HIF-1α is involved in blood-brain barrier dysfunction and paracellular migration of bacteria in pneumococcal meningitis.

ABSTRACT: Bacterial meningitis is a deadly disease most commonly caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, leading to severe neurological sequelae including cerebral edema, seizures, stroke, and mortality when untreated. Meningitis is initiated by the transfer of S. pneumoniae from blood to the brain across the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier or the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood. Current treatment strategies include adjuvant dexamethasone for inflammation and cerebral edema, followed by antibiotics. The success of dexamethasone is however inconclusive, necessitating new therapies for controlling edema, the primary reason for neurological complications. Since we have previously shown a general activation of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF-1α) in bacterial

SUBMITTER: Devraj G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7360668 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature