Involvement of nucleic acid-sensing toll-like receptors in human diseases and their controlling mechanisms
Journal
Journal of Biomedical Science
Journal Volume
32
Journal Issue
1
Start Page
Article number 56
ISSN
1423-0127
Date Issued
2025-06-10
Author(s)
Abstract
The innate immune system is the host’s initial response to eliminate pathogens and repair tissue damage. Innate immune cells, such as macrophages and dendritic cells, use pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) to recognize microbial structures and stress-induced molecules released from dead or damaged cells, thereby initiating immune responses. Among PRRs, Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are well-studied and are located either on the cell surface or in endosomal compartments. Most endosomal TLRs specifically recognize nucleic acids and are thus referred to as nucleic acid (NA)-sensing TLRs. Upon activation, these receptors induce the production of inflammatory cytokines and type I interferons and initiate subsequent adaptive immunity. These immune responses work to suppress pathogens and inhibit tumor growth. However, excessive cytokine and interferon production can lead to various inflammatory diseases. This review focuses on mammalian nucleic acid-sensing TLRs, summarizing the molecular regulation of their activations, the impact of their dysregulation on human diseases, and therapeutic strategies that target these TLRs.
Subjects
Human disease
Nucleic acid-sensing
Toll-like receptors
SDGs
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Type
journal article