Effects of immunomodulators on functional activity of innate immunity cells infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Microbiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Innate immunity cells, such as phagocytes, play a crucial role in combating bacterial infections.
• Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) is a significant human pathogen that can evade or subvert host immune responses.
• Bactericidal enzymes within immune cells are key effectors of pathogen clearance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of S. pneumoniae infection on the activity of bactericidal enzymes in innate immune cells.
• To evaluate the effects of the antibiotic maxifloxacin on these enzymes and cell viability.
• To assess the therapeutic potential of combining maxifloxacin with immunomodulators (tinrostim and licopid) in correcting cellular dysfunction.

Main Methods:

• Infection models using innate immunity cells and S. pneumoniae.
• Measurement of bactericidal enzyme activity in phagocytes.
• Assessment of cell death pathways (necrosis).
• Evaluation of combined therapeutic effects of maxifloxacin, tinrostim, and licopid.

Main Results:

• S. pneumoniae infection led to decreased bactericidal enzyme activity and accelerated cell death in innate immune cells.
• Maxifloxacin treatment enhanced bactericidal enzyme activity in phagocytes and induced necrotic cell death.
• Combination therapy with maxifloxacin and immunomodulators (tinrostim or licopid) demonstrated a corrective effect on the functional activity of infected cells.

Conclusions:

• S. pneumoniae infection impairs crucial innate immune cell functions, specifically bactericidal enzyme activity.
• Maxifloxacin exhibits dual effects by boosting enzyme activity and inducing necrosis, suggesting complex interactions with immune cells.
• Combined immunomodulator and antibiotic therapy holds promise for restoring immune cell function during S. pneumoniae infections.