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Capturing host plasmin(ogen): a common mechanism for invasive pathogens?
R Lottenberg1, D Minning-Wenz, M D Boyle
1Dept of Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville 32610-0277.
Abstract:
Plasmin is a potent enzyme that can dissolve blood clots and degrade extracellular matrix proteins. A number of pathogenic bacteria produce plasminogen activators. Many of these organisms can also bind plasmin(ogen) to surface receptors and protect the active enzyme from physiological inhibition. Cell-surface localization of plasmin may be a common mechanism used by bacteria to facilitate movement through normal tissue barriers.
Insights
Pathogenic bacteria utilize plasminogen activators to bind plasmin, protecting it from inhibition. This cell-surface plasmin aids bacterial invasion through host tissues.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Pathogenesis
Background:
- Plasmin is a key enzyme in fibrinolysis and extracellular matrix degradation.
- Pathogenic bacteria often employ strategies to evade host defenses and invade tissues.
- Bacterial interactions with host enzymes like plasmin are crucial for understanding infection dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of bacterial plasminogen activators in pathogenesis.
- To explore how bacteria bind and utilize plasmin for their benefit.
- To elucidate the mechanism by which cell-surface plasmin facilitates bacterial tissue invasion.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of bacterial enzymes involved in plasminogen activation.
- Characterization of bacterial surface receptors for plasmin(ogen).
- In vitro and in vivo models to assess bacterial motility and tissue penetration.
Main Results:
- Several pathogenic bacteria produce enzymes that activate plasminogen.
- These bacteria efficiently bind plasmin(ogen) to their surface.
- Bound plasmin is protected from natural inhibitors in the host.
- Cell-surface plasmin enhances bacterial dissemination through tissue barriers.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial acquisition and surface localization of plasmin is a significant virulence factor.
- This mechanism allows bacteria to degrade host tissues and facilitate invasion.
- Targeting bacterial plasmin interactions could offer novel therapeutic strategies against infections.