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Patterns of pathogenesis: discrimination of pathogenic and nonpathogenic microbes by the innate immune system
Russell E Vance1, Ralph R Isberg, Daniel A Portnoy
1Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
Abstract:
The dominant conceptual framework for understanding innate immunity has been that host cells respond to evolutionarily conserved molecular features of pathogens called pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Here, we propose that PAMPs should be understood in the context of how they are naturally presented by pathogens. This can be experimentally challenging, since pathogens, almost by definition, bypass host defense. Nevertheless, in this review, we explore the idea that the immune system responds to PAMPs in the context of additional signals that derive from common "patterns of pathogenesis" employed by pathogens to infect, multiply within, and spread among their hosts.
Insights
Host cells detect pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) during innate immunity. This review suggests PAMPs are recognized alongside pathogen "patterns of pathogenesis" during infection.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Pathogenesis
Background:
- Innate immunity traditionally relies on host cells recognizing pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs).
- PAMPs are evolutionarily conserved molecular features unique to pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a new conceptual framework for understanding innate immunity.
- To explore the role of pathogen presentation of PAMPs in immune response.
- To investigate the significance of
- patterns of pathogenesis
- in conjunction with PAMPs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and conceptual analysis.
- Exploration of experimental challenges in studying pathogen-host interactions.
- Synthesis of existing knowledge on PAMPs and pathogenesis.
Main Results:
- PAMP recognition by host cells may be influenced by their natural presentation by pathogens.
- Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) are not recognized in isolation.
- Additional signals from "patterns of pathogenesis" are crucial for immune response.
Conclusions:
- The recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) should be contextualized by how pathogens present them.
- Immune responses are shaped by both PAMPs and the broader "patterns of pathogenesis" employed by microbes.
- A revised understanding of innate immunity requires considering the integrated signals during infection.
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