Expression and function of toll-like receptor 2 in vertebrate
Simona Pergolizzi, Angelo Fumia, Roberta D’Angelo, Angelica Mangano, Giorgia Pia Lombardo, Angelo Giliberti, Emmanuele Messina, Alessio Alesci, Eugenia Rita Lauriano
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are essential for identifying and detecting pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) produced by a variety of pathogens, including viruses and bacteria. Since TLR2 is the only TLR capable of creating functional heterodimers with more than two other TLR types, it is very important for vertebrate immunity. TLR2 not only broadens the variety of PAMPs that it can recognize but has also the potential to diversify the subsequent signaling cascades. TLR2 is ubiquitous, which is consistent with the wide variety of tasks and functions it serves. Immune cells, endothelial cells, and epithelial cells have all been found to express TLR2. This review aims to gather currently available information about the preservation of this intriguing immunological molecule in the phylum of vertebrates.