Enzyme Reactions and Molecular Bindings

A molecule that binds to another molecule and can either activate or inhibit its function.

A ligand that binds to another molecule and activates its function.

A ligand that binds to another molecule and inhibits its function.

A type of receptor found in the cytoplasm of cells, responsible for detecting and responding to MAMPs (microbe-associated molecular patterns).

A protein complex that activates inflammation, containing a sensor, an adaptor protein (ASC), and procaspase 1.

The part of a receptor that binds to the agonist (ligand).

A type of adaptor protein that is part of the inflammasome. It helps to activate procaspase 1.

A protein complex that activates inflammation. It has a subunit that is activated to initiate inflammation.

A type of white blood cell that engulfs and destroys pathogens like bacteria.

An inactive form of a protein that requires cleavage by caspase-1 to become activated.

A small bubble-like structure inside a phagocyte that encapsulates a pathogen after engulfment.

The process by which a phagocyte engulfs and traps a pathogen within a phagosome.

An enzyme that cleaves and activates specific proteins, including procaspase-1, triggering inflammation.

A type of programmed cell death characterized by a regulated self-destruction, resulting in a 'clean' death.

A signaling molecule that activates the NADPH oxidase complex on the phagosomal membrane.

A type of cell death similar to necrosis, but triggered by a controlled signaling pathway. It promotes inflammation by releasing intracellular contents.

An enzyme complex found on the phagosome membrane that generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) to kill pathogens.

A highly reactive chemical species that damages and kills pathogens within the phagosome.

A type of cell death characterized by uncontrolled rupture and release of cellular contents causing inflammation.

The process of increasing the acidity (lowering pH) within the phagosome, enhancing the activity of digestive enzymes.

Molecules that activate the inflammasome, initiating inflammation. They can be either sterile (derived from the body) or pathogenic (derived from pathogens).

A protein that acts as an adaptor, connecting the NLRP protein to procaspase-1, bringing them together for caspase-1 activation.

Enzymes contained within the phagosome that break down the engulfed pathogen.

ICAM-1 (Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1) is expressed on endothelial cells during inflammation, attracting leukocytes to the site of inflammation.

Integrins are activated on leukocytes during inflammation, allowing them to bind strongly to ICAM-1 on endothelial cells.

The process of leukocytes moving from the bloodstream into inflamed tissue is called diapedesis.

Leukocytes secrete proteases that break down tight junctions between endothelial cells, allowing them to pass into the tissue.

Phagocytosis is a process where phagocytes engulf and destroy pathogens.

Phagocytes recognize pathogens through specific receptors, such as PRRs that bind to PAMPs or opsonin receptors that bind antibodies/complement.

The phagosome formed after engulfment fuses with a lysosome to form a phagolysosome, which contains enzymes for degrading the pathogen.

The respiratory burst is a process where neutrophils release reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the phagosome to destroy pathogens.

A process where white blood cells (leukocytes) roll along the inner lining of blood vessels, facilitated by weak interactions between sialyl-Lewis X (s-Le^x) on leukocytes and selectins (like E-selectin) on endothelial cells.

A sugar molecule on the surface of leukocytes that binds to selectins, enabling rolling.

Molecules located on the surface of endothelial cells that help leukocytes roll, especially during inflammation. These molecules bind to sialyl-Lewis X on WBCs.

A process where leukocytes slow down and adhere firmly to the endothelium, preparing to migrate into tissues.

A molecule on the surface of endothelial cells that binds to Integrins on leukocytes, initiating firm adhesion during inflammation.

A molecule on the surface of leukocytes that binds to ICAM on endothelial cells during inflammation. This binding strengthens adhesion and stops the leukocyte.

Signaling molecules that trigger inflammation and increase the expression of adhesion molecules on endothelial cells. This strengthens adhesion and promotes leukocyte migration into tissues.

The inner lining of blood vessels.

A cytokine that plays a crucial role in the body's response to inflammation by raising body temperature. It helps to suppress the growth of pathogenic bacteria and allows T cells to function more effectively at higher temperatures. Increased levels of IL-1β signal the hypothalamus to maintain the new temperature.

A family of cytokines with diverse functions. Its most well-known members include erythropoietin, which stimulates red blood cell production, and GM-CSF, which stimulates the production of white blood cells like neutrophils and macrophages.

A cytokine that plays a key role in inflammation, particularly associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It functions as a homotrimer, meaning it needs three subunits to bind to its receptor and trigger inflammation.

A cytokine that triggers fever during inflammation. It does this by signaling the hypothalamus to maintain a new, higher temperature, boosting the immune system's efficiency.

A cytokine that stimulates the production and differentiation of white blood cells, specifically granulocytes (e.g., neutrophils, eosinophils) and macrophages, from hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow. It plays a crucial role in the body's response to infection.

A cytokine that plays a vital role in stimulating the differentiation and proliferation of immune cells, including B cells and T cells. It also plays a key role in the acute-phase response during inflammation.

IL-1, TNF, and IL-6 are all examples of what?

IL-1, TNF, and IL-6 are all essential for what?