Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 8, 2026

Primary Sjogren's Syndrome Associated with Lung Adenocarcinoma: Probing the Potential Common Pathogenic Mechanisms and Experimental Verification
10:21

Primary Sjogren's Syndrome Associated with Lung Adenocarcinoma: Probing the Potential Common Pathogenic Mechanisms and Experimental Verification

Published on: September 20, 2024

Microbial and human heat shock proteins as 'danger signals' in sarcoidosis

Anna Dubaniewicz1

  • 1Department of Pneumology, Medical University of Gdansk, Debinki 7 St., 80-211 Gdansk, Poland.

Human Immunology
|September 3, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) from humans or microbes may trigger sarcoid granuloma. Genetic predisposition and factors like infections or environmental exposures influence HSP release and sarcoidosis development.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Matzinger's danger model suggests immune responses are driven by 'danger signals'.
  • Heat shock proteins (HSPs) function as key danger signals (DAMPs) or pathogen signals (PAMPs).
  • Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) recognize these signals, initiating immune responses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of human and microbial HSPs in sarcoid granuloma formation.
  • To investigate how infectious and non-infectious factors contribute to sarcoidosis via HSPs.
  • To understand the influence of host genetics on HSP-induced sarcoidosis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on HSPs, DAMPs, PAMPs, and PRRs in sarcoidosis.
  • Analysis of proposed mechanisms linking HSPs to granuloma formation.
  • Consideration of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers.

Main Results:

  • Both human (DAMPs) and microbial (PAMPs) HSPs can induce sarcoid granuloma.
  • Infectious agents (e.g., mycobacteria) and non-infectious exposures (e.g., tattoos, fumes) elevate HSP levels.
  • Chronic HSP exposure can lead to autoimmunity, altered immune signaling, and organ-specific sarcoidosis.

Conclusions:

  • HSPs are central mediators in sarcoidosis pathogenesis, bridging infectious and non-infectious etiologies.
  • Host genetic background and PRR/ligand interactions dictate sarcoidosis development and organ involvement.
  • Understanding HSP roles offers insights into sarcoidosis prevention and treatment strategies.
Keywords:
AIMAIM2-like receptorALRAPCAgC-type lectin receptorCLRDAMPDCHMGB1HSPsIFNILLPSLRRMBPMtb-HSPsMøNALPNLRNLRP3NODNOD-, LRR- and pyrin-domain containing 3PAMPPRRPSPTPRAGERIG-IRIG-I-like receptorRLRROSTLRTREMToll-like receptorabsent in melanomaantigenantigen presenting celldamage-associated molecular patterndendritic cellheat shock proteinshigh mobility group box1interferoninterleukinleucine-rich repeatlipopolysaccharidemannose-binding proteinmiRNAmicroRNAmonocyte/macrophagemycobacterial HSPsnatch domain-, leucine-rich repeat-, and pyrin-containing domainnucleotide binding and oligomerization domainnucleotide oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptorpathogen-associated molecular patternpattern-recognition receptorphosphatidylserineprotein tyrosine phosphatasereactive oxygen speciesreceptor for advanced glycation endproductsretinoic acid-inducible gene Itriggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells

Related Concept Videos

Other Stress Responses in Bacteria01:30

Other Stress Responses in Bacteria

Bacteria have global regulatory systems that control several types of stress mechanisms. These include Pho regulon and the heat shock response, which are essential systems for environmental adaptation, such as nutrient limitation and proteotoxic stress. The Pho regulon and the heat shock response exemplify bacterial resilience, enabling rapid adaptation to fluctuating environmental conditions.Pho RegulonBacteria require phosphorus for essential cellular processes, including nucleic acid...
Diversity of Archaea III01:27

Diversity of Archaea III

Crenarchaeota, a prominent phylum of Archaea, is remarkable for its ability to thrive in extreme environments characterized by high temperatures and acidity. These microorganisms inhabit sulfuric hot springs, volcanic systems, and submarine hydrothermal vents, where temperatures often exceed 100°C. The unique adaptations of Crenarchaeota not only allow survival under such extreme conditions but also provide insights into the mechanisms of life in primordial Earth-like environments.Morphological...
Diversity of Archaea IV01:29

Diversity of Archaea IV

Hyperthermophilic archaea are a group of extremophiles thriving at temperatures above 80°C, often in hydrothermal vents and volcanic soils where conditions surpass the boiling point of water. At such temperatures, proteins, membranes, and DNA in most organisms degrade, but hyperthermophiles have evolved remarkable adaptations to maintain stability and function.Unique Cellular FeaturesHyperthermophilic membranes are composed of a monolayer of biphytanyl tetraether lipids, which resist thermal...
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway02:26

NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway

The transcription factor NF-κB was discovered in 1986 in the lab of Nobel laureate Professor David Baltimore, for its interaction with the immunoglobulin light chain enhancer in B-cells. After more than three decades of study, it is now evident that NF-κB regulates the expression of over 100 genes. Most of these genes play an essential role in the innate and adaptive immune responses as well as the inflammatory responses of animals.
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The heterodimer of NF-κB...
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...
Staphylococcal Skin Infections01:29

Staphylococcal Skin Infections

Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive coccus that resides harmlessly on the skin and mucous membranes of healthy individuals. When the skin barrier is breached, it can shift from a commensal to an opportunistic pathogen. This transition is facilitated by surface adhesins, such as clumping factor B and S. aureus surface protein G (SasG), which bind to structural proteins, including loricrin and cytokeratin, in the damaged epidermis. Protein A, another key factor, binds the Fc region of...