M. Bhalla

Streptococcus pneumoniae infection of lung epithelial cells induces internalization of surface GPI-anchored proteins through pneumolysin-mediated activation of host Rho GTPases

This study shows that pneumolysin from Streptococcus pneumoniae causes internalization of GPI-anchored proteins in lung epithelial cells via Rho GTPase activation, reducing cell death and membrane damage.

Sex-based difference in immune responses and efficacy of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine

This study examines sex-based differences in immune responses to the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in mice, finding males have reduced antibody production and vaccine efficacy compared to females.

Activating A1 adenosine receptor signaling boosts early pulmonary neutrophil recruitment in aged mice in response to Streptococcus pneumoniae infection

This study shows that activating A1 adenosine receptors in aged mice enhances early neutrophil recruitment to the lungs during Streptococcus pneumoniae infection, improving bacterial control.

Neutrophil-driven cardiac damage during invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae infection is regulated by CD73

This study shows that neutrophils contribute to cardiac damage during pneumococcal infection, with CD73 playing a protective role by regulating extracellular adenosine production.

Mitochondrial ROS production by neutrophils is required for host antimicrobial function against Streptococcus pneumoniae and is controlled by A2B adenosine receptor signaling

Liposomal encapsulation of polysaccharides (LEPS) as an effective vaccine strategy to protect aged hosts against S. pneumoniae infection

This study evaluates a novel LEPS vaccine platform, showing it effectively protects aged mice against pneumococcal infections, with comparable antibody responses and improved function compared to Prevnar-13.

Transcriptome profiling reveals CD73 and age-driven changes in neutrophil responses against Streptococcus pneumoniae

This study identifies CD73 and age-related transcriptional changes in neutrophils during Streptococcus pneumoniae infection, showing reduced immune responses and impaired bacterial killing in aged and CD73-deficient mice.

Extracellular adenosine signaling reverses the age-driven decline in the ability of neutrophils to kill S. pneumoniae

This study shows that adenosine signaling through A1 receptors improves neutrophil function in aged mice, reversing their reduced ability to kill pneumococcus.

Extracellular adenosine enhances the ability of PMNs to kill Streptococcus pneumoniae by inhibiting IL-10 production

The paper shows that extracellular adenosine, produced via CD73, enhances PMN killing of Streptococcus pneumoniae by inhibiting IL-10 production.

A1 Adenosine Receptor Signaling Reduces Streptococcus pneumoniae Adherence to Pulmonary Epithelial Cells by Targeting Expression of Platelet-Activating Factor Receptor

This study shows that A1 adenosine receptor signaling reduces pneumococcal adherence to lung epithelial cells by downregulating platelet-activating factor receptor, enhancing host resistance to infection.