Influence of cell bioenergetics on host-pathogen interaction in the lung
Gaurav Kumar Lohia1, Sebastián A Riquelme1
1Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States.
Abstract:
Pulmonary diseases, arising from infections caused by bacteria, fungi, and viruses, or stemming from underlying genetic factors are one of the leading causes of mortality in humans, accounting for millions of deaths every year. At the onset of pulmonary diseases, crucial roles are played by phagocytic immune cells, particularly tissue-resident macrophages, in regulating the immune response at the mucosal barrier. Recent strides have illuminated the pivotal role of host bioenergetics modulated by metabolites derived from both pathogens and hosts in influencing the pathophysiology of major organs. Their influence extends to processes such as the infiltration of immune cells, activation of macrophages, and the polarization phenomenon. Furthermore, host-derived metabolites, such as itaconate, contribute to the promotion of anti-inflammatory responses, thereby preventing immunopathology and facilitating the preservation of mucosal niches to thrive for the long-term. This review explores recent advancements in the field of immunometabolism, with a particular emphasis on the intricacies of disease progression in pulmonary infections caused by bacteria such as P. aeruginosa, M. tuberculosis and S. aureus and fungi like C. albicans.
Insights
Pulmonary diseases are a major cause of death. Host metabolites and immune cell metabolism, or immunometabolism, are key to understanding and treating lung infections caused by bacteria and fungi.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Metabolism
Background:
- Pulmonary diseases cause millions of deaths annually, involving bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, as well as genetic factors.
- Phagocytic immune cells, especially tissue-resident macrophages, are critical in regulating mucosal immune responses during pulmonary disease onset.
- Host bioenergetics, influenced by pathogen- and host-derived metabolites, significantly impacts organ pathophysiology, including immune cell infiltration and macrophage activation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in immunometabolism.
- To emphasize the role of host metabolites in pulmonary infections.
- To explore disease progression in bacterial (P. aeruginosa, M. tuberculosis, S. aureus) and fungal (C. albicans) lung infections.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies in immunometabolism.
- Focus on host-derived metabolites like itaconate.
- Analysis of immune cell functions and metabolic pathways in pulmonary infections.
Main Results:
- Host-derived metabolites, such as itaconate, promote anti-inflammatory responses.
- Metabolite modulation influences immune cell infiltration, macrophage activation, and polarization.
- Understanding immunometabolism is crucial for preventing immunopathology and preserving mucosal niches.
Conclusions:
- Immunometabolism plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of pulmonary infections.
- Targeting host metabolic pathways offers potential therapeutic strategies for lung diseases.
- Further research into specific metabolites and pathogens is needed to combat pulmonary diseases effectively.
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