Phagocytic oxidative burst generates reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) that are directly involved in killing bacterial pathogens, but can also cause tissue damage when produced in excess. Phagocytic cells utilize the NADPH oxidase to produce superoxide (O2 -), while nitric oxide (NO) is produced by the iNOS enzyme. Extracellular superoxide dismutase (ecSOD) is an anti-oxidant enzyme that converts O2 - into hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), thus protecting tissues from oxidative stress and immune-mediated inflammation. Although it is well established that neutrophils are required for the clearance of bacterial pathogens, it is not known how ecSOD impacts the function of neutrophils. Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) is an intracellular bacterium that is widely used as a model pathogen to study immune responses and host/pathogen interactions. Lm infection causes a very high mortality rate (~25%), and is a serious public health concern. Clinical infection with Lm can cause spontaneous abortions in women, and gastroenteritis, septicemia, endocarditis, and meningitis in immunocompromised individuals. Using novel congenic mice that express varying levels of ecSOD activity (ecSOD HI, ecSOD WT, and ecSOD KO), we have recently demonstrated that the presence of host ecSOD significantly decreases neutrophil function and host resistance to Lm infection. These novel observations have led to our central hypothesis: production of ecSOD by parenchymal cells inhibits bacterial killing by neutrophils, thus leading to reduced clearance of Lm. In vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo approaches will be utilized to test the following specific aims.
Specific Aim 1 : To determine how ecSOD inhibits protective neutrophil responses during Lm infection. Our working hypothesis is that phagocytosis of ecSOD by neutrophils results in decreased oxidative burst and bacterial killing during Lm infection. Specifi Aim 2: To determine whether ecSOD production by hematopoietic or parenchymal cells decreases the clearance of Lm. Our working hypothesis is that parenchymal cell production of ecSOD decreases resistance to Lm by inhibiting neutrophil responses. Upon completion of the aims of this small, yet conceptually innovative R03 grant, we will gain insight into the mechanism of ecSOD-mediated inhibition of neutrophil function during Lm infection. These studies will prompt translational research that leads to treatment options during bacterial infection and vaccination. Modulating host ecSOD activity could be beneficial during a myriad of infectious and inflammatory disease states involving neutrophils. Importantly, there are polymorphisms in the human ecSOD gene which lead to altered activity of the enzyme and impact disease susceptibility. Therefore, our studies, and future therapies resulting from them, may have a direct impact on human health and disease.

Public Health Relevance

Upon completion of the aims of this proposal, we will gain a detailed understanding of how extracellular superoxide dismutase inhibits the function of neutrophils during acute bacterial infection. This understanding will result in targeted, translational research directed at controlling microbial pathogens or generating effective vaccines, thus leading to the prevention or treatment of infectious diseases.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Small Research Grants (R03)
Project #
1R03AI109630-01
Application #
8629443
Study Section
Innate Immunity and Inflammation Study Section (III)
Program Officer
Mills, Melody
Project Start
2014-01-01
Project End
2015-12-31
Budget Start
2014-01-01
Budget End
2014-12-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2014
Total Cost
$73,000
Indirect Cost
$23,000
Name
University of North Texas
Department
Microbiology/Immun/Virology
Type
Other Domestic Higher Education
DUNS #
110091808
City
Fort Worth
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
76107
Break, Timothy J; Witter, Alexandra R; Indramohan, Mohanalaxmi et al. (2016) Extracellular Superoxide Dismutase Enhances Recruitment of Immature Neutrophils to the Liver. Infect Immun 84:3302-3312
Witter, Alexandra R; Okunnu, Busola M; Berg, Rance E (2016) The Essential Role of Neutrophils during Infection with the Intracellular Bacterial Pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. J Immunol 197:1557-65