Radiation takes its Toll

Highlights • Toll-like receptors recognize universal molecular patterns on pathogens and drive a pro-oxidant, pro-inflammatory response. • Radiation-damaged cells experience changes in their internal redox status and send danger signals (‘damaged self’) to TLRs. • In a way, TLRs interface the radiation damage with the immune system. • External TLR agonists may reinforce the same danger signaling pathways that are engaged by radiation-induced ‘damaged self’. • Hence, TLRs act as sensors and amplifiers of radiation damage and can shape the interpretation of radiation tissue damage.