Cyclic-di-GMP is required for corneal infection byPseudomonas aeruginosaand modulates host immunity
AbstractBiofilms are extremely tolerant toward antimicrobial treatment and host immune clearance due to their distinct physiology and protection by extracellular polymeric substances. Bis-(3´-5´)-cyclic dimeric guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP) is an essential messenger that regulates biofilm formation by a wide range of bacteria. However, there is a lack of physiological characterization of biofilmsin vivoas well as the roles of c-di-GMP signaling in mediating host-biofilm interactions. Here, we employed dual RNA-Seq to characterize the host and pathogen transcriptomes duringPseudomonas aeruginosainfection using a mouse keratitis model.In vivo P. aeruginosabiofilms maintained a distinct physiology compared within vitro P. aeruginosabiofilms, with enhanced virulence and iron uptake capacity. C-di-GMP synthesis was enhanced inP. aeruginosacellsin vivo,potentially due to down-regulation of the expression of several phosphodiesterases (e.g., DipA, NbdA). Increased intracellular c-di-GMP levels were required for long-term ocular colonization ofP. aeruginosaand impaired host innate immunity.