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The role of Toll-like receptors in CNS response to microbial challenge
Article first published online: 8 AUG 2006
DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2006.04076.x
Additional Information
How to Cite
Konat, G. W., Kielian, T. and Marriott, I. (2006), The role of Toll-like receptors in CNS response to microbial challenge. Journal of Neurochemistry, 99: 1–12. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2006.04076.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 8 AUG 2006
- Article first published online: 8 AUG 2006
- Received February 20, 2006; revised manuscript received May 18, 2006; accepted June 5, 2006.
- Abstract
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- Cited By
Keywords:
- astrocytes;
- brain abscess;
- bystander injury;
- microglia;
- neuroinflammation;
- Toll-like receptors
Abstract
The recent discovery of the family of Toll-like receptors has vastly expanded our understanding of the mechanisms by which the innate immune system recognizes and responds to a wide variety of microbial and endogenous pathogens. Toll-like receptors are transmembrane proteins that upon ligation with their cognate ligands trigger the production of cytokines, enzymes and other inflammatory agents. In the CNS Toll-like receptors are expressed predominantly by glial cells. In particular, the vastly abundant astrocytes are likely to be the major contributors to inflammatory responses within the CNS. Studies of the murine brain abscess model revealed that Toll-like receptor 2 plays a pivotal role in the generation of immune responses to Staphylococcus aureus. Although Toll-like receptor signaling is essential in antimicrobial defense, it may also lead to bystander injury of CNS tissue.