Ubiquitin signalling: controlling the message of surface immune receptors

Microbial attack is first detected by immune receptors located at the plasma membrane. Their activation triggers a plethora of signalling cascades that culminate in the immune response. Ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like protein modifiers play key roles in controlling signalling amplitude and intensity, as well as in buffering proteome imbalances caused by pathogen attack. Here I highlight some of the important advances in the field, which are starting to reveal an intertwined and complex signalling circuitry, which regulates cellular dynamics and protein degradation to maintain homeostasis.

Automated summary

Microbial attack is detected by immune receptors at the plasma membrane, triggering signaling cascades leading to immune response. Ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like protein modifiers play key roles in controlling signaling intensity and buffering proteome imbalances caused by pathogen attack. Recent advances have revealed a complex signaling circuitry regulating cellular dynamics and protein degradation to maintain homeostasis.