Neisseria meningitidis Induces Pathology-Associated Cellular and Molecular Changes in Trigeminal Schwann Cells.

ABSTRACT: Neisseria meningitidis, a common cause of sepsis and bacterial meningitis, infects the meninges and central nervous system (CNS), primarily via paracellular traversal across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) or blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier. N. meningitidis is often present asymptomatically in the nasopharynx, and the nerves extending between the nasal cavity and the brain constitute an alternative route by which the meningococci may reach the CNS. To date, the cellular mechanisms involved in nerve infection are not fully understood. Peripheral nerve glial cells are phagocytic and are capable of eliminating microorganisms, but some pathogens may be able to overcome this protection mechanism and instead infect the glia, causing cell death or pathology. Here, we show that N.

SUBMITTER: Delbaz A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7093114 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature