Krueppel-like Factor 4 terminates Streptococcus pneumonia-dependent IL-8 release and induces IL-10 expression in human Lung Epithelial Cells

Objective: Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause of community-acquired pneumonia throughout the world. The release of potent pro-inflammatory mediators is not only central for mounting an efficient host response, it always bears the risk of deleterious excessive tissue damaging inflammation. This is highlighted in severe pneumococcal pneumonia, in which the delicate balance among a robust inflammatory response to kill pneumococci and loss of organ function determines outcome of disease. The aim of this study was to clarify the role of Krueppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) in pneumococcal pneumonia especially…