Host Defense Mechanisms Triggered by Microbial Lipoproteins Through Toll-Like Receptors

Abstract

The generation of cell-mediated immunity against many infectious pathogens involves the production of interleukin-12 (IL-12), a key signal of the innate immune system. Yet, for many pathogens, the molecules that induce IL-12 production by macrophages and the mechanisms by which they do so remain undefined. Here it is shown that microbial lipoproteins are potent stimulators of IL-12 production by human macrophages, and that induction is mediated by Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Several lipoproteins stimulated TLR-dependent transcription of inducible nitric oxide synthase and the production of nitric oxide, a powerful microbicidal pathway. Activation of TLRs by microbial lipoproteins may initiate innate defense mechanisms against infectious pathogens.

Keywords

Affiliated Institutions

• Advanced Dermatology US
• Albert Einstein College of Medicine US
• The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center US
• University of California, Los Angeles US
• Howard Hughes Medical Institute US
• Colorado State University US
• Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai US

Related Publications