Intrapulmonary Administration of Leukotriene B4 Enhances Pulmonary Host Defense against Pneumococcal Pneumonia

P Mancuso, C Lewis, CH Serezani, D Goel… - Infection and …, 2010 - Am Soc Microbiol
Infection and immunity, 2010Am Soc Microbiol
ABSTRACT Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is a potent lipid mediator of inflammation formed by the 5-
lipoxygenase (5-LO)-catalyzed oxidation of arachidonic acid. We have previously shown
that (i) LTB4 is generated during infection,(ii) its biosynthesis is essential for optimal
antimicrobial host defense,(iii) LT deficiency is associated with clinical states of
immunocompromise, and (iv) exogenous LTB4 augments antimicrobial functions in
phagocytes. Here, we sought to determine whether the administration of LTB4 has …
Abstract
Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is a potent lipid mediator of inflammation formed by the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO)-catalyzed oxidation of arachidonic acid. We have previously shown that (i) LTB4 is generated during infection, (ii) its biosynthesis is essential for optimal antimicrobial host defense, (iii) LT deficiency is associated with clinical states of immunocompromise, and (iv) exogenous LTB4 augments antimicrobial functions in phagocytes. Here, we sought to determine whether the administration of LTB4 has therapeutic potential in a mouse model of pneumonia. Wild-type and 5-LO knockout mice were challenged with Streptococcus pneumoniae via the intranasal route, and bacterial burdens, leukocyte counts, and cytokine levels were determined. LTB4 was administered via the intraperitoneal, intravenous, and intranasal routes prior to pneumococcal infection and by aerosol 24 h following infection. Leukocytes recovered from mice given S. pneumoniae and treated with aerosolized LTB4 were evaluated for expression levels of the p47phox subunit of NADPH oxidase. Intrapulmonary but not systemic pretreatment with LTB4 significantly reduced the lung S. pneumoniae burden in wild-type mice. Aerosolized LTB4 was effective at improving lung bacterial clearance when administered postinoculation in animals with established infection and exhibited greater potency in 5-LO knockout animals, which also exhibited greater baseline susceptibility. Augmented bacterial clearance in response to LTB4 was associated with enhanced monocyte recruitment and leukocyte expression of p47phox. The results of the current study in an animal model serve as a proof of concept for the potential utility of treatment with aerosolized LTB4 as an immunostimulatory strategy in patients with bacterial pneumonia.
American Society for Microbiology