Abstract

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have emerged as a major receptor family involved in non-self recognition. They have a vital role in triggering innate immunity and orchestrate the acquired immune response during bacterial and viral infection. However, the role of TLRs during infection with protozoan pathogens is less clear. Nevertheless, our understanding of how these parasitic microorganisms engage the host TLR signalling system has now entered a phase of rapid expansion. This Review describes recent insights into how parasitic protozoans are sensed by TLR molecules, and how the TLR system itself can be targeted by these microbial pathogens for their own survival.

Author affiliations

1. Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Laboratory of Immunopathology, Rene Rachou Research Center, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, 30190-002 Belo Horizonte, Brazil, and Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655, USA.
   Email: ricardo.gazzinelli@umassmed.edu
   Email: ritoga@cpqrr.fiocruz.br
2. Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA.
   Email: eyd1@cornell.edu

Published online 17 November 2006

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