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Initial steps in Streptococcus pneumoniae interaction with and pathogenicity to the host.
M Shani-Sekler1, S Lifshitz, I Hillel
1Pediatric Infect. Dis. Unit. Soroka Med. Center, Beer Sheva.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|July 18, 2000
Summary
Streptococcus pneumoniae uses adhesins to attach to host cells. Researchers identified lectin proteins from cell walls and membranes that mediate this attachment and invasion, offering potential therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major global pathogen.
- Bacterial adhesion to host cells is crucial for colonization and disease.
- Bacterial adhesins are hypothesized to mediate Streptococcus pneumoniae adhesion and invasiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize bacterial adhesins involved in Streptococcus pneumoniae attachment and invasion.
- To investigate the role of lectin proteins in bacterial adhesion and host cell interactions.
Main Methods:
- Fetuin affinity chromatography was used to purify cell wall and membrane proteins.
- SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis were employed for protein characterization.
- Agglutination assays and cell culture models were used to assess protein function.
Main Results:
- 10 lectin proteins were isolated from cell walls and 15 from membrane extracts.
- Fetuin-captured lectins demonstrated hemagglutination activity.
- Purified proteins interfered with Streptococcus pneumoniae adhesion and invasion of epithelial cells.
Conclusions:
- Lectin proteins from Streptococcus pneumoniae cell walls and membranes play a role in bacterial adhesion and invasion.
- These identified proteins represent potential targets for therapeutic intervention against pneumococcal infections.