TLR10

Toll-like receptor 10 (TLR10) is a member of the Toll-like receptor (TLR) family which plays a fundamental role in pathogen recognition and activation of innate immunity. TLRs are highly conserved from Drosophila to humans and share structural and functional similarities. They recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) that are expressed on infectious agents, and mediate the production of cytokines necessary for the development of effective immunity. The various TLRs exhibit different patterns of expression. TLR10 is unique among the TLR family as its specific ligands and function are not well defined compared to other members.

Structure and Expression

TLR10 is encoded by the TLR10 gene. It is structurally composed of an extracellular domain containing leucine-rich repeats (LRRs) and a cytoplasmic Toll/IL-1 receptor (TIR) domain. TLR10 forms homodimers or heterodimers with other TLRs, such as TLR1 and TLR2, which is crucial for its function. The expression of TLR10 is observed in various tissues, including peripheral blood leukocytes, spleen, lung, and in immune cells such as B cells and dendritic cells. This widespread expression suggests a broad role in immune response.

Function

The exact role of TLR10 in the immune system is still under investigation. Unlike other TLRs, TLR10's natural ligands and signaling pathways are not well characterized. It is believed to play a role in the recognition of bacteria, viruses, and possibly other pathogens. There is evidence suggesting that TLR10 might act as an inhibitor of inflammation, which contrasts with the pro-inflammatory roles of most TLRs. This hypothesis is supported by studies showing that TLR10 can down-regulate TLR-induced NF-κB activation, a key pathway in the inflammatory response.

Clinical Significance

Variations in the TLR10 gene have been associated with susceptibility to various infectious and inflammatory diseases. For example, certain polymorphisms in the TLR10 gene are linked to increased risk of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and other inflammatory conditions. Understanding the function of TLR10 and its role in disease could lead to new therapeutic targets for treating immune-related diseases.

Research Directions

Future research on TLR10 is focused on identifying its natural ligands, understanding its signaling pathways, and elucidating its role in the immune response to pathogens. Additionally, studies are aimed at exploring the therapeutic potential of modulating TLR10 activity in inflammatory and infectious diseases.

See Also

• Toll-like receptor
• Innate immune system
• NF-κB
• Polymorphism (biology)
• Inflammatory diseases