NLRSignalübertragung

NLRSignalübertragung refers to the process by which Nod-like receptors (NLRs) detect various stimuli and initiate intracellular signaling pathways. NLRs are a large family of intracellular pattern recognition receptors that play a crucial role in innate immunity and inflammation. They are activated by a diverse range of ligands, including pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) like bacterial flagellin or viral RNA, as well as danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) released from damaged host cells.

Upon sensing their respective ligands, NLRs undergo conformational changes and oligomerize, forming multiprotein signaling complexes. A key event in NLR signaling is the recruitment of adapter proteins, most notably ASC (Apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD). ASC then recruits pro-caspase-1, leading to the formation of the inflammasome. The inflammasome is a critical platform that activates caspase-1, a protease.

Activated caspase-1 then cleaves and activates pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as pro-IL-1β and pro-IL-18, into their mature, secreted forms. These cytokines are potent mediators of inflammation, recruiting immune cells to the site of infection or injury and orchestrating inflammatory responses. Additionally, caspase-1 can also induce pyroptosis, a highly inflammatory form of programmed cell death, which helps to eliminate infected cells and limit pathogen spread. The specific NLRs involved, their ligands, and the resulting downstream signaling pathways can vary, leading to diverse inflammatory outcomes. Dysregulation of NLR signaling is implicated in numerous inflammatory diseases.