Abstract

Toll-like receptors (TLR) is emerging as a key mediator of innate host defense in the intestinal mucosa, crucially involved in maintaining mucosal as well as commensal homeostasis. Through spatial and functional localization of TLR, the normal gut maintains a state of controlled inflammation, By contrast, patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) demonstrated inflammation in response to the normal flora. Recent observations suggest new (patho-) physiologic mechanisms of how functional versus dysfunctional TLR pathways may oppose or favor IBD. A better understanding of the delicate regulation of TLR in the gut may lead to improved treatment for enteric infections and IBD. (Intestinal Research 2005;3:91-95)

• Keywords: Intestinal epithelium; Toll-like receptor; Tolerance