N. meningitidis and TLR Polymorphisms: A Fascinating Immunomodulatory Network.

ABSTRACT: N. meningitidis infections represent a global health problem that can lead to the development of serious permanent sequelae. Although the use of antibiotics and prevention via vaccination have reduced the incidence of meningococcal disease, our understanding regarding N. meningitidis pathogenesis is still limited, especially of those mechanisms responsible for IMD and fulminant or deadly septic shock. These severe clinical presentations occur in a limited number of subjects, whereas about 10% of healthy individuals are estimated to carry the bacteria as a commensal. Since TLR activation is involved in the defense against N. meningitidis, several studies have highlighted the association between host TLR SNPs and a higher susceptibility and severity of N. meningitidis infections. Moreover, T

SUBMITTER: Gianchecchi E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4931637 | biostudies-literature | 2016 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature