A Comprehensive Portfolio of PAMPs and DAMPs
The innate immune system relies on pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) to detect danger and initiate protective immune responses. These receptors recognize two major classes of molecular signals:
- Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), small molecular motifs conserved within a class of microbes, but not present in the host, that signal infection.
- Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), endogenous molecules released by stressed, damaged, or dying cells that signal cellular injury.
Upon recognition of these signals, PRRs initiate signaling cascades that trigger the activation of key transcription factors, such as NF-κB and IRFs, leading to the production of cytokines, chemokines, and other mediators essential for host defense, inflammation, and tissue repair.
PRRs are classified into several main families:
- Toll-like receptors (TLRs) – Sensors of extracellular or endosomal PAMPs
- NOD-like receptors (NLRs) – Cytosolic sensors of bacterial peptidoglycan fragments; some NLRs are involved in the formation of pro-inflammatory complexes called inflammasomes.
- RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs) – Cytosolic sensors of viral double-stranded RNA
- C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) – Extracellular sensors of carbohydrate structures from fungi and some bacteria.
- Cytosolic DNA sensors (CDSs) – Various sensors including cGAS, which signals via STING
- Other specialized sensors – Examples include AhR and ALPK1–TIFA, sensors of bacterial metabolites
To support cutting-edge research in innate immunity, InvivoGen offers one of the most comprehensive portfolios of PRR ligands and immune activators available. Our products include natural and synthetic agonists, labeled ligands, multi-PRR activators, and molecules that can be conjugated to antibodies or antigens for advanced experimental applications. We also provide a broad range of compounds that activate NF-κB, IRFs, and other signaling pathways independently of PRRs, enabling researchers to dissect immune mechanisms with precision and confidence.
