Definition of Toll-like Receptor (TLR) Activator:
Toll-like receptors are present in cells of the innate immune system or membrane or nucleus. The detect [and bind] substances characteristic of classes of potential pathogens:
- Lipopolysaccharides or lipoproteins typical of bacteria
- Double stranded RNA typical of virus
- Substances characteristic of fungus.
Once bound, TLR stimulate cytokine secretion, inflammation, recruitment of other innate defense cells, and adaptive immunity. They are the most important link between innate and adaptive immunity [Bergner2021a].