Page last updated: 2024-10-24

killing by host of symbiont cells

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

Any process mediated by an organism that results in the death of cells in the symbiont organism. The symbiont is defined as the smaller of the organisms involved in a symbiotic interaction. [GOC:add]

Host killing of symbiont cells, a process known as symbiont elimination, is a complex mechanism employed by hosts to control or eliminate their symbiotic partners. This can occur through a variety of mechanisms, including:

**1. Apoptosis (programmed cell death):** Hosts can induce apoptosis in symbiont cells, leading to their orderly dismantling and removal. This process is often triggered by host-derived signals, such as caspases, which activate a cascade of events within the symbiont cell, ultimately leading to its demise.

**2. Autophagy:** Host cells can engulf symbiont cells in a process called autophagy, essentially "eating" them. The symbiont is then degraded within the host cell's lysosomes. This mechanism can be triggered by various factors, including nutrient deprivation, stress, or the presence of damaged symbionts.

**3. Immune-mediated killing:** The host's immune system can recognize and target symbiont cells as foreign entities. Immune cells, such as macrophages, can engulf and destroy symbionts, or release cytotoxic molecules that directly kill them. This process often involves the recognition of specific symbiont antigens by the host's immune receptors.

**4. Nutritional deprivation:** Host cells can limit the availability of essential nutrients to symbionts, causing their starvation and eventual death. This mechanism can be a passive consequence of host physiology, or it can be an active strategy employed by the host to control symbiont populations.

**5. Toxin production:** Some hosts produce toxins that are specifically toxic to their symbionts. These toxins can target various cellular processes within the symbiont, ultimately leading to its death.

The specific mechanism of symbiont elimination can vary depending on the host-symbiont relationship and the ecological context. However, these processes are essential for maintaining host homeostasis and preventing uncontrolled symbiont growth. The precise regulation and control of symbiont elimination are crucial for the successful establishment and maintenance of symbiotic interactions.'
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Proteins (1)

ProteinDefinitionTaxonomy
Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenaseA glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P04406]Homo sapiens (human)

Compounds (18)

CompoundDefinitionClassesRoles
coumarin2H-chromen-2-one: coumarin derivativecoumarinsfluorescent dye;
human metabolite;
plant metabolite
oxidopamineoxidopamine : A benzenetriol that is phenethylamine in which the hydrogens at positions 2, 4, and 5 on the phenyl ring are replaced by hydroxy groups. It occurs naturally in human urine, but is also produced as a metabolite of the drug DOPA (used for the treatment of Parkinson's disease).

Oxidopamine: A neurotransmitter analogue that depletes noradrenergic stores in nerve endings and induces a reduction of dopamine levels in the brain. Its mechanism of action is related to the production of cytolytic free-radicals.
benzenetriol;
catecholamine;
primary amino compound
drug metabolite;
human metabolite;
neurotoxin
pentamidinepentamidine : A diether consisting of pentane-1,5-diol in which both hydroxyl hydrogens have been replaced by 4-amidinophenyl groups. A trypanocidal drug that is used for treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis and Chagas disease.

Pentamidine: Antiprotozoal agent effective in trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, and some fungal infections; used in treatment of PNEUMOCYSTIS pneumonia in HIV-infected patients. It may cause diabetes mellitus, central nervous system damage, and other toxic effects.
aromatic ether;
carboxamidine;
diether
anti-inflammatory agent;
antifungal agent;
calmodulin antagonist;
chemokine receptor 5 antagonist;
EC 2.3.1.48 (histone acetyltransferase) inhibitor;
NMDA receptor antagonist;
S100 calcium-binding protein B inhibitor;
trypanocidal drug;
xenobiotic
ostholosthol: from Cnidium monnieri and Angelica pubescens (both Apiaceae); structure given in first sourcebotanical anti-fungal agent;
coumarins
metabolite
nicotinamide mononucleotideNicotinamide Mononucleotide: 3-Carbamoyl-1-beta-D-ribofuranosyl pyridinium hydroxide-5'phosphate, inner salt. A nucleotide in which the nitrogenous base, nicotinamide, is in beta-N-glycosidic linkage with the C-1 position of D-ribose. Synonyms: Nicotinamide Ribonucleotide; NMN.nicotinamide mononucleotideEscherichia coli metabolite;
mouse metabolite
2-methyladeninemethyladenine : Any member of the class of 6-aminopurines that is adenine bearing a single methyl substituent.
isopentenyladenosineIsopentenyladenosine: N(6)-[delta(3)-isopentenyl]adenosine. Isopentenyl derivative of adenosine which is a member of the cytokinin family of plant growth regulators.

N(6)-(Delta(2)-isopentenyl)adenosine : A nucleoside analogue in which adenosine has been modified by substitution at the 6-amino nitrogen by a Delta(2)-isopentenyl group.
N-ribosyl-N(6)-isopentenyladenine;
nucleoside analogue
antineoplastic agent;
plant growth regulator;
plant metabolite
benzonidazolebenznidazole : A monocarboxylic acid amide obtained by formal condensation of the carboxy group of (2-nitroimidazol-1-yl)acetic acid with the aromatic amino group of benzylamine. Used for treatment of Chagas disease.

benzonidazole: used in treatment of Chagas' disease
C-nitro compound;
imidazoles;
monocarboxylic acid amide
antiprotozoal drug
adenosinequinquefolan B: isolated from roots of Panax quinquefolium L.; RN not in Chemline 10/87; RN from Toxlitadenosines;
purines D-ribonucleoside
analgesic;
anti-arrhythmia drug;
fundamental metabolite;
human metabolite;
vasodilator agent
xanthyletinexanthyletine: structurecoumarins
metrifudil
seselinseselin: structure in first sourcecoumarinsmetabolite
n(6)-benzyladenosineN(6)-benzyladenosine: RN given refers to parent cpd
2-methyladenosine2-methyladenosine : A methyladenosine in which the methyl group is located at position 2 on the adenine ring.methyladenosine
n(6)-cyclopentyladenosine
l 783281L 783281: structure in first source
scopoletinhydroxycoumarinplant growth regulator;
plant metabolite
7-hydroxycoumarin7-oxycoumarin: derivatives have anti-oxidant properties

umbelliferone : A hydroxycoumarin that is coumarin substituted by a hydroxy group ay position 7.
hydroxycoumarinfluorescent probe;
food component;
plant metabolite