NOD Proteins Are Intracellular Sensors of Infections That Recognize Cell

question 10

Essay

NOD proteins are intracellular sensors of infections that recognize cell wall or peptidoglycan components of many bacteria. The importance of these sensors in maintaining homeostasis in the intestine is indicated by the consequences for individuals lacking one of these sensors, NOD2. Specifically, NOD2 mutations have been found in a large percentage of individuals with a form of inflammatory bowel disease known as Crohn's disease. How might the absence of NOD2 lead to loss of barrier integrity and thus to increased inflammation in the gastrointestinal epithelium?

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