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Chemotactic activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes to Streptococcus pyogenes
Zentralblatt Fur Bakteriologie, Parasitenkunde, Infektionskrankheiten Und Hygiene. Erste Abteilung Originale. Reihe A: Medizinische Mikrobiologie Und Parasitologie
|September 1, 1978
Summary
Streptococcal M protein inhibits polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) chemotaxis. This finding suggests M protein weakens the body's immune defenses against group A Streptococcus infections.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a significant human pathogen.
- The M protein is a key virulence factor in GAS.
- Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) are crucial immune cells involved in bacterial clearance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of GAS M protein on PMN chemotaxis.
- To compare the influence of M protein-positive and M protein-negative GAS strains on PMN function.
Main Methods:
- In vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted.
- Chemotactic activity of PMNs was assessed after exposure to different GAS strains.
- The presence or absence of M protein on the GAS strains was the primary variable.
Main Results:
- PMN chemotaxis was significantly inhibited when exposed to M protein-positive GAS strains.
- This inhibitory effect was observed in both in vitro and in vivo models.
- M protein-negative strains did not exhibit the same level of inhibition.
Conclusions:
- The M protein of group A Streptococcus directly inhibits PMN chemotaxis.
- This inhibition can impair the host's innate immune response.
- Targeting M protein function could be a strategy to enhance host defense against GAS infections.