Characterization of the interactions of the pneumolysoid, Δ6 PLY, with human neutrophils in vitro

Cockeran, R., Steel, H.C., Theron, A.J., Mitchell, T.J., Feldman, C. and Anderson, R. (2011) Characterization of the interactions of the pneumolysoid, Δ6 PLY, with human neutrophils in vitro. Vaccine, 29(48), pp. 8780-8782. (doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2011.09.080)

Abstract

The pneumolysin toxoid, Δ6 PLY, is a prototype pneumococcal protein vaccine candidate. However, its potentially detrimental residual pro-inflammatory interactions with human neutrophils are unknown. In the current study the effects of the toxoid (8–1000 ng/ml) have been compared with those of wild-type pneumolysin (WT/PLY, 8 ng/ml) on neutrophil cytosolic Ca²⁺ fluxes, generation of leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄), and release of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), using spectrofluorimetric, and ELISA procedures (LTB₄ and MMP-9) respectively. Exposure of neutrophils to WT/PLY resulted in influx of Ca²⁺ and significant (P < 0.05) release of MMP-9 and generation of LTB₄. However, treatment of the cells with Δ6 PLY at concentrations of up to 1000 ng/ml had only trivial effects on Ca²⁺ influx and no effects on either release of MMP-9 or LTB₄ production. The observed absence of pro-inflammatory interactions of Δ6 PLY with neutrophils is clearly an important property of this pneumococcal protein vaccine candidate.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Mitchell, Professor Timothy
• Authors: Cockeran, R., Steel, H.C., Theron, A.J., Mitchell, T.J., Feldman, C., and Anderson, R.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
• Journal Name: Vaccine
• ISSN: 0264-410X