Resolution-associated molecular patterns (RAMP): RAMParts defending immunological homeostasis?

The resolution of inflammation is central to the maintenance of good health and immune homeostasis. Recently, several intracellular stress proteins have been described as having extracellular properties that are anti-inflammatory or favour the resolution of inflammation. We propose that these molecules should be defined as resolution-associated molecular patterns (RAMPs). RAMPs are released at times of cellular stress and help to counterbalance the inflammatory effects of pathogen-associated (PAMPs) and damage-associated (DAMPs) molecular patterns. We propose that heat shock protein 10 (HSP10), alpha B-crystallin (alpha BC), HSP27 and binding immunoglobulin protein (BiP) should be considered founding members of the RAMP family. A greater understanding of RAMP biology may herald the development of novel immunotherapies.