The endogenous Toll–like receptor 4 agonist S100A8/S100A9 (calprotectin) as innate amplifier of infection, autoimmunity, and cancer

The innate immune system is crucial for initiation and amplification of inflammatory responses. During this process, phagocytes are activated by PAMPs that are recognized by PRRs. Phagocytes are also activated by endogenous danger signals called alarmins or DAMPs via partly specific, partly common PRRs. Two members of the S100 protein family, S100A8 and S100A9, have been identified recently as important endogenous DAMPs. The complex of S100A8 and S100A9 (also called calprotectin) is actively secreted during the stress response of phagocytes. The association of inflammation and S100A8/S100A9 was discovered more than 20 years ago, but only now are the molecular mechanisms involved in danger signaling by…

• DF
  Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft

  Awards: VO 882/2–1, FO 354/2–2, SU 195/3–1
• BF
  Bundesministerium für Forschung und Technologie

  Award: BMBF/DLR Fkz: 01Kl07100