muramyl dipeptide binding

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Interacting selectively and non-covalently, in a non-covalent manner, with muramyl dipeptide; muramyl dipeptide is derived from peptidoglycan. [GOC:rl]

Muramyl dipeptide (MDP) binding is a crucial molecular function involved in the innate immune response. MDP, a core component of bacterial peptidoglycans, is recognized by the NOD2 receptor, a cytosolic pattern recognition receptor (PRR) expressed in various immune cells.

Upon MDP binding, NOD2 undergoes a conformational change, leading to its oligomerization and the recruitment of downstream signaling molecules, including receptor-interacting protein kinase 2 (RIP2) and the adaptor protein CARD9. This complex activates the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, resulting in the transcription and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8. These cytokines play essential roles in initiating an immune response against bacterial infection by attracting immune cells to the site of infection and promoting inflammation.

The MDP-NOD2 interaction is critical for the host's ability to detect bacterial invasion and mount an effective immune response. Disruptions in this pathway, either due to mutations in NOD2 or impaired MDP recognition, can lead to increased susceptibility to bacterial infections, highlighting the importance of this molecular function in maintaining immune homeostasis.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (12)