Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: UMLS:C0023241 (Legionella)
 6,990 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

The major psychoactive component of marijuana, delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), has been shown to suppress the functions of various immune cells. However, the relationship of these findings to THC-induced suppression of host resistance to infection has not been firmly established. In this report, we review the literature concerning THC's effects on cytokine production and resistance to infection with Legionella pneumophila (Lp). Recent reports have linked THC-induced immunomodulation with drug-induced modulation of the cytokine network. Specifically, THC in vivo suppresses interferon (IFN) production while in vitro modulates the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R). These results suggested that THC treatment might alter host immunity by disrupting the cytokine network. Immunity and resistance to infection with Lp depends upon the activation of killer cells and the stimulation of the cytokine network. THC injection into rodents was observed to augment acute phase cytokine mobilization in response to a primary Lp infection; on the other hand, the drug suppressed the development of protective immunity and resistance to secondary Lp infection by causing a change in the profile of T helper cell cytokines produced by Th1 and Th2 cells. Thus, it appears that THC injection suppresses resistance to Lp infection by disrupting the cytokine network. Regarding the molecular mechanisms of these effects of THC, data is reviewed concerning the role of cannabinoid receptors (CR) in cells of the immune system. In summary, the literature to date supports the role of THC as an immunomodulator capable of suppressing resistance to infection through mechanisms involving alteration of the cytokine network. The role of CR receptors in these events has yet to be determined.
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PMID:delta 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, cytokines, and immunity to Legionella pneumophila. 777 82

The role of the Legionella pneumophila protease in the pathogenesis of Legionnaires' disease is unclear. In this study, we assessed the effect of purified protease preparations on human recombinant interleukin-2 (IL-2), the IL-2 receptor, and several additional human T-cell surface proteins to determine whether protease contributes to the virulence of L. pneumophila by interfering with human T-cell activation and function. IL-2-induced proliferation of CTLL-2 cells was inhibited by coincubation with protease (10 to 100 U/ml). Protease at concentrations of > or = 10 U/ml cleaved human recombinant IL-2 as judged by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of reaction mixtures containing 125I-labeled IL-2 and protease. Protease treatment of activated human T cells did not inhibit binding of a monoclonal antibody directed against the alpha subunit of the IL-2 receptor and did not interfere with binding of IL-2 to IL-2 receptors on the lymphocytes. Treatment of blood mononuclear cells or activated T cells with protease (50 U/ml) inhibited the binding of a monoclonal antibody directed against CD4. In contrast, protease treatment did not inhibit the binding of antibodies against CD3, CD8, class II major histocompatibility complex, and the transferrin receptor. Heat inactivation (65 degrees C for 20 min) of the protease or treatment with the metal chelator EDTA ablated the inhibitory effect of the protease. The ability of the protease to degrade IL-2 and cleave CD4 on human T cells suggests that protease may contribute to the pathogenesis of Legionnaires' disease by impeding T-cell activation and immune function.
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PMID:Legionella pneumophila protease inactivates interleukin-2 and cleaves CD4 on human T cells. 833 71

Legionella pneumophila, the causative agent of legionnaires' disease, is a gram-negative pleomorphic bacillus and fastidious in its growth in artificial medium. These bacteria grow readily intracellularly, including growth in macrophages and other phagocytic cells. Humoral antibodies develop readily to these bacteria not only in infected patients, but also in persons who have had subclinical exposure. High-levels of serum antibodies may also occur in individuals who recover from infection. However, cell-mediated immunity based on lymphocytes reacting with the organisms and cytokines produced by such lymphocytes are important in resistance. Vaccines prepared from killed Legionella or their components readily induce cell-mediated immunity. Immune resistance to disease depends on lymphocyte-based immunity, activating cytokine formation, some of which activate macrophages to resist infection. Resistance to Legionella infection by experimental animals such as mice correlates with activation of macrophages, which can inhibit replication of the bacteria. Much recent experimental work has involved studies using inbred animals, including inbred mice genetically resistant to Legionella versus mice genetically susceptible. Detailed studies show that regulation of macrophage resistance versus susceptibility to infection is mediated by specific genetic mechanisms. Induction of cytokines by Legionella can activate immune cells, especially helper T cells. Th 1 type helper cells that produce type 1 class cytokines, such as interferon gamma and interleukin-2 (IL-2), are known to be important in cellular immunity to Legionella as well as to other opportunistic intracellular bacteria. In contrast, Th 2 type helper cells, which secrete type 2 class cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5, and IL-6, activate B lymphocytes to produce humoral antibodies important in resistance to extracellular bacteria which secrete toxins and extracellular factors as compared to intracellular bacteria such as Legionella. Although Legionella, similar to other ubiquitous opportunistic pathogens, can cause serious infection in immunocompromised individuals, these bacteria have many distinguishing characteristics, such as very rapid replication in macrophages from susceptible individuals. However, activated macrophages restrict the growth of these bacteria. Infection by Legionella, if recognized clinically, can be readily treated with appropriate antibiotics. Currently, many studies are in progress concerning the mechanism of pathogenicity and assessment of the molecular biologic mechanisms of protective immune responses to this bacterium, which causes serious infection in immunocompromised individuals.
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PMID:Immunologic response and pathophysiology of Legionella infection. 964 87