The challenge of intracellular pathogens

Article Abstract:

The success of intracellular pathogens depends on their ability to survive in the mammalian host's blood before entering the host's cells. The protozoan Leishmania can be used as a model for studying intracellular pathogens. Leishmania enters the mammalian host through a sandfly bite. While free in the host's blood, Leishmania recognizes and binds C3 complement. Complement is a protein substance in the blood that usually destroys foreign bacteria and other pathogens. Leishmania with bound C3 is recognized by phagocytic cells of the immune system and engulfed, and the protozoan replicates inside the phagocyte. Leishmania has different molecules on its surface that may enable the protozoan to attach to the host's phagocytes. The biology and intracellular location of Leishmania in the host make it difficult to treat leishmaniasis, the infection caused by Leishmania. The drug allopurinol can enter the infected phagocytic cells and kill Leishmania without harming the host. Control of leishmaniasis and other infections caused by intracellular pathogens depends on development of new drugs and vaccines and socioeconomic advancement.

Pathogenic microorganisms, Leishmaniasis

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The toll of innate immunity on microbial pathogens

Article Abstract:

The identification of the toll-like receptors (TLR) on immune cells called macrophages revealed how the immune system reacts against bacteria. Macrophages are one of the components of the immune system that destroy bacteria. Researchers have known that a bacterial component called lipopolysaccharides, or LPS, binds to a receptor on macrophages called CD14. However, the binding of LPS to CD14 does not activate the macrophage. The discovery of the TLR showed that the binding of LPS to CD14 and TLR does activate the macrophage, which in turn releases chemicals that activate T cells and B cells.

Research, Physiological aspects, Macrophages, Immunity, Immunity (Physiology), Immune response

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Violence against women -- a challenge to the Supreme Court

Article Abstract:

The Supreme Court should uphold the Violence Against Women Act of 1994. This act provided federal funding for research and programs devoted to domestic abuse. Critics of the law believe domestic violence is the purview of states and local communities and not the federal government. Supporters would say that only the federal government can guarantee equal protection under the law to all Americans. For decades, abuse against women was tolerated, and police and courts did not take domestic violence seriously.

Editorial, Laws, regulations and rules, Family violence, Domestic violence

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