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A potential pathogenic factor from Mycoplasma hominis is a TLR2-dependent, macrophage-activating, P50-related adhesin

Akira Hasebe1, Hong-Hua Mu, Barry C Cole

  • 1Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Oral Pathobiological Science, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Dental Medicine, Sapporo, Japan.

American Journal of Reproductive Immunology (New York, N.Y. : 1989)
|June 19, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

A novel 40-kDa lipoprotein from Mycoplasma hominis acts as a potent activator of human macrophages, potentially driving inflammation in urogenital tract infections and preterm labor.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Mycoplasma hominis is linked to inflammatory conditions in the human urogenital tract, including amniotic infections, fetal disease, and preterm labor.
  • The precise mechanisms by which M. hominis causes inflammation are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To isolate, purify, and characterize an inflammatory component from M. hominis.
  • To elucidate the role of this component in M. hominis-associated infections.

Main Methods:

  • Biochemical and immunological techniques were employed for the extraction and purification of the inflammatory component.
  • The purified component was characterized for its biological activity, including macrophage activation and adhesion properties.

Main Results:

  • A 40-kDa bioactive lipoprotein was isolated and purified to homogeneity from M. hominis.
  • This lipoprotein potently activated the human THP-1 macrophage cell line in a Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2)-dependent and CD14-independent manner.
  • The lipoprotein shares sequence homology with the M. hominis p50 adhesin and retains adhesive properties for macrophages.

Conclusions:

  • The identified 40-kDa lipoprotein, a unique adhesin and macrophage activator, likely plays a significant role in M. hominis infections.
  • It may trigger an inflammatory cytokine cascade, contributing to the pathogenesis of M. hominis-associated diseases.
Keywords:
AdhesinTLR2genital mycoplasmosismacrophage

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