Copper at the Front Line of the Host-Pathogen Battle Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Microbes
Microbes
Microbes, short for microorganisms, are tiny living organisms that are ubiquitous in the environment, including on and inside the human body. They play a crucial role in human health and disease, functioning within complex ecosystems in various parts of the body, such as the skin, mouth, gut, and respiratory tract. The human microbiome, which is […]
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Metals
Metals
OverviewHeavy metals play a significant and multifaceted role in the pathogenicity of microbial species. Their involvement can be viewed from two primary perspectives: the toxicity of heavy metals to microbes and the exploitation of heavy metals by microbial pathogens to establish infections and evade the host immune response. Understanding these aspects is critical for both […]
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This review focuses on the role of copper (Cu) in microbial pathogenesis and how it is utilized by both the host and pathogens. It examines Cu’s dual role as an essential cofactor in cellular processes and as a toxic element that the immune system uses to combat infections. The paper explores the ways the immune system harnesses Cu’s antimicrobial properties to fight pathogens, as well as the sophisticated mechanisms developed by pathogens to resist Cu toxicity during infection.
Who was studied?
The review addresses various pathogens, particularly bacteria and fungi, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica, and Cryptococcus neoformans. These organisms were studied in the context of how they interact with Cu during infection and how they manage Cu’s toxic effects. The review also touches upon host cells, such as macrophages, that utilize Cu in defense against microbial invaders.
Most important findings
The findings reveal that Cu plays a critical role in host defense by aiding in the killing of pathogens. During infection, macrophages increase Cu levels in the phagosome to help neutralize pathogens. Cu works synergistically with reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) to amplify its antimicrobial effects. However, pathogens have evolved intricate mechanisms to avoid Cu toxicity, such as Cu efflux pumps and Cu-binding proteins. These mechanisms are essential for the virulence of various pathogens, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Moreover, Cu homeostasis in fungal pathogens like Cryptococcus neoformans is crucial for virulence, with Cu-dependent enzymes playing significant roles in oxidative stress protection and melanin production.
Key implications
The review highlights the importance of Cu in both host immunity and microbial pathogenesis. New therapeutic strategies can target Cu resistance mechanisms in pathogens to combat infections. Understanding how the host uses Cu to fight infection and how pathogens resist this defense can lead to the development of drugs that disrupt Cu homeostasis, enhancing the immune response and making pathogens more susceptible to treatment.