Mitochondrial proteins may trigger inflammation by mimicking bacterial distress signals
Mitochondria are often called the powerhouses of the cell. But their ancient origins may also make them drivers of inflammation. Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered that proteins released from mitochondria can activate the immune system in a similar way to invading bacteria. The findings suggest that remnants of mitochondria's evolutionary past may contribute to…
Mitochondria, commonly known as the cell's powerhouses, may also be responsible for triggering inflammation, according to a study led by researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago. The findings suggest that remnants of mitochondria's evolutionary past, specifically proteins released from these cellular structures, can activate the immune system in a manner similar to invading bacteria.
This could contribute to inflammation in infections and autoimmune disorders. The study, published in eLife, sheds light on why immune cells continue to produce inflammation even after a threat has disappeared, a question that has long puzzled biologists. Mitochondria are believed to have evolved from ancient bacteria billions of years ago, retaining some bacterial characteristics.
Proteins produced by mitochondria carry a chemical tag called a formyl group, which also appears in bacterial proteins. This similarity may explain why the immune system treats mitochondrial proteins as bacterial distress signals, drawing neutrophils to the site of inflammation to combat the perceived threat. The research highlights the potential for mitochondrial proteins to act as inflammatory messengers, amplifying immune responses during disease.
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