NOD-like receptors: ancient sentinels of the innate immune system.
NOD-like receptors (NLRs) comprise a family of cytosolic proteins that have been implicated as ancient cellular sentinels mediating protective immune responses elicited by intracellular pathogens or endogenous danger signals. Genetic variants in NLR genes have been associated with complex chronic inflammatory barrier diseases (e.g. Crohn disease, bronchial asthma). In this review, we focus on the molecular pathophysiology of NLRs in the context of chronic inflammatory diseases and pinpoint recent advances in the evolutionary understanding of NLR biology. We propose that the field of NLRs may serve as a prototype for how a comprehensive understanding of an element of the immunological barrier will eventually lead to the development of targeted diagnostic, therapeutic and/or preventive strategies.
Rosenstiel
P
P
Department of Cell Biology and Marine Medicine, Institute for Clinical Molecular Biology, Schittenhelmstr. 12, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany. p.rosenstiel@mucosa.de
Jacobs
G
G
Till
A
A
Schreiber
S
S
D053468:CARD Signaling Adaptor Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D002908:Chronic Disease; D017343:Genes, Plant; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D007249:Inflammation / Q000235:genetics; D008024:Ligands; D053473:Nod2 Signaling Adaptor Protein / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary; D018160:Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism
D053468:CARD Signaling Adaptor Proteins; D008024:Ligands; D053473:Nod2 Signaling Adaptor Protein; D018160:Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear