Toll-like receptor 8 (TLR8)

Toll-like receptor 8 (TLR8) is an endosomal pattern recognition receptor that belongs to the Toll-like receptor family. It plays a critical role in the innate immune system by recognizing single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) from viruses and other pathogens, as well as RNA degradation products. Upon activation, TLR8 triggers intracellular signaling cascades via MyD88, leading to the production of proinflammatory cytokines and the activation of immune cells. TLR8 is primarily expressed in monocytes, macrophages, lung tissue, and peripheral blood leukocytes. It also exhibits a role in neurons where its function remains under investigation, though it is thought to be involved in neurite outgrowth and neuropathic pain. Due to its role in immune activation, TLR8 is a potential therapeutic target for vaccine development and cancer immunotherapy. Conversely, TLR8 antagonists may be useful for treating diseases characterized by excessive inflammation.

Other names

CD288

TLR8 agonists bind to the receptor in endosomes, leading to MyD88 recruitment, NF-kB activation, and production of proinflammatory cytokines. TLR8 antagonists inhibit this signaling pathway.