Metabolic profiling during malaria reveals the role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in regulating kidney injury

Abstract

Systemic metabolic reprogramming induced by infection exerts profound, pathogen-specific effects on infection outcome. Here, we detail the host immune and metabolic response during sickness and recovery in a mouse model of malaria. We describe extensive alterations in metabolism during acute infection, and identify increases in host-derived metabolites that signal through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), a transcription factor with immunomodulatory functions. We find that Ahr-/- mice are more susceptible to malaria and develop high plasma heme and acute kidney injury. This phenotype is dependent on AHR in Tek-expressing radioresistant cells. Our findings identify a role for AHR in limiting tissue damage during malaria. Furthermore, this work demonstrates the critical role of host metabolism in surviving infection.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Oct 06, 2020
Source ID
10.7554/elife.60165

Entities

People

  • Daniel J. Navarrete
  • David Schneider
  • Jessica A Allen
  • José G Vilches-moure
  • Katherine Cumnock
  • Michelle M Lissner
  • Nicole M. Davis
  • Priyanka Basak

Organizations

  • Columbia College
  • Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
  • National Institutes of Health
  • National Science Foundation
  • Stanford University

Tags

Readers

  • Breast cancer cell signaling and growth regulation.
  • Oncology
  • Parasitology and Pharmacology of Malaria.