Human antimicrobial peptide LL-37 induces MefE/Mel-mediated macrolide resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae.

ABSTRACT: Macrolide resistance is a major concern in the treatment of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Inducible macrolide resistance in this pneumococcus is mediated by the efflux pump MefE/Mel. We show here that the human antimicrobial peptide LL-37 induces the mefE promoter and confers resistance to erythromycin and LL-37. Such induction may impact the efficacy of host defenses and of macrolide-based treatment of pneumococcal disease.

SUBMITTER: Zahner D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2916318 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature