A Novel Innate Immune-Enhancement Strategy Combined with IVIG Rescues Mice from Fatal Staphylococcus aureus Septicemia. (16th November 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rajam, Gowrisankar; Hammons, Gabrielle M.; Carlone, George M.; Sampson, Jacquelyn S.; Ades, Edwin W.
• Other Names: Pruzzo Carla Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: International journal of microbiology. Volume 2011(2011)
• Publication Date: 2011-11-16
• Subjects: Microbiology -- Periodicals; Microbiology; Microbiology -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 579
• DOI: 10.1155/2011/725483
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-918X

Abstract

Abstract : Staphylococcus aureus (SA) is a major community-acquired pathogen. The emergence of drug-resistant strains like, methicillin-resistant SA (MRSA), poses stiff challenges to therapeutic intervention. Passive immune-therapy with specific antibodies is being actively examined to treat fulminant infections with limited success. In this study, we demonstrate that P4, a 28-amino acid peptide, derived from pneumococcal surface adhesin A along with pathogen-specific antibody (IVIG; P4 therapy) is successful in enhancing the opsonophagocytic killing (OPK) of S. aureus in vitro . We questioned if it is possible to expand P4 therapy to treat staphylococcal infections in vivo . P4 therapy in combination with IVIG rescued 7/10 morbidly ill S. aureus -infected mice while only 2/10 survived in the control group.