Adoption of an endocytosis route promoting safe intracellular trafficking is a pre-requisite for development of invasive diseases by #Streptococcus pneumoniae (SPN). We aim to explore the contribution of various endocytic routes in internalization and survival of SPN in blood #brain barrier (#BBB), a key event in development of pneumococcal #meningitis. Pneumococcal entry and survival in brain endothelial cells were evaluated following treatment with combinations of inhibitors to block multiple endocytosis pathways leaving a single entry port open. Entry of SPN into brain endothelium through a novel dynamin independent pathway dictates a separate downstream trafficking itinerary. This allows SPN to evade lysosomal degradation, potentially promoting safe transit across BBB, leading to development of meningitis.
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