Work

An rhs gene of Pseudomonas aeruginosa encodes a virulence protein that activates the inflammasome

Year: 2012

Type: article

Abstract: The rhs genes are a family of enigmatic composite genes, widespread among Gram-negative bacteria. In this study, we characterized rhsT, a Pseudomonas aeruginosa rhs gene that encodes a toxic protein. Expression of rhsT was induced upon contact with phagocytic cells. The RhsT protein was exposed on the bacterial surface and translocated into phagocytic cells; these cells subsequently underwent inflammasome-mediated death. Moreover, RhsT enhanced host secretion of the potent proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 in an inflammasome-dependent manner. In a mouse model of acute pneumonia, infection with a P. aeruginosa strain lacking rhsT was associated with less IL-18 production, fewer recruited leukocytes, reduced pulmonary bacterial load, and enhanced animal survival. Thus, rhsT encodes a virulence determinant that activates the inflammasome.

Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1109285109

Authors: Vanderlene L. Kung, Sonal Khare, Christian Stehlik, Elizabeth M. Bacon, Ami J. Hughes, Alan R. Hauser

Institution: Northwestern University

Language: English

Topic: Bacterial biofilms and quorum sensing

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green