Innate Immune Effectors in Mycobacterial Infection

Tuberculosis, which is caused by infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), remains one of the major bacterial infections worldwide. Host defense against Mtb is mediated by a combination of innate and adaptive immune responses. In the last 15 years, the mechanisms for activation of innate immunity have been elucidated. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have been revealed to be critical for the recognition of pathogenic microorganisms including mycobacteria. Subsequent studies further revealed that NOD-like receptors and C-type lectin receptors are responsible for the TLR-independent recognition of mycobacteria. Several molecules, such as active vitamin D3, secretary leukocyte protease inhibitor, and lipocalin 2, all of which are induced by TLR stimulation, have been shown to direct innate immune responses to mycobacteria. In addition, Irgm1-dependent autophagy has recently been demonstrated to eliminate intracellular mycobacteria. Thus, our understanding of the mechanisms for the innate immune response to mycobacteria is developing

ATF6β is a host cellular target of the Toxoplasma gondii virulence factor ROP18

Toxoplasma virulence factor ROP18 targets endoplasmic reticulum–bound transcription factor ATF6β in the host cell, leading to the detrimental loss of ATF6β through proteasome-dependent degradation

CREBH Determines the Severity of Sulpyrine-Induced Fatal Shock

<div><p>Although the pyrazolone derivative sulpyrine is widely used as an antipyretic analgesic drug, side effects, including fatal shock, have been reported. However, the molecular mechanism underlying such a severe side effect is largely unclear. Here, we report that the transcription factor CREBH that is highly expressed in the liver plays an important role in fatal shock induced by sulpyrine in mice. CREBH-deficient mice were resistant to experimental fatal sulpyrine shock. We found that sulpyrine-induced expression of cytochrome P450 2B (CYP2B) family genes, which are involved in sulpyrine metabolism, in the liver was severely impaired in CREBH-deficient mice. Moreover, introduction of CYP2B in CREBH-deficient liver restored susceptibility to sulpyrine. Furthermore, ectopic expression of CREBH up-regulated CYP2B10 promoter activity, and <em>in vivo</em> knockdown of CREBH in wild-type mice conferred a significant resistance to fatal sulpyrine shock. These data demonstrate that CREBH is a positive regulator of CYP2B in response to sulpyrine administration, which possibly results in fatal shock.</p> </div

A Cluster of Interferon-γ-Inducible p65 GTPases Plays a Critical Role in Host Defense against Toxoplasma gondii

Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) is essential for host defense against intracellular pathogens. Stimulation of innate immune cells by IFN-γ upregulates ∼2,000 effector genes such as immunity-related GTPases including p65 guanylate-binding protein (Gbp) family genes. We show that a cluster of Gbp genes was required for host cellular immunity against the intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii. We generated mice deficient for all six Gbp genes located on chromosome 3 (Gbp(chr3)) by targeted chromosome engineering. Mice lacking Gbp(chr3) were highly susceptible to T. gondii infection, resulting in increased parasite burden in immune organs. Furthermore, Gbp(chr3)-deleted macrophages were defective in IFN-γ-mediated suppression of T. gondii intracellular growth and recruitment of IFN-γ-inducible p47 GTPase Irgb6 to the parasitophorous vacuole. In addition, some members of Gbp(chr3) restored the protective response against T. gondii in Gbp(chr3)-deleted cells. Our results suggest that Gbp(chr3) play a pivotal role in anti-T. gondii host defense by controlling IFN-γ-mediated Irgb6-dependent cellular innate immunity