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Mycoplasma pneumoniae induces interleukin-8 production via the epidermal growth factor receptor pathway

Ken Arae1, Masako Hirata, Satoshi Kurata

  • 1Department of Immunology, Kyorin University Faculty of Health Sciences, 476 Miyashita, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-8508, Japan.

Microbiology and Immunology
|August 12, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Mycoplasma pneumoniae antigen (Mp-Ag) triggers interleukin-8 (IL-8) production in bronchial cells via the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway. Inhibiting EGFR reduces IL-8, confirming its role in mycoplasmal pneumonia pathogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonology
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Mycoplasmal pneumonia is characterized by polymorphonuclear leukocytes in bronchi.
  • The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway is implicated in interleukin-8 (IL-8) production.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of the EGFR pathway in IL-8 production by bronchial epithelial cells stimulated with Mycoplasma pneumoniae antigen (Mp-Ag).

Main Methods:

  • A549 bronchial epithelial cells were stimulated with Mp-Ag.
  • EGFR kinase inhibitor and small interfering RNA (siRNA) against EGFR were used to block EGFR activity.
  • Epiregulin mRNA levels and IL-8 production were measured.

Main Results:

  • Mp-Ag stimulation increased epiregulin mRNA levels in A549 cells.
  • IL-8 production by A549 cells stimulated with Mp-Ag was significantly reduced by EGFR kinase inhibitor or EGFR siRNA.
  • These findings indicate EGFR pathway activation by Mp-Ag.

Conclusions:

  • The EGFR pathway plays a significant role in mediating IL-8 production by bronchial epithelial cells in response to Mp-Ag stimulation.
  • Targeting the EGFR pathway could be a potential therapeutic strategy for mycoplasmal pneumonia.

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