How Bacteria Stick to Host Cells
Author Information
Author(s): Mikaty Guillain, Soyer Magali, Mairey Emilie, Henry Nelly, Dyer Dave, Forest Katrina T., Morand Philippe, Guadagnini Stéphanie, Prévost Marie Christine, Nassif Xavier, Duménil Guillaume
Primary Institution: INSERM, U570, Paris, France
Hypothesis
What molecular mechanisms allow Neisseria meningitidis to resist mechanical forces in the bloodstream?
Conclusion
The study shows that Neisseria meningitidis manipulates host cell functions to enhance the cohesion of bacterial microcolonies, allowing them to resist shear stress in the bloodstream.
Supporting Evidence
- Bacterial microcolonies on host cells are resistant to shear stress.
- Disruption of host cell lipid microdomains makes microcolonies sensitive to blood flow.
- The minor pilin PilV is crucial for the bacteria-induced cellular response.
- Microcolonies formed by a pilV mutant are sensitive to shear stress.
Takeaway
Bacteria can stick to our cells and form clusters that help them survive in our blood, even when the blood is flowing fast.
Methodology
The study used flow chamber experiments to assess the mechanical resistance of bacterial microcolonies on host cells and identified the role of specific bacterial components in this process.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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