Capillary leakage provides nutrients and antioxidants for rapid pneumococcal proliferation in influenza-infected lower airways

Authors:

Sender, V., Hentrich, K., Pathak, A., Ler, A. T. Q., Embaie, B. T., Lundström, S. L., ... & Henriques-Normark, B.

Keywords:

Streptococcus pneumoniae, influenza A virus, pneumococci, redox, imbalance, antioxidants

Abstract:

Influenza A virus (IAV)-related mortality is often due to secondary bacterial infections, primarily by pneumococci. Here, we study how IAV-modulated changes in the lungs affect bacterial replication in the lower respiratory tract (LRT). Bronchoalveolar lavages (BALs) from coinfected mice showed rapid bacterial proliferation 4 to 6 h after pneumococcal challenge. Metabolomic and quantitative proteomic analyses demonstrated capillary leakage with efflux of nutrients and antioxidants into the alveolar space. Pneumococcal adaptation to IAV-induced inflammation and redox imbalance increased the expression of the pneumococcal chaperone/protease HtrA. Presence of HtrA resulted in bacterial growth advantage in the IAV-infected LRT and protection from complement-mediated opsonophagocytosis due to capsular production. Absence of HtrA led to growth arrest in vitro that was partially restored by antioxidants. Pneumococcal ability to grow in the IAV-infected LRT depends on the nutrient-rich milieu with increased levels of antioxidants such as ascorbic acid and its ability to adapt to and cope with oxidative damage and immune clearance.

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