In response to viral infection and array of innate an adaptive immune cells, in conjunction
with the airway epithelium, orchestrate and inflammatory response to eliminate the invading virus.
Pattern recognition receptors and Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in particular have an important role in
these events. Here we describe the expression and function of TLRs by infiltrating and resident cells
within the airways and describe their roles in responding to infection of the upper and lower respiratory
tract with respiratory syncytial virus, rhinoviruses, adenoviruses and influenza virus. We discuss factors
affecting host susceptibility to infection and resolution of pulmonary viral infection and describe how
TLRs and their signaling pathways represent promising targets for prophylactic and therapeutic
interventions in this context.
Keywords: TLRs, respiratory syncytial virus, rhinoviruses, adenoviruses and influenza virus, therapeutics.
