Host immune response pathway

The term "host immune response pathway" refers broadly to the interconnected molecular signaling networks (including but not limited to toll-like receptors, cytokine and chemokine pathways, antigen presentation mechanisms, and interferon responses) that enable recognition and elimination of pathogens or abnormal cells by the immune system[1][2][5][6]. These pathways include innate immune pattern recognition (e.g., via pattern recognition receptors such as TLRs and RIG-I-like receptors), activation of adaptive immunity (e.g., T and B cell signaling), cytokine and chemokine signaling, and regulatory mechanisms like apoptosis, SUMOylation, and immune checkpoints[4][6]. Due to their distributed and multi-component nature, these pathways are not classified as discrete molecular targets but instead as complex biological systems comprising many potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers. Targeting such broad pathways risk nonspecific effects and immune dysregulation, so drug development usually focuses on individual molecular players within these pathways, such as specific cytokines (e.g., TNF, IL-6), receptors (e.g., PD-1, CTLA-4), or signaling proteins (e.g., JAKs, MAPK)[6]. This entry is not suitable as a molecular target; it is too general, encompasses many distinct molecules and functions, and lacks the specificity required for therapeutic targeting or biomarker development. Individual elements within these pathways (e.g., PD-1 receptor, Interleukin-6, Toll-like receptor 4) are preferred as canonical targets for drug development and clinical application[6].

Other names

Immune response pathwaysImmune signaling pathwaysImmunological pathwaysHost defense pathways