Staphylococcus aureus membrane vesicles contain immunostimulatory DNA, RNA and peptidoglycan that activate innate immune receptors and induce autophagy.

ABSTRACT: Gram-positive bacteria ubiquitously produce membrane vesicles (MVs), and although they contribute to biological functions, our knowledge regarding their composition and immunogenicity remains limited. Here we examine the morphology, contents and immunostimulatory functions of MVs produced by three Staphylococcus aureus strains; a methicillin resistant clinical isolate, a methicillin sensitive clinical isolate and a laboratory-adapted strain. We observed differences in the number and morphology of MVs produced by each strain and showed that they contain microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) including protein, nucleic acids and peptidoglycan. Analysis of MV-derived RNA indicated the presence of small RNA (sRNA). Furthermore, we detected variability in the amount and compositio

SUBMITTER: Bitto NJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8015888 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature