Authors: Robert W. Thompson, John T. Pesce, Thirumalai Ramalingam, Mark S. Wilson, Sandy White, Allen W. Cheever, Stacy M. Ricklefs, Stephen F. Porcella, Lili Li, Lesley G. Ellies, Thomas A. Wynn
DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1000023
Abstract Summary
CAT2 transporter regulates immune responses by controlling arginine availability for NOS2 and arginase enzymes. CAT2-deficient mice showed impaired nitric oxide production and increased susceptibility to Toxoplasma infection despite stronger IFN-γ responses. In schistosomiasis, CAT2 loss worsened fibrosis through IL-13-independent arginase activity in fibroblasts and macrophages, revealing CAT2 as a critical immunity regulator.
Why Brain? 🧠
CAT2 transporter controls immune responses by regulating arginine availability for NOS2 and arginase enzymes, critically affecting both Th1-mediated pathogen defense and Th2-driven tissue pathology.
The image is AI-generated for illustrative purposes only. Courtesy of Midjourney.
