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The MSHA pilus of Vibrio parahaemolyticus has lectin functionality and enables TTSS-mediated pathogenicity

Nicky O'Boyle1, Benoit Houeix, Michelle Kilcoyne

  • 1Pathogenic Mechanisms Research Group, Microbiology, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.

International Journal of Medical Microbiology : IJMM
|August 29, 2013
PubMed

Insights

The mannose-sensitive haemagglutinin (MSHA) pilus is crucial for Vibrio parahaemolyticus adherence to intestinal cells. This study identifies MSHA

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pathogen-host interactions
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Vibrio parahaemolyticus causes seafood-borne gastroenteritis.
  • Mechanisms of intestinal colonization by V. parahaemolyticus are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of the mannose-sensitive haemagglutinin (MSHA) pilus in V. parahaemolyticus adherence and pathogenesis.
  • To identify specific host cell receptors for the MSHA pilus.

Main Methods:

  • Deletion mutagenesis of MSHA pilus components.
  • Bacterial adherence and uptake assays using Caco-2 cells.
  • Glycan array analysis to determine MSHA pilus binding specificity.

Main Results:

  • MSHA pilus mutants showed a 60% decrease in adherence and uptake by intestinal cells.
  • Reduced MSHA expression correlated with decreased Caco-2 cell lysis, rounding, and IL-8 secretion.
  • MSHA pilus exhibits lectin activity, binding to fucosylated blood group antigens (Lewis A, X, A, B) and specific gangliosides.

Conclusions:

  • The MSHA pilus is a key factor in V. parahaemolyticus intestinal colonization.
  • Specific fucosylated glycans and gangliosides are identified as potential receptors for the MSHA pilus in the gastrointestinal tract.
Keywords:
AdhesinCytotoxicityGlycanLectinType IV piliType three secretion system

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