Gonococcal Defenses against Antimicrobial Activities of Neutrophils. Issue 12 (December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Palmer, Allison; Criss, Alison K.
• Is Part Of: Trends in microbiology. Volume 26:Issue 12(2018)
• Page Start: 1022
• Page End: 1034
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Subjects: neutrophil -- Neisseria gonorrhoeae -- antimicrobial -- phagocytosis; Microbiology -- Periodicals; Infection -- Periodicals; Virulence (Microbiology) -- Periodicals; Infection -- Periodicals; Microbiology -- Periodicals; Virulence -- Periodicals; Microbiologie -- Périodiques; Infection -- Périodiques; Virulence (Microbiologie) -- Périodiques; Infection; Microbiology; Virulence (Microbiology); 579
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2018.07.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0966-842X

Abstract

Abstract : Neisseria gonorrhoeae initiates a strong local immune response that is characterized by copious recruitment of neutrophils to the site of infection. Neutrophils neutralize microbes by mechanisms that include phagocytosis, extracellular trap formation, production of reactive oxygen species, and the delivery of antimicrobial granular contents. However, neutrophils do not clear infection with N. gonorrhoeae . N. gonorrhoeae not only expresses factors that defend against neutrophil bactericidal components, but it also manipulates neutrophil production and release of these components. In this review, we highlight the numerous approaches used by N. gonorrhoeae to survive exposure to neutrophils both intracellularly and extracellularly. These approaches reflect the exquisite adaptation of N. gonorrhoeae to its obligate human host. Highlights: The mechanism by which neutrophils bind and phagocytose Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Gc) dictates the extent of neutrophil activation (phagolysosome formation) and consequent bacterial survival. The neutrophil oxidative burst has a limited, if any, role in the ability of neutrophils to combat Gc. Gonococcal surface-exposed features such as Opa proteins, pili, and LOS affect neutrophil activation and bacterial susceptibility to neutrophil antimicrobial components. This is also true for peptidoglycan (PG) in the bacterial cell envelope. Gc expresses surface components that contribute to defense from neutrophil antimicrobial components. Gc can acquire nutrients from neutrophils, including from neutrophil proteins that sequester essential metals.