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Type I Escherichia coli pili: characterization of binding to monkey kidney cells
Abstract:
We have demonstrated binding of purified pili from a strain of Escherichia coli to Vero cell monolayers as a model of prokaryotic-eukaryotic cell adherence. Pili bound to the tissue culture in a rapid reaction that did not require enzymatic activation. Attachment occurred optimally at pH 4-5 and could be inhibited by analogues of D-mannose, anti-pili antibodies, or by preincubation of tissue cells with mannose-specific plant lectins. Binding remained after treatment of the monolayer with glycosidases, trypsin, or a protease mixture but was enhanced after neuraminidase treatment. These results indicate that bacterial binding can occur via pili which act like lectins and presumably bind to mannose-containing glycoproteins on mammalian cell surfaces.
Insights
Escherichia coli pili bind to mammalian cells, acting like lectins. This bacterial adherence mechanism involves mannose-containing glycoproteins on cell surfaces.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Prokaryotic-eukaryotic cell adherence is crucial in microbiology.
- Understanding bacterial attachment mechanisms is key to controlling infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the binding mechanism of purified pili from Escherichia coli to mammalian cells.
- To characterize the factors influencing this bacterial adherence.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Vero cell monolayers as a model for prokaryotic-eukaryotic cell interaction.
- Assessed pili binding under varying pH conditions.
- Investigated inhibition by D-mannose analogues, anti-pili antibodies, and mannose-specific plant lectins.
- Examined the effect of glycosidases, trypsin, protease mixture, and neuraminidase treatment on binding.
Main Results:
- Purified Escherichia coli pili rapidly bound to Vero cell monolayers without enzymatic activation.
- Optimal attachment occurred at pH 4-5.
- Binding was inhibited by D-mannose analogues, anti-pili antibodies, and mannose-specific plant lectins.
- Binding persisted after glycosidase, trypsin, and protease treatment but was enhanced by neuraminidase.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial adherence can be mediated by pili functioning as lectins.
- Pili likely bind to mannose-containing glycoproteins on mammalian cell surfaces.
- This mechanism provides insight into prokaryotic-eukaryotic cell interactions.