Mechanism discovered by which body's cells encourage tuberculosis infection
Monday, December 14, 2009 - 14:14
in Health & Medicine
Tuberculosis bacteria use a signaling pathway to coerce disease fighting cells to switch allegiance and work on their behalf. Scientists have discovered a molecular mechanism by which TB bacteria prod epithelial cells to help produce tubercles. Instead of protecting the body, the tubercles act as hubs for production and dissemination of TB bacteria. The same signal pathway may also occur in non-infectious inflammatory conditions like arthritis, heart disease and cancer.