Neisseria species as pathobionts in bronchiectasis

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Pulmonary Medicine
• Immunology

Background:

• Neisseria species are common in the bronchiectasis microbiome but considered harmless commensals.
• Their role in disease progression and clinical outcomes remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the pathogenic potential of Neisseria species in bronchiectasis.
• To determine if Neisseria-dominant bacteriomes are associated with adverse clinical outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of human bronchiectasis cohorts using next-generation sequencing and systems biology.
• In vitro studies with primary epithelial cells and in vivo studies using animal models.
• Metabolipidomic analysis and metagenomic surveillance across respiratory disorders.

Main Results:

• Neisseria-dominant bronchiectasis bacteriomes correlate with poor clinical outcomes, including exacerbations.
• Neisseria subflava impairs epithelial integrity and induces inflammation in vitro and in vivo.
• Comparative metabolipidomics validated findings in human samples and distinguished Neisseria from Pseudomonas dominance.

Conclusions:

• Neisseria species act as pathobionts in bronchiectasis, contributing to disease severity.
• Identification of Neisseria as pathobionts allows for improved risk stratification in bronchiectasis patients.
• Potential environmental sources of Neisseria exposure warrant further investigation.