Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Characterization of Immune Cells and Proinflammatory Mediators in the Pulmonary Environment
Published on: June 24, 2020
Eicosanoid pathways regulate adaptive immunity to Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Maziar Divangahi1, Danielle Desjardins, Cláudio Nunes-Alves
1Division of Rheumatology, Immunology, and Allergy, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Abstract:
The fate of infected macrophages has an essential role in protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis by regulating innate and adaptive immunity. M. tuberculosis exploits cell necrosis to exit from macrophages and spread. In contrast, apoptosis, which is characterized by an intact plasma membrane, is an innate mechanism that results in lower bacterial viability. Virulent M. tuberculosis inhibits apoptosis and promotes necrotic cell death by inhibiting production of prostaglandin E(2). Here we show that by activating the 5-lipoxygenase pathway, M. tuberculosis not only inhibited apoptosis but also prevented cross-presentation of its antigens by dendritic cells, which impeded the initiation of T cell immunity. Our results explain why T cell priming in response to M. tuberculosis is delayed and emphasize the importance of early immunity.
Related Concept Videos
Inflammatory Response
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,...
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The heterodimer of NF-κB...
Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease