Decoding Mycoplasma Nucleases: Biological Functions and Pathogenesis
Xinchao Yi,
Ying Huang,
Xinru Li,
Hao Xu,
Chang Liu,
Chao Li,
Qianrui Zeng,
Haodang Luo,
Zufeng Ye,
Jun He,
Xiaoxing You
Affiliations
Xinchao Yi
Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421002, China
Ying Huang
Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421002, China
Xinru Li
Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
Hao Xu
Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421002, China
Chang Liu
Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
Chao Li
Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421002, China
Qianrui Zeng
Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
Haodang Luo
Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421002, China
Zufeng Ye
Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421002, China
Jun He
Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421002, China
Xiaoxing You
Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421002, China
Nucleases are critical metabolic enzymes expressed by mycoplasmas to acquire nucleic acid precursors from the host for their parasitic existence. Certain nucleases, either membrane-bound or secreted, not only contribute to the growth of mycoplasmas but also serve as key virulence factors due to their unique spatial structures and physiological activity. The pathogenesis includes, but is not limited to, degradation of host DNA and RNA, leading to disruptions of nucleic acid metabolism and the induction of host cell apoptosis; degradation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), allowing escape from neutrophil-mediated killing; and upregulation of inflammatory molecules to modulate the immune response of the host. Understanding the biological functions of nucleases is essential for gaining deeper insights into the virulence and immune evasion strategies of mycoplasmas, which can inform the development of novel approaches for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mycoplasma infections.
