PEX1 and PEX7 Genes are Necessary for Completion of Immune Pathways and Survival Post-Infection

Abstract

The innate immune system consists of a variety of different immune pathways including the c-Fos and NF-κB immune pathways and is the first line of an organism’s defence against infection. This research analyzes the role of peroxisomes, an organelle present in eukaryotic cells, in the regulation of the c-Fos mediated pathway in innate immunity. Quantitative PCR was used to measure how reduced peroxisome function affected the relative expression of c-Fos in human fibroblasts. The effects of impaired peroxisome function on the overall ability of an organism to fight off infection were investigated by tracking Drosophila melanogaster survival post-infection with E. coli. In addition, the effects of peroxisomes on NF-κB regulated pathway were quantified in D. melanogaster fibroblasts by measuring the relative expression of NF-κB. Results showed that at least partial peroxisome function is necessary for the c-Fos and NF-κB mediated pathways and that without peroxisomes, D. melanogaster has a significantly reduced chance of survival post-infection. Interestingly, greater concentrations of fatty acids in the cell were shown to have an inhibitory effect on the cell’s ability to complete the immune response. Overall, this study provides evidence that peroxisomes are necessary for innate immune function. More extensive future research on peroxisome function could be used to applied to better understand and treat immune disorders.