Nod-Like Receptors in Host Defence and Disease at the Epidermal Barrier

The nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich-repeat-containing family (NLRs) (sometimes called the NOD-like receptors, though the family contains few bona fide receptors) are a superfamily of multidomain-containing proteins that detect cellular stress and microbial infection. They constitute a critical arm of the innate immune response, though their functions are not restricted to pathogen recognition and members engage in controlling inflammasome activation, antigen-presentation, transcriptional regulation, cell death and also embryogenesis. NLRs are found from basal metazoans to plants, to zebrafish, mice and humans though functions of individual members can vary from species to species. NLRs also display highly wide-ranging tissue expression. Here, we discuss the importance of NLRs to the immune response at the epidermal barrier and summarise the known role of individual family members in the pathogenesis of skin disease.

Automated summary

NLRs are a superfamily of multidomain-containing proteins that detect cellular stress and microbial infection, playing a critical role in the innate immune response. Functions and tissue expression of NLRs vary across species. Individual family members of NLRs are known to play important roles in the pathogenesis of skin diseases.