signaling receptor pattern recognition receptor Combining role with a pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP), a structure conserved among microbial species, or damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP), an endogenous molecule released from damaged cells), to initiate a change in cell activity. IMR:0001791 (obsolete) PRR Receptors of the innate immune system that recognize pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs, e.g. LPS) are called pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). related molecular function GO:0038187