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C5a-mediated neutrophil dysfunction is RhoA-dependent and predicts infection in critically ill patients

Lookup NU author(s): Professor John SimpsonORCiD

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Abstract

Critically ill patients are at heightened risk for nosocomial infections. The anaphylatoxin C5a impairs phagocytosis by neutrophils. However, the mechanisms by which this occurs and the relevance for acquisition of nosocomial infection remain undetermined. We aimed to characterize mechanisms by which C5a inhibits phagocytosis in vitro and in critically ill patients, and to define the relationship between C5a-mediated dysfunction and acquisition of nosocomial infection. In healthy human neutrophils, C5a significantly inhibited RhoA activation, preventing actin polymerization and phagocytosis. RhoA inhibition was mediated by PI3K delta. The effects on RhoA, actin, and phagocytosis were fully reversed by GMCSF. Parallel observations were made in neutrophils from critically ill patients, that is, impaired phagocytosis was associated with inhibition of RhoA and actin polymerization, and reversed by GM-CSF. Among a cohort of 60 critically ill patients, C5a-mediated neutrophil dysfunction (as determined by reduced CD88 expression) was a strong predictor for subsequent acquisition of nosocomial infection (relative risk, 5.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-22; P = .0007), and remained independent of time effects as assessed by survival analysis (hazard ratio, 5.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-8.3; P = .01). In conclusion, this study provides new insight into the mechanisms underlying immunocompromise in critical illness and suggests novel avenues for therapy and prevention of nosocomial infection. (Blood. 2011; 117(19): 5178-5188)

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Author(s): Morris AC, Brittan M, Wilkinson TS, McAuley DF, Antonelli J, McCulloch C, Barr LC, McDonald NA, Dhaliwal K, Jones RO, Mackellar A, Haslett C, Hay AW, Swann DG, Anderson N, Laurenson IF, Davidson DJ, Rossi AG, Walsh TS, Simpson AJ

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Blood

Year: 2011

Volume: 117

Issue: 19

Pages: 5178-5188

Print publication date: 12/05/2011

ISSN (print): 0006-4971

ISSN (electronic): 1528-0020

Publisher: American Society of Hematology

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1182/blood-2010-08-304667

DOI: 10.1182/blood-2010-08-304667

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