The c-MET receptor tyrosine kinase that plays a pivotal role in tumorigenesis, contributes to neutrophil-driven pathology in cutaneous leishmaniasis
The c-MET receptor tyrosine kinase that plays a pivotal role in tumorigenesis, contributes to neutrophil-driven pathology in cutaneous leishmaniasis
In a new study published in PLoS Pathogens, Passelli et al from the lab of Prof. Fabienne Tacchini-Cottier report that c-MET activation in neutrophils contributes to their recruitment following infection. The selective induction of c-MET on neutrophils by the protozoan parasite Leishmania mexicana impacts the cutaneous pathology associated with this disease. Genetic ablation of c-MET selectively in neutrophils as well as pharmacological inhibition of c-MET, administrated once a lesion is established, induced a significant decrease in Leishmania-induced pathology, a process associated with decreased infiltration of neutrophils. Systemic inhibition or absence of c-MET activation locally resulted in higher levels of CD4+T cells producing IFNg, suggesting a crosstalk between neutrophils and these cells. These results suggest a potential use for c-MET inhibitors in the control of the cutaneous lesion during this parasitic infection.
c-MET expression in neutrophils 7 weeks post infection with L. mexicana as shown by immunofluorescence staining and 3-D representation