The proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin furinA regulates zebrafish host response against Mycobacterium marinum.

ABSTRACT: Tuberculosis is a chronic bacterial disease with a complex pathogenesis. An effective immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis requires both the innate and adaptive immune responses, including proper T helper (Th) type 1 cell function. FURIN is a proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin (PCSK) enzyme, which is highly expressed in Th1 type cells. FURIN expression in T cells is essential for maintaining peripheral immune tolerance, but its role in the innate immunity and infections has remained elusive. Here, we utilized Mycobacterium marinum infection models in zebrafish (Danio rerio) to investigate how furin regulates host responses against mycobacteria. In steady-state furinAtd204e/+ fish reduced furinA mRNA levels associated with low granulocyte counts and elevated Th cell transcription

SUBMITTER: Ojanen MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4363408 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature