Cell activation and apoptosis by bacterial lipoproteins through toll-like receptor-2

Apoptosis is implicated in the generation and resolution of inflammation in response to bacterial pathogens. All bacterial pathogens produce lipoprote ins (BLPs), which trigger the innate immune response. BLPs were found to in duce apoptosis in THP-1 monocytic cells through human Toll-like receptor-2 (hTLR2). BLPs also initiated apoptosis in an epithelial cell line transfect ed with hTLR2. In addition, BLPs stimulated nuclear factor-kappa B, a trans criptional activator of multiple host defense genes, and activated the resp iratory burst through hTLR2. Thus, hTLR2 is a molecular link between microb ial products, apoptosis, and host defense mechanisms.