Pattern Recognition Receptor

Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are a class of proteins that play a central role in the innate immune system. They are germline-encoded host sensors, primarily expressed by cells of the innate immune system. PRRs detect conserved molecular structures known as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Upon recognizing PAMPs or DAMPs, they initiate signaling cascades that result in microbicidal activity and pro-inflammatory responses to eliminate or contain infectious agents. They also mediate the initiation of antigen-specific adaptive immune responses. Major families include Toll-like receptors (TLRs), NOD-like receptors (NLRs), RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs), and C-type lectin receptors.

PRRs recognize PAMPs and DAMPs, initiating signaling cascades that activate microbicidal activity and pro-inflammatory responses.