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Phage production is blocked in the adherent-invasive Escherichia coli LF82 upon macrophage infection

Pauline Misson1, Emma Bruder2, Jeffrey K Cornuault1

  • 1Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France.

Plos Pathogens
|February 2, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Adherent-invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC) survival in macrophages is enhanced by blocking prophage activity. Strain LF82 represses its most active Gally prophage during macrophage infection, aiding its persistence.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Virology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Adherent-invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC) are linked to dysbiotic microbiota and possess enhanced adherence and intracellular survival capabilities.
  • Strain LF82, isolated from a Crohn's disease patient, is a well-characterized AIEC strain containing five unstudied prophages.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the five prophages within AIEC strain LF82, focusing on their activity in vitro and within macrophages.
  • To investigate the role of the Gally prophage in AIEC LF82's survival mechanisms.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro and intracellular analyses of prophage virion formation and activity.
  • Transcriptome analysis and lytic cycle assessment of the Gally prophage within macrophages.
  • Induction assays using genotoxic agents (ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim) and macrophage infection.

Main Results:

  • All five prophages in strain LF82 form virions.
  • The Gally prophage is highly active in vitro, spontaneously generating over 10^8 viral particles/mL.
  • Gally prophage over-induction by genotoxic stress is repressed during macrophage infection, suggesting a block in its lytic cycle.

Conclusions:

  • AIEC strain LF82 effectively represses the lytic cycle of its most active prophage, Gally, within macrophages.
  • This repression mechanism likely contributes to the enhanced survival of AIEC LF82 in the macrophage environment.

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