Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026
Preparation, Imaging, and Quantification of Bacterial Surface Motility Assays
Published on: April 7, 2015
Pseudomonas aeruginosa aggregates elicit neutrophil swarming
Eliana Drenkard1,2, Christian Godfrey2,3,4, Alex Hopke2,3,4
1Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA 02114, USA.
Abstract:
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a gram-negative multidrug-resistant (MDR) opportunist, belongs to the ESKAPE group of pathogens associated with the highest risk of mortality. Neutrophil swarming is a host defense strategy triggered by larger threats, where neutrophil swarms contain and clear damage/infection. Current ex vivo models designed to study neutrophil-pathogen interactions largely focus on individual neutrophil engagement with bacteria and fail to capture neutrophil swarming. Here, we report an ex vivo model that reproducibly elicits neutrophil swarming in response to bacterial aggregates. A rapid and robust swarming response follows engagement with pathogenic targets. Components of the type III secretion system (T3SS), a critical P. aeruginosa virulence determinant, are involved in swarm interaction. This ex vivo approach for studying neutrophil swarming in response to large pathogen targets constitutes a valuable tool for elucidating host-pathogen interaction mechanisms and for evaluating novel therapeutics to combat MDR infections.
Insights
A new ex vivo model effectively captures neutrophil swarming against Pseudomonas aeruginosa aggregates. This breakthrough aids in understanding host-pathogen interactions and developing treatments for multidrug-resistant infections.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Pathogen Research
Background:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a high-risk, multidrug-resistant pathogen.
- Neutrophil swarming is a critical host defense mechanism against pathogens.
- Existing ex vivo models do not adequately replicate neutrophil swarming dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel ex vivo model for studying neutrophil swarming.
- To investigate the interaction between neutrophils and bacterial aggregates.
- To identify P. aeruginosa factors involved in neutrophil swarm responses.
Main Methods:
- Development of a reproducible ex vivo model.
- Utilizing bacterial aggregates as targets for neutrophil swarming.
- Analysis of neutrophil-pathogen interactions and P. aeruginosa virulence factors.
Main Results:
- The model reproducibly elicits neutrophil swarming against bacterial aggregates.
- A rapid and robust swarming response was observed.
- Components of the type III secretion system (T3SS) were implicated in swarm interactions.
Conclusions:
- The developed ex vivo model is a valuable tool for studying neutrophil swarming.
- This model facilitates the elucidation of host-pathogen interaction mechanisms.
- The model can be used to evaluate novel therapeutics against multidrug-resistant infections.
