in recognition of one specific class of PAMPs. TLR2 is an example of receptor sensing bacterial lipoproteins, therefore mice lacking TLR2 following infection with Mycobacterium, Listeria or Staphylococcus develop impaired antibacterial response and die due to increased bacterial burden [1].
Source: International Journal of Cardiology - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Editorial Source Type: research