How Streptococcus pneumoniae Affects TNF-α mRNA Stability
Author Information
Author(s): Mogensen Trine H, Berg Randi S, Østergaard Lars, Paludan Søren R
Primary Institution: Department of Infectious Diseases, Skejby Hospital – Aarhus University Hospital
Hypothesis
Does Streptococcus pneumoniae stabilize TNF-α mRNA through a p38 MAPK-dependent pathway that is independent of Toll-like receptors?
Conclusion
Streptococcus pneumoniae stabilizes TNF-α mRNA through a mechanism that relies on p38 MAPK but does not involve Toll-like receptors.
Supporting Evidence
- S. pneumoniae significantly stabilizes TNF-α mRNA, increasing its half-life from about 30 minutes to approximately 6 hours.
- The stabilization of TNF-α mRNA is dependent on the viability of the bacteria.
- The mechanism of mRNA stabilization is independent of Toll-like receptor signaling.
Takeaway
When the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae infects cells, it helps keep a signal called TNF-α around longer, which is important for fighting infections.
Methodology
The study involved treating murine macrophages with live and killed S. pneumoniae and measuring TNF-α mRNA levels using real-time PCR and CAT expression assays.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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