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Fosfomycin inhibits neutrophil function via a protein kinase C-dependent signaling pathway

Minako Hamada1, Junichi Honda, Taro Yoshimuta

  • 1First Department of Internal Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan. minamina@med.kurume-u.ac.jp

Insights

Fosfomycin (FOM) inhibits neutrophil oxidative burst and CD11b expression triggered by PMA, but not FMLP. This effect is concentration-dependent and may involve protein kinase C signaling.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Neutrophils play a critical role in the immune response.
  • Fosfomycin is an antibiotic with potential immunomodulatory effects.
  • Understanding antibiotic effects on immune cells is crucial for optimizing treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of fosfomycin (FOM) on neutrophil functions.
  • To analyze FOM's effect on the oxidative burst and CD11b (MAC-1) expression in polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL).

Main Methods:

  • Flow cytometry was used to assess neutrophil function.
  • PMNL were preincubated with varying concentrations of FOM.
  • Cells were stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) or N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP).

Main Results:

  • FOM significantly suppressed the PMA-induced oxidative burst in a concentration-dependent manner.
  • FOM did not affect the oxidative burst induced by FMLP.
  • FOM inhibited the PMA-induced loss of CD11b surface expression on PMNL.

Conclusions:

  • Fosfomycin inhibits key neutrophil functions, specifically the PMA-induced oxidative burst and CD11b expression loss.
  • The suppressive effects of FOM appear to be mediated through the protein kinase C signaling pathway.
  • These findings suggest fosfomycin may modulate neutrophil activity.

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