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Updated: Nov 29, 2025
Immunometabolic Circuits in Infection for Advancing Host Directed Therapies
Published on: September 13, 2024
Leishmania regulates host macrophage miRNAs expression by engaging transcription factor c-Myc
Devki Nandan1, Carolina Torturella Rath1, Neil E Reiner1,2
1Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Abstract:
Parasites of Leishmania genus have developed sophisticated strategies allowing them to deactivate their host macrophage to promote their survival. It has become clear that miRNAs play important roles in shaping innate and adaptive immune responses toward pathogens. It is not surprising that several pathogens including Leishmania have evolved the ability to regulate host macrophage miRNA expression in order to manipulate host cell phenotypes to their advantage. However, very little is known about the mechanisms used by intracellular pathogens to drive changes in host cell miRNA abundance. In this review, Leishmania exploitation of macrophage transcription factor c-Myc as a critical proxy virulence factor to regulate abundance of macrophage miRNAs influencing macrophage physiology to promote its survival will be discussed.
Insights
Leishmania parasites manipulate host macrophages by regulating microRNAs (miRNAs). This review explores how Leishmania uses the transcription factor c-Myc to alter macrophage miRNAs, aiding parasite survival.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Leishmania parasites survive by deactivating host macrophages.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial in immune responses against pathogens.
- Pathogens, including Leishmania, can alter host miRNA expression to their advantage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms by which intracellular pathogens, specifically Leishmania, alter host macrophage miRNA abundance.
- To discuss the role of the transcription factor c-Myc in Leishmania's manipulation of macrophage miRNAs.
Main Methods:
- This is a review article, synthesizing existing research.
- Focuses on the molecular mechanisms of Leishmania-macrophage interactions.
- Examines the role of transcription factors and miRNA regulation.
Main Results:
- Leishmania exploits the host transcription factor c-Myc.
- c-Myc acts as a virulence factor to regulate macrophage miRNA levels.
- Altered miRNA abundance influences macrophage physiology to favor parasite survival.
Conclusions:
- Leishmania effectively manipulates host cell miRNA expression via c-Myc.
- This manipulation is a key strategy for parasite survival within macrophages.
- Understanding these mechanisms can inform future therapeutic strategies.
