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Updated: Jul 17, 2026
10:47
Immuno-fluorescence Assay of Leptospiral Surface-exposed Proteins
Published on: July 1, 2011
Borrelia burgdorferi bind to epithelial cell proteoglycans
1Department of Medicine, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi 39216.
The Journal of Clinical Investigation
|February 1, 1994
Summary
Borrelia burgdorferi uses a glycosaminoglycan receptor to attach to mammalian cells. This mechanism involves the bacteria
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Borrelia burgdorferi adhesion to mammalian cells is crucial for infection.
- The specific ligands and receptors mediating this attachment remain largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanism of Borrelia burgdorferi attachment to eukaryotic cells.
- To identify potential receptors and ligands involved in bacterial adhesion.
Main Methods:
- In vitro attachment-inhibition assays using various glycosaminoglycans and cell lines.
- Enzyme treatments of cell monolayers (heparitinase, heparinase, chondroitinase ABC/AC).
- Equilibrium binding studies and affinity chromatography to identify bacterial receptors.
Main Results:
- Heparin, heparan sulfate, and dermatan sulfate significantly inhibited the attachment of virulent Borrelia burgdorferi strains.
- Attachment was reduced on Chinese hamster ovary cells deficient in heparan sulfate proteoglycans.
- Enzymatic degradation of cell surface proteoglycans decreased bacterial attachment.
- A 39-kD Borrelia burgdorferi polypeptide was identified as a candidate receptor.
Conclusions:
- Borrelia burgdorferi utilizes a glycosaminoglycan receptor for attachment to mammalian cells.
- This receptor interacts with surface-exposed proteoglycans on host cells, facilitating adherence.
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