Hot-PBS Extract of Vibrio vulnificus Induces NF-κB Activation

Background: Vibrio vulnificus causes necrotizing fasciitis and liver dysfunction. Although many studies have attempted to clarify the molecular mechanism by which V. vulnificus generates these symptoms, the mechanism remains poorly understood. Methods and findings: We focused on determining the factor derived from V. vulnificus that induces inflammation. We found that an extract of V. vulnificus prepared using hot phosphate buffered saline (PBS) markedly induced the activation of NF-κB. The activation, however, was not caused by lipopolysaccharides, the capsule, peptidoglycans, or NOD1/NOD2 ligands, all of which are known to activate NF-κB. Conclusion: A factor in a hot-PBS extract from V. vulnificus might activate NF-κB through an unknown receptor, and such a factor might play an important role in the etiology of diseases caused by V. vulnificus.