CCR2-dependent CX3CR1+ colonic macrophages promote Enterococcus faecalis dissemination. Infect Immun 2024 May 07;92(5):e0000624
Date
04/17/2024Pubmed ID
38629806Pubmed Central ID
PMC11075457DOI
10.1128/iai.00006-24Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85192410881 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 3 CitationsAbstract
Enterococci are common commensal bacteria that colonize the gastrointestinal tracts of most mammals, including humans. Importantly, these bacteria are one of the leading causes of nosocomial infections. This study examined the role of colonic macrophages in facilitating Enterococcus faecalis infections in mice. We determined that depletion of colonic phagocytes resulted in the reduction of E. faecalis dissemination to the gut-draining mesenteric lymph nodes. Furthermore, we established that trafficking of monocyte-derived CX3CR1-expressing macrophages contributed to E. faecalis dissemination in a manner that was not reliant on CCR7, the conventional receptor involved in lymphatic migration. Finally, we showed that E. faecalis mutants with impaired intracellular survival exhibited reduced dissemination, suggesting that E. faecalis can exploit host immune cell migration to disseminate systemically and cause disease. Our findings indicate that modulation of macrophage trafficking in the context of antibiotic therapy could serve as a novel approach for preventing or treating opportunistic infections by disseminating enteric pathobionts like E. faecalis.
Author List
Jennings KC, Johnson KE, Hayward MA, Kristich CJ, Salzman NHAuthors
Kaitlin Johnson PhD, BS Research Scientist I in the Obstetrics and Gynecology department at Medical College of WisconsinNita H. Salzman PhD, MD Center Director, Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin
MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AnimalsCX3C Chemokine Receptor 1
Colon
Enterococcus faecalis
Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections
Lymph Nodes
Macrophages
Mice
Mice, Inbred C57BL
Receptors, CCR2
Receptors, CCR7
Receptors, Chemokine
