Question

When the pathogen Salmonella typhimurium infects mammalian cells, the host cell protease caspase-1 is enabled to cleave and thereby activate signaling proteins that instigate the immune response. The targets of caspase-1 also include aldolase and enolase. What eff ect would this have on the infected cell and why might this be advantageous to the organism?

Answer 1

Caspase 1 produces interleukins that help in immunity and kills bacteria.

Explanation:

Caspase 1 or the interleukin converting enzyme 1 is one of the caspass group of enzymes that come into action as the cell undergoes an attack by pathogens of any type. These enzymes start producing interleukins that has various functions.

Firstly, interkeukins activate the complement system - the ultimate immune response of the body. This complement system kills any sort of bacteria or virus which come in their way. Secondly, the interleukins increase the body temperature, which helps the antibodies to fight better against the antigens. It also makes the antigens weaker.