Moraxella catarrhalis-induced apoptosis in respiratory epithelial cells

Introduction: Moraxella catarrhalis is a major cause of infectious exacerbations of chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). Respiratory epithelial cells are particularly exposed to infections with this pathogen but the molecular mechanisms underlying their pathogenesis remain undefined. Apoptosis of lung epithelium is involved in the development of emphysema which often is associated with COPD progression. Herein we tested the hypothesis that M. catarrhalis induced apoptosis in pulmonary epithelial cells. Methods: A549 cells, SAE cells, Western blot, Cell Death ELISA, Caspase activity assay, Electro-microscopy.…