Abstract

Polymorphonuclear neutrophil leucocytes (PMNs) are a critical part of innate immune defence against bac- terial pathogens, and only a limited subset of microbes can escape killing by these phagocytic cells. Here we show that Neisseria meningitidis, a leading cause of septicaemia and meningitis, can avoid killing by PMNs and this is dependent on the ability of the bacterium to acquire L-glutamate through its GltT uptake system. We demonstrate that the uptake of available L- glutamate promotes N. meningitidis evasion of PMN reactive oxygen species produced by the oxidative burst. In the meningococcus, L-glutamate is converted to glutathione, a key molecule for maintaining intrac- ellular redox potential, which protects the bacterium from reactive oxygen species such as hydrogen per- oxide. We show that this mechanism contributes to the ability of N. meningitidis to cause bacteraemia, a criti- cal step in the disease process during infections caused by this important human pathogen.

Autore Pugliese

• Alifano Pietro , Tala' Adelfia

Tutti gli autori

• Talà A. , Monaco C. , Nagorska K. , Exley R.M. , Corbett A. , Zychlinsky A. , Alifano P. , Tang C.

Titolo volume/Rivista

MOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY

Anno di pubblicazione

2011

ISSN

0950-382X

ISBN

Non Disponibile

Numero di citazioni Wos

21

Ultimo Aggiornamento Citazioni

28/04/2018

Numero di citazioni Scopus

19

Ultimo Aggiornamento Citazioni

28/04/2018

Settori ERC

Non Disponibile

Codici ASJC

Non Disponibile