Toll-like receptor modulation: a novel therapeutic strategy in cardiovascular disease?
BACKGROUND
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have been recently recognised as primary receptors in the innate immune system. Apart from initiating a prompt immune response against invading pathogens, TLRs are also considered to be an important link between innate immunity, inflammation and a variety of clinical disorders, including cardiovascular diseases. TLR signalling manipulation with novel drugs could offer important opportunities for cardiovascular disease modification.


OBJECTIVE
To present the latest knowledge supporting the involvement of TLRs in the pathogenesis and progress of cardiovascular diseases and explore the role of TLRs as potential targets for therapeutic intervention in cardiovascular territory.


METHODS
A review of the literature documenting implication of TLR signalling in cardiovascular disorders. Current progress in TLR-targeting drug development and the potential role of such a treatment strategy in cardiovascular disorders are discussed.


CONCLUSIONS
A growing body of evidence supports a role for TLRs in cardiovascular disease initiation and progression. Altering TLR signalling with novel drugs could be a beneficial therapeutic strategy for patients with cardiovascular disorders.
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, LAIKON Hospital, Vascular Division, 1st Department of Surgery, 75, Mikras Asias street, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece.
Athanasios
A
Katsargyris
Chris
C
Klonaris
Elias
E
Bastounis
Stamatios
S
Theocharis
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D015398:Signal Transduction; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*
D051193:Toll-Like Receptors