Pathogen Recognition by the Long Pentraxin PTX3. (2nd June 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moalli, Federica; Jaillon, Sebastien; Inforzato, Antonio; Sironi, Marina; Bottazzi, Barbara; Mantovani, Alberto; Garlanda, Cecilia
• Other Names: Lee Jie-Oh Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of biomedicine and biotechnology. Volume 2011(2011)
• Publication Date: 2011-06-02
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; Biotechnology -- Periodicals; Medicine; Biology; Biotechnology; Médecine; Biologie; Biotechnologie; Biology; Biotechnology; Medicine; Biotechnology; Biomedicine; Electronic journals; Periodical; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 610
• DOI: 10.1155/2011/830421
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1110-7243

Abstract

Abstract : Innate immunity represents the first line of defence against pathogens and plays key roles in activation and orientation of the adaptive immune response. The innate immune system comprises both a cellular and a humoral arm. Components of the humoral arm include soluble pattern recognition molecules (PRMs) that recognise pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and initiate the immune response in coordination with the cellular arm, therefore acting as functional ancestors of antibodies. The long pentraxin PTX3 is a prototypic soluble PRM that is produced at sites of infection and inflammation by both somatic and immune cells. Gene targeting of this evolutionarily conserved protein has revealed a nonredundant role in resistance to selected pathogens. Moreover, PTX3 exerts important functions at the cross-road between innate immunity, inflammation, and female fertility. Here, we review the studies on PTX3, with emphasis on pathogen recognition and cross-talk with other components of the innate immune system.