Toll-like receptors as therapeutic targets in cystic fibrosis

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Catherine M Greene1, Peter Branagan, Noel G McElvaney

  • 1Beaumont Hospital, Education and Research Centre, Respiratory Research Division, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 9 Dublin, Ireland. cmgreene@rcsi.ie

Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets
|November 15, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Targeting Toll-like receptors (TLRs) offers potential new therapies for cystic fibrosis (CF) lung inflammation. Modulating TLRs may help manage the chronic inflammatory response in CF airways.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pulmonology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are key pattern recognition receptors in innate immunity.
  • CF airways may contain abundant TLR agonists, driving chronic inflammation.
  • TLR activation is implicated in the inflammatory phenotype of CF airway epithelial cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore targeting Toll-like receptors (TLRs) for novel cystic fibrosis (CF) therapies.
  • To review TLR expression and function in the context of CF.
  • To assess the therapeutic potential of TLR inhibitors for CF.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of TLR expression and function.
  • Exploration of naturally-occurring and synthetic TLR inhibitors.
  • Analysis of therapeutic prospects for CF.

Main Results:

  • Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a significant role in the immune response within CF airways.
  • Expression and function of TLRs are relevant to CF pathogenesis.
  • Naturally-occurring and synthetic TLR inhibitors show promise.

Conclusions:

  • Modulation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) presents a viable therapeutic strategy for CF lung inflammation.
  • Targeting TLRs could offer new avenues for treating inflammatory manifestations in cystic fibrosis.

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