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Updated: Aug 2, 2026
Co-culture Models of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms Grown on Live Human Airway Cells
Published on: October 6, 2010
Enhanced Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm development mediated by human neutrophils
Travis S Walker1, Kerry L Tomlin, G Scott Worthen
1National Jewish Medical and Research Center, D202, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, CO 80206, USA.
Insights
Neutrophils in cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease inadvertently aid Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation. Host cell components, like actin and DNA polymers, create a matrix that promotes bacterial survival and chronic infection.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease involves persistent neutrophil accumulation from infancy.
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) chronic infection is prevalent in CF patients, with biofilms aiding bacterial survival.
- Biofilm formation is a key P. aeruginosa characteristic that impedes antibiotic treatment and immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of neutrophils in P. aeruginosa biofilm development in the context of CF lung disease.
- To identify host-derived factors that may facilitate P. aeruginosa biofilm formation.
Main Methods:
- Observational study analyzing P. aeruginosa and neutrophil interactions.
- Identification and characterization of polymers formed by neutrophils.
- Assessment of polymer disruption effects on biofilm development and bacterial dispersal.
Main Results:
- Neutrophils enhance P. aeruginosa biofilm development within 72 hours via actin and DNA polymers.
- F-actin serves as an attachment site for P. aeruginosa.
- These polymers are present in CF sputum; their disruption reduced biofilm formation and dispersed bacteria.
Conclusions:
- Host neutrophil components can paradoxically facilitate P. aeruginosa biofilm formation in CF lungs.
- Necrotic neutrophil cellular components act as a matrix, promoting bacterial survival and chronic infection.
- This highlights a potential maladaptation of the innate immune response in CF.
Abstract:
Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease features persistent neutrophil accumulation to the airways from the time of infancy. CF children are frequently exposed to Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and by adulthood, 80% of CF patients are chronically infected. The formation of biofilms is a particularly important phenotypic characteristic of P. aeruginosa that allows for bacterial survival despite aggressive antibiotic therapy and an exuberant immune response. Here, we show that the presence of neutrophils enhances initial P. aeruginosa biofilm development over a period of 72 h through the formation of polymers comprised of actin and DNA. F-actin was found to be a site of attachment for P. aeruginosa. These actin and DNA polymers are present in CF sputum, and disruption of the polymers dispersed the associated P. aeruginosa cells and reduced biofilm development. These findings demonstrate a potential maladaptation of the primary innate response. When the host fails to eradicate the infection, cellular components from necrotic neutrophils can serve as a biological matrix to facilitate P. aeruginosa biofilm formation.
