The Antiphagocytic Activity of SeM of Streptococcus equi Requires Capsule.
Abstract: Resistance to phagocytosis is a crucial virulence property of Streptococcus equi (Streptococcus equi subsp. equi; Se), the cause of equine strangles. The contribution and interdependence of capsule and SeM to killing in equine blood and neutrophils were investigated in naturally occurring strains of Se. Strains CF32, SF463 were capsule and SeM positive, strains Lex90, Lex93 were capsule negative and SeM positive and strains Se19, Se1-8 were capsule positive and SeM deficient. Phagocytosis and killing of Se19, Se1-8, Lex90 and Lex93 in equine blood and by neutrophils suspended in serum were significantly (P ≤ 0.02) greater compared to CF32 and SF463. The results indicate capsule and SeM are both required for resistance to phagocytosis and killing and that the anti-phagocytic property of SeM is greatly reduced in the absence of capsule.
Publication Date: 2014-06-25 PubMed ID: 25013359PubMed Central: PMC4090359DOI: 10.1294/jes.25.53Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research study investigates how Streptococcus equi, a bacterium responsible for a severe equine respiratory disease known as strangles, resists being killed by the immune system. The study finds the bacterium’s resistance to phagocytosis – the process by which cells of the immune system engulf and destroy pathogens – is dependent on two bacterial components: a capsule and a molecule named SeM.
Objectives
- The study primarily aimed to explore the roles and interdependence of the capsule and SeM in resisting destruction by the immune system in equine blood and neutrophils (a type of immune cell).
- It also compared the rate of phagocytosis and killing of different strains of Streptococcus equi that vary in their possession of the capsule and SeM.
Methodology
- The research involved multiple strains of the Streptococcus equi bacterium. Some were positive for both capsule and SeM (strains CF32, SF463), some lacked capsule but had SeM (strains Lex90, Lex93) and others had the capsule but were SeM deficient (strains Se19, Se1-8).
- The degree of phagocytosis and killing of these different strains in equine blood and by neutrophils was examined and compared.
Findings
- Greater phagocytosis and killing occurred in the Se19, Se1-8, Lex90, and Lex93 strains in both equine blood and neutrophils, compared to the CF32 and SF463 strains.
- Notably, this demonstrates that both SeM and the capsule are necessary for the bacterium to resist phagocytosis and killing by the immune system.
- Furthermore, it indicates that the protective property of SeM against phagocytosis is greatly diminished if the bacterium lacks the capsule.
Conclusion
- In conclusion, the findings indicate that the capsule and SeM in Streptococcus equi are both vital for resisting destruction by the immune system.
- This work provides valuable insights into the virulence of this bacterium, which could inform potential therapeutic strategies for equine strangles.
Cite This Article
APA
Timoney JF, Suther P, Velineni S, Artiushin SC.
(2014).
The Antiphagocytic Activity of SeM of Streptococcus equi Requires Capsule.
J Equine Sci, 25(2), 53-56.
https://doi.org/10.1294/jes.25.53 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546-0099, USA.
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546-0099, USA.
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546-0099, USA.
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546-0099, USA.
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This article includes 17 references
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Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Kerstens J, Durmus B, Lambrecht S, Baar I, Ieven MM, Van Der Zijden T, Parizel PM, Menovsky T, Lammens MMY, Jorens PG. Meningoencephalitis with Streptococcus equi Subspecies equi Leading to a Dural Arteriovenous Fistula.. Case Rep Neurol Med 2021;2021:9898364.
- Boyle AG, Timoney JF, Newton JR, Hines MT, Waller AS, Buchanan BR. Streptococcus equi Infections in Horses: Guidelines for Treatment, Control, and Prevention of Strangles-Revised Consensus Statement.. J Vet Intern Med 2018 Mar;32(2):633-647.
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