Mitochondria in human neutrophils mediate killing of Staphylococcus aureus.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Neutrophils play a role in innate immunity and are critical for clearance of Staphylococcus aureus. Current understanding of neutrophil bactericidal effects is that NADPH oxidase produces reactive oxygen species (ROS), mediating bacterial killing. Neutrophils also contain numerous mitochondria; since these organelles lack oxidative metabolism, their function is unclear. We hypothesize that mitochondria in human neutrophils contribute to the bactericidal capacity of S. aureus.

Methods

and Findings: Using human neutrophils isolated from healthy volunteers (n = 13; 7 females, 6 males), we show that mitochondria are critical in the immune response to S. aureus. Using live-cell and fixed confocal, and transmission electron microscopy, we show mitochondrial tagging of b

SUBMITTER: Dunham-Snary KJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8758915 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature