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A complex interplay between the extracellular matrix and the innate immune response to microbial pathogens
Hannah Tomlin1, Anna M Piccinini1
1School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
Immunology
|June 17, 2018
Summary
The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a critical, often overlooked role in infections. It actively influences immune responses, impacting pathogen interactions and infection outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The extracellular matrix (ECM) is crucial for host-pathogen interactions during infection.
- Pathogens exploit ECM components and host proteolytic systems to establish infection.
- Host immune cells also remodel the ECM, influencing the immune response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the active role of the ECM in the immune response to microbial pathogens.
- To highlight the interplay between ECM modifications and immune cell functions.
- To explore novel antimicrobial strategies targeting ECM-pathogen interactions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent data on ECM and infection.
- Analysis of pathogen strategies involving ECM components.
- Examination of host immune cell involvement in ECM remodeling.
Main Results:
- Pathogens utilize ECM-binding molecules and enzymes to adhere and invade.
- Microbial manipulation of host proteases alters ECM for immune evasion.
- Host immune cells actively synthesize ECM components, influencing immune signaling.
- ECM modifications significantly impact immune cell behavior and infection outcomes.
Conclusions:
- The ECM is not merely a structural scaffold but an active participant in infection immunity.
- Understanding ECM-host-pathogen dynamics offers potential for new antimicrobial therapies.
- Targeting ECM interactions presents a promising avenue for combating microbial infections.
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