TLR8

Toll-like receptor 8 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the TLR8 gene. TLR8 has also been designated as CD288 (cluster of differentiation 288). It is a member of the toll-like receptor (TLR) family.

Function

TLR8 seems to function differently in humans and mice. Until recently, TLR8 was believed to be nonfunctional in mice, but it seems to counteract TLR7 activity

The TLR family plays a fundamental role in pathogen recognition and activation of innate immunity. TLRs are highly conserved from Drosophila to humans and share structural and functional similarities. They recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) that are expressed on infectious agents, and mediate the production of cytokines necessary for the development of effective immunity. The various TLRs exhibit different patterns of expression. This gene is predominantly expressed in lung and peripheral blood leukocytes, and lies in close proximity to another family member, TLR7, on chromosome X.

TLR8 recognizes G-rich oligonucleotides.