The Role of Nitric Oxide in Mycobacterial Infections.
- Author:
Chul Su YANG
1
;
Jae Min YUK
;
Eun Kyeong JO
Author Information
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords: nitric oxide; mycobacteria; macrophages; host defense
- MeSH: Bacterial Infections; Central Nervous System; Defense Mechanisms; Epithelial Cells; Humans; Immunity, Innate; Lung; Macrophages; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Synthase; Nitrogen; Tuberculosis
- From:Immune Network 2009;9(2):46-52
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: Although tuberculosis poses a significant health threat to the global population, it is a challenge to develop new and effective therapeutic strategies. Nitric oxide (NO) and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) are important in innate immune responses to various intracellular bacterial infections, including mycobacterial infections. It is generally recognized that reactive nitrogen intermediates play an effective role in host defense mechanisms against tuberculosis. In a murine model of tuberculosis, NO plays a crucial role in antimycobacterial activity; however, it is controversial whether NO is critically involved in host defense against Mycobacterium tuberculosis in humans. Here, we review the roles of NO in host defense against murine and human tuberculosis. We also discuss the specific roles of NO in the central nervous system and lung epithelial cells during mycobacterial infection. A greater understanding of these defense mechanisms in human tuberculosis will aid in the development of new strategies for the treatment of disease.
