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Human neutrophil α-defensin HNP1 interacts with bacterial OmpA to promote Acinetobacter baumannii biofilm formation

Author

Listed:
  • Chongbing Liao

    (Fudan University)

  • Qihui Liu

    (Fudan University)

  • Gan Luo

    (Fudan University)

  • Yinyue Luo

    (Fudan University)

  • Dan Yao

    (Fudan University)

  • Qingxia Wang

    (Fudan University)

  • Jue Zhang

    (Fudan University)

  • Yang Wu

    (Fudan University)

  • Jialin Jin

    (Fudan University)

  • Dan Xu

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Wuyuan Lu

    (Fudan University)

Abstract

Acinetobacter baumannii is the causative agent of a wide range of nosocomial and community-acquired infections that remain extremely difficult to treat due largely to its antibiotic resistance contributed, in part, by biofilm formation. We find that the prototypic human neutrophil α-defensin HNP1, present in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluids from Acinetobacter baumannii-infected patients, promotes Acinetobacter baumannii biofilm formation through interactions with the bacterial outer membrane protein OmpA. As a result of HNP1-enhanced biofilm formation, Acinetobacter baumannii becomes more tolerant to antibiotics and more readily colonizes host cells and tissues. These unexpected findings contrast the protective roles HNP1 plays in innate immunity against microbial infection, showcasing an example of the host-pathogen arms race where a host defense peptide is exploited by a microbe for pathogenicity.

Suggested Citation

  • Chongbing Liao & Qihui Liu & Gan Luo & Yinyue Luo & Dan Yao & Qingxia Wang & Jue Zhang & Yang Wu & Jialin Jin & Dan Xu & Wuyuan Lu, 2025. "Human neutrophil α-defensin HNP1 interacts with bacterial OmpA to promote Acinetobacter baumannii biofilm formation," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-19, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-60935-7
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60935-7
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