168 research outputs found
Phospholipid signaling in innate immune cells
Phospholipids comprise a large body of lipids that define cells and organelles by
forming membrane structures. Importantly, their complex metabolism represents a
highly controlled cellular signaling network that is essential for mounting an effective
innate immune response. Phospholipids in innate cells are subject to dynamic
regulation by enzymes, whose activities are highly responsive to activation status.
Along with their metabolic products, they regulate multiple aspects of innate immune
cell biology, including shape change, aggregation, blood clotting, and degranulation.
Phospholipid hydrolysis provides substrates for cell-cell communication, enables
regulation of hemostasis, immunity, thrombosis, and vascular inflammation, and is
centrally important in cardiovascular disease and associated co-morbidities.
Phospholipids themselves are also recognized by innate-like T cells, which are
considered essential for recognition of infection or cancer, as well as self-antigens. This
review will describe the major phospholipid metabolic pathways present in innate
immune cells and summarize the formation and metabolism of phospholipids as well as
their emerging roles in cell biology and disease
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