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Human complement factor H binds to outer membrane protein Rck of Salmonella
Derek K Ho1, Hanna Jarva, Seppo Meri
1Infection Biology Program, Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland.
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|July 13, 2010
Summary
Salmonella
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Serum resistance is a critical virulence factor for pathogens.
- Rck protein from Salmonella confers serum resistance.
- A related protein, Ail, binds complement factor H (fH).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if Rck protein binds complement factor H (fH).
- To determine if Rck-mediated fH binding confers serum resistance.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry and direct binding assays were used to detect fH binding to Rck.
- Bacterial killing assays assessed serum resistance.
- Complement component deposition was measured.
Main Results:
- Rck protein expressed in E. coli directly binds human factor H (fH).
- Rck-expressing bacteria showed resistance to complement-mediated killing.
- fH binding to Rck facilitated C3b cleavage, reducing complement deposition.
Conclusions:
- Rck protein binds and functionally utilizes human factor H (fH).
- This interaction confers resistance to complement-mediated killing.
- Rck-mediated fH binding is a key mechanism for Salmonella serum resistance.
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