Two modes of ligand recognition by TLRs

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are membrane-bound sensors that detect and respond to microbial infection. Two studies in Cell, one in this issue, reveal how TLRs recognize their ligands. Kim et al. (2007) recently reported the structure of TLR4 bound to the accessory protein MD-2 and its antagonist, the drug eritoran. In this issue, Jin et al. (2007) describe the crystal structure of a complex between TLR1, TLR2, and a lipopeptide ligand.