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Abstract
The innate immune system is a universal and ancient form of host defense against infection.
Innate immune recognition relies on a limited number of germline-encoded receptors.
These receptors evolved to recognize conserved products of microbial metabolism produced
by microbial pathogens, but not by the host. Recognition of these molecular structures
allows the immune system to distinguish infectious nonself from noninfectious self.
Toll-like receptors play a major role in pathogen recognition and initiation of inflammatory
and immune responses. Stimulation of Toll-like receptors by microbial products leads
to the activation of signaling pathways that result in the induction of antimicrobial
genes and inflammatory cytokines. In addition, stimulation of Toll-like receptors
triggers dendritic cell maturation and results in the induction of costimulatory molecules
and increased antigen-presenting capacity. Thus, microbial recognition by Toll-like
receptors helps to direct adaptive immune responses to antigens derived from microbial
pathogens.