Damage-associated molecular patterns

Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), also known as danger-associated molecular patterns, are host biomolecules that can initiate and perpetuate a noninfectious inflammatory response.

Pronunciation

• Damage-associated molecular patterns: /ˈdæmɪdʒ əˌsoʊʃieɪtɪd ˈmɒlɪkjʊlər ˈpætərnz/

Etymology

The term "Damage-associated molecular patterns" was coined in the early 2000s to describe molecules that can initiate and perpetuate the immune response in the noninfectious inflammatory response.

Related Terms

• Inflammation: A protective response involving immune cells, blood vessels, and molecular mediators to remove harmful stimuli.
• Immune response: A reaction of cells and fluids of the body to the presence of a substance which is not recognized as a constituent of the body itself.
• Biomolecules: Any organic molecule that is an essential part of a living organism.
• Noninfectious: Diseases, such as cancer or heart disease, that are not caused by infectious agents.

See Also

• Pattern recognition receptor
• Innate immune system
• Inflammatory response

References

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