Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a critical component of the innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against pathogens. Among these, Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) is one of the most studied pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). TLR2 is known for its ability to recognize a wide range of microbial components by forming heterodimers with other TLRs, such as TLR1, TLR4, TLR6, and TLR10 .
TLR2 is a membrane-bound receptor that plays a pivotal role in the immune response by recognizing pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Upon ligand binding, TLR2 activates intracellular signaling pathways that lead to the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and type I interferons . This activation is crucial for initiating and modulating the immune response to infections and tissue damage.
One of the unique features of TLR2 is its ability to form heterodimers with other TLRs. This dimerization expands the range of ligands that TLR2 can recognize. For instance, TLR2/TLR1 heterodimers are known to recognize triacylated lipopeptides, while TLR2/TLR6 heterodimers recognize diacylated lipopeptides . This versatility allows TLR2 to detect a broad spectrum of microbial components, including those from Gram-positive bacteria, fungi, and parasites .
TLR2 is involved in both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory processes. While it is essential for mounting an effective immune response, overactivation of TLR2 can lead to chronic inflammation and contribute to various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases . Recent studies have also highlighted the role of TLR2 in neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease .
Mouse anti-human TLR2 antibodies are widely used in research to study the expression and function of TLR2 in human cells. These antibodies are typically monoclonal, meaning they are derived from a single clone of immune cells and recognize a specific epitope on the TLR2 protein. They are invaluable tools for investigating the role of TLR2 in various physiological and pathological processes.