J Korean Soc Transplant.  2007 Dec;21(2):181-187.

The Role of Toll-Like Receptor in Organ Transplantation

• Chung BH
• Yang CW

Abstract

The immune response of transplanted grafts has been considered to be within the realm of the adaptive immune system. Recently, with the discovery of the Toll-like receptors (TLRs), the role of innate immune responses in the control of adaptive immunity has become a new area of interest. Emerging evidence suggests that in addition to responding to pathogen-associated molecular patterns of microorganisms, TLRs can be activated by endogenous ligands, produced from damaged organ tissues. These 'danger signals' may participate in ischemia-reperfusion related organ damage and toxicity of immunosuppressant. Like this way, activation of TLR can induce immune reaction associated with graft rejection, but dysfunction of TLR is associated with more severe infection during organ transplantation. Additionally it has been unveiled that immune modulating effect of Angiotensin II is mediated by TLR and TLR can be mediator of chronic graft dysfunction resulted from various causes. All of these findings suggest that the role of TLR is closely associated with function and survival of transplanted grafts. This review addresses the potential role of innate immunity in organ transplantation.

Keyword

innate immunityToll-like receptor, Rejection

MeSH Terms

Adaptive Immunity
Angiotensin II
Graft Rejection
Immune System
Immunity, Innate
Ligands
Organ Transplantation*
Toll-Like Receptors*
Transplants*
Angiotensin II
Ligands
Toll-Like Receptors