Open AccessInflammation: A Double-Edged Sword in the Response to <b><i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i></b> Infection
Author(s) -
Christina K. Lin,
Barbara I. Kazmierczak
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of innate immunity
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.078
H-Index - 64
eISSN - 1662-8128
pISSN - 1662-811X
DOI - 10.1159/000455857
Subject(s) - pseudomonas aeruginosa , pathogen , inflammation , innate immune system , immunology , immune system , microbiology and biotechnology , immunity , biology , bacteria , genetics
The Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa exploits failures of barrier defense and innate immunity to cause acute infections at a range of anatomic sites. We review the defense mechanisms that normally protect against P. aeruginosa pulmonary infection, as well as the bacterial products and activities that trigger their activation. Innate immune recognition of P. aeruginosa is critical for pathogen clearance; nonetheless, inflammation is also associated with pathogen persistence and poor host outcomes. We describe P. aeruginosa adaptations that improve this pathogen's fitness in the inflamed airway, and briefly discuss strategies to manipulate inflammation to benefit the host. Such adjunct therapies may become increasingly important in the treatment of acute and chronic infections caused by this multi-drug-resistant pathogen.