Pattern-recognition receptors (TLR2 and TLR4) (PRR)

The target refers to the group of pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs), primarily Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), that are activated by the heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) domain of the MAV fusion protein. MAV is a recombinant protein consisting of Mycobacterium tuberculosis HSP70 (MtbHSP70) fused to avidin, serving as the core component of the Self-Assembling Vaccine (SAV) platform. The HSP70 domain acts as a potent immunological adjuvant by engaging PRRs on antigen-presenting cells (APCs), such as dendritic cells and macrophages. This interaction triggers the MyD88-dependent signaling pathway, leading to the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the upregulation of co-stimulatory molecules. Consequently, this facilitates the maturation of APCs and enhances the cross-presentation of biotinylated antigens attached to the avidin portion of the MAV construct, thereby promoting robust T-cell mediated immune responses.

Other names

Toll-like receptor 2Toll-like receptor 4CD14CD91Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1)Lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor 1 (LOX-1)Scavenger receptor expressed on endothelial cells I (SREC-I)

Agonism of Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 (TLR2/4) to stimulate innate immune signaling and promote dendritic cell maturation.