RIPK1 kinase drove brain microvascular endothelial cells death and blood-brain barrier disruption in neonatal Escherichia coli meningitis.

ABSTRACT: Neonatal meningitis Escherichia coli (NMEC) breaching the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a critical event in the development of E. coli meningitis. Brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs), the primary structural component of the BBB, play a central role in defending against pathogen invasion. In this study, we employ the NMEC strain RS218 (O18:K1:H7) to investigate the molecular mechanisms of cell death in BMECs and its pivotal contribution to BBB disruption. The study reveals that RS218 infection promotes assembly of the Ripoptosome complex. This leads to the coordinated activation of apoptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis. Notably, necroptosis can also occur through RIPK1-independent pathways. By generating Ripk1 ^D138N/D138N, Gsdmd ^-/-, and Casp8 ^-/-

SUBMITTER: Wang X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12332072 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature