Induction of Kruppel-Like Factor 4 Mediates Polymorphonuclear Neutrophil Activation in Streptococcus pneumoniae Infection.

ABSTRACT: The recruitment and activation of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) are of central importance for the elimination of pathogens in bacterial infections. We investigated the Streptococcus pneumoniae-dependent induction of the transcription factor Krüppel-like factor (KLF) 4 in PMNs as a potential regulator of PMN activation. We found that KLF4 expression is induced in human blood-derived PMNs in a time- and dose-dependent manner by wild-type S. pneumoniae and capsule knockout mutants. Unencapsulated knockout mutants induced stronger KLF4 expression than encapsulated wild types. The presence of autolysin LytA-competent (thus viable) pneumococci and LytA-mediated bacterial autolysis were required for KLF4 induction in human and murine PMNs. LyzMcre-mediated knockdown of KLF4 i

SUBMITTER: Bhattacharyya A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7887292 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature