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Reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen intermediates in innate and specific immunity
C Bogdan1, M Röllinghoff, A Diefenbach
1Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, University of Erlangen, Erlangen, D-91054, Germany. christian.bogdan@mikrobio.med.uni-erlangen.de
Abstract:
Nitric oxide, nitric oxide derivatives and reactive oxygen intermediates are toxic molecules of the immune system which contribute to the control of microbial pathogens and tumors. There is recent evidence for additional functions of these oxygen metabolites in innate and adaptive immunity; these functions include the modulation of the cytokine response of lymphocytes and the regulation of immune cell apoptosis, as well as immunodeviating effects. Components of several signal transduction pathways have been identified as intracellular targets for reactive nitrogen and oxygen intermediates.
Insights
Nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species are immune molecules controlling pathogens and tumors. These molecules also regulate immune cell apoptosis and cytokine responses, impacting adaptive immunity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Nitric oxide (NO), its derivatives, and reactive oxygen intermediates (ROIs) are key toxic molecules produced by the immune system.
- These molecules play a crucial role in the immune defense against microbial pathogens and the elimination of tumor cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the emerging roles of NO derivatives and ROIs beyond their direct cytotoxic functions in immunity.
- To investigate the modulatory effects of these oxygen metabolites on immune cell signaling and responses.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent evidence and identification of signal transduction pathways.
- Analysis of the intracellular targets of reactive nitrogen and oxygen intermediates.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests NO and ROIs modulate lymphocyte cytokine responses.
- These molecules regulate immune cell apoptosis, influencing immune cell survival and death.
- Immunodeviating effects mediated by NO and ROIs were observed.
Conclusions:
- Reactive nitrogen and oxygen intermediates have multifaceted roles in innate and adaptive immunity.
- Components of various signal transduction pathways are identified as intracellular targets for these immune mediators.