Intracellular Infection by Invasive Group A Streptococci

项目描述（由申请人提供）：本项目将明确细胞内侵袭与A群链球菌发病机制的关系。实验将进一步研究链球菌利用宿主细胞外基质（ECM）和受体信号系统进入细胞内状态的分子机制。体内实验将采用小鼠鼻内感染模型，研究细胞内侵袭在鼻腔相关淋巴组织持续感染中的作用。实验将评估链球菌是否优先感染该组织。我们认为持久性取决于链球菌被淋巴组织中特定细胞有效摄取的潜力。从这项研究中获得的信息可能会确定抗生素开发的新靶点，并增加我们对这种病原体在人群中持续存在的机制的理解。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This project will define the relationship between intracellular invasion and group A streptococcal pathogenesis. Experiments will further investigate the molecular mechanisms by which streptococci commandeer the extracellular matrix (ECM) and receptor signaling systems of host cells to reach an intracellular state. In vivo experiments will investigate the role of intracellular invasion in persistent infection of nasal associated lymphoid tissue, employing a murine intranasal infection model. Experiments will evaluate whether streptococci preferentially infect this tissue. We propose that persistence depends on the potential of streptococci to be efficiently ingested by specific cells in this lymphoid tissue. Information gained from this study may identify new targets for antibiotic development, and increase our understanding of the mechanisms by which this pathogen persists in human populations.