Role of protease-activated receptors (PARs) for the innate immune response of the heart

Protease-activated receptors (PARs) are a family of G-protein-coupled receptors with a unique activation mechanism via cleavage by the serine proteases of the coagulation cascade, immune cell-released proteases, and proteases from pathogens. Pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria, cause myocarditis and heart failure and PAR1 was shown to positively regulate the anti-viral innate immune response via interferon β during virus-induced myocarditis. In contrast, PAR2 negatively regulated the innate immune response and inhibited the interferon β expression.
Source: Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine - Category: Cardiology Authors: Source Type: research