The full form of the TLR gene is Toll-like receptor gene.
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a class of proteins that play a key role in the innate immune system. These receptors recognize structurally conserved molecules derived from microbes, referred to as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). When TLRs recognize PAMPs, they initiate intracellular signaling pathways that lead to the production of cytokines, chemokines, and other inflammatory mediators, ultimately activating the immune response.
TLRs are transmembrane receptors expressed on immune cells such as macrophages, dendritic cells, and B cells, as well as on non-immune cells like epithelial cells. Different TLRs recognize different PAMPs. For example:
- TLR2: Recognizes bacterial lipopeptides and peptidoglycans.
- TLR4: Recognizes lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from gram-negative bacteria.
- TLR5: Recognizes flagellin, a protein found in bacterial flagella.
The genetic variants of TLR genes can influence an individual's susceptibility to various infectious diseases and inflammatory conditions. For instance, variations in TLR2, TLR4, and TLR5 have been linked to the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, as suggested by some studies.
