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Updated: Nov 5, 2025

Cecal Ligation and Puncture-induced Sepsis as a Model To Study Autophagy in Mice
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Autophagy is a defense mechanism controlling Streptococcus suis serotype 2 infection in murine microglia cells

Chaoxiong Yue1, Chenlu Hu1, Peng Xiang1

  • 1Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.

Veterinary Microbiology
|May 15, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Streptococcus suis (S. suis) infection activates autophagy in microglial cells, acting as a defense mechanism against bacterial meningitis. This study reveals autophagy

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Streptococcus suis (S. suis) causes severe bacterial meningitis in humans and swine.
  • Microglial activation and inflammation are key pathological features of S. suis meningitis.
  • The role of autophagy in microglial response to S. suis infection was previously unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of autophagy in microglial cells during S. suis infection.
  • To determine if autophagy acts as a defense mechanism against S. suis in microglia.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized western blot, immunofluorescent staining, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in BV2 microglial cells.
  • Employed autophagy activators (rapamycin) and inhibitors (siRNA targeting ATG5, Beclin-1, ATG9a, ATG12).
  • Analyzed autophagy activation in brain tissues from a mouse model of S. suis meningitis.

Main Results:

  • S. suis serotype 2 (SS2) infection triggered autophagosome formation and enhanced autophagic flux in BV2 microglial cells.
  • Autophagy activators increased autophagy, while inhibitors attenuated it in S. suis-infected cells.
  • Autophagy was activated in brain tissues (frontal cortex, hippocampus) of infected mice.

Conclusions:

  • Autophagy is activated in microglial cells in response to S. suis infection.
  • Autophagy functions as a cellular defense mechanism to limit S. suis invasion and microglial inflammation.
  • This interaction highlights potential therapeutic strategies for bacterial meningitis.
Keywords:
AutophagyInvasionMeningitisMicrogliaStreptococcus suis

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