Toll like receptors and acute allograft rejection.

Toll like receptors (TLR) are critical innate immune receptors expressed on a variety of cells including dendritic cells that are activated by the presence of invading pathogens. However, there is emerging evidence that TLR signaling participates in inflammation that may occur in the absence of overt infection. In solid organ transplantation there is increasing evidence, both in experimental and human studies, that TLR activation is involved in the innate immune recognition of allografts. Further investigation of how innate immunity impacts solid organ transplantation may lead to improved therapies for transplant recipients.