Proinflammatory signal transduction pathway induced by Shigella flexneri porins in caco-2 cells

The recognition of bacterial components on the intestinal epithelial cells occurs through the toll-like receptors and is followed by the induction of an effective innate immune response. We analyzed receptor expression and signaling pathways involved in activation of human colon adenocarcinoma cells after stimulation with porins and LPS of Shigella flexneri. We also analyzed the expression and production of some cytokines, of intercellular adhesion molecule-1, of antimicrobial peptides human β-defensins, and of the inducible form of nitric oxide synthase. Our data demonstrate that TLR2 is involved in porin recognition, whereas TLR4 with MD2, is required for LPS recognition.