Skip to main content

Inflammatory Signaling Cascade

Meaning

The Inflammatory Signaling Cascade describes the sequential, tightly regulated series of molecular events that occur within cells and tissues in response to a perceived threat, such as infection, tissue damage, or chronic stress. This cascade involves the activation of pattern recognition receptors, leading to the rapid synthesis and release of pro-inflammatory mediators, including cytokines and chemokines, which amplify the immune response. Clinically, chronic, low-grade activation of this cascade is a key driver of many age-related diseases and metabolic dysfunction, profoundly impacting insulin sensitivity and the neuroendocrine stress axes. This process is a central mechanism of immune-endocrine cross-talk.