Endogenous Antimicrobial-Immunomodulatory Molecules: Networking Biomolecules of Innate Immunity.

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are traditionally viewed as the primary endogenous antimicrobial agents.
• AMPs alone cannot explain the full range of antimicrobial and immunomodulatory functions in the human body.
• Pathogenic microbes present a pervasive threat requiring a diverse host response.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and categorize the diverse range of endogenous antimicrobial-immunomodulatory molecules (EAIMs).
• To explore the potential for synergistic interactions among different classes of EAIMs.
• To highlight the collective significance of EAIMs in innate immunity.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing research on endogenous molecules with antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties.
• Identification of various molecular classes beyond peptides, including lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, small organic molecules, and metallic cations.
• Analysis of the structural diversity and functional roles of identified EAIMs.

Main Results:

• EAIMs encompass a broad spectrum of molecular types, including peptides/proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, small organic molecules, and metallic cations.
• These diverse EAIMs operate across a wide range of molecular sizes and structures.
• Evidence suggests potential cooperative and additive effects among different EAIM classes during host defense.

Conclusions:

• EAIMs represent a structurally diverse and collectively underappreciated group of immuno-active molecules.
• These molecules play an integrated role as the innate immune system's first line of defense.
• A comprehensive understanding of EAIM diversity is essential for appreciating the complexity of host defense mechanisms.