Toll-like receptor-2 transduces signals for NF-kappa B activation, apoptosis and reactive oxygen species production.

The innate immune system coordinates the inflammatory response to pathogens. To do so, cells of the innate immune system must rapidly discriminate between self and non-self. All bacteria express membrane-associated lipoproteins. These molecules activate cells of the innate immune system to initiate host defense mechanisms. However, it is currently unknown how the innate immune system recognizes bacterial lipoproteins. Here, we describe that in response to bacterial lipoprotein, human Toll-like receptor-2 activates three different cellular responses: nuclear factor-kappaB dependent transcription, programmed cell death and reactive oxygen species production. We propose that Toll-like receptor-2 fulfils multiple roles in the genesis of the immune response to bacterial pathogens.