High density lipoproteins mediate in vivo protection against staphylococcal phenol-soluble modulins

Josefien W. Hommes, Rachel M. Kratofil, Sigrid Wahlen, Carla J. C. de Haas, Reeni B. Hildebrand, G. Kees Hovingh, Micheal Otto, Miranda van Eck, Menno Hoekstra, Suzanne J. A. Korporaal, Bas G. J. Surewaard

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6 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus virulence has been associated with the production of phenol-soluble modulins (PSMs). These PSMs have distinct virulence functions and are known to activate, attract and lyse neutrophils. These PSM-associated biological functions are inhibited by lipoproteins in vitro. We set out to address whether lipoproteins neutralize staphylococcal PSM-associated virulence in experimental animal models. Serum from both LCAT an ABCA1 knockout mice strains which are characterised by near absence of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, was shown to fail to protect against PSM-induced neutrophil activation and lysis in vitro. Importantly, PSM-induced peritonitis in LCAT−/− mice resulted in increased lysis of resident peritoneal macrophages and enhanced neutrophil recruitment into the peritoneal cavity. Notably, LCAT−/− mice were more likely to succumb to staphylococcal bloodstream infections in a PSM-dependent manner. Plasma from homozygous carriers of ABCA1 variants characterized by very low HDL-cholesterol levels, was found to be less protective against PSM-mediated biological functions compared to healthy humans. Therefore, we conclude that lipoproteins present in blood can protect against staphylococcal PSMs, the key virulence factor of community-associated methicillin resistant S. aureus.
Original languageEnglish
Article number15357
JournalScientific reports
Volume11
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2021

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