Figure 7.

Diagram depicting how the TLR and TCR signals influence the expression levels of T-bet and effector molecules. TCR activation allows the transmission of TLR2-MyD88 signals, perhaps, by augmenting the expression levels of TLR-related molecules or TLR2 at the cell surface. The engagement of TLR2 by TLR2 agonists augments Akt and PKC activation, which, in turn, may prolong or enhance mTOR activation. Enhanced mTOR activation results in increased phosphorylation of molecules involved in protein translation, such as p70S6K and 4EBP1. Increased p70S6K and 4EBP1 activity enhances T-bet translation. Increased T-bet protein levels increase the transcription of target genes, such as IFN-γ, perforin, and granzyme B.