title: Multifunctional role of human SPLUNC1 in Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection.
abstract: The human short PLUNC1 (SPLUNC1) protein has been identified as a component of the pulmonary antimicrobial response based on its structural similarity to the bactericidal/permeability-increasing (BPI) protein. Using a genetically modified mouse model, we recently verified the antimicrobial activity of SPLUNC1 against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in vivo. To further define the mechanism of epithelial SPLUNC1-mediated antibacterial action, we carried out studies to determine how SPLUNC1 protects the host from acute respiratory infections. P. aeruginosa treated with recombinant human SPLUNC1 protein showed decreased growth in vitro. This antibacterial activity was due to growth inhibition, as a consequence of a SPLUNC1-induced increase in bacterial cell permeability. Removal of SPLUNC1 allowed the recovery of P. aeruginosa and suggested no permanent cell injury or direct killing of bacteria. Further investigation showed coating of bacterial cells by SPLUNC1. We suggest that this "bacterial cell coating" is necessary for the bacteriostatic function of SPLUNC1. Additionally, we demonstrated a novel role for SPLUNC1 as a chemoattractant that facilitated migration of macrophages and neutrophils. Taking the findings together, we propose synergistic roles for human SPLUNC1 as an antibacterial agent with bacteriostatic and chemotactic activities.
authors.affiliation: Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: Sameera
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sayeed
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Nistico
authors.forename: Claudette
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: St Croix
authors.forename: Y Peter
authors.initials: YP
authors.lastname: Di
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D023181:Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D018922:HL-60 Cells; D006801:Humans; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D010539:Permeability; D010750:Phosphoproteins / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D011485:Protein Binding / Q000276:immunology; D011552:Pseudomonas Infections / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D011550:Pseudomonas aeruginosa / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D023181:Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides; C485599:BPIFA1 protein, human; D001798:Blood Proteins; D006023:Glycoproteins; D010750:Phosphoproteins; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; C021623:bactericidal permeability increasing protein