Blastocystis activates variety of pro-inflammatory cytokines in variety of mice cells

A research team from the National University of Singapore reports that Blastocystis antigens stimulate the production of a variety of cytokines, such as 1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), in mouse intestinal explants, in mouse colitis colon, and in macrophages.  Further investigation utilizing RAW264.7 murine macrophages showed that Blastocystis treatment in RAW264.7 macrophages induced the activation of ERK, JNK, and p38, the three major groups of mammalian mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases that play essential roles in the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. ERK inhibition in macrophages significantly suppressed both mRNA and protein expression of IL-6 and TNF-α and mRNA expression of IL-1β.  For the full text of the study, refer to the journal Infection and Immunity

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