Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are important pattern recognition receptors that function in innate immunity. Elucidating the structure and signaling mechanisms of TLR9, a sensor of foreign and endogenous DNA, is essential for understanding its key role in immunity against microbial pathogens as well as in autoimmunity. Abundant evidence suggests that the TLR9-CTD (C-terminal domain) by itself is capable of DNA binding and signaling. The crystal structure of unliganded mouse TLR9-CTD is presented. TLR9-CTD exhibits one unique feature, a cluster of stacked aromatic and arginine side chains on its concave face. Overall, its structure is most related to the TLR8-CTD, suggesting a similar mode of ligand binding and signaling.