Innate Recognition, Cell Signaling and Pro-Inflammatory Response during Infection with Trypanosoma cruzi

Innate immunity has an important role in host resistance to early infection with the intracellular protozoan parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi. Here we review the studies that identified several parasite molecules which activate cells from innate immune system, such as macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs). We also cover the studies that demonstrate the involvement of different Toll-Like Receptors (TLRs) in T cruzi recognition and discuss the potential role of these innate immune receptors in the pathogenesis o f Chagas disease.