Toll-like receptor-2 transduces signals for NF-kappa B activation, apoptosis and reactive oxygen species production

The innate immune system coordinates the inflammatory response to pathogens . To do so, cells of the innate immune system must rapidly discriminate bet ween self and non-self. All bacteria express membrane-associated lipoprotei ns. These molecules activate cells of the innate immune system to initiate host defense mechanisms. However, it is currently unknown how the innate im mune system recognizes bacterial lipoproteins. Here, we describe that in re sponse to bacterial lipoprotein. human Toll-like receptor-2 activates three different cellular responses: nuclear factor-kappaB dependent transcriptio n. programmed cell death and reactive oxygen species, production. We propos e that Toll-like receptor-2 fulfils multiple roles in the genesis of the im mune response to bacterial pathogens.