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[Intervention of Campylobacter jejuni subsp. jejuni flagella in the adhesion to cellular cultures: bacteriological
H Fernández1, H Folch, G Eller
1Institutos de Microbiología Clínica, Inmunología y Parasitología, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.
Abstract:
The participation of the flagella of a virulent strain (O52) of Campylobacter jejuni subsp. jejuni in the adhesion to HEp-2 cells and their inhibition by means of homologous polyclonal antibodies, monoclonal anti-flagella antibodies and colostral natural antibodies (IgA) was studied. An aflagellated strain (T1) was used as negative control. Adhesion was observed in higher rates with O52 strain (72%) than with T1 strain (27.5%). Polyclonal, monoclonal and colostral antibodies inhibited O52 strain adhesion in more than 70% (p < 0.001). T1 strain adhesion was inhibited only by polyclonal and colostral natural antibodies. Our results suggest that the flagella of C. jejuni subsp. jejuni could participate effectively in the adhesion process. However, the inhibition of T1 strain by polyclonal and colostral antibodies suggests the existence of other binds of adhesins in the bacterial surface.
Insights
Flagella of Campylobacter jejuni subsp. jejuni contribute to HEp-2 cell adhesion. Antibodies effectively inhibit this process, suggesting other adhesins also play a role.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Campylobacter jejuni subsp. jejuni is a leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis.
- Bacterial adhesion to host cells is a critical step in pathogenesis.
- The role of flagella in C. jejuni adhesion requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of flagella in the adhesion of virulent Campylobacter jejuni subsp. jejuni to HEp-2 cells.
- To assess the inhibitory effects of various antibodies on bacterial adhesion.
Main Methods:
- Adhesion assays using a virulent strain (O52) and an aflagellated mutant (T1) of C. jejuni subsp. jejuni.
- Treatment with homologous polyclonal antibodies, monoclonal anti-flagella antibodies, and colostral natural antibodies (IgA).
- Quantification of bacterial adhesion rates and inhibition percentages.
Main Results:
- The virulent O52 strain exhibited significantly higher adhesion rates (72%) compared to the aflagellated T1 strain (27.5%).
- Polyclonal, monoclonal, and colostral antibodies inhibited O52 strain adhesion by over 70% (p < 0.001).
- T1 strain adhesion was inhibited by polyclonal and colostral antibodies, indicating the presence of non-flagellar adhesins.
Conclusions:
- Flagella of C. jejuni subsp. jejuni are important mediators of HEp-2 cell adhesion.
- Antibodies targeting flagella are effective in blocking bacterial adhesion.
- The findings suggest the involvement of additional adhesins on the bacterial surface in the adhesion process.