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Published on: January 20, 2011
Novel concepts in nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae biofilm formation
Jeroen D Langereis1, Peter W M Hermans
1Laboratory of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is a Gram-negative microbe that frequently colonizes the human host without obvious signs of inflammation, but is also a frequent cause of otitis media in children and exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. Accumulating data suggest that NTHi can reside in biofilms during both colonization and infection. Recent literature proposes roles for phosphorylcholine, sialic acid, bacterial DNA, but also eukaryotic DNA in the development of NTHi biofilms. However, many questions remain. Until now, there are insufficient data to explain how NTHi forms biofilms. Here, we review the recent advances in NTHi biofilm formation with particular focus on the role that neutrophils may play in this process. We propose that recruitment of neutrophils facilitates NTHi biofilm formation on mucosal sites by the initiation of neutrophil extracellular traps.
Insights
Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) forms biofilms, crucial for colonization and infection. Neutrophils, through neutrophil extracellular traps, significantly facilitate NTHi biofilm development on mucosal surfaces.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is a Gram-negative bacterium implicated in pediatric otitis media and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations.
- NTHi frequently colonizes the human host and can form biofilms, contributing to persistent infections.
- While factors like phosphorylcholine, sialic acid, and DNA are implicated, the mechanisms of NTHi biofilm formation remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in understanding NTHi biofilm formation.
- To highlight the potential role of neutrophils in the development of NTHi biofilms.
- To propose a mechanism involving neutrophil extracellular traps in NTHi biofilm initiation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on NTHi biofilm formation.
- Analysis of proposed molecular and cellular components involved in biofilm development.
- Focus on the interaction between NTHi and host immune cells, specifically neutrophils.
Main Results:
- NTHi resides in biofilms during both colonization and infection.
- Various molecules including bacterial and host DNA are suggested to play roles in NTHi biofilm development.
- Neutrophils are proposed to be key facilitators of NTHi biofilm formation.
Conclusions:
- Neutrophil recruitment to mucosal sites is critical for NTHi biofilm development.
- Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are hypothesized to initiate and promote NTHi biofilm formation.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex mechanisms of NTHi biofilmogenesis.
