Anaerobic Bacterial Biofilms Inhibit Neutrophil Responses via the Release of Stable Small-Molecule Effectors.

Experiments reveal a minimal neutrophil response to molecules released from biofilm bacteria and may explain the inadequate host response to biofilm-mediated infections. The phenotypic changes in the biofilm mode of growth allow for the generation and accumulation of PPIX, providing protection from host immune clearance mechanisms. Understanding the mechanism of immune avoidance is a crucial step to reduce the persistent inflammation and negative clinical outcomes associated with chronic biofilm-mediated disease.