Pivotal Role of Mitochondria in Macrophage Response to Bacterial Pathogens

Front Immunol. 2019 Oct 23:10:2461. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02461. eCollection 2019.

Abstract

Mitochondria are essential organelles that act as metabolic hubs and signaling platforms within the cell. Numerous mitochondrial functions, including energy metabolism, lipid synthesis, and autophagy regulation, are intimately linked to mitochondrial dynamics, which is shaped by ongoing fusion and fission events. Recently, several intracellular bacterial pathogens have been shown to modulate mitochondrial functions to maintain their replicative niche. Through selected examples of human bacterial pathogens, we will discuss how infection induces mitochondrial changes in infected macrophages, triggering modifications of the host metabolism that lead to important immunological reprogramming.

Keywords: bacterial infection; cell polarization; immunometabolism; macrophage; mitochondria.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bacteria / immunology*
  • Bacterial Infections / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Macrophage Activation
  • Macrophages / immunology*
  • Macrophages / microbiology
  • Mitochondria / physiology*