The Gram-negative bacterium Campylobacter jejuni causes gastroenteritis and Guillain-Barré syndrome
in humans. Recent advances in the immunobiology of C. jejuni have been made. This review summarizes
C. jejuni-binding innate receptors and highlights the role of innate immunity in autoimmune diseases.
This human pathogen produces a variety of glycoconjugates, including human ganglioside-like determinants
and multiple activators of Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Furthermore, C. jejuni targets MyD88,
NLRP3 inflammasome, TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon- (TRIF), sialic acid-binding
immunoglobulin-like lectins (Siglecs), macrophage galactose-type lectin (MGL), and immunoglobulinlike
receptors (TREM2, LMIR5/CD300b). The roles of these innate receptors and signaling molecules have
been extensively studied. MyD88-mediated TLR activation or inflammasome-dependent IL-1 secretion
is essential for autoimmune induction. TRIF mediates the production of type I interferons that promote
humoral immune responses and immunoglobulin class-switching. Siglec-1 and Siglec-7 interact directly
with gangliosides. Siglec-1 activation enhances phagocytosis and inflammatory responses. MGL internalizes
GalNAc-containing glycoconjugates. TREM2 is well-known for its role in phagocytosis. LMIR5
recognizes C. jejuni components and endogenous sulfoglycolipids. Several lines of evidence from animal
models of autoimmune diseases suggestthat simultaneous activation of innate immunity in the presence
of autoreactive lymphocytes or antigen mimicry may link C. jejuni to immunopathology.