Abstract
Vertebrates have evolved complex immune specificity repertoires beyond the primordial components found in lower multi-cellular organisms to combat microbial infections. The type II interferon (IFN-γ) pathway represents one such system, bridging innate and acquired immunity and providing host protection in a cell-autonomous manner. Recent large-scale transcriptome analyses of IFN-γ-dependent gene expression in effector cells such as macrophages have highlighted the prominence of two families of GTPases-p47 IRGs and p65 GBPs-that are now beginning to emerge as major determinants of antimicrobial resistance. Here we discuss the recent clarification of known family members, their cellular biochemistry and host defense functions as a means to understanding the complex innate immune response engendered in higher vertebrates such as humans and mice.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 771-784 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | Immunobiology |
Volume | 212 |
Issue number | 9-10 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 18 2008 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Autophagy
- GBP
- GTPase
- IFN-γ
- Macrophage
- Phagosome
- p47 IRG
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology and Allergy
- Immunology
- Hematology