Lipoxins as an immune-escape mechanism

Adv Exp Med Biol. 2009:666:78-87. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4419-1601-3_6.

Abstract

Here, we discuss the mechanisms of repression of signaling pathways that are triggered by Lipoxin (LX) and are responsible for control of pro-inflammatory response during chronic phase of Toxoplasma gondii infection. We also discuss this mechanism from the perspective of the pathogen, which pirates the host's lipoxygenase machinery to its own advantage as a probable immune-escape mechanism. Pro-inflammatory mediators such as IL-12, IFN-gamma and TNF are essential in controlling parasite growth during T. gondii infection. However, it is clear that exacerbated production of these cytokines results in host tissue damage. LX, an anti-inflammatory eicosanoid, plays an important role in regulation of immune response to T. gondii.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Immune Evasion / physiology*
  • Lipoxins / physiology*
  • Toxoplasma / physiology
  • Toxoplasmosis / immunology

Substances

  • Lipoxins