Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 5, 2026

A Method for Generating Pulmonary Neutrophilia Using Aerosolized Lipopolysaccharide
08:33

A Method for Generating Pulmonary Neutrophilia Using Aerosolized Lipopolysaccharide

Published on: December 15, 2014

11.1K

Staphylococcus aureus protein A induces airway epithelial inflammatory responses by activating TNFR1

Marisa I Gómez1, Aram Lee, Bharat Reddy

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA.

Nature Medicine
|July 13, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia involves Protein A binding to the TNFR1 receptor on airway cells. This interaction is crucial for the development of staphylococcal pneumonia, highlighting a key virulence mechanism.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Pathogenesis

Background:

  • Staphylococcus aureus is a significant human pathogen causing various infections.
  • Staphylococcal pneumonia is often associated with increased expression of Protein A, a key virulence factor.
  • Inflammation in staphylococcal infections is characterized by polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of Protein A in Staphylococcus aureus virulence.
  • To identify the specific receptor for Protein A on airway epithelial cells.
  • To elucidate the signaling pathway involved in staphylococcal pneumonia pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Investigated the interaction between Protein A and tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1).
  • Utilized airway epithelial cells expressing TNFR1.
  • Analyzed the Protein A-TNFR1 signaling pathway in the context of pneumonia.

Main Results:

  • Demonstrated that TNFR1, a receptor for tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), is a direct receptor for Staphylococcus aureus Protein A.
  • Showed that Protein A binds to TNFR1 on airway epithelial cells.
  • Established the Protein A-TNFR1 signaling pathway as central to staphylococcal pneumonia pathogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • Protein A utilizes the TNFR1 receptor on airway epithelium to mediate staphylococcal pneumonia.
  • The Protein A-TNFR1 interaction represents a critical virulence mechanism for Staphylococcus aureus.
  • Targeting this pathway could offer new therapeutic strategies against staphylococcal pneumonia.

More Related Videos

Intra-tracheal Administration of Haemophilus influenzae in Mouse Models to Study Airway Inflammation09:56

Intra-tracheal Administration of Haemophilus influenzae in Mouse Models to Study Airway Inflammation

Published on: March 2, 2016

10.0K
Mouse Model of Oleic Acid-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome04:45

Mouse Model of Oleic Acid-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Published on: June 2, 2022

2.5K

Related Concept Videos

The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway01:20

The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway

Several cytokine receptors have tightly bound Janus kinase or JAK proteins attached at their cytosolic tail. Small signaling molecules such as cytokines, growth hormones, or prolactins bind to the cytokine receptors and initiate their dimerization. The dimerization brings the cytosolic JAKs together that trans-phosphorylate and activates each other. The activated JAKs now phosphorylate cytosolic tails of the cytokine receptors, which serve as binding sites for adaptor proteins such as  SH2...
10.2K
TGF - β Signaling Pathway01:16

TGF - β Signaling Pathway

The TGF-β signaling pathway regulates cell growth, differentiation, adhesion, motility, and development. TGF-β ligands that induce TGF-β signaling are synthesized in their latent form. Several proteases or cell surface receptors such as integrins act upon the latent form, releasing the active ligand. There are three types of mammalian TGF-βs: (TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3) that bind as homodimers or heterodimers to TGF-β receptors. The TGF-β receptors...
7.2K
T Cell Types and Functions01:24

T Cell Types and Functions

When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
3.2K
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification01:26

Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification

Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
4.7K
Staphylococcal Skin Infections01:29

Staphylococcal Skin Infections

Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive coccus that resides harmlessly on the skin and mucous membranes of healthy individuals. When the skin barrier is breached, it can shift from a commensal to an opportunistic pathogen. This transition is facilitated by surface adhesins, such as clumping factor B and S. aureus surface protein G (SasG), which bind to structural proteins, including loricrin and cytokeratin, in the damaged epidermis. Protein A, another key factor, binds the Fc region of...
143
Asthma I: Introduction01:28

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
112