Mast cell chymase decreases the severity of group B Streptococcus infections

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) or Streptococcus agalactiae are β-hemolytic gram-positive bacteria that colonize the lower genital tracts of women and are frequently associated with infections during pregnancy. Innate immune defenses are critical for controlling GBS dissemination and systemic infection. Mast cells are resident sentinel cells that come into cont act with pathogens early during colonization and infection.

Source: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology - September 12, 2017 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Claire Gendrin, Nicholas J. Shubin, Erica Boldenow, Sean Merillat, Morgan Clauson, Danial Power, Kelly S. Doran, Magnus Abrink, Gunnar Pejler, Lakshmi Rajagopal, Adrian M. Piliponsky Source Type: research