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Identification of a mannose-binding pilus on Vibrio cholerae El Tor
G Jonson1, J Holmgren, A M Svennerholm
1Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Göteborg, Sweden.
Abstract:
The mannose-sensitive hemagglutinin (MSHA) that is associated with Vibrio cholerae strains of El Tor biotype is identified as a pilus composed of subunits with a molecular mass of approximately 17 kDa. In immunoelectron microscopy, a monoclonal antibody against MSHA that inhibited El Tor vibrio-mediated mannose-sensitive agglutination of chicken erythrocytes or El Tor bacterial binding to mannose-coated agarose beads, bound specifically to repetitive subunits along typical fimbriae extending from the surface of El Tor vibrios. No such pili were seen on the surface of MSHA negative classical vibrios, although non-surface exposed fimbrial subunits could be demonstrated in these bacteria by immunoblotting techniques.
Insights
The mannose-sensitive hemagglutinin (MSHA) is a pilus on Vibrio cholerae El Tor, crucial for bacterial adhesion. This study visualizes MSHA pili on El Tor strains, differentiating them from classical strains lacking surface pili.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- The mannose-sensitive hemagglutinin (MSHA) is a surface protein associated with Vibrio cholerae El Tor biotype.
- MSHA plays a role in the adhesion and virulence of Vibrio cholerae.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the structure and localization of MSHA in Vibrio cholerae El Tor.
- To differentiate MSHA expression between El Tor and classical Vibrio cholerae biotypes.
Main Methods:
- Immunoelectron microscopy using a monoclonal antibody against MSHA.
- Analysis of bacterial binding to mannose-coated agarose beads.
- Immunoblotting techniques to detect fimbrial subunits.
Main Results:
- MSHA was identified as a pilus composed of approximately 17 kDa subunits, extending from the surface of Vibrio cholerae El Tor.
- A monoclonal antibody against MSHA specifically bound to these surface pili and inhibited hemagglutination and bacterial adhesion.
- MSHA pili were absent on the surface of MSHA-negative classical Vibrio cholerae, though internal subunits were detected.
Conclusions:
- MSHA is a surface-displayed pilus structure in Vibrio cholerae El Tor, distinct from classical strains.
- The structural and localization differences of MSHA contribute to the phenotypic variations between Vibrio cholerae biotypes.