Role of Streptococcus pneumoniae Proteins in Evasion of Complement-Mediated Immunity

Author(s)

Andre, Greiciely O. ; Converso, Thiago R. ; Politano, Walter R. ; Ferraz, Lucio F. C. ; Ribeiro, Marcelo L. ; Leite, Luciana C. C. ; Darrieux, Michelle

• Document type: Review article
• Source: FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY; v. 8, FEB 20 2017.
• Web of Science Citations: 16

Abstract

The complement system plays a central role in immune defense against Streptococcus pneumoniae. In order to evade complement attack, pneumococci have evolved a number of mechanisms that limit complement mediated opsonization and subsequent phagocytosis. This review focuses on the strategies employed by pneumococci to circumvent complement mediated immunity, both in vitro and in vivo. At last, since many of the proteins involved in interactions with complement components are vaccine candidates in different stages of validation, we explore the use of these antigens alone or in combination, as potential vaccine approaches that aim at elimination or drastic reduction in the ability of this bacterium to evade complement. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/01115-9 - Analysis of cellular immune responses induced in the lungs by mouse immunization with pneumococcal hybrid vaccines including PspA and Ply
• Grantee: Michelle Darrieux Sampaio Bertoncini
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants