Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Screening Bioactive Nanoparticles in Phagocytic Immune Cells for Inhibitors of Toll-like Receptor Signaling
09:51

Screening Bioactive Nanoparticles in Phagocytic Immune Cells for Inhibitors of Toll-like Receptor Signaling

Published on: July 26, 2017

DAMPening inflammation by modulating TLR signalling

A M Piccinini1, K S Midwood

  • 1Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology Division, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, 65 Aspenlea Road, Hammersmith, London W6 8LH, UK.

Mediators of Inflammation
|August 14, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) signal tissue damage to the immune system. Targeting these danger signals may offer new therapies for inflammatory diseases without broad immune suppression.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are endogenous molecules released during cell injury or death.
  • DAMPs act as danger signals, activating the immune system in response to infection or sterile insults.
  • Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognize DAMPs, initiating inflammatory responses crucial for tissue repair.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore signaling cascades triggered by self-TLR activation.
  • To discuss the role of endogenous TLR activators in disease pathogenesis.
  • To highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting DAMPs.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current scientific literature on DAMPs and TLR signaling.
  • Analysis of distinct signaling pathways activated by DAMPs.
  • Discussion of DAMP involvement in inflammatory diseases.

Main Results:

  • DAMPs initiate inflammatory gene expression via TLRs, promoting tissue repair.
  • Chronic inflammation can arise from positive feedback loops between tissue damage and DAMP-TLR signaling.
  • DAMPs are implicated in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and atherosclerosis.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding DAMP-mediated TLR activation is key to comprehending inflammatory diseases.
  • Targeting DAMPs offers a promising therapeutic strategy for inflammatory conditions.
  • Specific DAMP-targeted therapies could modulate the immune response without causing global immunosuppression.

Related Concept Videos

Inflammatory Response01:28

Inflammatory Response

An inflammatory response is a localized, nonspecific immune reaction that occurs when a tissue is injured. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which are commonly called the cardinal signs and symptoms of inflammation. Inflammation can sometimes result in a loss of function.
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
T Cell Types and Functions01:24

T Cell Types and Functions

When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway01:20

The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway

Several cytokine receptors have tightly bound Janus kinase or JAK proteins attached at their cytosolic tail. Small signaling molecules such as cytokines, growth hormones, or prolactins bind to the cytokine receptors and initiate their dimerization. The dimerization brings the cytosolic JAKs together that trans-phosphorylate and activates each other. The activated JAKs now phosphorylate cytosolic tails of the cytokine receptors, which serve as binding sites for adaptor proteins such as  SH2...
TGF - β Signaling Pathway01:16

TGF - β Signaling Pathway

The TGF-β signaling pathway regulates cell growth, differentiation, adhesion, motility, and development. TGF-β ligands that induce TGF-β signaling are synthesized in their latent form. Several proteases or cell surface receptors such as integrins act upon the latent form, releasing the active ligand. There are three types of mammalian TGF-βs: (TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3) that bind as homodimers or heterodimers to TGF-β receptors. The TGF-β receptors are of three kinds RI, RII, and RIII. The RI...
Chronic Inflammation: Introduction01:12

Chronic Inflammation: Introduction

Chronic inflammation is a prolonged, dysregulated immune response that persists for weeks to years when the inciting stimulus is difficult to eradicate or when self‑antigens drive ongoing reactivity. Morphologically, it is defined by mononuclear cell infiltration, progressive tissue destruction, and concurrent attempts at healing via angiogenesis and fibrosis. Compared with acute inflammation, edema is less prominent while cellular infiltration predominates; triggers include persistent...
Acute Inflammation I: Inflammatory Response01:26

Acute Inflammation I: Inflammatory Response

Acute inflammation is a rapid, short-lived physiological response to tissue injury or infection, designed to eliminate harmful agents and initiate repair. This tightly regulated process typically lasts from minutes to several days and is triggered by factors such as microbial invasion, physical trauma, or chemical injury.Recognition and Mediator ReleaseThe inflammatory response begins when resident immune cells—such as mast cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells—detect damage-associated...