Inhibition of Macrophage Apoptosis by <i>Neisseria meningitidis</i> Requires Nitric Oxide Detoxification Mechanisms

Abstract

Host-driven macrophage apoptosis contributes to innate immunity during bacterial infection. Neisseria meningitidis inhibits apoptosis in a variety of cells, but its impact on macrophage apoptosis is unknown. We demonstrate that N. meningitidis prevents macrophage apoptosis via genes encoding nitric oxide detoxification and a porin, PorB.