Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Using a Bacterial Pathogen to Probe for Cellular and Organismic-level Host Responses
08:38

Using a Bacterial Pathogen to Probe for Cellular and Organismic-level Host Responses

Published on: February 22, 2019

HIF-1alpha: a master regulator of innate host defenses?

Kol A Zarember1, Harry L Malech

  • 1Laboratory of Host Defenses, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.

The Journal of Clinical Investigation
|July 12, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha is crucial for polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) function in host defense against infection. This factor regulates key PMN antimicrobial activities, enhancing the innate immune response.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) are critical for innate immunity, combating microbial infections through oxygen-dependent and -independent mechanisms.
  • Impaired PMN number or function elevates infection risk, highlighting their essential role in host defense.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify novel roles for hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1α) in regulating PMN functions.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms by which HIF-1α contributes to host defense against microbial invasion.

Main Methods:

  • Investigated the role of HIF-1α in PMN antimicrobial activities.
  • Analyzed the effects of HIF-1α on the transcription of antimicrobial peptides and the induction of NO synthase in PMNs.

Main Results:

  • Identified a novel and essential role for HIF-1α in regulating critical PMN functions.
  • Demonstrated that HIF-1α controls the transcription of cationic antimicrobial polypeptides.
  • Showed that HIF-1α induces NO synthase, a key component of antimicrobial defense.

Conclusions:

  • HIF-1α plays a vital role in innate host defense by modulating essential PMN functions.
  • Targeting HIF-1α pathways may offer new strategies for enhancing immune responses against infections.

More Related Videos

High-throughput Quantitative Real-time RT-PCR Assay for Determining Expression Profiles of Types I and III Interferon Subtypes10:00

High-throughput Quantitative Real-time RT-PCR Assay for Determining Expression Profiles of Types I and III Interferon Subtypes

Published on: March 24, 2015

Related Concept Videos

NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway02:26

NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway

The transcription factor NF-κB was discovered in 1986 in the lab of Nobel laureate Professor David Baltimore, for its interaction with the immunoglobulin light chain enhancer in B-cells. After more than three decades of study, it is now evident that NF-κB regulates the expression of over 100 genes. Most of these genes play an essential role in the innate and adaptive immune responses as well as the inflammatory responses of animals.
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The heterodimer of NF-κB...
Regulation of Bacterial Virulence01:28

Regulation of Bacterial Virulence

Pathogenic bacteria employ a range of regulatory mechanisms to modulate the expression of virulence genes in response to environmental and host-derived signals. These mechanisms ensure that virulence factors are expressed only under favorable conditions, thereby optimizing infection and survival strategies.Mechanisms of Virulence RegulationKey regulatory strategies include:Two-Component Systems: These consist of a membrane-bound sensor kinase and a cytoplasmic response regulator. Environmental...
Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity01:26

Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity

An antigen is any substance the immune system identifies as foreign and potentially harmful to the body, prompting an immune response. Antigens have two functional properties: immunogenicity and reactivity. Immunogenicity is the ability of an antigen to stimulate a specific immune response. At the same time, reactivity describes the antigen's ability to react with the cells and antibodies produced in response to it.
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
Master Transcription Regulators02:23

Master Transcription Regulators

Master transcription regulators are regulatory proteins that are predominantly responsible for regulating the expression of multiple genes. Often these genes work in concert to drive a  complex process. Activation of a master transcription regulator can lead to a cascade of transcriptional activation necessary for that outcome. These regulators can directly bind to the regulatory sequences of the various genes involved, or they can indirectly regulate transcription by binding to regulatory...
Master Transcription Regulators02:23

Master Transcription Regulators

Master transcription regulators are regulatory proteins that are predominantly responsible for regulating the expression of multiple genes. Often these genes work in concert to drive a  complex process. Activation of a master transcription regulator can lead to a cascade of transcriptional activation necessary for that outcome. These regulators can directly bind to the regulatory sequences of the various genes involved, or they can indirectly regulate transcription by binding to regulatory...
Inflammatory Response01:28

Inflammatory Response

An inflammatory response is a localized, nonspecific immune reaction that occurs when a tissue is injured. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which are commonly called the cardinal signs and symptoms of inflammation. Inflammation can sometimes result in a loss of function.
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...