Exacerbation of cigarette smoke-induced pulmonary inflammation by Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B in mice

Background: Cigarette smoke (CS) is a major risk factor for the development of COPD. CS exposure is associated with an increased risk of bacterial colonization and respiratory tract infection, because of suppressed antibacterial activities of the immune system and delayed clearance of microbial agents from the lungs. Colonization with Staphylococcus aureus results in release of virulent enterotoxins, with superantigen activity which causes T cell activation. Objective: To study the effect of Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B (SEB) on CS-induced inflammation, in a mouse model of COPD. Methods: C57/Bl6 mice were exposed to CS or air for 4 weeks (5 cigarettes/exposure, 4x/day, 5 days/week). Endonasal SEB (10 μg/ml) or saline was concomitantly applied starting from week 3, on alternate days. 24 h after the last CS and SEB exposure, mice were sacrificed and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and lung tissue were collected. Results: Combined exposure to CS and SEB resulted in a raised number of lymphocytes and neutrophils in BAL, as well as increased numbers of CD8 + T lymphocytes and granulocytes in lung tissue, compared to sole CS or SEB exposure. Moreover, concomitant CS/SEB exposure induced both IL-13 mRNA expression in lungs and goblet cell hyperplasia in the airway wall. In addition, combined CS/SEB exposure stimulated the formation of dense, organized aggregates of B- and T- lymphocytes in lungs, as well as significant higher CXCL-13 (protein, mRNA) and CCL19 (mRNA) levels in lungs. Conclusions: Combined CS and SEB exposure aggravates CS-induced inflammation in mice, suggesting that Staphylococcus aureus could influence the pathogenesis of COPD. Background Cigarette smoking is associated with an increased risk of bacterial colonization and respiratory tract infection, because of suppressed antibacterial activities of the immune system and delayed clearance of microbial agents from the lungs [1]. This is particularly relevant in COPD patients, where bacterial colonization in the lower respiratory tract has been shown [2]. These bacteria are implicated both in stable COPD and during exacerbations, where most commonly pneumococci, Haemophilus influenza, Moraxella catarrhalis and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)are found [3]. Interestingly, colonization with S. aureus may embody a major source of superantigens as a set of toxins are being produced including S. aureus enterotoxins (SAEs) [4]. These toxins activate up to 20% of all T cells in the body by binding the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II molecules on antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and specific V beta regions of the T cell receptor [5]. Between 50 and 80% of S. aureus isolates are positive for at least one superantigen gene, and close to 50% of