Sensors of the innate immune system: their mode of action.
The discovery of molecular sensors that enable eukaryotes to recognize microbial pathogens and their products has been a key advance in our understanding of innate immunity. A tripartite sensing apparatus has developed to detect danger signals from infectious agents and damaged tissues, resulting in an immediate but short-lived defense response. This apparatus includes Toll-like receptors, retinoid acid-inducible gene-I-like receptors and other cytosolic nucleic acid sensors, and nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain-like receptors; adaptors, kinases and other signaling molecules are required to elicit effective responses. Although this sensing is beneficial to the host, excessive activation and/or engagement by self molecules might induce autoimmune and other inflammatory disorders.
Baccala
Roberto
R
Department of Immunology and Microbial Science, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
Gonzalez-Quintial
Rosana
R
Lawson
Brian R
BR
Stern
Michael E
ME
Kono
Dwight H
DH
Beutler
Bruce
B
Theofilopoulos
Argyrios N
AN
D000818:Animals; D003600:Cytosol / Q000378:metabolism; D011992:Endosomes / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D053472:Nod Signaling Adaptor Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D009696:Nucleic Acids / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors / Q000378:metabolism*
D053472:Nod Signaling Adaptor Proteins; D009696:Nucleic Acids; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors