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Cellular metabolism in the defense against microbes
Lena Pernas1,2
1Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, 50931 Cologne, Germany pernas@age.mpg.de.
Journal of Cell Science
|February 9, 2021
Summary
Host cells actively use metabolic changes to fight pathogens, not just microbes manipulating metabolism. This host-driven metabolic rewiring strengthens defenses and limits pathogen growth, revealing new avenues for infectious disease research.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Metabolic pathways
- Host-pathogen interactions
Background:
- Traditionally, research focused on microbial metabolic subversion of hosts.
- Emerging evidence shows host metabolic changes can inhibit pathogen growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a framework for understanding host metabolic defense against microbes.
- To highlight host metabolic strategies that restrict pathogen proliferation.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on host-pathogen metabolic interactions.
- Analysis of how host metabolic rewiring impacts microbial invasion and virulence.
Main Results:
- Host cells utilize metabolites to strengthen barriers against microbial invasion.
- Metabolic rewiring regulates microbial virulence factors and nutrient access.
- Host metabolism can create environments toxic to pathogens.
Conclusions:
- Host metabolic rewiring is crucial for defense against microbial infections.
- This perspective offers novel insights into host defense mechanisms and metabolic control.
- Understanding host metabolism can inform the progression of infectious diseases.
Keywords:
Cellular defenseHost–pathogen interactionImmunityMetabolismMetabolitesMicrobesMitochondriaNutrientsMore Related Videos
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