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Interactions between Borrelia burgdorferi and eukaryote cells: comparative ultrastructural aspects
M D Ionescu1, A D Ionescu, S Hristescu
1Cantacuzino Institute, Bucharest, Romania.
Roumanian Archives of Microbiology and Immunology
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) adheres to mammalian cells, entering VERO cells and macrophages via membrane destruction or phagocytosis. Human neutrophils efficiently destroy Bb after phagocytosis, acting as a stronger barrier.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) is the causative agent of Lyme disease.
- Understanding host-pathogen interactions is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction between Borrelia burgdorferi and mammalian cells at the ultrastructural level.
- To compare the cellular responses of VERO cells, human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), and mouse peritoneal macrophages (MPM) to Bb infection.
Main Methods:
- Co-incubation of B31 Borrelia burgdorferi strain with VERO cells, human PMN, and mouse peritoneal macrophages.
- Examination of infected cells using transmission electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- Spirochete adherence to mammalian cells occurs primarily at the apical pole.
- Entry into VERO cells and MPM involves cytoplasmic membrane destruction or phagocytosis.
- Internalization into PMN occurs exclusively via phagocytosis, leading to spirochete destruction.
- Bb may alter phagosomal membranes to evade lysosomal fusion.
- Cellular cytoskeleton may facilitate Bb spread to adjacent cells.
Conclusions:
- Mouse peritoneal macrophages are not an efficient barrier against Bb.
- Human polymorphonuclear leukocytes represent a more effective barrier due to their ability to destroy Bb post-phagocytosis.