Viral pathogenesis and toll-like receptors

Abstract

Conclusions: A number of different viral gene products are now known to interact with different TLR family members. In some cases, induction of the innate response may limit infection by different viruses, especially when the infectious dose is high. Because these receptors recognize elements of the virus that are highly conserved, instead of evolving to avoid this response, some viruses may have adapted to utilizing the response, as a means of facilitating entry or replication, producing gene products such as transcription factors that increase virus gene expression or by down-modulating or subverting subsequent antiviral immune responses. Future studies are likely to uncover more effects of virus-induced TLR activation on pathogenesis.