TLR 9

TLR 9 is a toll-like receptor.

It recognizes unmethylated CpG sites. TLR9 is expressed by numerous cells of the immune system such as dendritic cells, B lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells. TLR9 is expressed intracellularly, within the endosomal compartments and functions to alert the immune system of viral and bacterial infections by binding to DNA rich in CpG motifs. TLR9 signals leads to activation of the cells initiating pro-inflammatory reactions that result in the production of cytokines such as type-I inteferon and IL-12.