G-CSFR antagonism reduces neutrophilic inflammation during pneumococcal and influenza respiratory infections without compromising clearance

Abstract

Excessive neutrophilic inflammation can contribute to the pathogenesis of pneumonia. Whilst anti-inflammatory therapies such as corticosteroids are used to treat excessive inflammation, they do not selectively target neutrophils and may compromise antimicrobial or antiviral defences. In this study, neutrophil trafficking was targeted with a granulocyte-colony stimulating factor receptor monoclonal antibody (G-CSFR mAb) during Streptococcus pneumoniae (serotype 19F) or influenza A virus (IAV, strain HKx31) lung infection in mice. Firstly, we demonstrated that neutrophils are indispensable for the clearance of S. pneumoniae from the airways using an anti-Ly6G monoclonal antibody (1A8 mAb), as ..