[The application of molecular biology to anti-endotoxin therapies]

Toll-like receptors (TLRs), recently identified on macrophages and dendritic cells in mammals, recognize a specific pattern of pathogen components, including endotoxins(lipopolysaccharide). Pathogen recognition by TLRs activates the innate immune system through the signaling pathway and provokes inflammatory responses, such as inducing the production of cytokines. Therefore the specific inhibition of the signaling pathway and the administration of excess inflammatory responses have useful potential in the management of sepsis syndrome. Currently, several monoclonal antibodies are applicable to the treatment of autoimmune diseases and cancer. On the other hand, immunotherapies against proinflammatory cytokines in septic shock have failed to demonstrate clinical benefit. In this review, we summarize recent views of novel therapeutic targets, provided from molecular biologic studies of gram-negative infection.