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Published on: May 22, 2014
Purinergic modulation of the immune response to infections
Natalia Eberhardt1,2, Gastón Bergero1, Yanina L Mazzocco Mariotta1
1Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET) - Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina.
Abstract:
Infectious diseases are caused by the invasion of pathogenic microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, and parasites. After infection, disease progression relies on the complex interplay between the host immune response and the microorganism evasion strategies. The host's survival depends on its ability to mount an efficient protective anti-microbial response to accomplish pathogen clearance while simultaneously preventing tissue injury by keeping under control the excessive inflammatory process. The purinergic system has the dual function of regulating the immune response and triggering effector antimicrobial mechanisms. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge of the modulation of innate and adaptive immunity driven by the purinergic system during parasitic, bacterial and viral infections.
Insights
The purinergic system regulates immune responses and antimicrobial defenses. This review explores its role in host immunity against parasitic, bacterial, and viral infections.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Infectious diseases arise from pathogenic microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
- Host survival hinges on balancing effective antimicrobial responses for pathogen clearance with controlled inflammation to prevent tissue damage.
- The purinergic system plays a critical dual role in modulating immune responses and activating antimicrobial mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of how the purinergic system influences innate and adaptive immunity.
- To examine the purinergic system's modulation during parasitic, bacterial, and viral infections.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on the purinergic system and infectious diseases.
- Synthesis of data on immune modulation by purinergic signaling pathways.
- Analysis of purinergic system interactions with host defenses against various pathogens.
Main Results:
- The purinergic system significantly impacts both innate and adaptive immune cells during infections.
- Purinergic signaling is involved in regulating inflammatory processes and pathogen clearance.
- Specific purinergic mediators and receptors are implicated in the host's response to diverse microbial threats.
Conclusions:
- The purinergic system is a key regulator of host-pathogen interactions across a spectrum of infectious diseases.
- Targeting the purinergic system presents potential therapeutic strategies for infectious diseases.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex roles of purinergic signaling in immunity and infection.
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