Activation of NF‐κB in human neutrophils during phagocytosis of bacteria independently of oxidant generation

Abstract

We have exposed human neutrophils to opsonized Staphylococcus aureus and used an electrophoretic mobility shift assay to show activation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB above basal levels. Activation was evident within 10 min and was increased with higher bacteria:neutrophil ratios. The neutrophil NADPH oxidase inhibitor diphenylene iodonium, catalase, and other oxidant scavengers did not inhibit NF-kappaB activation, and no activation was seen with added hydrogen peroxide. Oxidants produced during phagocytosis, therefore, are not involved in the activation mechanism.