Toll-like receptors in Alzheimer's disease

Curr Top Microbiol Immunol. 2009:336:137-53. doi: 10.1007/978-3-642-00549-7_8.

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the formation of insoluble deposits of beta-amyloid (Abeta) within the parenchyma of the brain. These deposits are associated with a robust microglia-mediated inflammatory response. Recent work has demonstrated that Toll-like receptors (TLRs) participate in this inflammatory response. This chapter reviews the mechanisms whereby TLRs contribute to the induction of a microglial inflammatory response to promote AD pathogenesis. Specifically, the involvement of CD14 and the TLRs in microglial activation is delineated. The TLR-mediated microglial response has beneficial roles in stimulating phagocytosis as well as detrimental roles in the Abeta-stimulated release of neurotoxic products.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / immunology*
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / immunology
  • Humans
  • Toll-Like Receptors / immunology*

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Peptides
  • Toll-Like Receptors