AMP-activated Protein Kinase As a Target For Pathogens: Friends Or Foes?

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2016

Authors

Moreira, D (Author) Other; Silvestre, R (Author) Other; Anabela Cordeiro da Silva (Author) FFUP; Estaquier, J (Author) Other; Foretz, M (Author) Other; Viollet, B (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Current Drug Targets

Vol. 17

Pages: 942-953

ISSN: 1389-4501

Publisher: Bentham Science

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 7 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00K-J0K

DOI: 10.2174/1389450116666150416120559

Abstract (EN): Intracellular pathogens are known to manipulate host cell regulatory pathways to establish an optimal environment for their growth and survival. Pathogens employ active mechanisms to hijack host cell metabolism and acquire existing nutrient and energy store. The role of the cellular energy sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in the regulation of cellular energy homeostasis is well documented. Here, we highlight recent advances showing the importance of AMPK signaling in pathogen-host interactions. Pathogens interact with AMPK by a variety of mechanisms aimed at reprogramming host cell metabolism to their own benefit. Stimulation of AMPK activity provides an efficient process to rapidly adapt pathogen metabolism to the major nutritional changes often encountered during the different phases of infection. However, inhibition of AMPK is also used by pathogens to manipulate innate host response, indicating that AMPK appears relevant to restriction of pathogen infection. We also document the effects of pharmacological AMPK modulators on pathogen proliferation and survival. This review illustrates intricate pathogen-AMPK interactions that may be exploited to the development of novel anti-pathogen therapies.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 12