1.

Compare the differences between pathogen associated molecular pattern and

damage associated molecular pattern

PAMP vs DAMP
Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated
molecular patterns (DAMPs) are both types of molecules that can be recognized by
the immune system and trigger an immune response. However, there are several
key differences between these two types of molecules.

Source: PAMPs are molecules that are associated with the presence of pathogens,
such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. DAMPs, on the other hand, are molecules that
are released by damaged or dying host cells, either as a result of infection, injury,
or other forms of stress (Tang et al., 2012).

Function: PAMPs serve as signals for the immune system to identify and respond
to potential pathogens, whereas DAMPs signal that there has been tissue damage
or cell death, which may require an immune response (Tang et al., 2012).

Recognition: PAMPs are recognized by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) on

immune cells, which can distinguish them from host molecules. DAMPs are also
recognized by PRRs, but they may be more difficult to distinguish from host
molecules, which can make it more challenging for the immune system to mount
an appropriate response (Escamilla-Tilch et al., 2013b).

Diversity: PAMPs are relatively limited in diversity, as they are associated with
specific types of pathogens. DAMPs, however, can come from a wide variety of
sources and can include a diverse range of molecules, such as ATP, heat shock
proteins, and DNA fragments (Tanaka et al., 2014).
Timing: PAMPs are typically detected early in an infection, whereas DAMPs are
released later, as a result of tissue damage or cell death.

In summary, while both PAMPs and DAMPs can trigger an immune response, they
have different sources, functions, and characteristics, which can affect how they
are recognized and responded to by the immune system.

2. Explain pattern recognition receptor

Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are proteins expressed by cells of the innate
immune system, including macrophages, dendritic cells, and certain types of
epithelial cells. These receptors recognize specific molecules associated with
pathogens, known as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), as well as
molecules released by damaged or stressed host cells, known as damage-associated
molecular patterns (DAMPs).
PRRs are able to recognize these patterns because they have evolved to recognize
highly conserved molecular structures common to a variety of pathogens. For
example, Toll-like receptors (TLRs), a type of PRR, recognize specific
components of bacterial and viral cell walls, while NOD-like receptors (NLRs)
recognize components of bacterial cell walls and cytosolic components of viruses.
When a PRR recognizes a PAMP or DAMP, for example, it triggers a signaling
cascade within the cell that leads to the activation of transcription factors and the
production of cytokines and chemokines. These molecules serve to recruit other
immune cells to the site of infection or tissue damage and also help activate those
cells to mount an immune response.
In summary, PRRs are a key component of the innate immune system, allowing
cells to recognize and respond to the presence of pathogens and tissue damage by
recognizing specific molecular patterns associated with these processes.
References:
Escamilla-Tilch, M., Filio-Rodríguez, G., García-Rocha, R., Mancilla-Herrera, I., Mitchison, N.

A., Ruiz-Pacheco, J. A., Sánchez-García, F. J., Sandoval-Borrego, D., & Vázquez-

Sánchez, E. A. (2013b). The interplay between pathogen‐associated and danger‐

associated molecular patterns: an inflammatory code in cancer? Immunology and Cell

Biology, 91(10), 601–610. https://doi.org/10.1038/icb.2013.58

Tanaka, K., Choi, J., Cao, Y., & Stacey, G. (2014). Extracellular ATP acts as a damage-

associated molecular pattern (DAMP) signal in plants. Frontiers in Plant Science, 5.

https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2014.00446

Tang, D., Kang, R., Coyne, C. B., Zeh, H. J., & Lotze, M. T. (2012). PAMPs and DAMPs: signal

0s that spur autophagy and immunity. Immunological Reviews, 249(1), 158–175.

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-065x.2012.01146.x