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Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Automated, High-Throughput Detection of Bacterial Adherence to Host Cells
Published on: September 17, 2021
Heparin blocks the adhesion of E. coli O157:H7 to human colonic epithelial cells
Ling Gu1, Hua Wang, Ya-Lan Guo
1Joint Institute of Virology, Jiangsu Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China.
Abstract:
Adhesion of Shiga toxin-producing Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7 to human colonic epithelium is a critical step for infection by this type of bacteria. Here, we demonstrate that adherence of EHEC O157:H7 to cultured human colonic T84 epithelial monolayers can be blocked by heparin and heparan sulfate in a dose-dependent fashion. In doing this, heparin and heparan sulfate also prevent dysfunction of the T84 barrier and disorganization of epithelial tight junction protein ZO-1 caused by EHEC O157:H7. This inhibition by heparin and heparan sulfate seems to result from a block in the binding interactions of bacteria intimin with epithelial beta(1) integrins. This study provides evidence, for the first time, that heparin and heparan sulfate can serve as novel effective blockers in preventing EHEC O157:H7 infection.
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