The Role of the PFNA Operon of Bifidobacteria in the Recognition of Host's Immune Signals: Prospects for the Use of the FN3 Protein in the Treatment of COVID-19.
Int J Mol Sci
; 22(17)2021 Aug 26.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1374425
ABSTRACT
Bifidobacteria are some of the major agents that shaped the immune system of many members of the animal kingdom during their evolution. Over recent years, the question of concrete mechanisms underlying the immunomodulatory properties of bifidobacteria has been addressed in both animal and human studies. A possible candidate for this role has been discovered recently. The PFNA cluster, consisting of five core genes, pkb2, fn3, aaa-atp, duf58, tgm, has been found in all gut-dwelling autochthonous bifidobacterial species of humans. The sensory region of the species-specific serine-threonine protein kinase (PKB2), the transmembrane region of the microbial transglutaminase (TGM), and the type-III fibronectin domain-containing protein (FN3) encoded by the I gene imply that the PFNA cluster might be implicated in the interaction between bacteria and the host immune system. Moreover, the FN3 protein encoded by one of the genes making up the PFNA cluster, contains domains and motifs of cytokine receptors capable of selectively binding TNF-α. The PFNA cluster could play an important role for sensing signals of the immune system. Among the practical implications of this finding is the creation of anti-inflammatory drugs aimed at alleviating cytokine storms, one of the dire consequences resulting from SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Bacterial Proteins
/
Bifidobacterium
/
Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases
/
COVID-19
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Ijms22179219
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