Dead bacteria remain biochemically active and can continue to affect a host's immune system, according to a study published in The American Naturalist in March.
Researchers from Cornell University developed a mathematical model to explore this overlooked role of dead pathogens during infection.
Key Details
- Dead bacteria can bind to antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), the host's immune proteins, reducing their availability to kill living bacteria.
- The host must produce more AMPs to compensate, increasing the risk of autoimmune damage.
- After an infection is cleared, dead bacteria can mop up excess AMPs and reduce toxicity to the host.
- The model suggests that this dynamic can shape the evolution of immune responses over generations.
Study Details
The interdisciplinary team includes Alex Vladimirsky, Stephen Ellner, Nicolas Buchon, Tobias Dörr, Misha Kazi, and Brian Lazzaro. The work builds on prior modeling and biological experiments.