The role of innate immune receptors in the control of Brucella abortus infection: toll-like receptors and beyond

Microbes Infect. 2008 Jul;10(9):1005-9. doi: 10.1016/j.micinf.2008.07.005. Epub 2008 Jul 10.

Abstract

Research into intracellular sensing of microbial products is an up and coming field in innate immunity. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognize Brucella spp. and bacterial components and initiate mononuclear phagocyte responses that influence both innate and adaptive immunity. Recent studies have revealed the intracellular signaling cascades involved in the TLR-initiated immune response to Brucella infection. TLR2, TLR4 and TLR9 have been implicated in host interactions with Brucella; however, TLR9 has the most prominent role. Further, the relationship between specific Brucella molecules and various signal transduction pathways needs to be better understood. MyD88-dependent and TRIF-independent signaling pathways are involved in Brucella activation of innate immune cells through TLRs. We have recently reported the critical role of MyD88 molecule in dendritic cell maturation and interleukin-12 production during B. abortus infection. This article discusses recent studies on TLR signaling and also highlights the contribution of NOD and type I IFN receptors during Brucella infection. The better understanding of the role by such innate immune receptors in bacterial infection is critical in host-pathogen interactions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brucella abortus / physiology*
  • Brucellosis / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate*
  • Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88 / immunology
  • Nod Signaling Adaptor Proteins / immunology
  • Receptor, Interferon alpha-beta / immunology
  • Receptors, Immunologic / immunology*
  • Toll-Like Receptors / immunology

Substances

  • MYD88 protein, human
  • Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88
  • Nod Signaling Adaptor Proteins
  • Receptors, Immunologic
  • Toll-Like Receptors
  • Receptor, Interferon alpha-beta