Danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) in acute lung injury

J Pathol. 2013 Jan;229(2):145-56. doi: 10.1002/path.4124.

Abstract

Danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are host-derived molecules that can function to regulate the activation of pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs). These molecules play a critical role in modulating the lung injury response. DAMPs originate from multiple sources, including injured and dying cells, the extracellular matrix, or exist as immunomodulatory proteins within the airspace and interstitium. DAMPs can function as either toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists or antagonists, and can modulate both TLR and nod-like receptor (NLR) signalling cascades. Collectively, this diverse group of molecules may represent important therapeutic targets in the prevention and/or treatment of acute lung injury (ALI) and its more severe form, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Lung Injury / immunology
  • Acute Lung Injury / metabolism*
  • Acute Lung Injury / pathology
  • Animals
  • Extracellular Matrix / metabolism
  • Extracellular Matrix / pathology
  • Humans
  • Ligands
  • Lung / immunology
  • Lung / metabolism*
  • Lung / pathology
  • Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Proteins / metabolism
  • Receptors, Immunologic / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction*
  • Stress, Physiological
  • Toll-Like Receptors / metabolism

Substances

  • Ligands
  • Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Proteins
  • Receptors, Immunologic
  • Toll-Like Receptors