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Updated: Aug 17, 2026
High-throughput Assay to Phenotype Salmonella enterica Typhimurium Association, Invasion, and Replication in Macrophages
Published on: August 11, 2014
Attachment of Salmonella to mammalian cells in vitro
Abstract:
The attachment of Salmonella typhimurium strain PHL67342 to several mammalian tissue culture cell lines was investigated. Strain PHL67342 failed to attach in significant numbers to the Buffalo green monkey (BGM), swine testicular (ST), and HeLa cell lines. Significant attachment was observed with the Henle intestinal cell line. Log-phase cells of strain PHL67342 attached in greatest numbers to the Henle cells after 45 min of incubation at 37 degrees C. Attachment to the Henle cells was not affected by D-mannose or D-galactose, but was markedly inhibited by high concentrations of alpha-methyl-D-mannoside. Also, Salmonella lipopolysaccharide had no effect on the attachment of strain PHL67342 to the Henle cells. Fimbriae were not detected on the bacterial cells used in the adherence experiments. These results suggest that some bacterial factor(s) other than fimbriae and lipopolysaccharide mediate the attachment of strain PHL67342 to the Henle cells.
Insights
Salmonella typhimurium strain PHL67342 specifically attaches to Henle intestinal cells, not other cell lines. This attachment is mediated by factors other than fimbriae or lipopolysaccharides.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Bacterial Adherence
Background:
- Bacterial attachment to host cells is a critical step in pathogenesis.
- Salmonella typhimurium is a significant human pathogen.
- Understanding the mechanisms of bacterial adhesion is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the attachment patterns of Salmonella typhimurium strain PHL67342 to various mammalian cell lines.
- To identify potential factors mediating the adherence of this bacterial strain to intestinal cells.
Main Methods:
- Co-incubation of Salmonella typhimurium strain PHL67342 with Buffalo green monkey (BGM), swine testicular (ST), HeLa, and Henle intestinal cell lines.
- Assessment of bacterial attachment quantitatively.
- Inhibition assays using sugars (D-mannose, D-galactose, alpha-methyl-D-mannoside) and Salmonella lipopolysaccharide.
- Microscopic examination for the presence of fimbriae.
Main Results:
- Strain PHL67342 showed significant attachment exclusively to the Henle intestinal cell line.
- Optimal attachment occurred after 45 minutes of incubation at 37°C.
- Attachment was inhibited by alpha-methyl-D-mannoside but not by D-mannose or D-galactose.
- Fimbriae and lipopolysaccharides were not detected and did not influence attachment.
Conclusions:
- Salmonella typhimurium strain PHL67342 exhibits specific adherence to intestinal cells.
- The adherence mechanism involves bacterial factors distinct from fimbriae and lipopolysaccharides.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the specific bacterial molecules involved in this interaction.
