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Gene expression is associated with virulence in murine macrophages infected with Leptospira spp

Erivelto Corrêa de Araújo Junior1, Leandro Encarnação Garcia1, Matheus Janeck Araújo1

  • 1Department of Production and Animal Health, São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Veterinary Medicine, Araçatuba, SP, Brazil.

Plos One
|December 5, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Leptospira virulence impacts host gene expression in macrophages. Virulent strains uniquely trigger apoptosis and cell cycle checkpoints, revealing insights into leptospirosis pathogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Pathogenesis

Background:

  • The genus Leptospira comprises pathogenic species impacting human health.
  • Understanding host-pathogen interactions is crucial for leptospirosis research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate how Leptospira strains of varying virulence modulate host gene expression in murine macrophages.
  • To identify virulence-specific host responses during Leptospira infection.

Main Methods:

  • Murine macrophages were infected with Leptospira strains.
  • Differential gene expression analysis was performed after 6 hours of infection.
  • Pathway analysis was conducted to identify regulated biological processes.

Main Results:

  • Leptospira infection induced significant changes in host gene expression.
  • A core set of genes were modulated irrespective of Leptospira virulence.
  • Virulent Leptospira strains uniquely regulated pathways including Apoptosis, ATM Signaling, and Cell Cycle: G2/M DNA Damage Checkpoint Regulation.

Conclusions:

  • Both Leptospira species and strain virulence influence the host response in macrophages.
  • These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of leptospirosis pathogenesis.

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