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A Helpful PEST for Listeriolysin O?
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand.
Cell Host & Microbe
|June 15, 2018
Summary
Listeria monocytogenes uses listeriolysin O (LLO) to escape into host cells. A specific PEST sequence in LLO triggers its endocytosis, preventing cell damage and lysis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Listeria monocytogenes escapes host cell vacuoles by secreting listeriolysin O (LLO).
- The mechanism by which cytosolic LLO avoids causing host cell lysis was previously unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanism preventing host cell lysis by cytosolic listeriolysin O (LLO).
Main Methods:
- Investigated the role of a PEST sequence in LLO.
- Utilized cell-based assays to observe LLO-mediated endocytosis and cytotoxicity.
Main Results:
- A PEST sequence within LLO mediates its endocytosis from the plasma membrane.
- This endocytosis effectively prevents LLO from causing excessive host cell damage.
Conclusions:
- The PEST sequence acts as a crucial regulator, limiting LLO's cytotoxic potential.
- This finding clarifies a key aspect of Listeria pathogenesis and host cell survival.
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