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Immunol
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Seminars in Immunology xxx (2009) xxx–xxx
Contents lists available at ScienceDirect
Seminars in Immunology
journa l homepage: www.e lsev ier .com
Review
The role of mitochondria in cellular defense again
Damien A E.
a INSERM U542 lejuif C
b Department o to, 1 K
a r t i c l
Keywords:
Mitochondria
Innate immun
Viruses
Bacteria
Microbial path
RIG-I
MAVS
NLRX1
ed fo
orga
nfecte
mmu
X1 an
ction
Detectio
of pattern-
responsible
cellular lev
ized in the
(TLRs), and
receptors (R
lic sensors o
DLM1/ZBP1
and caspase-1 inflammasome pathways, respectively [2,3]. Upon
detection of the microbes by these PRMs, infected cells trigger
a large repertoire of defense pathways that, together, contribute
to cellular innate immunity. These responses include pathways
such as NF-�B, JNK, p38 and ERK, which affect inflammatory and
defenseme
transcriptio
some, resul
mediators I
response to
Depending
the infected
lular respon
Indeed, the
the opposin
a number o
and the infe
∗ Correspon
∗∗ Correspon
Toronto, Toron
fax: +1 416 978
E-mail add
Stephen.girard
ocho
ion o
le in
rpris
ng m
a co
ens
st p
s an
remain poorly characterized.
In addition to the well-documented role of mitochondria in
the induction of cell death pathways following infection, an
emerging concept is that this organelle represents a convergent
point of a number of cellular innate immune responses. This has
1044-5323/$ –
doi:10.1016/j.s
e this article in press as: Arnoult D, et al. The role of mitochondria in cellular defense against microbial infection. Semin
(2009), doi:10.1016/j.smim.2009.05.009
diators at the transcriptional level. PRMs also trigger the
n-independent recruitment of the caspase-1 inflamma-
ting in the maturation of the critical pro-inflammatory
L-1�, IL-18 and IL-33 [4]. Another critical axis of the host
infection is themodulation of survival/death pathways.
of the nature of the pathogen encountered, the nature of
cell, and probably the intensity of the infection, the cel-
ses are tipped either towards cell death or cell survival.
final fate of an infected cell is commonly the result of
g effects of pro-survival andpro-death pathways, and in
f cases, depends on the opposite actions of the microbe
cted cell.
ding author. Tel.: +33 01 45 59 60 38; fax: +33 01 45 59 53 43.
ding author at: Medical Sciences Building, Room 6336, University of
to, Ontario, Canada M5S 1A8. Tel.: +1 416 978 7507;
5959.
resses: Damien.arnoult@inserm.fr (D. Arnoult),
in@utoronto.ca (S.E. Girardin).
been remarkably illustrated recently by the discovery that MAVS
(VISA/Cardif/IPS-1), a critical adaptor protein downstream of the
RLR proteins Rig-I and Mda-5, is anchored to the mitochondrial
outer membrane, and that this sub-cellular localization is essen-
tial for the function of the protein [5,6]. These recent observations
suggest that the role of mitochondria in the regulation of cellular
responses to pathogens may span much beyond the modulation
of cell death pathways. This article reviews some of the numerous
roles of mitochondria in cellular innate immune defenses.
1. Mitochondrion, a key player in cell death pathways
Apoptosis, a form of programmed cell death (PCD), is a cell
suicide program essential for development and for adult tissue
homeostasis in all metazoan animals. The misregulation (inhibi-
tion or exacerbation) of PCD is associated with several pathologic
conditions, includingneurodegenerativediseases, cancers andAIDS
[7]. The stereotypical death throes of a cell undergoing apoptosis
include DNA fragmentation, nuclear condensation, cell shrinkage,
see front matter © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
mim.2009.05.009
rnoulta,∗, Leticia Carneirob, Ivan Tattolib, Stephen
, Hopital Paul Brousse, Batiment Lavoisier, 14 avenue Paul Vaillant Couturier, 94807 Vil
f Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Medical Sciences Building, University of Toron
e i n f o
ity
ogenesis
a b s t r a c t
Mitochondria have been long recogniz
it is therefore not surprising that this
aiming to manipulate the fate of the i
serve as a crucial platform for innate i
known as IPS-1, VISA and Cardif), NLR
tight interplay between microbial infe
n of microbes by host cells relies on several families
recognition molecules (PRMs), and these sensors are
for the triggering of innate immune responses. At the
el, three main families of PRMs have been character-
past 15 years: the transmembrane Toll-like receptors
the cytosolic Nod-like receptors (NLRs) and Rig-I-like
LRs) [1]. In addition, an heterogenous class of cytoso-
f double-stranded DNA is represented by the proteins
and AIM2/HIN200, which trigger type I interferon
Mit
induct
tral ro
not su
targeti
despite
pathog
the mo
by PRM
/ locate /ysmim
st microbial infection
Girardinb,∗∗
edex, France
ing’s College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
r their key role in themodulation of cell death pathways. Thus,
nelle represents a recurrent target for pathogenic microbes,
d host cell. More recently, mitochondria have been shown to
ne signaling, as illustrated by the identification of MAVS (also
d STING as mitochondrial proteins. This review discusses the
, innate immune signaling and mitochondria.
© 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
ndria represent a critical organelle implicated in the
f cell death pathways and, consequently, play a cen-
cellular host–microbial interactions. Therefore, it is
ing that so many microbial strategies are aiming at
itochondria to subvert cell death pathways. However,
nsiderable literature on the interplay between host and
at the level of the mitochondria, it is striking that, for
art, the cellular pathways linking microbial detection
d the induction of mitochondrial-dependent cell death,
Please cit
Immunol
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2 D. Arnoult et al. / Seminars in Immunology xxx (2009) xxx–xxx
Fig. 1. The cen totic
mitochondrial ctivat
anti-apoptotic t inhib
blebbing an
are orchest
called caspa
Caspase
duction and
produced a
produce act
initiator cas
caspases su
Mitocho
ways. The d
involves m
cellular dep
dominantly
Mitochondr
genic factor
[9] (Fig. 1).
following t
some that is
cytochrome
cesses effec
cleaves sev
Natural inh
of apoptosi
Omi/HtrA2,
promote ca
chondrial O
in the relea
subsequent
anti-apopto
or Bcl-XL in
or Bak. Bcl-
2-homology
required fo
important s
only’ protei
The ‘BH3-o
opto
ax a
2, Bc
ly m
ed m
rane
the
e po
ucleo
ther
a spe
g th
tral role of mitochondrion in apoptosis and modulation by viral proteins. Pro-apop
apoptogenic factors (cytochrome c, Smac/Diablo, Omi/HtrA2) involved in caspase a
Bcl-2 members (Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL). In blue, the viral Bcl-2 homologues (vBcl-2) tha
d phosphatidylserine externalization; these features
rated by the activity of a family of cysteine proteases
ses [8].
s are a family of cysteine proteases involved in the trans-
execution of the apoptotic program [7]. Caspases are
s pro-enzymes that must be proteolytically cleaved to
ive caspases. Caspases are classified in two groups: the
pases such as caspase-9 and caspase-8 and the effector
ch as caspase-3.
ndria are implicated in the two major apoptotic path-
eath receptor-mediated pathway (“extrinsic pathway”)
itochondria mainly as an amplification loop, whereas
pro-ap
bers (B
as Bcl-
2 fami
propos
memb
lowing
putativ
nine n
to ano
induce
enablin
e this article in press as: Arnoult D, et al. The role of mitochondria i
(2009), doi:10.1016/j.smim.2009.05.009
rival and stress-mediated apoptosis is regulated pre-
at the mitochondrial level (“intrinsic pathway”).
ia have a pivotal role in apoptosis by releasing apopto-
s such as cytochrome c, Smac/DIABLO and Omi/HtrA2
In the cytosol, cytochrome c triggers caspase activation
he formation of a ternary complex called the apopto-
composed of the adaptor protein Apaf-1, caspase-9 and
c. In the apoptosome, active initiator caspase-9 pro-
tor caspases such as caspase-3. Next, active caspase-3
eral cell substrates to induce apoptosis and cell death.
ibitorsof caspasesare found incells, suchas the inhibitor
s proteins (IAPs). A major function of Smac/DIABLO and
once released into the cytosol, is to antagonize IAPs to
spase activation. Bcl-2 family members regulate Mito-
uter Membrane Permeabilization (MOMP), resulting
se of cytochrome c, Smac/DIABLO and Omi/HtrA2 and
caspase activation. The Bcl-2 family includes pro- and
tic proteins [10]. Anti-apoptotic proteins such as Bcl-2
hibit the function of pro-apoptotic proteins such as Bax
2 family members contain conserved domains (the Bcl-
domains named BH1 to BH4), and these domains are
r the pro- or anti-apoptotic function of the protein. An
ubgroup of pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 members is the ‘BH3-
ns, so named because they only have a BH3 domain.
nly’ proteins (such as Bik, Bid, Bim, Bad, Puma) have a
such as cyto
Besides
been descri
tosis and py
been repor
ROS followi
translocase
the cytosol
[9]. Finally,
cell death, a
machinery,
been shown
activity, we
either cell s
to the mito
Therefor
ulation of
the interpl
dependent
2. Viral co
Eliminat
ancestral d
ing host ce
Bcl-2 members (Bax and Bak) promote the release into the cytosol of
ion. The pro-apoptotic function of Bax and Bak is antagonized by the
it apoptosis of infected cells.
tic function by either activating the pro-apoptoticmem-
nd Bak) or inhibiting the anti-apoptotic members (such
l-XL). The mechanism by which the pro-apoptotic Bcl-
embers induce MOMP remains controversial [11]. One
odel focuses on the rupture of the outer mitochondrial
as a consequence of mitochondrial matrix swelling fol-
opening of the permeability transition pore (PTP), a
re composed, at least, by the channel VDAC, the ade-
tide translocator ANT and cyclophilin D [12]. According
model, pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins such as Bax or Bak
cificMOMP through the formationof channels or pores,
e selective release of proteins that are soluble in the IMS,
n cellular defense against microbial infection. Semin
chrome c [13].
apoptosis, a number of other cell death pathways have
bed, that include autophagic cell death, necrosis, pyrop-
ronecrosis (see [14,15] for reviews). Mitochondria have
ted to play a role in necrosis through the production of
ng disruption of the association between the ADP–ATP
(ANT) with cyclophilin D, or through the release into
of caspase-independent cell death effectors such as AIF
mitochondria also play an important role in autophagic
s this organelle is commonly a target of the autophagic
in a process that has been termedmitophagy [16]. It has
that defective mitochondria, with impaired metabolic
re targeted by the mitophagy pathways, resulting in
urvival or cell death, dependingon thedegreeof damage
chondrial network.
e, mitochondria appear to play a central role in the reg-
several cell death pathways. The next sections detail
ay between microbial infections and mitochondria-
cell death pathways.
ntrol of mitochondrial apoptosis
ion of infected cells throughapoptosis is oneof themost
efense mechanisms against infection, hence neutraliz-
ll apoptosis represents a critical step for a number of
Please cit ria in
Immunol
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D. Arnoult et al. / Seminars in Immunology xxx (2009) xxx–xxx 3
viruses. Throughout the process of pathogen–host co-evolution,
viruses have therefore acquired distinct strategies to neutralize
immunity in infected hosts and they have developed the capability
of inhibiting host cell apoptosis. Conversely, some virusesmay take
advantage o
of infectedc
cells of the
Several p
the host re
In addition
are also spe
host protein
apoptosis c
anti-apopto
similarity t
Bcl-2protei
apoptosis t
lators (3) t
trigger MO
pro-apopto
2.1. Viral in
2.1.1. Viral B
Topreve
replication,
mimic the a
Thefirst
adenovirus
2 share a lim
and BH3 do
large fractio
apoptosisd
also apopto
prevent apo
sequesterin
and Bak, sim
Another
protein tha
[19]. BHRF1
sis like Bcl-
vBcl-2s wit
family such
68 M11 and
8 (HHV-8),
saimiri (HSV
Finally, w
found in po
(A179L) [24
sequence h
have been d
Other vi
they share
ence of “BH
exert simila
instance for
[26,27], and
anti-apopto
membrane
the pro-apo
murine cyto
the protein
lated in the
and selectiv
prevent MO
vMIA/Bax in
tational analyses, leading to amodel inwhich the structure of vMIA
closely resembles that of Bcl-XL [30].
2.1.2. Other mitochondria-specific anti-apoptotic viral strategies
ses
ind
on, a
mple
ondr
oduc
1].
ther
sis is
ax a
on o
tion
d cel
lly, H
o the
opto
chon
ral pr
irec
atiti
addr
e org
n of
ng in
tic k
HBx,
e de
mav
y, in
te ca
rovir
uma
ro-ap
depl
IV-1
d VD
ted
and
rgete
inne
itoch
PB1
ondr
uires
opto
].
lly, o
alom
) from
tocho
[45–
Indir
men
h a d
How
e of i
anne
port
volv
e this article in press as: Arnoult D, et al. The role of mitochond
(2009), doi:10.1016/j.smim.2009.05.009
f promoting apoptosis, either to induce the breakdown
ells thereby favoringviral spreadingor tokill uninfected
immune system.
roteins encoded by viral genomes are homologues of
gulators of apoptosis, such as Bcl-2 family members.
, several key components of the apoptotic machinery
cifically targeted by viral factors with no homology to
s. Viral proteins that regulate mitochondria-mediated
an be therefore classified into the following subgroups:
tic proteins (1) that share sequence and/or structural
o anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members (so-called viral
ns or vBcl-2s) or (2) that inhibitmitochondria-mediated
hrough other mechanisms; and pro-apoptotic modu-
hat directly insert into mitochondrial membranes to
MP or (4) that induce MOMP indirectly by activating
tic host proteins.
hibitors of apoptosis
cl-2 homologues (vBcl-2s)
nt apoptosis of the infected cells thereby sustainingviral
viruses have evolved a battery of Bcl-2 homologues that
nti-apoptotic machinery of host cell.
vBcl-2 identifiedwas the19-kDaprotein encodedby the
(ADV) E1B gene (E1B-19K) [17].While E1B-19K and Bcl-
ited sequence similarity, E1B-19K possesses BH1, BH2
mains as well as a transmembrane domain. Like Bcl-2, a
n of E1B-19K is found atmitochondria where it inhibits
uringadenoviral infection to sustainviral replicationbut
sis inducedby several stimuli [18]. E1B-19K is thought to
ptosis in a similar way as Bcl-2, likely by inhibiting and
g activator(s) of the pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins Bax
ilarly to the “BH3-only” proteins Bim and tBid [10].
vBcl-2 is BHRF1, an Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) encoded
t shares sequence and structure homology with Bcl-2
also acts at the mitochondrial level to inhibit apopto-
2 [19]. EBV belongs to the herpesvirus family and other
h homologies to Bcl-2 have been described in this virus
as theKaposi sarcoma-associated Bcl-2 (KSBcl-2),�HV-
HVS ORF16 that were identified in human herpesvirus
murine �-herpesvirus 68 (�HV-68) and herpesvirus
), respectively [20–22].
ith the Bcl-2-like anti-apoptotic proteins that are also
xviruses (ORFV125) [23], in African Swine Fever Virus
] and again in EBV (BALF1) [25], eight vBcl-2s sharing
omologies (especially in the BH domains) with Bcl-2
escribed so far [21].
ral factors are also classified as vBcl-2, not because
sequence homologies with Bcl-2 (for instance pres-
domains”), but rather because they fold like Bcl-2 and
r anti-apoptotic properties [21]. This is the case for
the proteins F1L and N1L from vaccinia virus (VACV)
protein M11L from myxoma virus (MXV) [104]. These
tic proteins are localized in the mitochondrial outer
like Bcl-2, and are capable of binding and neutralizing
ptotic proteins Bax and Bak [21]. Finally, human and
megalovirus (CMV) also expresses vBcl-2-like proteins,
vMIA and m38.5, respectively. Both proteins (unre-
ir amino acid sequence) are found at the mitochondria
ely bind/sequester and inactivate Bax, but not Bak, to
MP [28,29]. The structure–function relationship of the
teraction has been studied by mutational and compu-
Viru
anisms
infecti
the co
mitoch
ATP pr
cells [3
Ano
apopto
teins B
infecti
regula
infecte
Fina
but als
vent ap
a mito
2.2. Vi
2.2.1. D
Hep
that is
of thes
sipatio
resulti
apopto
ilar to
Walley
papillo
pholog
promo
Ret
or the h
with p
to the
fromH
ANT an
associa
factors
also ta
across
and m
The
mitoch
F2 acq
pro-ap
[43,44
Fina
enceph
(NS4A
themi
anism
2.2.2.
As
throug
teins.
capabl
rect m
been re
way in
cellular defense against microbial infection. Semin
also inhibit apoptosis in infected cells through mech-
ependent from vBcl-2s. For instance, following CMV
2.7-kilobase virally encoded RNA (�2.7) interacts with
x I of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, stabilizing
ial transmembrane potential (��m) for a continued
tion leading to an increase in the viability of infected
way for viruses to prevent mitochondria-mediated
to inhibit activator(s) of the pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 pro-
nd Bak [10]. Recently, two groups have reported that
f human B lymphocytes by EBV leads to a down-
of Bim expression, thereby reducing the propensity of
ls to undergo apoptosis [32,33].
HV-8 not only expresses KSBcl-2 to inhibit apoptosis,
mitochondrial protein K15. K15 has been shown to pre-
sis by binding to HS1-associated protein X-1 (HAX-1),
drial inhibitor of apoptosis [34].
o-apoptotic factors
t MOMP inducers
s B virus (HBV) expresses the X protein (HBx), a protein
essed to themitochondria where it induces aggregation
anelles and interacts with VDAC3 to promote the dis-
the mitochondrial inner membrane potential (��m),
apoptosis [35]. Interestingly, HBx sensitizes cells to
illing induced by tumor necrosis factor alpha [36]. Sim-
viroporin 2B of poliovirus (PLV), OrfC protein from the
rmal sarcoma virus (WDSV) and E1E4 from the human
iruses (HPVs) localize to mitochondria, alter their mor-
duce a perinuclear redistribution of mitochondria and
spase-dependent cell death [37–39].
uses like the human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1)
n T lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1) also express proteins
optotic activity. In the case of HIV-1, this contributes
etion of CD4+ T lymphocytes. The viral protein R (Vpr)
has adirectmitochondrial effect because it interactwith
AC, thereby promoting PTP opening, leading to MOMP
with ��m loss, release of mitochondrial apoptogenic
caspase activation [40,41]. pl3(II) protein fromHTLV1 is
d to mitochondria, where it induces a rapid flux of ions
r membrane together with swelling, ��m dissipation
ondrial fragmentation [42].
-F2 protein from influenza A virus (IAV) inserts into
ial outer membrane via its C-terminus and there, PB1-
a pore forming activity similar to that displayed by
tic Bcl-2 members, such as Bax, thus promoting MOMP
ther viral proteins such as VP3 and 2C from the avian
yelitis virus (AEV) and the non-structural protein 4A
hepatitis C virus (HCV) are also found associated to
ndria and promoteMOMP through an unknownmech-
47].
ect MOMP inducers
tioned above, Vpr from HIV-1 promotes apoptosis
irect interaction with mitochondrial membrane pro-
ever, other proteins encoded by the HIV-1 are also
nitiating mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in an indi-
r. The HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein complex (Env) has
ed to induceMOMP through a signal transduction path-
ing p53-dependent transactivation of Puma and Bax,
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4 D. Arnoult et al. / Seminars in Immunology xxx (2009) xxx–xxx
p38 MAP kinase, mTOR and Cdk1 [48,49], whereas the Tat pro-
tein triggers apoptosis at least partially through the “BH3-only”
Bim [50]. The Nef protein induces lysosomal membrane permeabi-
lization leading to cathepsin D release into the cytosol, where it
triggers Bax
1 protease
mitochondr
capable of p
Othervir
ilar to HIV-
participates
caspase-8-m
(2Apro) and
[55]. In add
through oth
modulation
ADVsno
E1B-19K, to
express E1A
both p53-d
sensitizes c
role for the
apoptosis, a
3. Mitocho
While o
fere with m
limited, it
an importa
pathogens
death mach
mechanism
of infected
infected ce
pathogen d
immune sy
Mitocho
ing number
during infe
rial pathoge