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Published on: June 8, 2012
Inhibition of bacterial binding to mouse macrophages by Pseudomonas alginate
Abstract:
Alginate, an acetylated polymer of D-mannuronic and L-guluronic acid obtained from a mucoid strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was shown to inhibit the binding of an isogenic non-mucoid revertant to mouse peritoneal and pulmonary macrophages. Inhibition of bacterial binding by the alginate was also demonstrated in tests with other non-mucoid P. aeruginosa strains and a strain of Staphylococcus albus. Since the mucoid form of P. aeruginosa eventually predominates in chronic P. aeruginosa infection in patients with cystic fibrosis, it is postulated that the alginate's inhibition of binding gives mucoid forms a selective advantage over non-mucoid forms against macrophage defence mechanisms in the lung.
Insights
Pseudomonas aeruginosa alginate inhibits bacterial binding to macrophages, potentially aiding mucoid strains in cystic fibrosis lung infections. This suggests alginate provides a survival advantage against immune defenses.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Mucoid strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa are prevalent in chronic cystic fibrosis lung infections.
- Alginate, a polymer produced by mucoid P. aeruginosa, plays a role in bacterial virulence.
- Bacterial binding to host macrophages is a key step in immune clearance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of Pseudomonas aeruginosa alginate on bacterial binding to macrophages.
- To determine if alginate confers a selective advantage to mucoid P. aeruginosa strains.
Main Methods:
- Testing the inhibition of isogenic non-mucoid P. aeruginosa revertant binding to mouse macrophages by alginate.
- Evaluating alginate's effect on the binding of other non-mucoid P. aeruginosa strains and Staphylococcus albus.
Main Results:
- Alginate significantly inhibited the binding of mucoid P. aeruginosa to mouse peritoneal and pulmonary macrophages.
- This inhibitory effect was also observed with other non-mucoid P. aeruginosa strains and Staphylococcus albus.
Conclusions:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa alginate hinders bacterial adhesion to macrophages.
- This inhibition may provide mucoid P. aeruginosa with a selective advantage in the lung, contributing to chronic infections in cystic fibrosis patients.
