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Updated: Dec 20, 2025
Bone Marrow-derived Macrophage Production
Published on: November 22, 2013
Danger-associated metabolic modifications during bacterial infection of macrophages
Mariatou Dramé1,2,3, Carmen Buchrieser1,2, Pedro Escoll1,2
1Institut Pasteur, Unité de Biologie des Bactéries Intracellulaires, Paris, France.
Abstract:
In this review, we propose that certain modifications in cellular metabolism might function as danger signals triggering inflammasome-mediated immune responses. We propose to call them danger-associated metabolic modifications (DAMMs). As intracellular bacteria can actively modulate macrophage metabolism for their benefit, infected host cells might sense bacteria-induced metabolic alterations and activate immune reactions. Here we report the known metabolic interactions that occur during infection of macrophages by intracellular bacteria and discuss the possible emergence of DAMMs upon bacteria-induced alterations of cellular metabolism.
Insights
Cellular metabolism changes may signal danger, activating immune responses via inflammasomes. These danger-associated metabolic modifications (DAMMs) are triggered by intracellular bacteria, prompting host cell reactions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cellular Metabolism
- Microbiology
Background:
- Intracellular bacteria manipulate host cell metabolism for survival.
- Host cells possess mechanisms to detect and respond to pathogens.
- Inflammasomes are key components of innate immunity, mediating inflammatory responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose that metabolic alterations in host cells can act as danger signals.
- To introduce the concept of danger-associated metabolic modifications (DAMMs).
- To review metabolic interactions during intracellular bacterial infections and their potential role in DAMM activation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of known metabolic interactions during intracellular bacterial infections.
- Analysis of how bacterial manipulation of host metabolism might lead to DAMMs.
- Discussion of potential inflammasome activation pathways triggered by metabolic changes.
Main Results:
- Certain metabolic modifications within host cells can serve as danger signals.
- Intracellular bacteria actively alter host cell metabolism.
- These bacteria-induced metabolic alterations may trigger inflammasome-mediated immune responses.
Conclusions:
- Danger-associated metabolic modifications (DAMMs) are proposed as a novel class of immune danger signals.
- Metabolic reprogramming by intracellular bacteria can lead to the activation of host immune defenses.
- Understanding DAMMs offers new insights into host-pathogen interactions and immune activation.
