Characterization of the Response of A549 Cells to Aspergillus fumigatus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa: A Proteomic Perspective

The following describes additional preliminary data to that outlined in Project PXD014022 and specifically describes the 12-hour co-exposure and P. aeruginosa 12 hour exposure preliminary experiments. Aspergillus fumigatus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are the most prevalent fungal and bacterial pathogens associated with cystic fibrosis-related infections, respectively. P. aeruginosa eventually predominates as the primary pathogen, though it is unknown why this is the case. Label-free quantitative (LFQ) proteomics was employed to characterize the cellular response to co-exposure of A. fumigatus and P. aeruginosa using the type II alveolar epithelial cell line, A549, as a model of the alveolar surface. Proteomic data revealed that P. aeruginosa replication increased exponentially when co-cultured with A. fumigatus. Comparative analysis using LFQ proteomics revealed similarities and distinct differences in the response of A549 cells to A. fumigatus, or P. aeruginosa and sequential exposure to both pathogens. In total, 2264 proteins were identified. Analysis of statistically significant (p<0.05; ±1.5 fold change) differentially abundant (SSDA) proteins, revealed an increase in the relative abundance of proteins associated with biological processes common to all pathogen-exposed groups.