Conserved and distinct aspects of the avian Toll-like receptor (TLR) system: implications for transmission and control of bird-borne zoonoses.

This mini-review focuses on recent research with avian TLRs (Toll-like receptors), highlighting shared and distinct features compared with the more intensively studied mammalian TLR. These include the avian TLR repertoire and the response to various agonists. Studies with avian TLR can be applied to development of new approaches to control diseases of birds and is especially relevant to bird-borne zoonoses including avian influenza, Salmonella and Campylobacter.