Toll-like receptors in atherosclerosis

Int J Mol Sci. 2013 Jul 4;14(7):14008-23. doi: 10.3390/ijms140714008.

Abstract

Atherosclerosis, the leading cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD), is driven by inflammation. Increasing evidence suggests that toll-like receptors (TLRs) are key orchestrators of the atherosclerotic disease process. Interestingly, a distinct picture is being revealed for individual receptors in atherosclerosis. TLRs exhibit a complex nature enabling the detection of multiple motifs named danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Activation of these receptors triggers an intracellular signalling cascade mediated through MyD88 or TRIF, leading to the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. In this review we explore key novel findings pertaining to TLR signalling in atherosclerosis, including recently described endosomal TLRs and future directions in TLR research.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apolipoproteins E / genetics
  • Apolipoproteins E / metabolism
  • Atherosclerosis / metabolism*
  • Atherosclerosis / pathology
  • Humans
  • Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88 / metabolism
  • Risk Factors
  • Signal Transduction
  • Toll-Like Receptors / metabolism*

Substances

  • Apolipoproteins E
  • Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88
  • Toll-Like Receptors