Genes, receptors, signals and responses to lipopolysaccharide endotoxin

C3H/HeJ inbred mice have been very useful for identifying genetic elements responsible for endotoxin-mediated responses. Depending on the type of assa ys employed, Tlr-2, Tlr-4 and Lps/Ran have been shown to be important in li popolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated responses. The concept of a single LPS gene being responsible for the genetic defect found in C3H/HeJ mice should ther efore be re-examined more closely. Given the most recent discoveries, it is probable that more than one signal transduction pathway is involved. One i s a CD14-dependent pathway, the other a CD14-independent pathway. Identific ation of the genetic elements involved in these pathways will be beneficial in designing therapeutic strategies for treating patients with endotoxic o r septic shock.