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Induction of Reactive Intermediates and Autophagy-Related Proteins upon Infection of Macrophages with Rhodococcus

Prashanth Chandramani-Shivalingappa1,2, Mahesh Bhandari1, Sarah A Wiechert1

  • 1Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA.

Scientifica
|December 13, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Rhodococcus equi infection in macrophages triggers autophagy, an essential cellular defense mechanism. This process involves the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to combat the pathogen.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Rhodococcus equi (R. equi) causes fatal pneumonia in foals.
  • R. equi is an intracellular pathogen that infects macrophages.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if R. equi infection induces autophagy in macrophages.
  • To explore the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in this process.

Main Methods:

  • Murine bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDM) were infected with R. equi.
  • Autophagy protein levels (LC3-II, Beclin1) were analyzed using Western blot.
  • Autophagosome accumulation was detected using monodansylcadaverine.
  • Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was measured over time.

Main Results:

  • R. equi infection led to a time-dependent increase in LC3-II and Beclin1 levels.
  • Functional autophagosomes accumulated in infected BMDM, confirming autophagy induction.
  • R. equi infection induced a time-dependent generation of ROS.

Conclusions:

  • Rhodococcus equi infection elicits autophagy in macrophages.
  • ROS generation is involved in the induction of autophagy during R. equi infection.
  • These findings highlight innate host defense mechanisms against R. equi.

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