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CD14 is a pattern recognition receptor
J Pugin1, I D Heumann, A Tomasz
1Scripps Research Institute, Department of Immunology, La Jolla, California 92037.
Abstract:
Septic shock caused by a diverse group of bacterial pathogens is a serious human disease. Recognition of bacterial envelope constituents is one mechanism used by mammalian cells to initiate responses leading to bacterial killing or, unfortunately, responses that also cause fatal septic shock. Here we show that CD14 plays a key role in initiating cell activation by a group of bacterial envelope components from Gram-negative and Gram-positive microorganisms, as well as mycobacteria. We propose that CD14 is a receptor used by mammalian cells to recognize and signal responses to a diverse array of bacterial constituents. This finding defines the molecular basis for innate microbial immunity; implicit in these findings are new possibilities for therapeutics.
Insights
CD14 acts as a key receptor in mammalian cells, recognizing diverse bacterial components to trigger immune responses. This discovery illuminates innate microbial immunity and suggests new therapeutic avenues for septic shock.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Septic shock is a life-threatening condition caused by various bacterial pathogens.
- Mammalian cells recognize bacterial components to initiate immune responses, which can be beneficial or detrimental.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of CD14 in mammalian cell activation by bacterial envelope constituents.
- To define the molecular basis of innate microbial immunity.
Main Methods:
- The study involved analyzing the interaction between CD14 and bacterial envelope components from Gram-negative, Gram-positive, and mycobacteria.
- Cell activation assays were performed to assess the signaling pathways initiated by CD14 recognition.
Main Results:
- CD14 was identified as a crucial receptor mediating cell activation in response to a wide range of bacterial envelope components.
- This recognition extends to Gram-negative, Gram-positive bacteria, and mycobacteria.
Conclusions:
- CD14 functions as a central receptor for sensing diverse bacterial constituents, initiating innate immune responses.
- These findings provide a molecular understanding of innate microbial immunity and open possibilities for novel therapeutics targeting septic shock.