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Prevotella intermedia ATCC 25611 targets host cell lamellipodia in epithelial cell adhesion and invasion

U K Gursoy1, E Könönen, V-J Uitto

  • 1Institute of Dentistry and Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Helsinki University Central Hospital, University of Helsinki, PO Box 63, Helsinki FI-00014, Finland. ulvi.gursoy@helsinki.fi

Oral Microbiology and Immunology
|July 4, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Prevotella intermedia and Prevotella nigrescens bacteria can adhere to and invade epithelial cells, with P. intermedia showing the highest capability. This adhesion is specifically targeted to epithelial cell lamellipodia.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Cell Biology
  • Oral Health

Background:

  • The Prevotella intermedia group, including P. intermedia, P. nigrescens, and P. pallens, are closely related bacteria.
  • These species are implicated in the pathogenesis of oral and gastrointestinal diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the differential adhesion and invasion capabilities of P. intermedia, P. nigrescens, and P. pallens in epithelial cells.
  • To understand the specific mechanisms and cellular targets involved in Prevotella adhesion.

Main Methods:

  • Standard antibiotic/culture assays and fluorescent microscopy were employed to assess bacterial adhesion and invasion.
  • Epithelial cell viability was measured using a commercial cell proliferation assay to evaluate potential toxicity.

Main Results:

  • P. intermedia ATCC 25611 and P. nigrescens ATCC 33263 demonstrated adhesion to epithelial cells, with P. intermedia exhibiting twice the adhesion rate of P. nigrescens.
  • Both strains showed weak invasion capabilities. P. intermedia adhesion was specifically localized to epithelial cell lamellipodia, influenced by lamellipodia formation.
  • No tested Prevotella strains exhibited toxic effects; one clinical P. intermedia strain even enhanced epithelial cell viability.

Conclusions:

  • P. intermedia and P. nigrescens type strains possess the ability to adhere to and invade epithelial cells.
  • P. intermedia ATCC 25611(T) displayed the highest adhesion and invasion potential within this group.
  • This strain exhibits a unique affinity for binding to epithelial cell lamellipodia, suggesting a specific interaction mechanism.

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