Toll-like receptors in multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by inflammation, demyelination, and axonal pathology. The exact causes of MS are unknown, but environmental factors including pathogens are believed to contribute to the development of disease. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a family of receptors important in pathogen recognition and host defense. TLRs are expressed by a variety of peripheral immune cells as well as resident cells of the CNS. Studies indicate that TLRs play a significant role in modulating MS, as well as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS. This review will discuss the current understanding of the role of TLRs in modulating EAE and MS.