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B Cells as a host of Persistent Salmonella Typhimurium
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  • Alonso D. Cruz-Cruz,
  • Jocelyn C. Pérez-Lara,
  • Diana Z. Velázquez,
  • Gabriela Hernández-Galicia,
  • Vianney Ortíz-Navarrete
Alonso D. Cruz-Cruz
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Jocelyn C. Pérez-Lara
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Diana Z. Velázquez
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Gabriela Hernández-Galicia
Cinvestav
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Vianney Ortíz-Navarrete
Cinvestav

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Abstract

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium ( S. Tm) can colonize different intracellular niches, either actively dividing or remaining dormant to persist. Bacterial persisters are phenotypic variants that temporarily enter a non-replicative state. This allows them to evade host cell defenses and antibiotics, leading to chronic infections. We previously reported that during chronic periods, Salmonella remains within B cells in the bone marrow and spleen. However, the dynamics of Salmonella replication and the formation of antibiotic tolerance in infected B cells have not been studied. Here we show that B cells are a favorable reservoir for bacterial persistence. In vitro and in vivo experiments identified non-replicating, persistent Salmonella subsets in splenic B cells. These non-replicative Salmonella are tolerant to antibiotics (cefotaxime and ciprofloxacin), while replicative bacteria remain susceptible. Infected mice demonstrated viable, non-replicative Salmonella in spleen B cells, maintaining antibiotic tolerance. Although acid intravacuolar pH and SPI-2 regulators (SsrA/SsrB) are not necessary for Salmonella persistence in B cells, the SehA/B toxin-antitoxin system facilitates the formation of the persistent phenotype in Salmonella. Overall, we show that B cells are a reservoir for non-replicating, antibiotic-tolerant Salmonella.
12 Aug 2024Submitted to Immunology
13 Aug 2024Submission Checks Completed
13 Aug 2024Assigned to Editor
13 Aug 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
23 Aug 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned