Anatomical site-specific immunomodulation by bacterial biofilms

Abstract

Purpose of review The human body plays host to bacterial biofilms across diverse anatomical sites. The treatment of pathogenic biofilm infection is confounded by their high rate of antibiotic resistance. Therefore, it is critical to understand the interplay between these biofilms and the host immune system to develop new tactics to combat these infections. Recent findings Bacterial biofilms and the components they produce affect and are affected by the host immune system. Host anatomical sites represent distinct niches in which defined bacterial biofilms are able to form and interact with the host immune system. For persistent colonization to occur, the bacteria must either avoid or suppress the host immune system, or induce an immune response that facilitates their perpetuation. Summary Commensal bacterial biofilms form a protective barrier against colonization by pathogens. Using similar mechanisms, bacteria modulate the immune system to orchestrate persistence and sometimes disease. Clinicians must balance the need to avoid disturbing beneficial commensal biofilms with the difficulty in preventing or treating pathogenic bacterial biofilms such as those that develop on medical implants and open wounds.

An in vivo atlas of host–pathogen transcriptomes during Streptococcus pneumoniae colonization and disease

“…We observed that in Spn genes DE only within the blood, multiple metal ion-scavenging genes were up-regulated. Ribosomal proteins were down-regulated in the heart, possibly suggesting a slowdown of translation as the pneumococcus transitions into a biofilm state, as previously described (8,38). It is tempting to hypothesize that Spn may have evolved mechanisms enabling its transition to a low inflammation-triggering biofilm mode in certain organs.…”

A Comprehensive Study on the Antimicrobial Properties of Resveratrol as an Alternative Therapy

“…e benefit of bacteria-based biofilm formation is developing a more stable atmosphere to protect against environmental threats, namely, phagocytosis and antimicrobials [134]. Biofilms have become a clinically significant problem linked to chronic and persistent infections [142,143]. RSV has also been observed for its capacity to minimize the development of biofilms on different bacterial pathogens [144].…”

Antibiofilm peptides: overcoming biofilm-related treatment failure

“…43 The extracellular matrix typically contains exopolysaccharides as well as varying levels of extracellular nucleic acids, lipids and proteins, and its exact molecular composition and architecture is highly dependent on the microbial species as well as incorporated host factors and nutrients at the site of infection. 11,43,44 Representing up to 90% of the volume of mature biolms, the extracellular matrix substantially increases the total biomass of microbial communities. 12 Indeed, the way biolms are structured impacts the efficiency of host responses by triggering a phenomenon termed frustrated phagocytosis.…”