neutrophils
Host Response and Inflammation | SpotlightGroup A Streptococcus Infection of the Nasopharynx Requires Proinflammatory Signaling through the Interleukin-1 ReceptorGroup A Streptococcus (GAS) is the etiologic agent of numerous high-morbidity and high-mortality diseases. Infections are typically highly proinflammatory. During the invasive infection necrotizing fasciitis, this is in part due to the GAS protease SpeB directly activating interleukin-1β (IL-1β) independent of the canonical inflammasome pathway. The upper respiratory tract is the primary site for GAS colonization, infection,...
MinireviewBiting Off What Can Be Chewed: Trogocytosis in Health, Infection, and DiseaseTrogocytosis is part of an emerging, exciting theme of cell-cell interactions both within and between species, and it is relevant to host-pathogen interactions in many different contexts. Trogocytosis is a process in which one cell physically extracts and ingests “bites” of cellular material from another cell. It was first described in eukaryotic microbes, where it was uncovered as a mechanism by which amoebae kill cells. Trogocytosis...
Host Response and InflammationDepletion of Alveolar Macrophages Increases Pulmonary Neutrophil Infiltration, Tissue Damage, and Sepsis in a Murine Model of Acinetobacter baumannii PneumoniaAcinetobacter baumannii has emerged as an important etiological agent of hospital-related infections, especially nosocomial pneumonia. The virulence factors of this bacterium and their interactions with the cells and molecules of the immune system just recently began to be extensively studied. Here, we investigated the impact of alveolar macrophages on...
Cellular Microbiology: Pathogen-Host Cell Molecular InteractionsOpsonophagocytosis of Chlamydia pneumoniae by Human Monocytes and NeutrophilsThe human respiratory tract pathogen Chlamydia pneumoniae, which causes mild to severe infections, has been associated with the development of chronic inflammatory diseases. To understand the biology of C. pneumoniae infections, several studies have investigated the interaction between...
MinireviewRole of β2 Integrins in Neutrophils and SepsisSepsis remains medically challenging, with high morbidity and mortality. A novel intervention is urgently needed in the absence of specific, targeted therapy. Neutrophils act as double-edged swords in sepsis; they can help to eradicate microbes, but they also contribute to tissue injury. β2 integrins are critical adhesion molecules that regulate a number of neutrophil functions. β2 integrins consist of four members, namely, αLβ2, αMβ2,...
Host Response and InflammationInflammatory Monocytes and Neutrophils Regulate Streptococcus suis-Induced Systemic Inflammation and Disease but Are Not Critical for the Development of Central Nervous System Disease in a Mouse Model of InfectionStreptococcus suis is an important porcine bacterial pathogen and zoonotic agent responsible for sudden death, septic shock, and meningitis. These pathologies are a consequence of elevated bacterial replication leading to exacerbated and uncontrolled inflammation, a hallmark of the S. suis systemic...
Bacterial InfectionsRedundant and Cooperative Roles for Yersinia pestis Yop Effectors in the Inhibition of Human Neutrophil Exocytic Responses Revealed by Gain-of-Function ApproachYersinia pestis causes a rapid, lethal disease referred to as plague. Y. pestis actively inhibits the innate immune system to generate a noninflammatory environment during early stages of infection to promote colonization. The ability of...
Host Response and InflammationAspergillus fumigatus Cell Wall Promotes Apical Airway Epithelial Recruitment of Human NeutrophilsAspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous fungal pathogen capable of causing multiple pulmonary diseases, including invasive aspergillosis, chronic necrotizing aspergillosis, fungal colonization, and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. Intact mucociliary barrier function and early airway neutrophil responses are critical for clearing fungal conidia from the host...
MinireviewType 3 Immunity during Clostridioides difficile Infection: Too Much of a Good Thing?Clostridioides (formerly known as Clostridium) difficile is the leading cause of hospital-acquired gastrointestinal infections in the United States and one of three urgent health care threats identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. C. difficile disease is mediated by the production of toxins that disrupt the epithelial...
Cellular Microbiology: Pathogen-Host Cell Molecular InteractionsThe Msp Protein of Treponema denticola Interrupts Activity of Phosphoinositide Processing in NeutrophilsPeriodontal disease is a significant health burden, causing tooth loss and poor oral and overall systemic health. Dysbiosis of the oral biofilm and a dysfunctional immune response drive chronic inflammation, causing destruction of soft tissue and alveolar bone supporting the teeth. Treponema denticola, a spirochete abundant in the plaque biofilm of patients with...