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Multiple ligands of von Willebrand factor-binding protein (vWbp) promote Staphylococcus aureus clot formation in

Lena Thomer1, Olaf Schneewind, Dominique Missiakas

  • 1From the Department of Microbiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637.

The Journal of Biological Chemistry
|August 21, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Staphylococcus aureus virulence factors, coagulase (Coa) and von Willebrand factor-binding protein (vWbp), bind plasma proteins like prothrombin and fibrinogen. This interaction promotes blood clot formation and aids bacterial infection establishment.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Staphylococcus aureus utilizes virulence factors like coagulase (Coa) and von Willebrand factor-binding protein (vWbp) to manipulate host prothrombin, facilitating infection.
  • Coa and vWbp's D1-D2 domains activate prothrombin non-proteolytically, while Coa binds fibrinogen and vWbp binds von Willebrand factor and fibrinogen.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify plasma protein ligands for S. aureus Coa and vWbp using affinity chromatography.
  • To elucidate the role of these interactions in Staphylococcus aureus-mediated coagulation and virulence.

Main Methods:

  • Affinity chromatography using non-catalytic Coa and vWbp.
  • Analysis of protein-protein interactions in human plasma.
  • In vitro functional assays for Factor XIII activation.

Main Results:

  • vWbp bound prothrombin, fibrinogen, fibronectin, and Factor XIII (FXIII).
  • Coa bound prothrombin and fibrinogen.
  • vWbp-mediated FXIII activation required prothrombin and occurred non-proteolytically.
  • Staphylococcal coagulation involved prothrombin, FXIII, fibronectin recruitment, and cross-linked fibrin formation.

Conclusions:

  • Coa and vWbp bind distinct but overlapping sets of host plasma proteins.
  • vWbp contributes to both non-proteolytic FXIII activation and prothrombin activation, enhancing S. aureus virulence.
  • The identified interactions are crucial for Staphylococcus aureus-induced coagulation and infection progression.
Keywords:
CoagulaseCoagulation FactorsFactor XIIIFibrinFibrinogenFibronectinStaphylococcus aureusvWbp

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