This application seeks to understand how the innate immune system influences the pathogenesis of Salmonella typhimurium. We are studying this issue by examining Salmonella virulence in mice and cells deficient in Toll- like receptors (TLRs). To unmask potentially critical host-pathogen interactions in this model, we have generated these TLR-deficient strains with a functional allele of Nramp-1, a divalent metal transporter that is mutated in many inbred mouse strains. Lack of functional Nramp-1 renders mice extremely susceptible to intracellular pathogens. Using these mouse strains we have made the surprising discovery that TLR- dependent phagosome acidification is required for induction of SPI-2 virulence genes. Thus, in macrophages lacking most or all TLR signaling, Salmonella is unable to create a replicative compartment. Surprisingly, this requirement for TLR signaling is only evident in cells with functional Nramp-1, suggesting that both TLRs and Nramp-1 manipulate the phagosomal environment. Salmonella is less virulent in mice lacking some, but not all, TLR signaling, consistent with an inability to replicate in macrophages. However, mice completely lacking TLR signaling are quite susceptible to Salmonella, suggesting that Salmonella is somehow able to cause disease in these animals without replicating in macrophages.
The Aims of this grant focus on understanding how Nramp-1 and TLRs influence the niche where Salmonella replicates.
In Aim 1, we will examine how Nramp-1 influences the phagosomal environment in the absence of TLR signaling.
In Aim 2, we will examine how the level of TLR signaling can influence where Salmonella replicates in vivo.
In Aim 3, we will exploit Salmonella's requirement for TLR signaling in mice with reduced TLR function. This requirement will be used to identify key cell types in which Salmonella must replicate while spreading systemically from intestinal sites.

Public Health Relevance

This application examines how the innate immune system influences disease caused by bacterial pathogens. The research focuses on S. typhimurium, a leading cause of bacterial foodborne-disease outbreaks.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
1R01AI104914-01
Application #
8478572
Study Section
Host Interactions with Bacterial Pathogens Study Section (HIBP)
Program Officer
Alexander, William A
Project Start
2013-01-18
Project End
2017-12-31
Budget Start
2013-01-18
Budget End
2013-12-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2013
Total Cost
$329,940
Indirect Cost
$118,440
Name
University of California Berkeley
Department
Biochemistry
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
124726725
City
Berkeley
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
94704
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