Innate Immunity Definitions

 

1. Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs): Conserved motifs, usually present many copies on the surface of a bacterium, fungal cell, parasite, or virus particle.

“Scavenger receptors recognize PAMPs such as LPS, lipoteichoic acid (LTA) or β-glucans and trigger phagocytosis.”

 

 

2. Opsonization: Deposition of opsonins on an antigen, thereby promoting a stable adhesive contact with an appropriate phagocytic cell.

 “Antibodies and complement components aid in opsonization by coating  a dangerous MRSA pathogen, making it "tasty” for phagocytic cells.

3. Toll-like receptors (TLRs): A family of cell-surface receptors found in invertebrates and vertebrates that recognize conserved molecules from many pathogens.

“Unique to among TLRs, TLR4 has been found to move from the plasma membrane where it binds to PAMPs and also in endosomes and lysosomes where it recognizes degradation of endocytosed pathogens.”