Mast cell chymase decreases the severity of group B Streptococcus infections.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) or Streptococcus agalactiae are β-hemolytic gram-positive bacteria that colonize the lower genital tracts of women and are frequently associated with infections during pregnancy. Innate immune defenses are critical for controlling GBS dissemination and systemic infection. Mast cells are resident sentinel cells that come into contact with pathogens early during colonization and infection.

Objective

We aimed to investigate the contribution of chymase to systemic GBS infection and rates of preterm birth.

Methods

Pharmacologic and genetic approaches using mice deficient in mast cell protease (MCPT) 4, the mouse functional homologue of human chymase, were used.

Results

Our studies show that mast cells release a protease with ch

SUBMITTER: Gendrin C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5847414 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature