CpG and LPS are examples of what type of molecules?

CpG and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are classified as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). PAMPs are molecules associated with groups of pathogens that are recognized by the innate immune system. They play a critical role in the early detection of infectious agents.

CpG refers to a specific DNA sequence that is rich in cytosine and guanine dinucleotides, which are often found in bacterial DNA but are rare in the mammalian genome. LPS is a component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria and is recognized by immune cells as a signal of bacterial presence. Both these molecules trigger immune responses, helping the immune system identify and respond to infections.

In contrast, damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are molecules released from damaged or dying cells that can also activate the immune response but are not directly associated with pathogens. Antigens refer to substances that can provoke an immune response, while immunoglobulins are antibodies produced by B cells that specifically recognize these antigens. Therefore, identifying CpG and LPS as PAMPs highlights their role in infection detection and immune activation.