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The evolution of vertebrate Toll-like receptors

J.C. Roach·G. Glusman·L. Rowen·A. Kaur·M. K. Purcell·K.D. Smith·L.E. Hood·A. Aderem
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Abstract

The complete sequences of Takifugu Toll-like receptor (TLR) loci and gene predictions from many draft genomes enable comprehensive molecular phylogenetic analysis. Strong selective pressure for recognition of and response to pathogen-associated molecular patterns has maintained a largely unchanging TLR recognition in all vertebrates. There are six major families of vertebrate TLRs. This repertoire is distinct from that of invertebrates. TLRs within a family recognize a general class of pathogen-associated molecular patterns. Most vertebrates have exactly one gene ortholog for each TLR family. The family including TLR1 has more species-specific adaptations than other families. A major family including TLR11 is represented in humans only by a pseudogene. Coincidental evolution plays a minor role in TLR evolution. The sequencing phase of this study produced finished genomic sequences for the 12 Takifugu rubripes TLRs. In addition, we have produced > 70 gene models, including sequences from the opossum, chicken, frog, dog, sea urchin, and sea squirt. ?? 2005 by The National Academy of Sciences of the USA.

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Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of AmericaArticle

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J.C. Roach, G. Glusman, L. Rowen, A. Kaur, M. K. Purcell, K.D. Smith, L.E. Hood, A. Aderem. 2005-06-23. The evolution of vertebrate Toll-like receptors. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0502272102

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