TLR2 Human

Toll-Like Receptor 2 (TLR2) is a crucial component of the human immune system. It belongs to the Toll-like receptor (TLR) family, which plays a fundamental role in pathogen recognition and activation of innate immunity . TLR2 is a membrane protein expressed on the surface of certain cells and recognizes foreign substances, passing on appropriate signals to the immune system .

TLR2 was first identified in 1998 as a receptor similar to the Drosophila Toll protein . The TLR2 gene is located on chromosome 4 and spans 21,836 bases . The protein encoded by this gene is highly conserved from Drosophila to humans, sharing structural and functional similarities .

TLR2 plays a pivotal role in the early phases of the immune response. It recognizes pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) expressed on infectious agents and mediates the production of cytokines necessary for effective immunity . TLR2 is most abundantly expressed in peripheral blood leukocytes and mediates host responses to Gram-positive bacteria and yeast via stimulation of NF-κB .

The activation of TLR2 triggers specific intracellular signaling cascades that initiate host defense reactions . This binding is ligand-dependent and cell type-dependent, leading to the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and type 1 interferon . TLR2 also regulates the expression of CYP1A1 in the intestine, a key enzyme in the detoxication of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons .

Overactivation of TLR2 can lead to disruption of immune homeostasis, increasing the risk of inflammatory diseases and autoimmune disorders . Antagonists and inhibitors targeting TLR2 signaling pathways have emerged as novel therapeutics to treat these diseases .