SpeB of Streptococcus pyogenes Differentially Modulates Antibacterial and Receptor Activating Properties of Human Chemokines
2009

How SpeB from Streptococcus pyogenes Affects Human Chemokines

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Egesten Arne, Olin Anders I., Linge Helena M., Yadav Manisha, Mörgelin Matthias, Karlsson Anna, Collin Mattias

Primary Institution: Lund University

Hypothesis

SpeB from S. pyogenes degrades chemokines that have antibacterial properties.

Conclusion

SpeB destroys most of the signaling and antibacterial properties of chemokines expressed by an inflamed epithelium, except for CXCL9, which retains its antibacterial activity.

Supporting Evidence

  • SpeB degrades a wide range of chemokines but does not affect IL-8 and RANTES.
  • CXCL9 retains antibacterial activity even after being processed by SpeB.
  • CXCL10 and CXCL11 lose their antibacterial properties when degraded by SpeB.

Takeaway

This study shows that a protein from a harmful bacteria can break down important immune signals in our body, but one of those signals can still fight the bacteria.

Methodology

The study involved incubating human chemokines with SpeB and analyzing the degradation effects using SDS-PAGE.

Limitations

The study primarily focuses on in vitro experiments, which may not fully represent in vivo conditions.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0004769

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