The potential importance of Toll-like receptors in ankylosing spondylitis. (December 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tan, Filemon K; Farheen, Kiran
• Is Part Of: International journal of clinical rheumatology. Volume 6:Number 6(2011)
• Page Start: 649
• Page End: 654
• Publication Date: 2011-12
• Subjects: ankylosing spondylitis -- pathogen recognition receptors -- spondyloarthritis -- Toll-like receptors; Rheumatology -- Periodicals; 616.723005
• DOI: 10.2217/ijr.11.61
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1758-4272

Abstract

Cells involved in innate immunity scan for pathogens via extracellular and intracellular (endosomal) pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Engagement of PRRs by a specific ligand results in downstream activation of intracellular inflammatory cascades. There is emerging evidence indicating that one class of PRR, the Toll-like receptor (TLR) plays a potential role in the pathogenesis of spondyloarthropathies. Since certain Gram-negative bacteria are known to act as triggers for reactive arthritis, there has been much interest in studying the role of TLRs in spondyloarthropathies. In this article, we introduce the immunology of TLRs followed by a discussion of their potential role in ankylosing spondylitis.