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Toll-like receptors and their role in experimental models of microbial infection

Genes & Immunity volume 4, pages 87–94 (2003)Cite this article

Abstract

Effective host defense against microbial infection depends upon prompt recognition of pathogens, activation of immediate containment measures, and ultimately the generation of a specific and definitive adaptive immune response. The innate immune system of the host is responsible for providing constant surveillance against infection; when confronted by pathogens it deploys a series of rapidly acting antimicrobial effectors while simultaneously instructing the adaptive immune system as to the nature and context of the infectious threat. Pathogen recognition and activation of innate immunity is mediated by members of the Toll-like receptor (TLR) family through detection of conserved microbial structures that are absent from the host. Experimental models of infection using TLR-deficient mice, as well as limited human studies, have clearly demonstrated the critical role of TLRs in host defense against most major groups of mammalian pathogens.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank Markus Schnare for critically reviewing the manuscript.

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  1. Section of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, 06510, CT, USA

    S T Qureshi & R Medzhitov

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  1. S T Qureshi
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Correspondence to S T Qureshi.

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Qureshi, S., Medzhitov, R. Toll-like receptors and their role in experimental models of microbial infection. Genes Immun 4, 87–94 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.gene.6363937

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