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Visualisation and Quantification of Intracellular Interactions of Neisseria meningitidis and Human α-actinin by Confocal Imaging
12:58

Visualisation and Quantification of Intracellular Interactions of Neisseria meningitidis and Human α-actinin by Confocal Imaging

Published on: October 24, 2010

A functional two-partner secretion system contributes to adhesion of Neisseria meningitidis to epithelial cells

Corinna Schmitt1, David Turner, Maria Boesl

  • 1University of Wuerzburg, Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, E1, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany.

Journal of Bacteriology
|September 18, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Neisseria meningitidis utilizes a two-partner secretion (TPS) system, involving HrpA and HrpB proteins, for outer membrane translocation. This system influences bacterial interaction with epithelial cells, with variations in HrpA affecting function.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Bacterial Pathogenesis

Background:

  • Neisseria meningitidis is a common nasopharyngeal bacterium that can cause invasive diseases.
  • Two-partner secretion (TPS) systems are crucial for protein transport in various bacteria.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize the functional two-partner secretion (TPS) system in Neisseria meningitidis.
  • To investigate the role of the HrpA effector protein and HrpB transporter in N. meningitidis.

Main Methods:

  • Genetic analysis of TPS system components (hrpA and hrpB genes).
  • Protein translocation and processing assays.
  • Bacterial interaction assays with epithelial cells.

Main Results:

  • A functional TPS system, comprising HrpA and HrpB, was identified in N. meningitidis.
  • HrpA undergoes proteolytic processing to a mature 180-kDa form during translocation.
  • Immature HrpA accumulates intracellularly in the absence of HrpB.
  • Mature HrpA associated with bacteria contributes to epithelial cell interaction.

Conclusions:

  • The study elucidates the mechanism and function of the TPS system in N. meningitidis.
  • Variations in HrpA C-terminal sequences were observed.
  • The TPS system plays a role in the interaction of N. meningitidis with host epithelial cells.

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