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Adherence of Staphylococcus aureus to cultures of human peritoneal mesothelial cells

G Glancey1, J S Cameron, C Ogg

  • 1Renal Unit, Guy's Hospital, London, UK.

Insights

Staphylococcus aureus readily adheres to human mesothelial cells, primarily through fibronectin interactions. This bacterial adherence is influenced by cell culture conditions and inflammatory mediators like interleukin-1 and interferon-gamma.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause of peritonitis in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).
  • Understanding the mechanisms of bacterial adherence to the peritoneal lining is crucial for preventing and treating CAPD-related infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the adherence of Staphylococcus aureus strains to human mesothelial cells.
  • To identify host cell surface molecules and inflammatory mediators involved in Staphylococcus aureus adherence.

Main Methods:

  • Adherence assays using cultured human mesothelial cells and various extracellular matrix proteins (fibronectin, laminin, gelatin).
  • Assessment of bacterial adherence under different cell culture media conditions (M199 vs. MEM-Dval).
  • Evaluation of the effect of soluble fibronectin, interleukin-1, and interferon-gamma on bacterial adherence.

Main Results:

  • Staphylococcus aureus demonstrated significant adherence to cultured human mesothelial cells and fibronectin, but not laminin or gelatin.
  • Mesothelial cells cultured in M199 showed higher fibronectin expression and increased S. aureus adherence compared to those in MEM-Dval.
  • Soluble fibronectin enhanced S. aureus adherence in a saturable manner, suggesting a specific receptor interaction (KD ≈ 1.7 x 10(-10) M).
  • Interleukin-1 preincubation increased S. aureus adherence, while interferon-gamma treatment reduced it.

Conclusions:

  • Fibronectin is a key mediator for Staphylococcus aureus adherence to human mesothelial cells in CAPD peritonitis.
  • The interaction involves a saturable staphylococcal fibronectin-binding protein.
  • Modulation of mesothelial cell surface properties by inflammatory cytokines influences bacterial adherence.

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