Abstract
The generation of cell-mediated immunity against many infectious pathogens involves the production of interleukin-12 (IL-12), a key signal of the innate immune system. Yet, for many pathogens, the molecules that induce IL-12 production by macrophages and the mechanisms by which they do so remain undefined. Here it is shown that microbial lipoproteins are potent stimulators of IL-12 production by human macrophages, and that induction is mediated by Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Several lipoproteins stimulated TLR- dependent transcription of inducible nitric oxide synthase and the production of nitric oxide, a powerful microbicidal pathway. Activation of TLRs by microbial lipoproteins may initiate innate defense mechanisms against infectious pathogens.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 732-736 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Science |
Volume | 285 |
Issue number | 5428 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 30 1999 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General