Toll-like receptors in pathophysiology of asthma

Abstract

In the last decade, significant research has been focused on Toll-like reseptors (TLRs) in the pathogenesis of respiratory diseases. The presented data show that TLR-mediated signaling can be directed both at the successful alleviation of the inflammatory reaction in the respiratory tract, and at its development and aggravation. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract caused by genetic factors, allergens, or microbial agents. TLRs play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma. TLRs recognize a wide range of microbial molecules, endogenous molecules, and air allergens and modulate the allergic sensitization. An important feature of TLRs is their participation in the development of an immune response to viral and bacterial infections that cause severe exacerbations of asthma. TLRs are expressed on hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic airway cells, which play an immunomodulatory role in the development of asthma when activated by TLRs agonists. Due to the involvement of TLRs in innate and adaptive immunity and the ability to regulate adaptive Th-response, these receptors are currently being used as possible targets for drug development. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms and ways in which TLRs are involved in the pathogenesis of asthma may suggest new strategies for controlling the disease.