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Pneumolysin as a vaccine and drug target in the prevention and treatment of invasive pneumococcal disease

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Cockeran R., AndersonR., Feldman C.

Archivum Immunologiae et Therapiae Experimentalis

2005

vol. 53

issue 3

189-198

Streptococcus pneumoniae (the pneumococcus) remains one of the major human pathogens and one of the most common causes of community-acquired pneumonia, otitis media, sinusitis, and meningitis. Aside from the threats posed by emerging antibiotic resistance and infection with the human immunodeficiency virus, the mortality rate among those patients with severe pneumococcal disease who receive seemingly appropriate antimicrobial chemotherapy remains unacceptably high. Because of its involvement in the pathogenesis of invasive disease, pneumolysin, one of the best-characterized virulence factors of the pneumococcus, represents not only a potential vaccine target, but also a target for adjunctive therapy to antibiotics in patients with acute pneumococcal disease. In this paper we review the cytolytic and pro-inflammatory properties of pneumolysin and their involvement in sub-version of host defenses and extra-pulmonary dissemination of the pneumococcus, as well as strategies, both immunological and pharmacological, which may counter these harmful activities of the toxin.

Modulation of pulmonary innate immunity during bacterial infection: animal studies

100%

Schultz M. J., van_ d. P. T.

Archivum Immunologiae et Therapiae Experimentalis

2002

vol. 50

issue 3

159-168

Both the increasing number of immunocompromised patients susceptible to pneumonia, and the development of bacterial resistance are significant problems related to the treatment of pneumonia. The primary outcome of treatment for pneumonia is to tip the balance to a successful host response. An ideal approach would be the combination of immunomodulation and conventional antimicrobial therapy for the treatment of pneumonia. It is of increasing importance to understand the components of innate immunity, before immunomodulatory therapy can be applied to patients. Much of our knowledge of the role of alveolar macrophages, cytokines and chemokines in the pathogenesis of pneumonia is derived from animal studies on experimental pneumonia. This article summarizes current information on the role of an alveolar macrophage (AM) and AM-derived mediators in host defense against pneumonia.

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2 Archivum Immunologiae et Therapiae Experimentalis

1 2005

1 2002

1 AndersonR.

1 Cockeran R.

1 Feldman C.

1 Schultz M. J.

1 van_ d. P. T.

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Pneumolysin as a vaccine and drug target in the prevention and treatment of invasive pneumococcal disease

Modulation of pulmonary innate immunity during bacterial infection: animal studies