Flagellin is a protein that constitutes the filament of bacterial flagella and serves as a target for innate immune responses. It plays a critical role in bacterial motility and host-pathogen interactions.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Flagellin is recognized by the Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) on host immune cells.
It triggers an innate immune response, leading to the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Flagellin can be found in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
It acts as a pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP), signaling the presence of infection to the host's immune system.
Mutations or modifications in flagellin can help bacteria evade detection by the host's immune system.
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Related terms
Toll-like receptor (TLR): A class of proteins that play a key role in the innate immune system by recognizing pathogens.
Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs): Molecular structures recognized by the host's immune system as foreign, triggering an immune response.