Work

The Inflammatory Response to Cell Death

Year: 2007

Type: review

Abstract: When cells die in vivo, they trigger an inflammatory response. The ensuing hyperemia, leak of plasma proteins, and recruitment of leukocytes serve a number of useful functions in host defense and tissue repair. However, this response can also cause tissue damage and contribute to the pathogenesis of a number of diseases. Given the key role of inflammation in these processes, it is important to understand the underlying mechanisms that drive this response. Injured cells release danger signals that alert the host to cell death. Some of these molecules are recognized by cellular receptors that stimulate the generation of proinflammatory mediators. Other molecules released by dead cells stimulate the generation of mediators from extracellular sources. The resulting mediators then orchestrate the inflammatory response, eliciting its various vascular and cellular components. Dead cells also release danger signals that activate dendritic cells and promote the generation of immune responses to antigens. Here we review what is presently known about the sterile inflammatory response and its underlying mechanisms.

Source: Annual Review of Pathology Mechanisms of Disease

DOI: 10.1146/annurev.pathmechdis.3.121806.151456

Authors: Kenneth L. Rock, Hajime Kono

Institution: University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School

Language: English

Topic: Immune Response and Inflammation

Subfield: Immunology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: Kanae Foundation for the Promotion of Medical Science, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases