phagocytosis
Bacterial InfectionsLeukocidins and the Nuclease Nuc Prevent Neutrophil-Mediated Killing of Staphylococcus aureus BiofilmsBacterial biofilms are linked with chronic infections and have properties distinct from those of planktonic, single-celled bacteria. The virulence mechanisms associated with Staphylococcus aureus biofilms are becoming better understood. Human neutrophils are critical for the innate immune response to S....
Host Response and InflammationMycobacterium abscessus Clearance by Neutrophils Is Independent of AutophagyMycobacterium abscessus, a rapidly growing nontuberculous mycobacterium, is increasingly prevalent in chronic lung disease, including cystic fibrosis, and infections are characterized by neutrophil-dominated environments. However, mechanisms of immune control are poorly understood. Azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic with immunomodulatory effects, is used to treat...
MinireviewBiting Off What Can Be Chewed: Trogocytosis in Health, Infection, and DiseaseTrogocytosis is part of an emerging, exciting theme of cell-cell interactions both within and between species, and it is relevant to host-pathogen interactions in many different contexts. Trogocytosis is a process in which one cell physically extracts and ingests “bites” of cellular material from another cell. It was first described in eukaryotic microbes, where it was uncovered as a mechanism by which amoebae kill cells. Trogocytosis...
Cellular Microbiology: Pathogen-Host Cell Molecular InteractionsOpsonophagocytosis of Chlamydia pneumoniae by Human Monocytes and NeutrophilsThe human respiratory tract pathogen Chlamydia pneumoniae, which causes mild to severe infections, has been associated with the development of chronic inflammatory diseases. To understand the biology of C. pneumoniae infections, several studies have investigated the interaction between...
Cellular Microbiology: Pathogen-Host Cell Molecular InteractionsDistinct Contributions of CD18 Integrins for Binding and Phagocytic Internalization of Pseudomonas aeruginosaPhagocytosis is the key mechanism for host control of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a motile Gram-negative, opportunistic bacterial pathogen which frequently undergoes adaptation and selection for traits that are advantageous for survival. One such clinically relevant adaptation is the loss of bacterial motility, observed within chronic infections, that is associated with...
Cellular Microbiology: Pathogen-Host Cell Molecular InteractionsPseudomonas aeruginosa ExsA Regulates a Metalloprotease, ImpA, That Inhibits Phagocytosis of MacrophagesPseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogenic bacterium whose type III secretion system (T3SS) plays a critical role in acute infections. Translocation of the T3SS effectors into host cells induces cytotoxicity. In addition, the T3SS promotes the intracellular growth of P. aeruginosa during...
Host Response and InflammationRole of Toll-Like Receptor 5 (TLR5) in Experimental MelioidosisThe Gram-negative intracellular pathogen Burkholderia pseudomallei is the causative agent of melioidosis, an important cause of sepsis in Southeast Asia. Recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns by Toll-like receptors (TLRs) is essential for an appropriate immune response during pathogen invasion. In patients with melioidosis, TLR5 is the most abundantly...
Cellular Microbiology: Pathogen-Host Cell Molecular InteractionsMethamphetamine Impairs IgG1-Mediated Phagocytosis and Killing of Cryptococcus neoformans by J774.16 Macrophage- and NR-9640 Microglia-Like CellsThe prevalence of methamphetamine (METH) use is estimated at ∼35 million people worldwide, with over 10 million users in the United States. Chronic METH abuse and dependence predispose the users to participate in risky behaviors that may result in the acquisition of HIV and AIDS-related infections.
Cellular Microbiology: Pathogen-Host Cell Molecular InteractionsBacterial Clearance Is Enhanced by α2,3- and α2,6-Sialyllactose via Receptor-Mediated Endocytosis and PhagocytosisSialyllactose (SL) is a representative human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) of human breast milk. The roles of SL in infant brain development and immunity have been reported in previous studies.
Cellular Microbiology: Pathogen-Host Cell Molecular InteractionsCandida albicans Ras1 Inactivation Increases Resistance to Phagosomal Killing by Human NeutrophilsHost phagocytic cells are crucial players in initial defense against Candida albicans infection. C. albicans utilizes MAP kinases and Ras1 stress response signaling pathways to protect itself from killing by immune cells.