TOLL-LIKE RECEPTORS - ALARM RISE
Toll-like receptors (TLR), are a family of pattern recognition receptors (PAMP), which carry out detection of pathogens molecular structures and of a number of endogenous ligands (DAMP), providing fast cell reaction. In mammals and human 15 TLR, which are located on the membrane and in the endosomes or in the cytoplasm of cells, carrying the first line of defense (neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells, etc.) were characterized. Upon ligand binding TLR trigger signaling cascade involving a number of adapter proteins what leads to the activation of nuclear factors and to the following production of cytokines and other molecules associated with inflammation. TLR-signaling pathway is controlled by different feedback mechanisms. In general, the biological role and mechanisms of TLR function is not fully understood.