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Apoptosis induced by parasitic diseases
Anne-Lise Bienvenu1, Elena Gonzalez-Rey, Stephane Picot
1Malaria Research Unit, University Lyon 1, 8 avenue Rockefeller, 69373 Lyon cedex 08, France. anne-lise.bienvenu@recherche.univ-lyon1.fr.
Parasites & Vectors
|November 19, 2010
Summary
Parasitic infections can cause fatalities through apoptosis, a host-cell death process. Understanding parasite-controlled apoptosis is crucial for potential therapeutic interventions in parasitic diseases.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Parasitic infections can lead to fatalities, often linked to host-cell apoptosis.
- Parasite-induced apoptosis may paradoxically aid host survival, complicating its role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the dual role of host-cell apoptosis in parasitic infections: as a pathogenic factor or a survival mechanism for the parasite.
- To emphasize the need for deeper understanding of parasite-mediated apoptosis in humans.
Main Methods:
- Review and consideration of existing literature on host-cell apoptosis in parasitic diseases.
- Analysis of apoptosis as a pathogenic feature versus a facilitator of parasite survival and development.
Main Results:
- Parasite-induced apoptosis can be pathogenic or beneficial for parasite survival.
- Apoptotic pathways show potential for reversal, offering therapeutic avenues.
Conclusions:
- Deciphering parasite-induced apoptosis is critical for managing parasitic diseases.
- Manipulating host-cell apoptosis, possibly with anti-apoptotic drugs, could be a therapeutic strategy for parasitic infections.
- Predicting the impact of modulating apoptosis in parasitic diseases is essential.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Apoptosis
Apoptosis is a combination of two Greek words, 'apo' and 'ptosis,' meaning separation and falling off, respectively. Hippocrates used this word to describe gangrene, which was caused due to bandaging of fractured bones. Apoptosis was distinguished from necrosis in 1970 when John Kerr reported observations of morphological changes occurring during apoptosis. During one experiment, he observed that the disruption of blood supply to the liver tissue resulted in a size reduction of the tissue.
01:30Overview of Cell Death
Cell death is an essential process where the body gets rid of old or damaged cells. Cell proliferation and death need to be balanced, as an imbalance between the two may lead to cancer or autoimmune diseases.
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the 20th century...
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the 20th century...
01:16Necrosis
Necrosis is considered as an “accidental” or unexpected form of cell death that ends in cell lysis. The first noticeable mention of “necrosis” was in 1859 when Rudolf Virchow used this term to describe advanced tissue breakdown in his compilation titled “Cell Pathology”.
Morphological Manifestations of Necrosis
Necrotic cells show different types of morphological appearance depending on the type of tissue and infection. In coagulative necrosis, cells become anucleated and die, but their...
Morphological Manifestations of Necrosis
Necrotic cells show different types of morphological appearance depending on the type of tissue and infection. In coagulative necrosis, cells become anucleated and die, but their...
01:17Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells
Cells undergoing apoptosis form apoptotic bodies that must be removed immediately to prevent inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and necrosis. Phagocytosis is carried out by professional phagocytes such as macrophages or immature dendritic cells. Non-professional phagocytes such as epithelial cells and fibroblasts also take part in this process; however, they are not as effective as professional phagocytes.
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.
01:18Autophagic Cell Death
Christian de Duve discovered “autophagy,” a process in which cellular components are engulfed by membrane-bound organelles called autophagosomes. The autophagosomes then fuse with lysosomes to digest the enclosed contents. Autophagy is generally activated in cells to prevent cell death. However, cell death is triggered when the damage is beyond repair.
Autophagy and Apoptosis
Autophagy can activate apoptosis. In normal conditions, the autophagy activating protein Beclin-1 and pro-apoptotic...
Autophagy and Apoptosis
Autophagy can activate apoptosis. In normal conditions, the autophagy activating protein Beclin-1 and pro-apoptotic...
01:22Cellular Injury V: Apoptosis and Autophagy
Cells respond to damage and stress through highly coordinated processes that decide whether they survive or undergo controlled self-destruction. Two major pathways involved in this regulation are apoptosis, a type of programmed cell death, and autophagy, a survival mechanism that helps cells adapt to adverse conditions.ApoptosisApoptosis removes aged or injured cells to maintain tissue balance. During this process, the cell shrinks, chromatin condenses and fragments, and membrane-bound...