Macrophage mediated recognition and clearance of Borrelia burgdorferi elicits MyD88-dependent and -independent phagosomal signals that contribute to phagocytosis and inflammation

Background Macrophages play prominent roles in bacteria recognition and clearance, including Borrelia burgdorferi ( Bb ), the Lyme disease spirochete. To elucidate mechanisms by which MyD88/TLR signaling enhances clearance of Bb by macrophages, we studied wildtype (WT) and MyD88 −/− Bb -stimulated bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs). Results MyD88 −/− BMDMs exhibit impaired uptake of spirochetes but comparable maturation of phagosomes...