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Published on: February 22, 2017
MicroRNA Response of Primary Human Macrophages to Arcobacter Butzleri Infection
Jennifer Zur Bruegge1, Christina Backes2, Greta Gölz3
1Institute of Veterinary Biochemistry, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany.
Abstract:
The role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in infectious diseases is becoming more and more apparent, and the use of miRNAs as a diagnostic tool and their therapeutic application has become the major focus of investigation. The aim of this study was to identify miRNAs involved in the immune signaling of macrophages in response to Arcobacter (A.) butzleri infection, an emerging foodborne pathogen causing gastroenteritis. Therefore, primary human macrophages were isolated and infected, and miRNA expression was studied by means of RNAseq. Analysis of the data revealed the expression of several miRNAs, which were previously associated with bacterial infections such as miR-155, miR-125, and miR-212. They were shown to play a key role in Toll-like receptor signaling where they act as fine-tuners to establish a balanced immune response. In addition, miRNAs which have yet not been identified during bacterial infections such as miR-3613, miR-2116, miR-671, miR-30d, and miR-629 were differentially regulated in A. butzleri-infected cells. Targets of these miRNAs accumulated in pathways such as apoptosis and endocytosis - processes that might be involved in A. butzleri pathogenesis. Our study contributes new findings about the interaction of A. butzleri with human innate immune cells helping to understand underlying regulatory mechanisms in macrophages during infection.
Insights
This study identifies microRNAs (miRNAs) that regulate macrophage immune responses to Arcobacter butzleri infection. These findings enhance understanding of bacterial pathogenesis and host-pathogen interactions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Genetics
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are increasingly recognized for their role in infectious diseases.
- Investigating miRNAs in host-pathogen interactions is crucial for diagnostics and therapeutics.
- Arcobacter butzleri is an emerging foodborne pathogen causing gastroenteritis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific miRNAs involved in macrophage immune signaling during Arcobacter butzleri infection.
- To elucidate the role of these miRNAs in regulating innate immune responses.
- To explore potential roles of identified miRNAs in bacterial pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Primary human macrophages were isolated and infected with Arcobacter butzleri.
- MicroRNA expression profiling was performed using RNA sequencing (RNAseq).
- Bioinformatic analysis identified differentially expressed miRNAs and their target pathways.
Main Results:
- Several known infection-associated miRNAs (e.g., miR-155, miR-125, miR-212) were identified, regulating Toll-like receptor signaling.
- Novel miRNAs (e.g., miR-3613, miR-2116, miR-671, miR-30d, miR-629) were differentially regulated in response to A. butzleri.
- Target analysis indicated involvement of these miRNAs in apoptosis and endocytosis pathways.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs play a significant role in modulating macrophage immune responses to Arcobacter butzleri.
- Identified miRNAs, both known and novel, offer insights into host-pathogen interactions and pathogenesis.
- This research contributes to understanding the regulatory mechanisms governing innate immunity during bacterial infections.
