ATP Helps Kill Mycobacteria in Human Immune Cells
Author Information
Author(s): Biswas Debasis, Qureshi Omar S, Lee Wing-Yiu, Croudace Joanne E, Mura Manuela, Lammas David A
Primary Institution: University of Birmingham
Hypothesis
Does ATP treatment induce autophagy in human macrophages and contribute to the killing of intracellular mycobacteria?
Conclusion
ATP treatment induces autophagy in human macrophages, which is associated with the rapid killing of intracellular mycobacteria.
Supporting Evidence
- ATP treatment induces rapid autophagy in THP1 cells and macrophages within 30 minutes.
- The bactericidal effect of ATP is dependent on the P2X7 receptor and extracellular calcium.
- Electron microscopy showed mycobacteria within double-membraned autophagosomes after ATP treatment.
Takeaway
When immune cells are treated with ATP, they start a process called autophagy that helps them eat and kill harmful bacteria quickly.
Methodology
The study used THP1 cells and monocyte-derived macrophages to assess the effects of ATP on autophagy and mycobacterial viability through Western blot analysis and microscopy.
Participant Demographics
Human monocytes/macrophages derived from healthy individuals.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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