When stimulated by pathogens or endogenous ligands, Toll-like receptors (TLRs) initiate production of myriad cytokines. Long known to reside on cells of the innate immune system, 10 of 11 TLRs have now been shown to be expressed in human kidney. Data supporting a role for these renal TLRs in a variety of conditions, including sepsis-induced acute renal failure, ischemic injury, and rejection of allografts, are presented.
- Tarek M El-Achkar
- Pierre C Dagher
