Heme-Mediated Selection of Encapsulated <i>Streptococcus pneumoniae</i> in the Lungs by Oxidative Stress.

ABSTRACT: Streptococcus pneumoniae (the pneumococcus) causes cytotoxicity and encapsulates within the lung parenchyma, leading to pneumococcal pneumonia. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear and likely involve multiple bacterial and host factors. We investigated the selection process of encapsulated pneumococci, a critical factor in lung damage during pneumococcal pneumonia. Our study revealed that pneumococci initially lack capsules but re-encapsulate upon reaching the alveoli. This process is driven by S. pneumoniae-derived hydrogen peroxide (Spn-H₂O₂), which oxidizes lung hemoglobin, leading to heme release and polymerized hemoglobin formation. Physiologically relevant levels of heme were found to promote the selection of encapsulated bacteria. Fur

SUBMITTER: Alibayov B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10680745 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature