Intracellular pathogens convert macrophages from death traps into hospitable homes

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Julien Barbier1, Jean-Christophe Cintrat2, Daniel Gillet1

  • 1CEA, Section of Molecular Engineering of Proteins (SIMOPRO), Institute of Biology and Biotechnology of Saclay (iBiTec-S), LERMIT LabEx, Paris Saclay University, Gif sur Yvette, France.

The FEBS Journal
|January 21, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Intracellular pathogens like bacteria, parasites, and fungi infect macrophages, hijacking them to multiply and suppress immune responses. Understanding these mechanisms can reveal new therapeutic targets for both pathogens and hosts.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Microbiology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Intracellular pathogens frequently infect macrophages, key immune cells.
  • These pathogens manipulate host cells to evade immune detection and replicate.
  • This evasion strategy cripples the host's immune system.

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