Anthrax spores use RNA coat to mislead immune system

(Rockefeller University Press) Researchers from Harvard Medical School have discovered that the body's immune system initially detects the presence of anthrax spores by recognizing RNA molecules that coat the spores' surface. But this prompts an unfavorable immune response that hinders the body's fight against anthrax once the spores have germinated into live bacteria, according to the study 'TLR sensing of bacterial spore-associated RNA triggers host immune responses with detrimental effects,' which will be published April 11 in The Journal of Experimental Medicine.

Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases - April 11, 2017 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news