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Macrophages and epithelial cells respond differently to the Pseudomonas aeruginosa type III secretion system

J Coburn1, D W Frank

  • 1Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tufts-New England Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA. jcoburn_bor@opal.tufts.edu

Infection and Immunity
|May 25, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Pseudomonas aeruginosa type III secretion affects cells differently based on cell type. Lung cells changed shape, while macrophages were killed, both responses requiring the secretion system.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Cell Biology
  • Pathogenesis

Background:

  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen.
  • Type III secretion system (T3SS) is a key virulence factor.
  • Previous studies focused on cytotoxin variations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate the role of target cell type in P. aeruginosa T3SS effects.
  • Determine if T3SS effects vary between lung epithelial cells and macrophages.
  • Elucidate the contribution of T3SS to differential host cell responses.

Main Methods:

  • Infection of lung epithelial cells and macrophages with P. aeruginosa.
  • Assessment of cell morphology and viability.
  • Utilizing P. aeruginosa strains with and without functional T3SS.

Main Results:

  • Lung epithelial cells exhibited morphological changes but maintained viability.
  • Macrophages were efficiently killed upon infection with P. aeruginosa.
  • Both observed cellular responses were dependent on the P. aeruginosa type III secretion system.

Conclusions:

  • Target cell type significantly influences P. aeruginosa T3SS-mediated pathogenesis.
  • Differential susceptibility of lung cells and macrophages to P. aeruginosa infection.
  • T3SS is crucial for both cytotoxic and non-cytotoxic effects of P. aeruginosa on host cells.

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