Intracellular pathogens convert macrophages from death traps into hospitable homes

FEBS J. 2016 Feb;283(4):595-7. doi: 10.1111/febs.13657. Epub 2016 Feb 2.

Abstract

Intracellular pathogens - bacteria, parasites and fungi - frequently infect macrophages in addition to other cells. They turn these deadly cells into harmless hosts to multiply and paralyze immunity. Understanding the complex mechanisms underlying this phenomenon may have a strong impact to identify new targets belonging to the pathogens but also to the host, thereby allowing the design of new therapeutic strategies.

Publication types

  • Introductory Journal Article

MeSH terms

  • Chlamydiales / immunology
  • Chlamydiales / physiology*
  • Histoplasma / immunology
  • Histoplasma / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Leishmania / immunology
  • Leishmania / physiology*
  • Macrophages / immunology*
  • Macrophages / microbiology*