Leishmania mexicana Promastigotes and Macrophage IL-12 Production
Author Information
Author(s): Shweash Muhannad, Adrienne McGachy H., Schroeder Juliane, Neamatallah Thikryat, Bryant Clare E., Millington Owain, Mottram Jeremy C., Alexander James, Plevin Robin
Primary Institution: Strathclyde Institute for Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences
Hypothesis
How do Leishmania mexicana promastigotes affect macrophage IL-12 production?
Conclusion
Leishmania mexicana promastigotes inhibit macrophage IL-12 production through TLR-4 dependent mechanisms involving COX-2, iNOS, and arginase-1 expression.
Supporting Evidence
- Promastigotes activate MAP kinase signaling through a TLR-4 dependent mechanism.
- Promastigotes enhance COX-2 and iNOS expression in macrophages.
- Blocking PGE2 or NO production reverses promastigote inhibition of IL-12 production.
- Arginase-1 expression is also enhanced by promastigotes and contributes to IL-12 inhibition.
Takeaway
Leishmania parasites can trick immune cells into not producing a key signal that helps fight infections, making it easier for them to survive.
Methodology
The study involved infecting mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages with L. mexicana promastigotes and measuring the effects on MAP kinase signaling and cytokine production.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on in vitro models, which may not fully replicate in vivo conditions.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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