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Internalization and intracellular survival of Mycoplasma pneumoniae by non-phagocytic cells

A Yavlovich1, M Tarshis, S Rottem

  • 1Department of Membrane and Ultrastructure Research, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 91120, Israel.

FEMS Microbiology Letters
|April 6, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Mycoplasma pneumoniae can invade and survive inside human lung carcinoma cells, offering protection from antibiotics and the immune system. This intracellular survival may explain its disease-causing potential.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Cell Biology
  • Pathogenesis

Background:

  • Mycoplasmas typically attach to host epithelial cells.
  • Some mycoplasmas can enter non-phagocytic host cells.
  • Understanding mycoplasma invasion mechanisms is crucial for disease control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the invasion and intracellular survival of Mycoplasma pneumoniae strain M129 in host cells.
  • To determine the cellular localization and persistence of M. pneumoniae within host cells.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized HeLa and A549 (human lung carcinoma) cell lines.
  • Employed confocal laser scanning microscopy for qualitative assessment.
  • Used gentamicin resistance assay for quantitative analysis of internalization.

Main Results:

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae successfully invaded and survived within A549 cells, but not HeLa cells.
  • Internalization was dependent on infection duration and temperature.
  • The organism was found in the cytoplasm and perinuclear regions, persisting long-term.

Conclusions:

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae can establish an intracellular niche within susceptible host cells.
  • This intracellular location provides protection from host defenses and antibiotics.
  • Intracellular survival is a potential factor contributing to the pathogenicity of Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

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