A Moonlighting Protein Secreted by aNasal Microbiome Fortifies the Innate Host Defense Against Bacterial and Viral Infections
- Author:
Gwanghee KIM
1
;
Yoojin LEE
;
Jin Sun YOU
;
Wontae HWANG
;
Jeewon HWANG
;
Hwa Young KIM
;
Jieun KIM
;
Ara JO
;
In ho PARK
;
Mohammed ALI
;
Jongsun KIM
;
Jeon-Soo SHIN
;
Ho-Keun KWON
;
Hyun Jik KIM
;
Sang Sun YOON
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Immune Network 2023;23(4):e31-
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: Evidence suggests that the human respiratory tract, as with the gastrointestinal tract, has evolved to its current state in association with commensal microbes. However, little is known about how the airway microbiome affects the development of airway immune system. Here, we uncover a previously unidentified mode of interaction between host airway immunity and a unique strain (AIT01) of Staphylococcus epidermidis, a predominant species of the nasal microbiome. Intranasal administration of AIT01 increased the population of neutrophils and monocytes in mouse lungs. The recruitment of these immune cells resulted in the protection of the murine host against infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a pathogenic bacterium.Interestingly, an AIT01-secreted protein identified as GAPDH, a well-known bacterial moonlighting protein, mediated this protective effect. Intranasal delivery of the purified GAPDH conferred significant resistance against other Gram-negative pathogens (Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii) and influenza A virus. Our findings demonstrate the potential of a native nasal microbe and its secretory protein to enhance innate immune defense against airway infections. These results offer a promising preventive measure, particularly relevant in the context of global pandemics.
