Toll-interacting protein (TOLLIP) is a ubiquitously expressed intracellular adaptor protein that plays a crucial role in various intracellular signaling pathways. It is involved in mediating inflammatory responses, promoting autophagy, and enabling vacuole transport within cells . TOLLIP is increasingly recognized for its role in the pathophysiology of several diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, pulmonary diseases, cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, and malignancies .
TOLLIP is a ubiquitin-binding protein that interacts with several components of the Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling cascade . It acts as a negative regulator of pro-inflammatory responses, particularly in the context of viral infections such as influenza A virus (IAV) . TOLLIP’s ability to modulate inflammatory signaling is critical for maintaining cellular homeostasis and preventing excessive inflammation.
TOLLIP is a key player in the regulation of inflammatory responses. It modulates the IL-1R/TLR-NF-κB signaling pathways, which are essential for the body’s immune response to infections . In the central nervous system, TOLLIP has been shown to play a role in neuroinflammation, particularly in the substantia nigra, a region affected in Parkinson’s disease . Studies have demonstrated that TOLLIP deficiency can lead to exaggerated inflammatory responses and increased susceptibility to neuroinflammation .
TOLLIP is also involved in promoting autophagy, a cellular process that degrades and recycles damaged cellular components . This function is vital for maintaining cellular health and preventing the accumulation of damaged proteins and organelles. Additionally, TOLLIP plays a role in vacuole trafficking, which is essential for the transport of cellular materials and the maintenance of cellular homeostasis .
Research has shown that TOLLIP is implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases. For example, genetic variations in TOLLIP have been associated with reduced airway epithelial expression and poor lung function in asthma patients . In neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease, TOLLIP’s role in modulating neuroinflammation suggests it could be a potential target for neuroprotective therapies . Furthermore, TOLLIP’s involvement in autophagy and vacuole trafficking indicates its potential role in other conditions related to these processes .