Exploiting death: apoptotic immunity in microbial pathogenesis
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
Physiological cell death, termed innate apoptotic immunity (IAI), normally suppresses host immunity. Pathogens exploit IAI through diverse mechanisms to enhance their pathogenicity and proliferation within the host.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Pathogenesis
Background:
- Innate immunity orchestrates initial host defense against infections.
- Physiological cell death (apoptosis) in mammals generates cells that suppress host immunity, a process termed innate apoptotic immunity (IAI).
- IAI is crucial for maintaining self-tolerance and resolving inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how microbial pathogens exploit innate apoptotic immunity (IAI) for their survival and proliferation.
- To highlight the diverse strategies pathogens employ to manipulate host immune suppression.
Main Methods:
- The study examines specific examples of pathogen interaction with IAI.
- Analysis of mechanisms used by Leishmania amazonensis, Listeria monocytogenes, and adenoviruses.
Main Results:
- Leishmania amazonensis mimics apoptotic cells to induce immunosuppression.
- Listeria monocytogenes induces host cell death, utilizing resulting apoptotic cells to evade immune control.
- Adenoviruses reprogram non-apoptotic dead cells to exhibit immunosuppressive properties.
Conclusions:
- Pathogens utilize diverse and sophisticated strategies to exploit innate apoptotic immunity (IAI).
- Understanding these pathogen strategies provides insights into IAI regulation and pathogenesis.
- IAI represents a potent facet of host immune control that pathogens actively manipulate.
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