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Phosphoinositide involvement in phagocytosis and phagosome maturation
R J Botelho1, C C Scott, S Grinstein
1Programme in Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada.
Abstract:
Cells of the innate immune system engulf invading microorganisms into plasma membrane-derived vacuoles called phagosomes. Newly formed phagosomes gradually acquire microbicidal properties by a maturation process which involves sequential and coordinated rounds of fusion with endomembranes and concomitant fission. Some pathogens interfere with this maturation sequence and thereby evade killing by the immune cells, managing to survive intracellularly as parasites. Phosphoinositides seem to be intimately involved in the processes of phagosome formation and maturation, and initial observations suggest that the ability of some microorganisms to survive intracellularly is associated with alterations in phosphoinositide metabolism. This chapter presents a brief overview of phosphoinositides in cells of the immune system, their metabolism in the context of phagocytosis and phagosome maturation and their possible derangements during infectious pathogenosis.
Insights
Phosphoinositides are crucial for innate immune cells to engulf and kill microbes. Pathogens can disrupt phosphoinositide metabolism to survive inside host cells.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Innate immune cells engulf microbes via phagosomes.
- Phagosome maturation is essential for microbial killing.
- Pathogens can evade killing by interfering with phagosome maturation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of phosphoinositides in immune cells.
- To discuss phosphoinositide metabolism during phagocytosis and maturation.
- To explore how pathogens alter phosphoinositides to survive intracellularly.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on phosphoinositides and phagocytosis.
- Analysis of phosphoinositide roles in immune cell function.
- Examination of pathogen strategies impacting phagosome maturation.
Main Results:
- Phosphoinositides play a key role in phagosome formation and maturation.
- Alterations in phosphoinositide metabolism are linked to pathogen survival.
- Specific pathogens can manipulate phosphoinositide pathways.
Conclusions:
- Phosphoinositides are critical regulators of innate immunity and phagosome function.
- Understanding phosphoinositide derangements offers insights into infectious diseases.
- Targeting phosphoinositide metabolism may present therapeutic strategies.