In vitro resistance mechanisms of Neisseria meningitidis against neutrophil extracellular traps

• DOI: 10.1111/mmi.12288
• Publication Date: 2013-06-10T08:21:27Z
• Authors: Martin Lappann; Sophia Danhof; Frank Guenther; Silvana Olivares‐...; Ines Louise Mordh...; Ulrich Vogel
• Keywords: Neutrophil Extracellular Traps

Summary N eisseria meningitidis ( m) is a leading cause of septicemia in childhood. m unique with respect to very quick disease progression, high vivo bacterial replication rate and its considerable mortality. circumvents major mechanisms innate immunity such as complement system phagocytosis. Neutrophil extracellular traps NETs ) are formed from neutrophils during systemic infection suggested contain invading microorganisms. Here, we investigated the interaction . Both, meningococci spontaneously released outer membrane vesicles SOMVs were potent NET inducers. unable kill bound meningococci, but slowed down their proliferation rate. Using model organism identified three novel how bacteria can evade ‐mediated killing: (i) modification lipid A meningococcal LPS phosphoethanolamine protected ‐bound cathepsin G ; (ii) expression high‐affinity zinc uptake receptor ZnuD allowed escape nutritional immunity; (iii) binding saved consequent bacteriostatic effect. Escape may contribute most rapid progression disease. The induction formation by might aggravate thrombosis vessels ultimately directing disseminated intravascular coagulation DIC ).