Damage-associated molecular patterns in inflammatory bowel disease: From biomarkers to therapeutic targets

Figure 2 Intracellular signalling via damage-associated molecular patterns. Multiple mediators released by dying or stressed cells provide a secondary signal to amplify immune and inflammatory responses. Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) can activate proteins such as the purinergic receptor P2X7. P2X7 is capable of activating pannexin-1, a membrane channel involved in activation of the multiprotein inflammasome complex, promoting the inflammatory response. Immunological memory may develop via epigenetic reprogramming after exposure to pathogen-associated molecular patterns or DAMPs. This functional adaptation of the immune system may directly exacerbate inflammatory responses upon subsequent challenges. TLR: Toll-like receptor; NLR: NOD-like receptor; IL: Interleukin; NFκB: Nuclear factor kappa B; MAPK: Mitogen-activated protein kinase; PAMPs: Pathogen-associated molecular patterns.