TLR8

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

Function
TLR7 is functional both in human and mouse, but TLR8 is only functional in human. The TLR family plays a fundamental role in pathogen recognition and activation of is_associated_with::innate immunity. TLRs are highly conserved from is_associated_with::Drosophila to is_associated_with::humans and share structural and functional similarities. They recognize is_associated_with::pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) that are expressed on is_associated_with::infectious agents, and mediate the production of is_associated_with::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 is_associated_with::leukocytes, and lies in close proximity to another family member, is_associated_with::TLR7, on chromosome X.

TLR8 recognizes G-rich is_associated_with::oligonucleotides.

TLR8 is an endosomal receptor that recognizes single stranded RNA (ssRNA), and can recognize ssRNA viruses such as Influenza, Sendai, and Coxsackie B viruses. TLR8 binding to the viral RNA recruits MyD88 and leads to activation of the transcription factor NF-kB and an antiviral response.

Clinical significance
Genetic variants in TLR8 has recently been linked to susceptibility to is_associated_with::pulmonary tuberculosis.

TLR7 is functional both in human and mouse, but TLR8 is only functional in human.