Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026
Neisseria meningitidis Infection of Induced Pluripotent Stem-Cell Derived Brain Endothelial Cells
Published on: July 14, 2020
Experimental Nasopharyngeal Colonization by Neisseria meningitidis using Explant Organ Culture
1Division of Molecular and Genetic Medicine, University of Sheffield Medical School, Sheffield, UK.
Abstract:
This chapter will describe the use of organ cultures of human nasopharyngeal mucosa to study the interaction of Neisseria meningitidis with this complex tissue. Colonization of nasopharyngeal mucosa is the first step in the pathogenesis of meningococcal disease. Supporting evidence for this is the correlation between the prevalence of community carriage and the occurrence of meningococcal disease (1). During nonepidemic periods, the baseline prevalence of nasopharyngeal carriage of meningococci is 5-10% but is considerably higher in certain populations such as military personnel (2), and in households of cases (3). There are a number of influences on the acquisition of meningococcal carriage; these include smoking (4) but not season (5). It is possible that coincident viral infections may affect acquisition of meningococ cal carriage (6,7). There is good evidence that genetic factors are involved, as some individuals appear resistant to acquisition of carriage, while others chronically or intermittently carry N. meningitidis (8). Carriage of the organism also appears to be associated with secretor status (9). The precise site within the nasopharynx that Neisseria meningitidis colonizes and invades is not known. However, during natural carriage, the organism can be isolated both from the rhinopharynx and from the throat (10).
Insights
This study explores how Neisseria meningitidis interacts with human nasopharyngeal mucosa using organ cultures. Understanding this interaction is key to preventing meningococcal disease, which begins with nasopharyngeal carriage.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pathogenesis
- Immunology
Background:
- Neisseria meningitidis colonization of the nasopharyngeal mucosa is the initial step in meningococcal disease pathogenesis.
- Nasopharyngeal carriage prevalence varies, influenced by factors like smoking, viral infections, and host genetics.
- The exact site of Neisseria meningitidis colonization and invasion within the nasopharynx remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction between Neisseria meningitidis and human nasopharyngeal mucosa.
- To utilize organ cultures of human nasopharyngeal mucosa as a model system.
- To gain insights into the early stages of meningococcal disease development.
Main Methods:
- Organ cultures of human nasopharyngeal mucosa were employed.
- The interaction between Neisseria meningitidis and the mucosal tissue was studied.
- Analysis of colonization and potential invasion mechanisms.
Main Results:
- The study establishes a model for examining Neisseria meningitidis interactions with human nasopharyngeal mucosa.
- Provides a foundation for further research into the mechanisms of meningococcal colonization.
- Highlights the importance of the nasopharyngeal environment in meningococcal pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Organ cultures of human nasopharyngeal mucosa are a valuable tool for studying Neisseria meningitidis interactions.
- Understanding these interactions is crucial for developing strategies to combat meningococcal disease.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise sites and mechanisms of colonization and invasion.
