[Frontiers in Bioscience S2, 718-729, January 1, 2010]
Toll-like receptor-mediated recognition of herpes simplex virus

Nadia Martinez-Martin1, Abel Viejo-Borbolla1

1Centro de Biologia Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas-Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Nicolas Cabrera 1, Campus de Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3. Induction of an antiviral response by TLRs
3.1. Basis of TLR structure and signaling
4. The interplay between herpesviruses and TLRs
4.1. Recognition of HSV by TLRs
4.2. Immunopathological consequences of TLR activation by HSV
5. Possible therapeutic implications of TLR agonists against HSV-mediated pathogenesis
6. Concluding remarks
7. Acknowledgements
8. References

1. ABSTRACT

Herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2, respectively) are two important human pathogens that belong to the genus simplex within the subfamily alpha of the Herpesvirinae. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) constitute a family of conserved sensors that play a prominent role during the early anti-viral response, including that against herpesviruses. Although substantial progress has been made, central questions remain to be solved to figure out how TLRs modulate viral pathogenesis. The aim of the present report is to review the current knowledge about TLR recognition and signaling of herpesviruses, focusing on HSV infection. The relative contribution of the TLR-mediated immune responses to antiviral immunity versus viral pathogenesis will be discussed as well.