Toll-like receptor modulation in cardiovascular disease: a target for intervention?

Abstract

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) form a family of pattern recognition receptors that have emerged as key mediators of innate immunity. These receptors sense invading microbes and initiate the immune response. TLR-mediated inflammation is an important pathogenic link between innate immunity and a diverse panel of clinical disorders. Among the processes in which TLRs play a role are cardiovascular disorders such as cardiac ischaemia, coronary artery disease, ventricular remodelling, cancer angiogenesis or transplant rejection. From these, many important opportunities for disease modification through TLR signalling manipulation can be imagined. Their role as potential targets for therapeutic intervention is just beginning to be appreciated and this article reviews the current status of these treatment strategies for cardiovascular disease.

Keywords::

• cardiovascular disease
• drug development
• innate immune system
• Toll-like receptors

Acknowledgement

S von Haehling was supported by the German Heart Foundation, Frankfurt, Germany.

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