The Inflammatory Response to Cell Death

When cells die in vivo, they trigger an inflammatory response. The ensuing hyperemia, leak of plasma proteins, and recruitment of leukocytes serve a number of useful functions in host defense and tissue repair. However, this response can also cause tissue damage and contribute to the pathogenesis of a number of diseases. Given the key role of inflammation in these processes, it is important to understand the underlying mechanisms that drive this response. Injured cells release danger signals that alert the host to cell death. Some of these molecules are recognized by cellular receptors that stimulate the generation of proinflammatory mediators. Other molecules released by dead cells stimulate the generation of…

• KF
  Kanae Foundation for the Promotion of Medical Science
• NI
  National Institutes of Health