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Maria Nilsson, Ole E. Srensen, Matthias Mrgelin, Maria Weineisen, Ulf Sjbring, Heiko Herwald

Activation of human polymorphonuclear neutrophils by streptolysin O from Streptococcus pyogenes leads to the release of proinflammatory mediators

Keywords: infectious diseases, polymorphonuclear neutrophils, Streptococcus pyogenes, streptolysin O, degranulation

Streptococcus pyogenes is an important Gram-positive pathogen that is strictly limited to infections in humans. Here we report that streptolysin O (SLO), a cytolytic exotoxin secreted by S. pyogenes, activates human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) by perforating these cells. This appears to be followed by an influx of Ca2+ and p38 MAPK activation. As a consequence, PMNs secrete heparin-binding protein, a potent inducer of vascular leakage, and neutrophil-borne proteins, including LL-37, -defensins, and elastase. The results of the present work therefore suggest that the interaction between SLO and PMNs evokes an exaggerated host response which may contribute to the pathogenesis of local and generalized S. pyogenes infections.

Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Schattauer

Print ISSN: 0340-6245
Volume: 95, 06/2006
Pages: 982 - 990

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