Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine

 


Review Article

Toll-like receptors and intestinal defence: molecular basis and therapeutic implications

Elke Cario a1c1
a1 Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Essen, Institutsgruppe I /C/8, Virchowstr. 171, D-45147 Essen, Germany.

Abstract

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a principle role in distinct pathogen recognition and in the initiation of innate immune responses of the intestinal mucosa. Activated innate immunity interconnects downstream with adaptive immunity in complex feedback regulatory loops. Intestinal disease might result from inappropriate activation of the mucosal immune system driven by TLRs in response to normal luminal flora.


Key Words: host defence; innate immunity; mucosa; inflammatory bowel disease; Toll-like receptor; TLR; intestinal epithelial cell; tolerance; microflora; cytokine.

Correspondence:
c1 Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Essen, Institutsgruppe I /C/8, Virchowstr. 171, D-45147 Essen, Germany. Tel: +49 201 723 4527; Fax: +49 211 495 7035; E-mail: elke.cario@uni-essen.de