Farnesoid X Receptor in Mice Prevents Severe Liver Immunopathology During Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus Infection.

Background: Bile acids (BAs) are steroid molecules that are synthesized in the liver. In addition to their important role as a surfactant in solubilizing lipids and promoting the absorption of lipids in the gastrointestinal tract, they act as inflammagens. The role of BAs and their receptor farnesoid X receptor (FXR) during viral infection has not been studied in detail.

Oxidized ATP inhibits T-cell-mediated autoimmunity.

T cells directed against self antigens play an important role in several autoimmune diseases. The available immunosuppressive compounds used to treat autoimmune diseases are limited, and often they have side effects that limit their application. T cells express ATP receptors, which could be new target molecules to treat autoimmune disease.

Tissue macrophages suppress viral replication and prevent severe immunopathology in an interferon-I-dependent manner in mice.

Unlabelled: The innate immune response plays an essential role in the prevention of early viral dissemination. We used the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus model system to analyze the role of tissue macrophages/Kupffer cells in this process. Our findings demonstrated that Kupffer cells are essential for the efficient capture of infectious virus and for preventing viral replication.