Immune receptor

An immune receptor (or immunologic receptor) is a receptor, usually on a cell membrane, which binds to a substance (for example, a cytokine) and causes a response in the immune system.

Schematic representation of an immune receptor

Types

The main receptors in the immune system are pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), Toll-like receptors (TLRs), killer activated and killer inhibitor receptors (KARs and KIRs), complement receptors, Fc receptors, B cell receptors and T cell receptors.[1]

Comparison of different receptor targets and associated functions
ReceptorBind to [1]Function[1]
Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs)
(e.g. TLRs, NLRs)
Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMP)Mediate cytokine production → inflammation → destroying pathogen
Killer activated and killer inhibitor receptors (KARs and KIRs) Avails NK cells to identify abnormal host cells (KAR) or inhibit inappropriate host cell destruction (KIR)
Complement receptors Complement proteins on e.g. microbesAllow phagocytic and B cells to recognize microbes and immune complexes
Fc receptors Epitope-antibody complexesStimulate phagocytosis
B cell receptors EpitopesB cell differentiation into plasma cells and proliferation
T cell receptors Linear epitopes bound to MHCActivate T cells
Cytokine receptors CytokinesRegulation and co-ordination of immune responses

See also

References

  1. Lippincott's Illustrated Reviews: Immunology. Paperback: 384 pages. Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; (July 1, 2007). Language: English. ISBN 0-7817-9543-5. ISBN 978-0-7817-9543-2. Page 20
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.