Use of Human Monocyte-Derived Macrophages to Study Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infection

Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the human obligate pathogen responsible for the sexually transmitted disease gonorrhea, has evolved several mechanisms to evade the host immune response. One such mechanism is the modulation of host cell death pathways. In this study, we defined cell death pathways induced by N gonorrhoeae in human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs). In a dose-dependent manner, N gonorrhoeae stimulation of MDMs resulted in caspase 1 and 4–dependent cell deaths, indicative of canonical and noncanonical pyroptosis, respectively. Internalization of bacteria or stimulation with lipooligosaccharide (LOS) specifically induced pyroptosis in MDMs and increased secretion of IL-1β. Collectively, our results demonstrate that N gonorrhoeae induces inflammatory pyroptosis in human macrophages due in part to intracellular LOS. We propose that this in turn may exacerbate inflammatory outcomes observed during mucosal infection.

Download Full-text

Ultrastructural observations of human monocytes infected with HIV-1

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100084843 ◽

1991 ◽

Vol 49 ◽

pp. 108-109

Author(s):

James K. Koehler ◽

Steven G. Reed ◽

Joao S. Silva

Keyword(s):

Gradient Centrifugation ◽

Virus Production ◽

Human Monocyte ◽

Red Cross ◽

Human Monocytes ◽

Blood Monocytes ◽

Hiv Replication ◽

Electron Microscopic ◽

Ultrastructural Studies ◽

Hiv 1

As part of a larger study involving the co-infection of human monocyte cultures with HIV and protozoan parasites, electron microscopic observations were made on the course of HIV replication and infection in these cells. Although several ultrastructural studies of the cytopathology associated with HIV infection have appeared, few studies have shown the details of virus production in “normal,” human monocytes/macrophages, one of the natural targets of the virus, and suspected of being a locus of quiescent virus during its long latent period. In this report, we detail some of the interactions of developing virons with the membranes and organelles of the monocyte host.Peripheral blood monocytes were prepared from buffy coats (Portland Red Cross) by Percoll gradient centrifugation, followed by adherence to cover slips. 90-95% pure monocytes were cultured in RPMI with 5% non-activated human AB serum for four days and infected with 100 TCID50/ml of HIV-1 for four hours, washed and incubated in fresh medium for 14 days.

Download Full-text