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The interplay between pathogen‐associated and danger‐associated molecular patterns: an inflammatory code in cancer?
Author(s) -
EscamillaTilch Monica,
FilioRodríguez Georgina,
GarcíaRocha Rosario,
MancillaHerrera Ismael,
Mitchison Nicholas Avrion,
RuizPacheco Juan Alberto,
SánchezGarcía Francisco Javier,
SandovalBorrego Daniela,
VázquezSánchez Ernesto Antonio
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
immunology and cell biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.999
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1440-1711
pISSN - 0818-9641
DOI - 10.1038/icb.2013.58
Subject(s) - damp , inflammation , pathogen associated molecular pattern , immune system , immunology , pattern recognition receptor , receptor , biology , cancer , innate immune system , cancer immunotherapy , immunotherapy , microbiology and biotechnology , genetics , physics , meteorology
There is increasing evidence of a close link between inflammation and cancer, and at the core of inflammation there are both pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and danger (or damage)‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Microorganisms harbor molecules structurally conserved within groups called PAMPs that are recognized by specific receptors present on immune cells, such as monocytes and dendritic cells (DCs); these are the pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Activation through different PRRs leads to production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. A robust immune response also requires the presence of endogenous molecules that pose ‘danger’ to self‐tissues and are produced by damaged or stressed cells; these are the DAMPs, which act also as inducers of inflammation. PAMPs and DAMPs are each recognized by a limited set of receptors that in number probably do not exceed 100. PAMPs and DAMPs interact with each other, and a single PRR can bind to a PAMP as well as a DAMP. Within this framework, we propose that PAMPs and DAMPs act in synchrony, modifying the activation threshold of one another. Thus, the range of PAMP–DAMP partnerships defines the course of inflammation, in a predictable manner, in an ‘inflammatory code’. The definition of relevant PAMP–DAMP complexes is important for the understanding of inflammatory disorders in general, and of cancer in particular. Here, we review relevant findings that support the notion of a PAMP–DAMP‐based inflammatory code, with emphasis on cancer immunology and immunotherapy.