Fig. 2.

A schematic illustration of the recognition of microbial-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs), such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS), by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) on epithelial cells and immune-cell activation or apoptotic response. Transmembrane Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are triggered by MAMPs and stimulate PRRs. Four adaptor proteins for TLRs are involved in propagation of signals and activation of MAP kinases that can result in transcription of proinflammatory cytokines or apoptotic response through activation of NFκB (with permission, adapted from Sharma et al. [12])