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Interference with nuclear factor kappaB signaling pathway by pathogen-encoded proteases: global and selective
Andrea Hodgson1,2, Fengyi Wan1,3
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21025, USA.
Molecular Microbiology
|October 10, 2015
Summary
Pathogen proteases cleave the NF-κB p65 subunit, altering immune responses and cell survival. Understanding these fragments may lead to new anti-pathogen therapies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Pathogens manipulate host responses using virulence factors like proteases.
- Proteases target key proteins in signaling cascades, impacting host immunity.
- The nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB) pathway regulates survival, immune, and proliferation genes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review how pathogen proteases target and cleave the NF-κB p65 subunit.
- To discuss the impact of p65 cleavage on host immune responses and cell survival.
- To highlight the potential for novel therapeutic strategies based on these interactions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on pathogen proteases and NF-κB signaling.
- Analysis of mechanisms by which proteases interfere with NF-κB pathway components.
- Examination of the consequences of p65 subunit cleavage on host cells.
Main Results:
- Pathogen proteases extensively target the NF-κB pathway, particularly the p65 subunit.
- Cleavage of p65 by proteases significantly impacts host immune responses and cell survival.
- Pathogen-driven proteolytic processing generates fragments that may possess novel functions.
Conclusions:
- Pathogen proteases are critical virulence factors that subvert host defenses by targeting NF-κB signaling.
- Selective targeting of p65 reveals unique pathogen strategies for altering the host microenvironment.
- Further characterization of cleavage fragments could lead to the development of new therapeutics against pathogens.
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