Understanding Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPs) and their Role in Innate Immunity

Molecules associated with groups of pathogens that are recognized by cells of the innate immune system.- found on microbes

Molecules associated with groups of pathogens that are recognized by cells of the innate immune system are called pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs)

Molecules associated with groups of pathogens that are recognized by cells of the innate immune system are called pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). PAMPs are structural components or biomolecules that are unique to the pathogens or microbial groups and are essential for their survival or replication. Cells of the innate immune system, such as macrophages, dendritic cells, and natural killer cells, have pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that can recognize these PAMPs and initiate an immune response.

Some commonly recognized PAMPs include:

1. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS): Found in the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria, LPS is detected by Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) on immune cells. Its recognition triggers the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to an inflammatory response.

2. Peptidoglycan: Present in the cell wall of both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, peptidoglycan is recognized by various PRRs, such as NOD-like receptors (NLRs). Activation of NLRs leads to the production of inflammatory cytokines and initiation of immune responses.

3. Flagellin: A protein component of bacterial flagella, flagellin is recognized by TLR5. Its recognition triggers an immune response that can lead to inflammation and activation of immune cells.

4. Nucleic acids: Viral and bacterial nucleic acids, such as double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) and unmethylated CpG DNA motifs, can be recognized by different PRRs. These include TLR3 (dsRNA), TLR7/8 (single-stranded RNA), and TLR9 (unmethylated CpG DNA). Recognition of viral or bacterial nucleic acids helps in the initiation of antiviral or antimicrobial immune responses.

5. Mannans: Present on the surface of certain fungal pathogens, mannans are recognized by mannose receptor on immune cells. This recognition can trigger phagocytosis and clearance of fungal infections.

These are just a few examples of PAMPs and the receptors that recognize them. PAMP recognition by innate immune cells is crucial for the early detection of pathogens and the initiation of immune responses to control and eliminate the infection.

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