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Published on: November 28, 2015
Lessons from cross-pathogen studies: understanding the metabolic rewiring of macrophages upon infection
Marisol Perez-Toledo1, Alba Llibre2
1Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, School of Infection, Inflammation and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
Bacterial infections remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Compounding the issue is the rise of antimicrobial-resistant strains, which limit treatment options. Macrophages play key roles in the immunity and pathogenicity of intracellular infections, such as those caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Salmonella. Recent advancements have enabled us to better understand how the host orchestrates immune responses to fight these infections and, specifically how the infected cell rewires its metabolism to face this challenge. The engagement of the host cell in specific metabolic pathways impacts cell function and behaviour, and ultimately, infection outcomes. In this perspective, we summarise key findings regarding the metabolic adaptations in macrophages induced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Salmonella infections. We also explore how cross-pathogen studies can deepen our insights into infection biology to improve therapeutic design.
Insights
Host cells rewire metabolism during bacterial infections. Understanding these metabolic adaptations in macrophages, particularly from Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Salmonella, can improve treatments for antimicrobial resistance.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Metabolic pathways
Background:
- Bacterial infections cause significant global morbidity and mortality.
- Antimicrobial resistance limits effective treatment options.
- Macrophages are crucial in host immunity and pathogenicity of intracellular bacterial infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize metabolic adaptations in macrophages during Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Salmonella infections.
- To explore how cross-pathogen studies can enhance understanding of infection biology.
- To identify potential therapeutic targets for improving treatment design.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on host metabolic reprogramming during bacterial infections.
- Analysis of metabolic pathways altered in macrophages infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- Comparative analysis of metabolic changes induced by Salmonella.
Main Results:
- Macrophages undergo significant metabolic reprogramming in response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Salmonella.
- Specific metabolic pathways are critical for macrophage function and survival during infection.
- Host cell metabolism is a key determinant of infection outcome.
Conclusions:
- Understanding macrophage metabolic adaptations is vital for combating bacterial infections.
- Cross-pathogen comparisons offer valuable insights into conserved and unique host responses.
- Targeting host metabolism presents a promising strategy to overcome antimicrobial resistance.
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