Role of Toll-like receptors in systemic Candida albicans infections.

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) constitute a family of pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) that recognize molecular signatures of microbial pathogens and function as sensors for infection that induce the activation of the innate immune responses as well as the subsequent development of adaptive immune responses. It is well established that TLRs, mainly TLR2 and TLR4, are involved in the host interaction with Candida albicans and play a significant role in the development of host immune responses during candidiasis. Recognition of C. albicans by TLRs on the phagocytic cells activates intracellular signaling pathways that trigger production of proinflammatory cytokines that are critical for innat…