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Pilus of Streptococcus pneumoniae: structure, function and vaccine potential
Chenglin Miao1, Yali Cui1,2,3, Ziyi Yan1
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
|October 6, 2023
Summary
Pili are extracellular structures in Streptococcus pneumoniae that aid bacterial adhesion and virulence. These pili show promise as vaccine candidates for preventing pneumococcal infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Pili are extracellular appendages found in some Streptococcus pneumoniae strains.
- Type I pili are present in ~30% and Type II pili in ~20% of isolates.
- Pili are anchored to the cell wall via LPXTG-like motifs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the current understanding of Streptococcus pneumoniae pili.
- To explore the potential of pili as vaccine candidates.
- To provide insights for future vaccine research and development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of genes, proteins, structure, function, and epidemiology of S. pneumoniae pili.
- Analysis of immunoprotective efficacy of pilins.
- Systematic description of research status and prospects.
Main Results:
- Pilus-1 is encoded by PI-1 and composed of RrgA, RrgB, RrgC.
- Pilus-2 is encoded by PI-2 and primarily contains PitB.
- Pili are virulence factors mediating bacterial adhesion, colonization, and pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Pili are crucial for S. pneumoniae virulence and host cell adhesion.
- Pili demonstrate significant potential as antigens for conjugate vaccines.
- Further research into pili may lead to novel vaccine strategies against pneumococcal disease.
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