Legionella pneumophila-induced PKC, P38 MAPK and NF-kB dependent COX-2 expression in human lung epithelium

Introduction: Legionella pneumophila causes community- and hospital-acquired pneumonia. Lung airway and alveolar epithelial cells comprise an important barrier against airborne pathogens. Cyclooxygenase (COX) derived prostaglandins like prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) are considered as important regulators of lung function. Herein we tested the hypothesis that Legionella pneumophila induced COX-2 dependent PGE2 production in pulmonary epithelial cells. Methods: A549 cells, Western blot, ELISA, PKC-kinase assay, EMSA Results: Legionella induced time- and dose-dependently the release of PGE2 in A549 cells as well as the e…