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Peptidoglycan: a critical activator of the mammalian immune system during infection and homeostasis
Author(s) -
Sorbara Matthew T.,
Philpott Dana J.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
immunological reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.839
H-Index - 223
eISSN - 1600-065X
pISSN - 0105-2896
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-065x.2011.01047.x
Subject(s) - peptidoglycan , biology , immune system , nod1 , microbiology and biotechnology , innate immune system , cell wall , nod2 , immunology , genetics
Summary: Peptidoglycan is a conserved structural component of the bacterial cell wall with molecular motifs unique to bacteria. The mammalian immune system takes advantage of these properties and has evolved to recognize this microbial associated molecular pattern. Mammals have four secreted peptidoglycan recognition proteins, PGLYRP‐1‐4, as well as two intracellular sensors of peptidoglycan, Nod1 and Nod2. Recognition of peptidoglycan is important in initiating and shaping the immune response under both homeostatic and infection conditions. During infection, peptidoglycan recognition drives both cell‐autonomous and whole‐organism defense responses. Here, we examine recent advances in the understanding of how peptidoglycan recognition shapes mammalian immune responses in these diverse contexts.