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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
Microscopy-based Assays for High-throughput Screening of Host Factors Involved in Brucella Infection of Hela Cells
Published on: August 5, 2016
[Modeling of Brucella persistence in macrophage-like cells in vitro]
Aim:
To develop model of chronic brucellosis infection in macrophage-like cells in vitro and to study properties of persistence of Brucella in them.
Materials And Methods:
Infection of macrophage-like cells U937 and phagocytes B10.MLM with analysis of B. melitensis 16M intracellular growth and persistence.
Results:
Dependence of intracellular growth and persistence of B. melitensis 16M strain in macrophages U937 from infection's multiplicity (IM) and activation of U937 cells, but notfrom preliminary intracellular adaptation of Brucella was demonstrated. Main parameters of infection (IM, centrifugation during phagocytosis, and time of phagocytosis) with B. melitensis 16M strain was modeled and their influence on persistence of the strain in B10.MLM phagocytes was studied. Centrifugation during phagocytosis resulted in development of long-lasting persistence of B. melitensis 16M in B10.MLM phagocytes. Differences in persistence of Brucella in B10.MLM phagocytes compared with U937 macrophages were demonstrated.
Conclusion:
Intracellular persistence of Brucella in B10.MLM phagocytes depends from high antibacterial activity of the latter. Phagocytes B10.MLM could be used in assays for testing chemical compounds' activities against intracellular invasion and persistence of Brucella on early stages of infection.
Insights
This study models chronic brucellosis infection in macrophages, revealing that phagocyte antibacterial activity influences Brucella persistence. These models aid in testing compounds against early-stage Brucella invasion.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Context:
- Brucellosis is a persistent zoonotic infection.
- Understanding Brucella persistence within host cells is crucial for treatment.
- Macrophage-like cells are key targets for Brucella infection.
Purpose:
- To develop an in vitro model for chronic brucellosis infection in macrophage-like cells.
- To investigate the intracellular growth and persistence properties of Brucella melitensis 16M.
- To analyze factors influencing Brucella persistence, including infection multiplicity and cell activation.
Summary:
- Brucella melitensis 16M intracellular growth and persistence in U937 macrophages depend on infection multiplicity and cell activation, not bacterial adaptation.
- Centrifugation during phagocytosis promoted long-lasting Brucella persistence in B10.MLM phagocytes.
- Differences in Brucella persistence were observed between U937 macrophages and B10.MLM phagocytes, with the latter showing higher antibacterial activity.
Impact:
- The study establishes a model for chronic brucellosis in vitro.
- B10.MLM phagocytes can be utilized for screening compounds against Brucella invasion and persistence.
- This research contributes to developing novel therapeutic strategies for brucellosis.
