Neutrophil granulocytes - Trojan horses for Leishmania major and other intracellular microbes?

Tamás Laskay*, Ger Van Zandbergen, Werner Solbach

*Corresponding author for this work
    133 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Polymorphonuclear neutrophil granulocytes (PMNs) possess numerous effector mechanisms to kill ingested pathogens as the first line of defence. However, several microorganisms evade intracellular killing in neutrophils, survive and retain infectivity. There is increasing evidence that several pathogens even multiply within neutrophils. Taking Leishmania major as a prototypic intracellular pathogen, we suggest an evasion strategy that includes the manipulation of PMNs in such a way that the pathogens are able to use the granulocytes as host cells. The ability to survive and maintain infectivity in PMNs subsequently enables these organisms to establish productive infection. These organisms can use granulocytes as Trojan horses before they enter their definitive host cells, the macrophages.

    Original languageEnglish
    JournalTrends in Microbiology
    Volume11
    Issue number5
    Pages (from-to)210-214
    Number of pages5
    ISSN0966-842X
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 01.05.2003

    Research Areas and Centers

    • Academic Focus: Center for Infection and Inflammation Research (ZIEL)

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