title: Nod-like receptors: sentinels at host membranes.
abstract: Innate immune detection of danger signals and microbial motifs is achieved by distinct families of pattern recognition molecules. These include the membrane-anchored Toll-like receptors (TLRs), as well as cytosolic Nod-like receptors (NLRs) and Rig-I-like receptors (RLRs). The precise mode of NLR activation in the host cytosol remains poorly defined, as evidence of direct interaction between NLRs and danger- or microbial-associated molecular patterns remains elusive. However, a number of convergent observations now suggest that activation of some NLRs occurs at the level of host membranes or as a consequence of membrane damage. This review focuses on this emerging theme and discusses the functional consequences of innate immune sensing at the vicinity of the membrane.
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
authors.forename: Dana J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Philpott
authors.forename: Stephen E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Girardin
mesh_terms: D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000502:physiology*; D008024:Ligands; D053474:Nod1 Signaling Adaptor Protein / Q000502:physiology*; D053473:Nod2 Signaling Adaptor Protein / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D008024:Ligands; D053474:Nod1 Signaling Adaptor Protein; D053473:Nod2 Signaling Adaptor Protein