Post-graduate theses

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Identifier	000458934
Title	Akt1 depletion in neonatal macrophages protects from Group B Streptococcus infection via Slamf8-dependent autophagy
Alternative Title	Η έλλειψη της κινάσης Akt1 στα νεογνικά μακροφάγα προστατεύει από τη μόλυνση του Στρεπτοκόκκου τύπου Β μέσω αυτοφαγίας εξαρτώμενης από τον υποδοχέα Slamf8
Author	Χατζησεβαστός, Στέργιος Ι
Thesis advisor	Τσατσάνης, Χρήστος Βεργαδή, Ελένη
Abstract	Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a commensal bacterium that can become highly invasive, posing a threat to vulnerable populations. Neonates are especially at risk, facing severe infections. Despite screening and antibiotics for pregnant women, neonatal transmission remains a concern. Developing a universal GBS vaccine is challenging, making it crucial to identify new protective measures. During infancy, the adaptive immune system is underdeveloped, relying heavily on innate immunity. Macrophages, key innate immune cells, recognize threats through receptors and polarize into pro-inflammatory (M1) or antiinflammatory (M2) states. Akt kinases play a role in this process. In the presence of pathogens, macrophages tend to become M1, enhancing their ability to kill bacteria. Autophagy also aids in pathogen elimination and antigen presentation, boosting the body's defense. Akt1-deficient neonatal macrophages showed enhanced bactericidal capacity against GBS, likely due to their M1-like pro-inflammatory profile. They exhibited increased colocalization of LC3-II, an autophagy component, with GBS, suggesting an elimination pathway. RNA sequencing revealed high Slamf8 receptor expression in Akt1-deficient macrophages, and knocking down Slamf8 reduced bacterial clearance. This receptor promoted LC3-positive phagosome formation in Akt1-deficient cells. This study enhances our understanding of neonatal macrophage responses to bacterial infections and may lead to novel therapeutic targets for neonatal infectious diseases.
Language	English
Subject	Akt1 kinase
	Akt1 κινάση
	GBS
	SLAMF receptors
	Υποδοχείς SLAMF
Issue date	2023-11-24
Collection	School/Department--School of Sciences and Engineering--Department of Biology--Post-graduate theses
	Type of Work--Post-graduate theses
Permanent Link	https://elocus.lib.uoc.gr//dlib/4/3/c/metadata-dlib-1695900488-708829-14050.tkl
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