Macrophage signalling upon mycobacterial infection: the MAP kinases lead the way.
Mycobacteria activate a series of macrophage signalling pathways upon engaging host cell receptors and during the invasion process. These signals initiate a cascade of events leading to the production of immune effector molecules including cytokines, chemokines and reactive nitrogen intermediates. This response by the macrophage is critical for the control of the mycobacterial infection and, not surprisingly, pathogenic mycobacteria have evolved mechanisms to limit this macrophage activation. Recent data has suggested that macrophages infected with pathogenic compared to non-pathogenic mycobacteria are restricted in their activation of the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. Mitogen activated protein kinase activation in macrophages appears to play an important role in promoting antimycobacterial activity and in the production of various effector molecules following a mycobacterial infection. Therefore, the ability of pathogenic mycobacteria to limit MAPK activity is likely an important virulence mechanism and may be a potential therapeutic target.
Schorey
Jeffrey S
JS
University of Notre Dame, Department of Biology and Center of Tropical Disease Research and Training, 130 Galvin Life Science Center, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA. Schorey.1@nd.edu
Cooper
Andrea M
AM
D000818:Animals; D004789:Enzyme Activation; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides / Q000378:metabolism; D020935:MAP Kinase Signaling System; D008264:Macrophages / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology*; D020928:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000378:metabolism*; D018448:Models, Immunological; D009161:Mycobacterium / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D009164:Mycobacterium Infections / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology
D008070:Lipopolysaccharides; D020928:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases