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Published on: May 3, 2024
Programmed necrosis in microbial pathogenesis
Haripriya Sridharan1, Jason W Upton1
1Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, 2506 Speedway, Stop A5000, Austin, TX 78712-1191, USA.
Abstract:
Programmed cell death is an important facet of host-pathogen interactions. Although apoptosis has long been implicated as the major form of programmed cell death in host defense, the past decade has seen the emergence of other forms of regulated death, including programmed necrosis. While the molecular mechanisms of programmed necrosis continue to be unveiled, an increasing number of viral and bacterial pathogens induce this form of death in host cells, with important consequences for infection, control, and pathogenesis. Moreover, pathogen strategies to manipulate or utilize this pathway are now being discovered. In this review, we focus on a variety of viral and bacterial pathogens where a role for programmed necrosis is starting to be appreciated. In particular, we focus on the mechanistic details of how the host or the pathogen might appropriate this pathway for its own benefit.
Insights
Programmed necrosis, a form of regulated cell death, is increasingly exploited by pathogens during host-pathogen interactions. This review explores how viruses and bacteria manipulate programmed necrosis for infection and pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Programmed cell death is crucial in host-pathogen interactions.
- Apoptosis was considered the primary mechanism, but programmed necrosis has emerged as another key pathway.
- Pathogens are increasingly recognized for their ability to induce or manipulate programmed necrosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of programmed necrosis in host-pathogen interactions.
- To highlight viral and bacterial pathogens that utilize programmed necrosis.
- To explore the mechanistic details of pathogen manipulation of programmed necrosis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on programmed necrosis and infectious diseases.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms employed by pathogens.
- Focus on specific viral and bacterial examples.
Main Results:
- Programmed necrosis plays a significant role in host defense and infection outcomes.
- Various viruses and bacteria induce programmed necrosis in host cells.
- Pathogens have evolved strategies to exploit or evade programmed necrosis pathways.
Conclusions:
- Programmed necrosis is a critical, yet complex, component of host-pathogen dynamics.
- Understanding pathogen manipulation of programmed necrosis offers insights into disease control.
- Further research into the molecular mechanisms is essential.
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