Pneumolysin promotes host cell necroptosis and bacterial competence during pneumococcal meningitis as shown by whole-animal dual RNA-seq.

ABSTRACT: Pneumolysin is a major virulence factor of Streptococcus pneumoniae that plays a key role in interaction with the host during invasive disease. How pneumolysin influences these dynamics between host and pathogen interaction during early phase of central nervous system infection in pneumococcal meningitis remains unclear. Using a whole-animal in vivo dual RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) approach, we identify pneumolysin-specific transcriptional responses in both S. pneumoniae and zebrafish (Danio rerio) during early pneumococcal meningitis. By functional enrichment analysis, we identify host pathways known to be activated by pneumolysin and discover the importance of necroptosis for host survival. Inhibition of this pathway using the drug GSK'872 increases host mortality during pneumococcal mening

SUBMITTER: Jim KK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9794515 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature