Toll like receptor 4: an important molecule in recognition and induction of appropriate immune responses against Chlamydia infection

Abstract Chlamydia species are obligate intracellular pathogens causing different infectious diseases particularly asymptomatic genital infections and are also responsible for a wide range of complications. Previous studies showed that there are different immune responses to Chlamydia species and their infections are limited to some cases. Moreover, Chlamydia species are able to alter immune responses through modulating the expression of some immune system related molecules including cytokines. Toll like receptors (TLRs) belonge to pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs) and play vital roles in recognition of microbes and stimulation of appropriate immune responses. Therefore, it appears that TLRs may be considered as important sensors for recognition of Chlamydia and promotion of immune responses against these bacterial infections. Accordingly, TLR4 detects several microbial PAMPs such as bacterial lipopolysacharide (LPS) and subsequently activates transcription from pro-inflammatory cytokines in both MYD88 and TRIF pathways dependent manner. The purpose of this review is to provide the recent data about the status and major roles played by TLR4 in Chlamydia species recognition and promotion of immune responses against these infections and also the relationship between TLR4 activities and pathogenesis of Chlamydia infections.