The role of Toll-like receptors in combating mycobacteria

In the battle against infections with mycobacteria, the body employs components of both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) mediate the activation of cells of the innate immune system leading to dynamic functions including direct anti-microbial activity, induction of cytokine secretion, triggering dendritic cell maturation, and triggering apoptosis. Furthermore, TLR activation is capable of modulating the adaptive immune response with a bias towards a Th1 T-cell response. However, the activation of TLRs by mycobacteria may also provide a means of immune evasion. Therefore, the modulation of TLR activation can influence the ability to properly destroy invading pathogens such as mycobacteria.