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Quantification of Intracellular Growth Inside Macrophages is a Fast and Reliable Method for Assessing the Virulence of Leishmania Parasites
Published on: March 16, 2018
Manipulation of Macrophages: Emerging Mechanisms of Leishmaniasis
Devki Nandan1, Harsimran Kaur Brar1, Neil Reiner1
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada.
Abstract:
As professional phagocytes, macrophages represent the first line of defence against invading microbial pathogens. Various cellular processes such as programmed cell death, autophagy and RNA interference (RNAi) of macrophages are involved directly in elimination or assist in elimination of invading pathogens. However, parasites, such as Leishmania, have evolved diverse strategies to interfere with macrophage cell functions, favouring their survival, growth and replication inside hostile and restrictive environments of macrophages. Therefore, identification and detailed characterization of macrophage-pathogen interactions is the key to understanding how pathogens subvert macrophage functions to support their infection and disease process. In recent years, great progress has been achieved in understanding how Leishmania affects with critical host macrophage functions. Based on latest progress and accumulating knowledge, this review exclusively focuses on macrophage-Leishmania interaction, providing an overview of macrophage cellular processes such as programmed cell death, autophagy and RNAi during Leishmania infection. Despite extensive progress, many questions remain and require further investigation.
Insights
Macrophages are key immune cells, but parasites like Leishmania evade them. This review details how Leishmania manipulates macrophage programmed cell death, autophagy, and RNA interference (RNAi) for survival.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Macrophages are crucial phagocytes and the first line of immune defense.
- Pathogens, including Leishmania parasites, have developed strategies to evade macrophage-mediated elimination.
- Understanding macrophage-pathogen interactions is vital for disease mechanism elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the intricate interactions between macrophages and Leishmania parasites.
- To provide an overview of macrophage cellular processes affected by Leishmania infection.
- To highlight current knowledge gaps in macrophage-Leishmania interplay.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on recent advancements in macrophage-Leishmania research.
- Analysis of studies investigating Leishmania's impact on macrophage functions.
- Synthesis of information on programmed cell death, autophagy, and RNA interference (RNAi) pathways.
Main Results:
- Leishmania actively interferes with critical macrophage functions.
- Parasite survival, growth, and replication are facilitated by subverting host cell processes.
- Macrophage programmed cell death, autophagy, and RNAi are significantly modulated during infection.
Conclusions:
- Leishmania employs diverse strategies to manipulate macrophage cellular processes.
- Further research is required to fully understand and target these complex interactions.
- Elucidating these mechanisms is key to developing effective anti-Leishmania therapies.
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