The TLR2 agonists lipoteichoic acid and Pam3CSK4 induce greater pro-inflammatory responses than inactivated Mycobacterium butyricum

► Mycobacteria, lipoteichoic acid and Pam3CSK4 engage TLR2. ► Lipoteichoic acid and Pam3CSK4 are best at inducing pro-inflammatory mediators. ► Dead mycobacteria are less efficient in activating nuclear transcription factor kappa-B.