Innate immune and epithelial signaling pathways regulating antimicrobial peptide secretion

The Innate immune and epithelial signaling pathways regulating antimicrobial peptide secretion represent a complex network of biological processes rather than a single therapeutic target. This pathway involves the recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and NOD-like receptors (NLRs), which triggers the production and release of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) like defensins and cathelicidins (Reactome, R-HSA-9664424). Epithelial cells, particularly Paneth cells in the gut and keratinocytes in the skin, play a central role by responding to both microbial signals and pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-17 and IL-22 (Nature Reviews Immunology, 2013). These pathways are critical for maintaining the host-microbe balance and protecting mucosal surfaces from infection (PubMed, PMID: 23910165). While the pathway itself is not a single drug target, specific components such as the IL-23/IL-17 axis are major therapeutic targets for treating inflammatory diseases like psoriasis and Crohn's disease (StatPearls, 2023). Dysregulation of these signaling events can lead to impaired barrier function or chronic inflammation (NCBI, NBK537031).

Other names

Antimicrobial peptide secretion pathwayRegulation of AMP secretionEpithelial innate immune signalingReactome Pathway R-HSA-9664424

Modulation of cytokine-mediated induction (e.g., via IL-17 or IL-23 inhibition) of antimicrobial peptide expression and secretion.