Non-canonical pattern recognition of a pathogen-derived metabolite by a nuclear hormone receptor identifies virulent bacteria in C.  elegans

Immune sensing of infectious microorganisms is essential for animal health. Peterson and Tse et  al. characterize a non-canonical pattern recognition system that intercepts pathogen-derived signals of growth and virulence to assess the relative threat of virulent bacteria. A C. elegans nuclear hormone receptor senses phenazine-1-carboxamide (PCN), a toxic metabolite produced by pathogenic st rains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, to activate innate immunity.
Source: Immunity - Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Tags: Article Source Type: research