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Updated: Aug 30, 2025
Optimal Lentivirus Production and Cell Culture Conditions Necessary to Successfully Transduce Primary Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells
Published on: July 22, 2016
Intracellular replication of Inquilinus limosus in bronchial epithelial cells
Yanina Andrea Lamberti1, Martina Debandi1, Mariela Del Carmen Carrica1
1CINDEFI (UNLP CONICET La Plata), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina.
Abstract:
Inquilinus limosus is an emerging multi-resistant opportunistic pathogen documented mainly in cystic fibrosis patients. Infection with I. limosus is accompanied by either an acute respiratory exacerbation or a progressive loss of pulmonary function. This study examined the interaction of Inquilinus limosus with the bronquial human epithelial cell line 16HBE14o-. Almost 100% of the bacteria that attached to the bronquial cells were found internalized and located in acidic LAMP2 positive compartments. According to confocal studies combined with antibiotic protection assays, I. limosus is able to survive and eventually replicate in these compartments. I. limosus was found nontoxic to cells and did not induce neither IL-6 nor IL-8 cytokine production, a characteristic that may help the bacteria to evade host immune response. Overall, this study indicates that I. limosus displays pathogenic properties based on its ability to survive intracellularly in epithelial cells eventually leading to antibiotic failure and chronic infection.
Insights
Inquilinus limosus, a resilient pathogen, invades and replicates within human bronchial epithelial cells. This intracellular survival mechanism may contribute to antibiotic resistance and chronic infections in cystic fibrosis patients.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Inquilinus limosus is an emerging multi-resistant opportunistic pathogen.
- It primarily affects cystic fibrosis patients, leading to respiratory issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction between Inquilinus limosus and human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE14o-).
- To understand the intracellular survival mechanisms of I. limosus.
Main Methods:
- Confocal microscopy was used to study bacterial internalization.
- Antibiotic protection assays were performed to assess bacterial survival and replication.
- Cytokine production (IL-6, IL-8) was measured to evaluate host immune response.
Main Results:
- Nearly 100% of attached I. limosus were internalized into acidic LAMP2-positive compartments.
- I. limosus survived and replicated within these intracellular compartments.
- The pathogen did not induce IL-6 or IL-8 production, suggesting immune evasion.
Conclusions:
- Inquilinus limosus exhibits pathogenic properties by surviving intracellularly within epithelial cells.
- This intracellular survival can lead to antibiotic treatment failure and chronic infections.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies.
