Toll-like receptor

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a class of proteins that play a key role in the innate immune system. They are type I transmembrane glycoproteins, and are expressed on several immune cell types including dendritic cells, macrophages, B cells, and natural killer cells.

Types of Toll-like receptors
Ten types of toll-like receptors have been identified in humans.

Infection
Coxsackie B4 triggers TLR4 on human pancreatic cells, TLR4 knock-out mice infected with Coxsackie B3 showed reduced myocarditis and viral replication.

Genetics
TLR polymorphisms occur even within a species, and can significantly affect an individual’s susceptibility to infection and disease caused by a particular microbe.

Pharmacology
Drugs known to block TLRs include Hydroxychloroquine.

Several drugs that target TLRs are being studied for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases.

Learn more

 * Toll-like receptor sensing of human herpesvirus infection
 * Type B coxsackieviruses and their interactions with the innate and adaptive immune systems