Both extracellular and intracellular pattern-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) bind to Toll-like receptors (TLR) and activate downstream TLR signaling pathways via the interaction of TIR domains with adaptor molecules. This leads to NF-kB pathway activation, which in turn induces inflammatory responses. The TLRs and their downstream signaling pathways can be studied with cell permeable inhibitor peptides. Inhibitor peptides block signaling events through decoy action: a realistic replica used as a lure or bait. Each peptide employs a specific decoy mechanism that blocks the propagation of downstream signaling pathways.
