TLR4 polymorphisms and ageing: implications for the pathophysiology of age-related diseases.

Authors: Balistreri CR; Colonna-Romano G; Lio D; Candore G; Caruso C

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Innate immunity provides a first line of host defense against infection by recognizing and killing microbes while simultaneously activating an instructive immune response. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are principal mediators of rapid microbial recognition and function mainly by detection of pathogen-associated molecular patterns that do not exist in the host. Recognition of their ligands leads to a series of signaling events resulting in acute host responses, involved in killing pathogens. DISCUSSION: We describe the involvement of TLR4 polymorphisms in ageing, and in particular in age-related diseases, suggesting the crucial role of molecules of innate immunity in pathophysiology of these diseases. Hence, we observed that pro-inflammatory alleles may be related to unsuccessful ageing, such as Alzheimer's disease, prostate cancer, and atherosclerosis; in contrast, the control of inflammation by anti-inflammatory alleles may result in increased longevity and successful ageing. Finally, a possible therapeutic approach to delay age-related diseases is outlined.

Keywords: Aging/*genetics/immunology; Alleles; Alzheimer Disease/*genetics/immunology; Cardiovascular Diseases/*genetics/immunology; Female; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Humans; Immunity, Innate; Longevity/*genetics/immunology; Male; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide/genetics; Prostatic Neoplasms/*genetics/immunology; Toll-Like Receptor 4/*genetics/immunology
Journal: Journal of clinical immunology
Volume: 29
Issue: 4
Pages: 406-15
Date: May 22, 2009
PMID: 19459036
Select reference article to upload


Citation:

Balistreri CR, Colonna-Romano G, Lio D, Candore G, Caruso C (2009) TLR4 polymorphisms and ageing: implications for the pathophysiology of age-related diseases. Journal of clinical immunology 29: 406-15.


Longevity Variant Associations (p-value):
  • -
  • -

  • Update (Admin) | Auto-Update

    Comment on This Data Unit