Mitochondria sense bacterial lactate and drive release of neutrophil extracellular traps.

Neutrophils induce oxidative stress, creating a harsh phagosomal environment. However, Staphylococcus aureus can survive these conditions, requiring neutrophils to deploy mechanisms that sense bacterial persistence. We find that staphylococcal lactate is a metabolic danger signal that triggers neutrophil extracellular trap release (NETosis).

Identification of Zinc-Dependent Mechanisms Used by Group B To Overcome Calprotectin-Mediated Stress.

Nutritional immunity is an elegant host mechanism used to starve invading pathogens of necessary nutrient metals. Calprotectin, a metal-binding protein, is produced abundantly by neutrophils and is found in high concentrations within inflammatory sites during infection. Group B (GBS) colonizes the gastrointestinal and female reproductive tracts and is commonly associated with severe invasive infections in newborns such as pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis.