Toll-like receptors and their role in regulation of the inflammatory response in sepsis
Krawczyk-Michalak, K.; Glapiński, A.; Brzezińska-Błaszczyk, E.
Anestezjologia Intensywna Terapia 40(4): 253-259
2008
ISSN/ISBN: 0209-1712 PMID: 19517667 Document Number: 621571
Sepsis and septic shock are associated with high mortality and morbidity. Infection and inflammation may induce a vicious circle of biochemical and immunological responses leading to a general immune response, multiple organ failure and death. Medicine is still in search of more effective diagnostic and therapeutic methods, which could allow for better understanding and improved treatment of septic states. Recently, the importance of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in the pathogenesis of sepsis has become the subject of wide interest. Stimulation of these receptors will trigger the inflammatory response cascade and the release of cytokines. They play an important role in a variety of systemic inflammatory diseases and consequently, various pharmacologic approaches to modify the actions of TLRs are now under consideration as potential treatments for inflammatory systemic diseases. It has been suggested that blocking of TLRs function may, in the future, bring new alternative therapeutic possibilities in septic states. In this review, current knowledge regarding the role of TLRs in the body's immune system, is presented and discussed with special attention to their role in the pathogenesis of septic shock.