Bruton ’s Tyrosine Kinase in Neutrophils Is Crucial for Host Defense against < b > < i > Klebsiella pneumoniae < /i > < /b >

In this study, we determined the contribution of Btk in B cells and neutrophils to host defense against the extracellular bacterial pathogenKlebsiella pneumoniae, a common cause of pulmonary infections and sepsis.Btk−/− mice were highly susceptible toKlebsiella infection, which was not reversed by Btk re-expression in B cells and restoration of natural antibody levels. Neutrophil-specific Btk deficiency impaired host defense againstKlebsiella to a similar extent as complete Btk deficiency. Neutrophil-specific Btk deficiency abolished extracellular reactive oxygen species production in response toKlebsiella. These data indicate that expression of Btk in neutrophils is crucial, while in B cells, it is dispensable for in vivo host defense againstK. pneumoniae.J Innate Immun
Source: Journal of Innate Immunity - Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research