Korean J Pediatr.  2004 Jan;47(1):6-11.

Innate Immunity and Toll Like Receptors

• Kim KH

Abstract

The innate immune system is essential for host defense and is responsible for early detection of pathogenic microorganisms. Whereas the structure of microbial compounds has been extensively studied, the molecular basis of their recognition by the cells of the innate immune system such as macrophages and dendritic cells, remained elusive for a long time. Charles Janeway published the idea of microbial structures forming pathogen-associated molecular patterns that would be recognized by pattern recognition receptors. The discovery of an evolutionarily ancient family of Toll receptors in species as diverse as drosophila and humans, and the recognition of their role in distinguishing molecular patterns that are common to microorganisms have led to a renewed appreciation of the innate immune system. Toll-like receptors(TLRs) have recently emerged as key receptors responsible for recognizing specific conserved components of microbes including lipopolysaccharides from Gram-negative bacteria, lipoteichoic acid from Gram-positive bacteria, CpG DNA, and flagellin. In mammals there are at least 10 members of the TLR family. The activation of the innate immune system through mammalian TLRs has an instructive role for the development of the antigen-specific adaptive immune response.

Keyword

Innate immunity; Toll-Like receptors

MeSH Terms

Adaptive Immunity
Dendritic Cells
DNA
Drosophila
Flagellin
Gram-Negative Bacteria
Gram-Positive Bacteria
Humans
Immune System
Immunity, Innate*
Lipopolysaccharides
Macrophages
Mammals
Receptors, Pattern Recognition
Toll-Like Receptors*
DNA
Flagellin
Lipopolysaccharides
Receptors, Pattern Recognition
Toll-Like Receptors