Mycobacterium marinum mediates regulation of prostaglandin E2 expression on host immune response through cyclooxygenase pathway

Abstract

Purpose: Investigate the role of COX signaling in activating the PGE2-EP2 pathway.

Methods: Utilized a marine Mycobacterium infection model in zebrafish. Marine mycobacteria were stained with fluorescein isothiocyanate. The COX inhibitor indomethacin, EP2 receptor inhibitor AH6809, EP4 receptor inhibitor AH23848 and clodronate Liposomes were used to investigate the role of COX, EP2, EP4 and macrophage whether participating in combat marine mycobacterial infection. The expression level of the target gene was detected using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR instrument.

Results: The findings revealed that larvae exposed to the COX inhibitor indomethacin or the EP2 receptor inhibitor AH6809 demonstrated a significantly higher mortality rate due to marine mycobacterium infection than those in the control group. Administration of exogenous prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) rescued the survival of zebrafish infected with marine mycobacteria and treated with indomethacin. Additionally, a significant reduction in survival rate was noted in macrophage-depleted zebrafish infected with marine mycobacteria.

Conclusion: The host may combat marine mycobacterium infection via COX signaling, which activates the PGE2-EP2 pathway and mediates macrophage resistance.

Keywords: COX pathway; Immune regulation; Marine mycobacterium infection; Prostaglandin E2; Tuberculosis.