FtxA Toxin Effects on THP-1 Cell Inflammation and Apoptosis Pathways

2026 research by Zeinab Razooqi investigates the immunosuppressive role of the FtxA toxin from the oral pathogen Filifactor alocis. The study uses RNA-Seq and cytokine array analysis on THP-1 macrophage-like cells exposed to ftxA-positive and ftxA-negative bacterial strains. It identifies FtxA's role in blocking apoptosis, immune cell recruitment, and downregulating mitochondrial pathways.

Use Cases

• Analyze RNA-Seq data to identify genes differentially expressed in THP-1 cells exposed to ftxA-positive versus ftxA-negative Filifactor alocis strains.
• Correlate cytokine array analysis results with specific immune and apoptosis pathway inhibition linked to the FtxA toxin.
• Investigate the association between FtxA activity and the downregulation of mitochondrial and oxidative phosphorylation pathways in monocytic cells.

Strengths

• Data originates from a 2026 study, indicating recent experimental findings.
• Research focuses on a specific, emerging oral pathogen (Filifactor alocis) and its RTX toxin (FtxA).
• Analysis employs two complementary methods: RNA sequencing and cytokine array profiling.

Limitations

• The dataset is small, consisting of a 370.6 KB DOCX file, likely containing summary results rather than raw data tables.
• Sample data and column definitions are unavailable, limiting direct computational analysis.
• The study scope is specific to in vitro experiments on THP-1 cells, not clinical patient data.

Provenance

Source

figshare, author Zeinab Razooqi.

Collection Method

Experimental data from RNA sequencing and cytokine array analysis of THP-1 macrophage-like cells exposed to bacterial strains.

Time Range

Study published in 2026.

Freshness

Last updated March 2026.