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Interaction of pathogenic neisseriae with nonphagocytic cells
1Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Medicale U411, Faculté de Médecine Necker-Enfants Malades, Université René Descartes, Paris, France.
Abstract:
The ability to interact with nonphagocytic cells is a crucial virulence attribute of the meningococcus and the genococcus. Like most bacterial pathogens, Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae initiate infections by colonizing the mucosal epithelium, which serves as the site of entry. After this step, both bacteria cross the intact mucosal barrier. While N. gonorrhoeae is likely to remain in the subepithelial matrix, where it initiates an intense inflammatory reaction, N. meningitidis enters the bloodstream, and eventually the cerebrospinal fluid to cause meningitis. Both pathogens have evolved very similar mechanisms for interacting with host cells. Surface structures that influence bacterium-host interactions include pili, the meningococcal class 5 outer membrane proteins or the gonococcal opacity proteins, lipooligosaccharide, and the meningococcal capsule. This review examines what is known about the roles these structures play in bacterial adhesion and invasion, with special emphasis, on pilus-mediated adhesion. Finally, the importance of these structures in neisserial pathogenesis is discussed.
Insights
Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae use similar mechanisms to invade host cells. Surface structures like pili are key for bacterial adhesion and pathogenesis in these mucosal pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pathogenesis
- Bacterial Virulence
Background:
- Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae are mucosal pathogens.
- Both bacteria can interact with and invade nonphagocytic cells.
- N. meningitidis causes meningitis, while N. gonorrhoeae causes gonorrhea.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the roles of bacterial surface structures in Neisseria adhesion and invasion.
- To emphasize the importance of pilus-mediated adhesion.
- To discuss the significance of these structures in neisserial pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of bacterial pathogenesis mechanisms.
- Analysis of surface structures involved in host cell interaction.
- Focus on pilus-mediated adhesion in Neisseria species.
Main Results:
- Pili, outer membrane proteins, lipooligosaccharide, and capsules are crucial for Neisseria virulence.
- These structures mediate bacterial adhesion to and invasion of host cells.
- Pilus-mediated adhesion is a significant factor in pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Neisseria species employ similar strategies for host cell interaction.
- Surface structures play critical roles in the pathogenesis of meningococcal and gonococcal infections.
- Understanding these mechanisms is vital for developing therapeutic strategies.