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Sublethal concentrations of complement can effectively opsonize Borrelia burgdorferi
J Suhonen1, K Hartiala, H Tuominen-Gustafsson
1Department of Medical Microbiology, Turku University, Turku, Finland. juha.suhonen@utu.fi
Scandinavian Journal of Immunology
|December 11, 2002
Summary
The human innate immune response, specifically complement and neutrophils, differentially interacts with Lyme disease bacteria strains. Complement
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Lyme Borreliosis Research
Background:
- The early innate immune response significantly influences the outcome of Borrelia burgdorferi infections in humans.
- Understanding the interaction between the human complement system, neutrophils, and different Borrelia strains is crucial for comprehending Lyme disease pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the differential interactions of human complement and neutrophils with two Borrelia burgdorferi strains: Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto B31 (serum-resistant) and Borrelia garinii Bg A218/98 (serum-sensitive).
- To elucidate the role of complement pathways and opsonization in controlling Borrelia infections.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto B31 and Borrelia garinii Bg A218/98 interactions with normal human serum (NHS) and human neutrophils.
- Assessment of neutrophil oxidative burst induction in response to Borrelia strains at varying NHS concentrations.
- Quantification of C3bi deposition on spirochetes.
- Evaluation of complement pathway involvement (classical vs. alternative) in mediating the innate immune response.
Main Results:
- Both Borrelia strains induced a complement-dependent neutrophil oxidative burst, with Borrelia garinii Bg A218/98 requiring significantly lower NHS concentrations.
- Borrelia garinii Bg A218/98 exhibited greater C3bi deposition compared to Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto B31 across all NHS concentrations.
- Borrelia garinii Bg A218/98 could trigger an oxidative burst via the alternative complement pathway, while Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto B31 required the classical pathway.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights distinct innate immune responses elicited by different Borrelia strains, impacting their survival and pathogenesis.
- Complement-mediated opsonization plays a critical role in controlling Borrelia infections, particularly for strains resistant to direct complement-mediated killing or present at low concentrations.