Preface

Since the discovery of the mammalian Toll-like receptors in the 1990s, we have seen advances in our understanding of the basic biology, genetics and function of this family of proteins at a rate rarely paralleled. It is hoped that this book will provide the reader with a comprehensive review of what is now known regarding the roles of TLRs in maintaining pulmonary health and will outline why TLRs are so important in orchestrating the host’s innate immune response during a variety of common and often life threatening pulmonary diseases. Topics that are covered in the ten chapters include the expression, function and activation of TLRs during bacterial, viral and fungal infection of the airways – concentrating on global diseases such as pneumonia and tuberculosis; the role of TLRs in the pathogenesis of important genetic and environmental pulmonary disorders such as cystic fibrosis, COPD and asthma; and TLR biology in the context of transplantation. Each chapter highlights recent advances in the area, explores the usefulness and current status of TLR-directed therapies and all are written by leading experts in the field.