Microarray Analysis of Human Monocytes Infected with Francisella tularensis
Author Information
Author(s): Butchar Jonathan P., Cremer Thomas J., Clay Corey D., Gavrilin Mikhail A., Wewers Mark D., Marsh Clay B., Schlesinger Larry S., Tridandapani Susheela
Primary Institution: The Ohio State University
Hypothesis
How does Francisella tularensis subvert the host immune response?
Conclusion
The study identifies several new factors that may serve as novel targets for drug discovery against Francisella tularensis.
Supporting Evidence
- Expression of several host response genes were reduced following infection with the virulent strain.
- The PI3K/Akt pathway was specifically down-regulated after Schu S4 infection.
- Schu S4 infection resulted in a lower cytokine response compared to F. novicida.
Takeaway
The bacteria Francisella tularensis can trick our immune cells into not responding properly, which helps it survive and cause disease.
Methodology
The study used Affymetrix microarray analysis to examine gene expression in human monocytes infected with different strains of Francisella tularensis.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in the interpretation of gene expression data due to the complexity of immune responses.
Limitations
The study did not measure cell death directly and relied on previous findings for some comparisons.
Participant Demographics
Human peripheral blood monocytes were isolated from four buffy coats.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p≤0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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