The effects of TLR activation on T-cell development and differentiation

Clin Dev Immunol. 2012:2012:836485. doi: 10.1155/2012/836485. Epub 2012 Jun 7.

Abstract

Invading pathogens have unique molecular signatures that are recognized by Toll-like receptors (TLRs) resulting in either activation of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and/or costimulation of T cells inducing both innate and adaptive immunity. TLRs are also involved in T-cell development and can reprogram Treg cells to become helper cells. T cells consist of various subsets, that is, Th1, Th2, Th17, T follicular helper (Tfh), cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), regulatory T cells (Treg) and these originate from thymic progenitor thymocytes. T-cell receptor (TCR) activation in distinct T-cell subsets with different TLRs results in differing outcomes, for example, activation of TLR4 expressed in T cells promotes suppressive function of regulatory T cells (Treg), while activation of TLR6 expressed in T cells abrogates Treg function. The current state of knowledge of regarding TLR-mediated T-cell development and differentiation is reviewed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immune Tolerance
  • Lymphocyte Activation / immunology
  • Signal Transduction
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / cytology
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocytes / cytology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Toll-Like Receptors / immunology
  • Toll-Like Receptors / metabolism*

Substances

  • Toll-Like Receptors