Toll-like receptors in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are newly established immune receptors which are critical for host defense through the activation of both innate and adaptive immunity. TLRs can recognize molecules with both microbial and non-microbial origins. Emerging evidence now suggests that TLRs are implicated in the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases, including sepsis, atherosclerosis, ischemia/reperfusion-mediated organ dysfunction, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and cancer. Therefore, an understanding of the role of TLRs in inducing chronic inflammation will provide new insights to help design an effective intervention strategy for inflammatory diseases.