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Leptospiral attachment to cultured cells
Abstract:
Each virulent strain of copenhageni, canicola and pomona of Leptospira interrogans attached effectively to MDCK cells and primary dog kidney cells, while the avirulent or less virulent line of the same strain and avirulent strains belonging to the same serovars and the avirulent reference strains of other serovars did not. Inhibition of the attachment of the virulent copenhageni to MDCK cells was found in the presence of the homologous immunoglobulin G Fab fragment. Strains of L. biflexa attached to the animal cells, but they differed from those of virulent L. interrogans in their capability to attach to glass.
Insights
Virulent Leptospira interrogans strains effectively attach to kidney cells, unlike avirulent strains. Homologous immunoglobulin G Fab fragments inhibited attachment, suggesting a specific interaction mechanism for virulent Leptospira.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Leptospira interrogans are pathogenic bacteria responsible for leptospirosis.
- Understanding bacterial attachment to host cells is crucial for pathogenesis.
- Differential virulence exists among Leptospira serovars.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the attachment capabilities of different Leptospira interrogans serovars to mammalian kidney cells.
- To explore the role of host-pathogen interactions in Leptospira attachment.
- To identify potential mechanisms inhibiting the attachment of virulent Leptospira strains.
Main Methods:
- In vitro cell culture using MDCK cells and primary dog kidney cells.
- Inoculation with virulent and avirulent strains of Leptospira interrogans (serovars copenhageni, canicola, pomona) and Leptospira biflexa.
- Inhibition assays using homologous immunoglobulin G Fab fragments.
Main Results:
- Virulent Leptospira interrogans strains (copenhageni, canicola, pomona) demonstrated effective attachment to kidney cells.
- Avirulent strains of L. interrogans and reference strains of other serovars showed significantly less or no attachment.
- Attachment of virulent L. interrogans copenhageni to MDCK cells was inhibited by homologous immunoglobulin G Fab fragments.
- Leptospira biflexa strains attached to animal cells but exhibited different glass attachment capabilities compared to virulent L. interrogans.
Conclusions:
- Virulence in Leptospira interrogans correlates with effective attachment to host kidney cells.
- Specific interactions, potentially mediated by surface structures, facilitate virulent Leptospira attachment.
- Immunoglobulin G Fab fragments can interfere with virulent Leptospira attachment, indicating a target for therapeutic intervention.