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How do protozoan parasites survive inside macrophages?
1Institut fur Klinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene, Universität Erlangen, Wasserturmstrasse 3, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany. christian.bogdan@mikrobio.med.uni-erlangen.de
Abstract:
During infections with intracellular microbes, macrophages have two roles. On the one hand, they are important effector cells for the control and killing of intracellular bacteria and protozoan parasites by oxidative and non-oxidative mechanisms. On the other hand, macrophages may also serve as long-term host cells that facilitate the replication and survival of the pathogens, for example, by protecting them against toxic components of the extracellular milieu. In this review, Christian Bogdan and Martin Röllinghoff summarize some of the more recently discovered mechanisms by which intracellular protozoan parasites, such as Leishmania spp, Trypanosoma cruzi and Toxoplasma gondii, manage to exploit macrophages as safe target cells.
Insights
Macrophages fight intracellular microbes but can also host them. This review explores how protozoan parasites like Leishmania spp. exploit macrophages for survival and replication.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Macrophages are key immune cells involved in controlling intracellular microbial infections.
- These immune cells can eliminate pathogens via oxidative and non-oxidative mechanisms.
- Conversely, macrophages can also act as host cells, promoting pathogen survival and replication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recently discovered mechanisms of intracellular protozoan parasite exploitation of macrophages.
- To highlight how pathogens like Leishmania spp., Trypanosoma cruzi, and Toxoplasma gondii utilize macrophages as safe havens.
Main Methods:
- This is a review article, synthesizing existing research.
- The authors summarize and analyze recently discovered mechanisms.
- Focus is on the interaction between protozoan parasites and macrophages.
Main Results:
- Intracellular protozoan parasites have evolved sophisticated strategies to evade macrophage-mediated killing.
- Pathogens manipulate macrophage functions to create a protected intracellular environment.
- Examples include Leishmania spp., Trypanosoma cruzi, and Toxoplasma gondii.
Conclusions:
- Macrophages play a dual role in infections, acting as both effectors and hosts.
- Protozoan parasites actively exploit macrophages, turning them into protective niches.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies against these infections.