Non-immune cells contribute to cross-talk between immune cells and inflammatory mediators in the innate response to Trypanosoma cruzi infection

Journal of Parasitology Research

Hindawi Publishing Corporation

Año: 2011 p. 1 - 1

2090-0031

p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt" class="MsoNormal">Chagas myocarditis, which is caused by infection with the intracellular parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, remains the major infectious heart disease worldwide. Innate recognition through toll-like receptors (TLRs) on immune cells has not only been revealed to be critical for defense against T. cruzi but has also been involved in triggering the pathology. Subsequent studies revealed that this parasite activates nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain- (NOD-)like receptors and several particular transcription factors in TLR-independent manner. In addition to professional immune cells, T. cruzi infects and resides in different parenchyma cells. The innate receptors in nonimmune target tissues could also have an impact on host response. Thus, the outcome of themyocarditis or the inflamed liver relies on an intricate network of inflammatory mediators and signals given by immun