Mitochondria, the powerhouses of our cells, are remnants of a eubacterial endosymbiont.
Notwithstanding the evolutionary time that has passed since the initial endosymbiotic event,
mitochondria have retained many hallmarks of their eubacterial origin. Recent studies have
indicated that during perturbations of normal homeostasis, such as following acute trauma
leading to massive necrosis and release of mitochondria, the immune system might mistake
symbiont for enemy and initiate an inappropriate immune response. The innate immune …