Researchers from Harvard Medical University had initially discovered that the human body can detect anthrax spores by recognizing a specific RNA molecule found on the surface of the spore. In doing this, it hinders the bodies immune response to fight off the infection once anthrax has colonized into live bacteria. In a new study, researchers have found that anthrax stimulates it's host immune system by activating a certain set of immune sensors called macrophages, that are not able to detect its activity within the body. In the article, the researchers also found that the spores are able to go undetected because it stimulates the immune signaling molecules and disrupts them by using Type 1 interferons, which impairs the bodies immune system to fight against it. The researchers hypothesized that this disease has evolved to use the RNA found on the spores to activate type 1 interferons and take over the bodies immune system.
This article was an interesting read because it discusses how anthrax is evolving. It is also interesting because scientist are also beginning to look at the way how other bacterial spores are able to mislead the human immune system. By looking at the evolution of other bacteria, it can help researchers to follow its patterns of evolvement and eventually help save the lives of patients who contract these diseases.
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