ZmpB, a novel virulence factor of Streptococcus pneumoniae that induces tumor necrosis factor alpha production in the respiratory tract.

ABSTRACT: Inflammation is a prominent feature of Streptococcus pneumoniae infection in both humans and animal models. Indeed, an intense host immune response to infection is thought to contribute significantly to the pathology of pneumococcal pneumonia and meningitis. Previously, induction of the inflammatory response following infection with S. pneumoniae has been attributed to certain cell wall constituents and the toxin pneumolysin. Here we present data implicating a putative zinc metalloprotease, ZmpB, as having a role in inflammation. Null mutations were created in the zmpB gene of the virulent serotype 2 strain D39 and analyzed in a murine model of infection. Isogenic mutants were attenuated in pneumonia and septicemia models of infection, as determined by levels of bacteremia and murine survi

SUBMITTER: Blue CE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC187332 | biostudies-literature | 2003 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature