Abstract
The ability of the ocular surface to mount an immune response is in part attributed to a family of proteins called toll-like receptors (TLRs). The latter are evolutionary conserved receptors that recognize and respond to various microbes and endogenous ligands. In addition to their recognition function, TLR activation triggers a complex signal transduction cascade that induces the production of inflammatory cytokines and co-stimulatory molecules, thus initiating innate and adaptive immunity. Toll-like receptor expression at the ocular surface is modulated during infection (e.g. Herpes simplex, bacterial keratitis and fungal keratitis) as well as during various inflammatory conditions (allergic conjunctivitis and dry-eye syndrome). Here recent findings regarding TLR expression and their involvement in various ocular surface diseases are discussed.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 679-687 |
Journal | Experimental Eye Research |
Volume | 90 |
Issue number | 6 |
Early online date | 24 Mar 2010 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jun 2010 |
Keywords
- toll-like receptors
- cornea
- conjunctiva
- inflammation
- infection