Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2026

Invasion of Human Cells by a Bacterial Pathogen
Published on: March 21, 2011
Platelet-activating factor receptor initiates contact of Acinetobacter baumannii expressing phosphorylcholine with
Younes Smani1, Fernando Docobo-Pérez, Rafael López-Rojas
1Clinic Unit of Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain. y_smani@hotmail.com
Abstract:
Adhesion is an initial and important step in Acinetobacter baumannii causing infections. However, the exact molecular mechanism of such a step between A. baumannii and the host cells remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that the phosphorylcholine (ChoP)-containing outer membrane protein of A. baumannii binds to A549 cells through platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFR), resulting in activation of G protein and intracellular calcium. Upon A. baumannii expressing ChoP binding to PAFR, clathrin and β-arrestins, proteins involved in the direction of the vacuolar movement, are activated during invasion of A. baumannii. PAFR antagonism restricts the dissemination of A. baumannii in the pneumonia model. These results define a role for PAFR in A. baumannii interaction with host cells and suggest a mechanism for the entry of A. baumannii into the cytoplasm of host cells.
Related Concept Videos
Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Some...
IP3/DAG Signaling Pathway
GPCRs Regulate Adenylyl Cylase Activity
Two...
Receptor-mediated Endocytosis
Clathrin-Mediated Endocytosis of LDL
One well-characterized example of receptor-mediated endocytosis is the...
Receptor-mediated Endocytosis
Formation of the Platelet Plug
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...

