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Invasion of human oral epithelial cells by Prevotella intermedia
B R Dorn1, K L Leung, A Progulske-Fox
1Department of Oral Biology, Periodontal Disease Research Center, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32608, USA.
Abstract:
Invasion of oral epithelial cells by pathogenic oral bacteria may represent an important virulence factor in the progression of periodontal disease. Here we report that a clinical isolate of Prevotella intermedia, strain 17, was found to invade a human oral epithelial cell line (KB), whereas P. intermedia 27, another clinical isolate, and P. intermedia 25611, the type strain, were not found to invade the cell line. Invasion was quantified by the recovery of viable bacteria following a standard antibiotic protection assay and observed by electron microscopy. Cytochalasin D, cycloheximide, monodansylcadaverine, and low temperature (4 degreesC) inhibited the internalization of P. intermedia 17. Antibodies raised against P. intermedia type C fimbriae and against whole cells inhibited invasion, but the anti-type-C-fimbria antibody inhibited invasion to a greater extent than the anti-whole-cell antibody. This work provides evidence that at least one strain of P. intermedia can invade an oral epithelial cell line and that the type C fimbriae and a cytoskeletal rearrangement are required for this invasion.
Insights
Certain Prevotella intermedia bacteria can invade oral epithelial cells, a key factor in periodontal disease. Type C fimbriae and cell rearrangements are essential for this invasion process.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Periodontal Disease Research
Background:
- Pathogenic oral bacteria invasion of epithelial cells is crucial in periodontal disease progression.
- Prevotella intermedia is a significant oral pathogen implicated in periodontal disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the invasion capabilities of different Prevotella intermedia strains into human oral epithelial cells.
- To identify bacterial factors and host cell mechanisms involved in P. intermedia invasion.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a human oral epithelial cell line (KB) and clinical isolates of Prevotella intermedia.
- Quantified bacterial invasion using antibiotic protection assays and confirmed with electron microscopy.
- Assessed the role of host cell factors (cytochalasin D, cycloheximide, low temperature) and bacterial components (type C fimbriae antibodies) in invasion.
Main Results:
- One clinical isolate, P. intermedia strain 17, demonstrated invasion of KB cells, unlike other tested strains.
- Bacterial internalization was inhibited by cytochalasin D, cycloheximide, monodansylcadaverine, and low temperature, indicating host cell involvement.
- Antibodies against type C fimbriae and whole P. intermedia cells reduced invasion, with anti-type C fimbriae being more effective.
Conclusions:
- P. intermedia strain 17 possesses the ability to invade oral epithelial cells.
- Type C fimbriae and host cell cytoskeletal rearrangements are critical for P. intermedia invasion.
- This invasion mechanism is a potential virulence factor in periodontal disease pathogenesis.