The significance of Toll-like receptors in selected nephropathies

The diseases associated with kidney damage are an increasingly common problem in modern society and complications of chronic renal failure can result in death. Research conducted by many scientific centers, both Polish and foreign, concern the search for possible factors involved in the pathogenesis of glomerulonephritis. One of the possible causes of nephropathy may include the dysfunction of Toll-like receptors (TLRs), which constitute a “bridge” between innate and acquired response. TLRs are involved in receiving signals related to pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) as well as receiving information related to the danger associated molecular patterns (DAMP). The stimulation of these receptors activates a cascade of reactions in the course of which various mediators, including pro-inflammatory mediators, are produced. The resulting long-lasting inflammation that develops within the glomerulus may cause kidney damage. In both nephropathies caused by excessive production of antibodies in the IgA class, as well as nephropathy induced by diabetes or lupus, the expression of individual TLRs may indicate an inducer of an inflammatory reaction cascade that leads to kidney damage. This article focuses on literature reports that present current views on the role of TLRs in the pathogenesis of the most common nephropathies.