Bartonella-associated endothelial proliferation depends on inhibition of apoptosis

摘要: Bartonella is a Gram-negative pathogen that unique among bacteria in being able to induce angioproliferative lesions. Cultured human endothelial cells have provided an vitro system which study the basis of angioproliferation. Previous studies attributed organism's ability lesions direct mitotic stimulation by these bacteria. Here we show inhibits apoptosis vitro, and its stimulate proliferation depends large extent on antiapoptotic activity. suppresses both early late events apoptosis, namely caspase activation DNA fragmentation, respectively. Its inhibit death after serum starvation can be recapitulated media conditioned bacteria, indicating cell contact not necessary. Among tested strains, activity produced only species are significant pathogens associated with We suggest normally respond infection undergoing evolved enhance survival host therefore itself. propose Bartonella's mechanism accounts at least part for vascular vivo.