Decoding the patterns of self and nonself by the innate immune system

Science. 2002 Apr 12;296(5566):298-300. doi: 10.1126/science.1068883.

Abstract

The innate immune system evolved several strategies of self/nonself discrimination that are based on the recognition of molecular patterns demarcating infectious nonself, as well as normal and abnormal self. These patterns are deciphered by receptors that either induce or inhibit an immune response, depending on the meaning of these signals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, CD / immunology
  • Apoptosis
  • Biological Evolution
  • Complement Pathway, Alternative
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate*
  • Inflammation
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology
  • Lipopolysaccharides / immunology
  • Necrosis
  • Peptidoglycan / immunology
  • Receptors, Immunologic / immunology
  • Self Tolerance*
  • Sialic Acids / metabolism

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I
  • Lipopolysaccharides
  • Peptidoglycan
  • Receptors, Immunologic
  • Sialic Acids