Related Experiment Videos
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
Current Opinion in Immunology
|February 19, 2000
Summary
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.