Toll-like receptor 2 and its roles in immune responses against Legionella pneumophila

Legionella pneumophila (L. pneumophila) is an intracellular bacterium which can be survived in the human macrophages phagosomes. The infectious agent is cleared in some cases and survived in others. The main mechanisms responsible for survival of L. pneumophila are yet to be clarified. It has been reported that innate immunity plays key roles in limitation and also eradication of bacterial infections. Toll like receptor 2 (TLR2) is an important cell membrane receptor which recognizes a wide range of bacterial antigens entitled pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). The aim of the current review article is to present recent data regarding the roles of TLR2 in induction of immune responses and consequently eradication of L. pneumophila. Additionally, the main mechanisms used by L. pneumophila to overcome TLR2 dependent immune responses are discussed in this review article.