The molecular activation and regulation mechanisms of proteolytic Toll signaling cascade in insect innate immunity

Abstract

Recently we biochemically determined the molecular recognition and regulatory mechanisms of how beetle’s larvae recognize Gram-positive bacteria and fungi via Toll signaling cascade. The biochemical analysis of newly identified molecules provides us how beetles recognize invading pathogenic microbes and how they defend their bodies using elegant innate immunity. Here, we will focus on reviewing the biochemical analyses and biological functions of newly identified molecules involved in insect Toll signaling cascade.