High susceptibility of human dendritic cells to invasion by the intracellular pathogens Brucella suis, B. abortus, and B. melitensis

Infect Immun. 2005 Dec;73(12):8418-24. doi: 10.1128/IAI.73.12.8418-8424.2005.

Abstract

Bacteria from the Brucella genus are able to survive and proliferate within macrophages. Because they are phylogenetically closely related to macrophages, myeloid dendritic cells (DCs) constitute potential targets for Brucella bacteria. Here we report that DCs display a great susceptibility to Brucella infection. Therefore, DCs might serve as a reservoir and be important for the development of Brucella bacteria within their host.

MeSH terms

  • Brucella abortus / pathogenicity*
  • Brucella melitensis / pathogenicity*
  • Brucella suis / pathogenicity*
  • Brucellosis / immunology
  • Brucellosis / microbiology
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology
  • Dendritic Cells / microbiology*
  • Dendritic Cells / ultrastructure
  • Humans
  • Macrophages / immunology
  • Macrophages / microbiology
  • Macrophages / ultrastructure