How Pneumococci Affect Lung Cells
Author Information
Author(s): Bernd Schmeck, Kerstin Moog, Janine Zahlten, Vincent van Laak, Philippe Dje N'Guessan, Bastian Opitz, Simone Rosseau, Norbert Suttorp, Stefan Hippenstiel
Primary Institution: Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Hypothesis
Pneumococci activate pulmonary epithelial cell cytokine release by c-Jun-NH2-terminal kinase (JNK).
Conclusion
Pneumococci-induced IL-8 expression by human epithelial BEAS-2B cells depended on activation of JNK and recruitment of phosphorylated c-Jun to the il8 promoter.
Supporting Evidence
- S. pneumoniae infection resulted in JNK phosphorylation in BEAS-2B cells.
- Inhibition of JNK reduced pneumococci-induced IL-8 mRNA expression and release.
- AP-1 DNA-binding was induced after pneumococci infection in human lung epithelial cells.
- Recruitment of phosphorylated c-Jun and RNA polymerase II to the il8 promoter was observed after infection.
Takeaway
When bacteria called pneumococci infect lung cells, they make the cells release a substance called IL-8, which helps fight infections. This process is controlled by a special protein called JNK.
Methodology
Human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) were infected with S. pneumoniae and cytokine induction was measured using RT-PCR, ELISA, and Bioplex assay.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on a specific cell line and may not fully represent in vivo responses.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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