Figure 8
From: Bacillus anthracis genomic DNA enhances lethal toxin–induced cytotoxicity through TNF-α production
Anthrax infection and BAG exposure enhances LT-mediated cytotoxicity in macrophages via TNF-α production and eventually increases lethality in mice. BAG during anthrax infection is recognized by TLR9, which is inhibited by CQ or ODN2088 and induces TNF-α production via MAPK (inhibition target of U0126, SB203580, and SP600125) and NF-κB pathways. Secreted TNF-α by BAG and other virulence factors of B. anthracis enhances LT-mediated macrophage death and eventually increases the lethality of mice.