anti-TLR8 (human), mAb (ABM15F6)

TLR8 (Toll-like Receptor 8) is a member of the TLR (Toll-like receptor) family that plays a fundamental role in pathogen recognition and activation of innate immunity. TLR8 is a nucleotide-sensing TLR. TLR8 and TLR7 recognize single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) sequences containing GU-rich or poly-U sequences as their natural ligands, and they are also activated by synthetic small-molecular-weight compounds of the imidazoquinoline family. Both TLR8 and TLR7 signal via MYD88 and TRAF6, leading to NF-κB and antiviral factor, such as IRF family activation, cytokine secretion and the inflammatory response. They are localized intracellularly to endosomal membranes and act as potent activators of innate immune responses upon viral infection. The TLR8 gene is predominantly expressed in lung and peripheral blood leukocytes and lies in close proximity to TLR7 on chromosome X. Genetic variants in TLR8 have been linked to susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis. Recently, small molecule TLR7/8 agonists have demonstrated potential as vaccine adjuvants, since they directly activate antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and can enhance both humoral and cellular immune responses, especially Th1 responses. This makes the TLR7/8 signaling pathways interesting therapeutic targets.