Mapping the interactions between staphylococcus aureus and host immune cells
PhD ceremony: Ms. M. Miller, 16.15 uur, Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen
Dissertation: Mapping the interactions between staphylococcus aureus and host immune cells
Promotor(s): prof. J.M. van Dijl, prof. M.P. Peppelenbosch
Faculty: Medical Sciences
Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common human pathogens, and is responsible for a wide range of diseases. S. aureus can be such a successful pathogen, because it secretes an arsenal of virulence factors that assist in host colonization, invasion and tissue destruction. Recent studies showed that the serine/threonine kinase PknB of S. aureus is involved in metabolism and cell wall synthesis. However, the role of PknB in staphylococcal pathogenesis had not been clarified. In this thesis we studied the role of PknB in the interactions between S. aureus and host immune cells. Specifically, the complex interactions between S. aureus and human macrophages were deciphered using kinase profiling, a peptide array-based technology. The results show that staphylococcal PknB has the ability to recognize and phosphorylate human proteins. Also, this kinase is required to provoke inflammatory cytokine production. By studying the host cell responses to PknB-deficient S. aureus cells, it was observed that the activity of host kinases involved in the responses towards S. aureus is significantly decreased if the bacterium fails to produce PknB. Taken together, the data show that S. aureus requires PknB to provoke strong inflammatory responses. This implies that specific PknB inhibitors, which are yet to be developed, may find future applications in combating the fulminant pathology of S. aureus infections.
Last modified: | 13 March 2020 01.02 a.m. |
More news
-
13 May 2024
Trapping molecules
In his laboratory, physicist Steven Hoekstra is building an experimental set-up made of two parts: one that produces barium fluoride molecules, and a second part that traps the molecules and brings them to an almost complete standstill so they can...
-
06 May 2024
Impact: 'URinControl', treatment of urine loss through app
One of the three researchers nominated for the Ben Feringa Impact Award 2024 is general practicioner and researcher-epidemiologist Anne Loohuis. Loohuis conducted research on the treatment of urine loss through the self-help app URinControl'.
-
29 April 2024
Tactile sensors
Every two weeks, UG Makers puts the spotlight on a researcher who has created something tangible, ranging from homemade measuring equipment for academic research to small or larger products that can change our daily lives. That is how UG...