This recently discovered mechanism of defense against invading microbial cells has been seen in the human body, specifically in the lungs of patients with Aspergillus fungal infections. This fungi appears in the lungs of patients with weakened immune systems and/or lungs. Neutrophils are not large enough to gobble up this fungi successfully, but the use of DNA netting delivers concentrated doses of toxins to destroy the fungi. The downside to this mechanism of immune cells spewing out DNA netting to entrap microbe invaders, is that it can entrap cancer cells in the blood stream, spreading and implanting the cancer cells into nearby tissues.
Aspergillus fungi has been recently researched in mice. It has been observed that one strain of the Aspergillus repels the netting of the neutrophil DNA. The rejection of the netting is due to a sugary coating on this particular strain of fungi.
Many people think DNA has one usage; to be a carrier of hereditary genes and sequencing. This article articulates that DNA has a very important job in the body as a defense mechanism in immune cells. This defense has a consequence of implanting cancer cells into tissue, but I think the good out-weighs the bad. Also, in the fungal strain of Aspergillus that repels against the interaction of the DNA netting, it is possible that drugs can be developed in order to break down the sugary coat the blocks the interaction. DNA in immune cells are essential to humans and helps minimize disease and attacks in the immune system.
This is incredible. I had no idea that DNA was used for anything other than housing the genetic material. The fact that it contributes to the immune system is amazing!
ReplyDeleteThis is incredible. I had no idea that DNA was used for anything other than housing the genetic material. The fact that it contributes to the immune system is amazing!
ReplyDelete