The formins FMNL1 and mDia1 regulate coiling phagocytosis of Borrelia burgdorferi by primary human macrophages.

ABSTRACT: Spirochetes of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex are the causative agent of Lyme borreliosis, a tick-borne infectious disease primarily affecting the skin, nervous system, and joints. During infection, macrophages and dendritic cells are the first immune cells to encounter invading borreliae. Phagocytosis and intracellular processing of Borrelia by these cells is thus decisive for the eventual outcome of infection. Phagocytic uptake of Borrelia by macrophages proceeds preferentially through coiling phagocytosis, which is characterized by actin-rich unilateral pseudopods that capture and enwrap spirochetes. Actin-dependent growth of these pseudopods necessitates de novo nucleation of actin filaments, which is regulated by actin-nucleating factors such as Arp2/3 complex. Here, we d

SUBMITTER: Naj X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3647995 | biostudies-literature | 2013 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature