The presence of CD14 overcomes evasion of innate immune responses by virulent Francisella tularensis in human dendritic cells in vitro and pulmonary cells in vivo.

ABSTRACT: Francisella tularensis is a Gram-negative bacterium that causes acute, lethal disease following inhalation. We have previously shown that viable F. tularensis fails to stimulate secretion of proinflammatory cytokines following infection of human dendritic cells (hDC) in vitro and pulmonary cells in vivo. Here we demonstrate that the presence of the CD14 receptor is critical for detection of virulent F. tularensis strain SchuS4 by dendritic cells, monocytes, and pulmonary cells. Addition of soluble CD14 (sCD14) to hDC restored cytokine production following infection with strain SchuS4. In contrast, addition of anti-CD14 to monocyte cultures inhibited the ability of these cells to respond to strain SchuS4. Addition of CD14 or blocking CD14 following SchuS4 infection in dendritic cells and mo

SUBMITTER: Chase JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2798182 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature