Microbiology: Current Research

All submissions of the EM system will be redirected to Online Manuscript Submission System. Authors are requested to submit articles directly to Online Manuscript Submission System of respective journal.
Reach Us +1 (202) 780-3397

Short Communication - Microbiology: Current Research (2023) Volume 7, Issue 4

Effects of protective and pathological immune responses on virulence evolution

Jun Chang *

Department of Microbiology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China

*Corresponding Author:
Jun Chang
Department of Microbiology,
Peking University Health Science Center
Beijing, China
E-mail: chang.jun@bjmu.edu.cn

Received:27-Jul-2023, Manuscript No. AAMCR-23-109568;Editor assigned: 31-Jul-2023, PreQC No. AAMCR-23-109568(PQ);Reviewed:11-Aug-2023, QC No. AAMCR-23- 109568;Revised:16-Aug-2023, Manuscript No. AAMCR-23-109568(R); Published:23-Aug-2023, DOI: 10.35841/ aamcr-7.4.165

Citation: Chang J. Effects of protective and pathological immune responses on virulence evolution. J Micro Curr Res. 2023;7(4):165

Visit for more related articles at Microbiology: Current Research

Abstract

     

Introduction

1].

A protective immune response is one that effectively clears the pathogen from the host and provides long-term protection against future infections. This type of response is characterized by the activation of innate and adaptive immune mechanisms, which work together to recognize and eliminate the pathogen. Innate immune mechanisms, such as phagocytosis and inflammation, provide the first line of defense against the pathogen. Adaptive immune mechanisms, such as T and B cell responses, provide more specific and long-lasting immunity against the pathogen. In contrast, a pathological immune response is one that results in damage to the host tissues and can contribute to the development of disease symptoms. This type of response is characterized by an exaggerated or dysregulated immune response that can cause tissue damage and inflammation. Examples of pathological immune responses include autoimmune diseases, allergies, and immunopathology associated with some infectious diseases. [2].

The effects of protective and pathological immune responses on virulence evolution can be complex and can vary depending on the specific pathogen and host immune system. In general, however, protective immune responses are thought to be associated with the evolution of lower virulence in pathogens, while pathological immune responses can promote the evolution of higher virulence. One reason for this is that a protective immune response can exert strong selective pressure on pathogens to evolve mechanisms that allow them to avoid detection and clearance by the immune system. For example, some pathogens can evolve mechanisms that allow them to evade recognition by immune cells or to manipulate the host immune response to their advantage. This type of evolution can lead to the development of lower virulence in the pathogen, as it allows the pathogen to survive and reproduce in the host without causing severe disease symptoms. [3].

In contrast, a pathological immune response can promote the evolution of higher virulence in pathogens by creating an environment that favors the selection of more virulent strains. This can occur in several ways. First, a dysregulated immune response can create a state of chronic inflammation and tissue damage that provides a favorable environment for the pathogen to replicate and spread. Second, a pathological immune response can lead to the development of immune evasion mechanisms in the pathogen, which can allow it to replicate and spread more efficiently in the host. An example of the complex effects of immune responses on virulence evolution can be seen in the case of tuberculosis (TB). TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is a major global health problem. TB infection can result in a range of disease outcomes, from asymptomatic latent infection to active disease with severe symptoms. [4].

In individuals with a protective immune response, the immune system effectively controls the infection and prevents the development of disease symptoms. This is thought to be associated with the evolution of lower virulence in M. tuberculosis, as the pathogen must evolve mechanisms that allow it to persist in the host without causing severe disease symptoms. In contrast, individuals with a pathological immune response can develop active TB disease, which is associated with high levels of tissue damage and inflammation. This can create an environment that favors the selection of more virulent strains of M. tuberculosis, as the pathogen must evolve mechanisms that allow it to replicate and spread in the face of the host immune response. Overall, the effects of protective and pathological immune responses on virulence evolution are complex and can vary depending on the specific pathogen and host immune system. However, understanding these effects is essential for developing effective strategies to combat infectious diseases. One approach is to focus on developing vaccines and therapeutics that promote protective immune responses while minimizing pathological immune responses. This can help to reduce the selective pressure on pathogens to evolve more virulent strains, and ultimately lead to the development of less virulent strains over time. [5].

Conclusion

The effects of protective and pathological immune responses on virulence evolution are complex and can vary depending on the specific pathogen and host immune system. However, understanding these effects is essential for developing effective strategies to combat infectious diseases. By promoting protective immune responses and minimizing pathological immune responses, and by considering the effects of other factors that can influence virulence evolution, we can work towards reducing the burden of infectious diseases and improving global health outcomes.

 

References

  1. Alizon S, Hurford A, Mideo N, et al Virulence evolution and the trade?off hypothesis: History, current state of affairs and the future. J Evol Biol. 2009;22(2):245-59.

    2. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  2. Mackinnon MJ, Read AF. Immunity promotes virulence evolution in a malaria model PLOS Biol. 2004;2(9): e230.

    3. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  3. Schofield L, Grau GE. Immunological processes in malaria pathogenesis. Nat Rev Immunol. 2005;5(9):722-35.

    4. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  4. Farouk SE, Dolo A, Bereczky S, et al. Different antibody-and cytokine-mediated responses to Plasmodium falciparum parasite in two sympatric ethnic tribes living in Mali. . Microbes Infect. 2005;7(1):110-7.

    5. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  5. Meunier PC, Cooper BJ, Appel MJ, et al.Pathogenesis of canine parvovirus enteritis: The importance of viremia. . Vet Pathol. 1985;22(1):60-71.

    6. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

Get the App