Question

Explain PAMPs

Answer 1

(pathogen associated molecular patterns) PAMPs are molecular patterns associated with a group of pathogens. These small molecular motifs are usually unique to the pathogen and are generally absent in animal cells. Examples include lipopolysaccharides, bacterial endotoxins found exclusively on cell membrane of gram-negative bacteria, ds RNA which is unique to viruses and absent from host cells, unmethylated CpG motifs foumd exclusively in prokaryotes. PAMPs are broadly shared by a group of pathogens.

PAMPs are recognised by cells of the innate immune system through a variety of Pattern recognition receptors such as Toll-like receptors.