Abstract

The interplay between host nutritional immune mechanisms and bacterial nutrient uptake systems has a major impact on the disease outcome. The host immune factor calprotectin (CP) limits the availability of essential transition metals, such as manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn), to control the growth of invading pathogens. We previously demonstrated that the competition between CP and the human pathogen group A streptococcus (GAS) for Zn impacts GAS pathogenesis. However, the contribution of Mn sequestration by CP in GAS infection control and the role of GAS Mn acquisition systems in overcoming host-imposed Mn limitation remain unknown. Using a combination of