Viral proteins recognized by different TLRs

Virus invasion activates the host's innate immune response, inducing the production of numerous cytokines and interferons to eliminate pathogens. Except for viral DNA/RNA, viral proteins are also targets of pattern recognition receptors. Membrane-bound receptors such as Toll-like receptor (TLR)1, TLR2, TLR4, TLR6, and TLR10 relate to the recognition of viral proteins. Distinct TLRs perform both protective and detrimental roles for a specific virus. Here, we review viral proteins serving as pathogen-associated molecular patterns and their corresponding TLRs. These viruses are all enveloped, including respiratory syncytial virus, hepatitis C virus, measles virus, herpesvirus human immunodeficiency virus, and coronavirus, and can encode proteins to activate innate immunity in a TLR-dependent way. The TLR-viral protein relationship plays an important role in innate immunity activation. A detailed understanding of their pathways contributes to a novel direction for vaccine development.

Automated summary

Virus invasion triggers the host's innate immune response, leading to the production of cytokines and interferons to fight pathogens, and viral proteins are also recognized by pattern recognition receptors. Different TLRs play dual roles of protection and harm for specific viruses, and the relationship between TLRs and viral proteins is crucial for activating innate immunity.