Outer membrane protein 100, a versatile virulence factor of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans Omp29 is associated with bacterial entry to gingival epithelial cells by F-actin rearrangement

The onset and progressive pathogenesis of periodontal disease is thought to be initiated by the entry of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) into periodontal tissue, especially gingival epithelium. Nonetheless, the mechanism underlying such bacterial entry remains to be clarified. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the possible role of Aa outer membrane protein 29 kD (Omp29), a homologue of E. coli OmpA, in promoting bacterial entry into gingival epithelial cells. To accomplish this, Omp29 expression vector was incorporated in an OmpA-deficient mutant of E. coli. Omp29⁺/OmpA⁻E. coli demonstrated 22-fold higher entry into human gingival epithelial line cells (OBA9) than Omp29⁻/OmpA⁻E. coli. While the entry of Aa and Omp29⁺/OmpA⁻E. coli into OBA9 cells were inhibited by anti-Omp29 antibody, their adherence to OBA9 cells was not inhibited. Stimulation of OBA9 cells with purified Omp29 increased the phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a pivotal cell-signaling molecule that can up-regulate actin rearrangement. Furthermore, Omp29 increased the formation of F-actin in OBA9 cells. The internalization of Omp29-coated beads and the entry of Aa into OBA9 were partially inhibited by treatment with PI3-kinase inhibitor (Wortmannin) and Rho GTPases inhibitor (EDIN), both known to convey FAK-signaling to actin-rearrangement. These results suggest that Omp29 is associated with the entry of Aa into gingival epithelial cells by up-regulating F-actin rearrangement via the FAK signaling pathway.

Metabolite cross-feeding enhances virulence in a model polymicrobial infection

Microbes within polymicrobial infections often display synergistic interactions resulting in enhanced pathogenesis; however, the molecular mechanisms governing these interactions are not well understood. Development of model systems that allow detailed mechanistic studies of polymicrobial synergy is a critical step towards a comprehensive understanding of these infections in vivo. In this study, we used a model polymicrobial infection including the opportunistic pathogen Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and the commensal Streptococcus gordonii to examine the importance of metabolite cross-feeding for establishing co-culture infections. Our results reveal that co-culture with S. gordonii enhances the pathogenesis of A. actinomycetemcomitans in a murine abscess model of infection. Interestingly, the ability of A. actinomycetemcomitans to utilize L-lactate as an energy source is essential for these co-culture benefits. Surprisingly, inactivation of L-lactate catabolism had no impact on mono-culture growth in vitro and in vivo suggesting that A. actinomycetemcomitans L-lactate catabolism is only critical for establishing co-culture infections. These results demonstrate that metabolite cross-feeding is critical for A. actinomycetemcomitans to persist in a polymicrobial infection with S. gordonii supporting the idea that the metabolic properties of commensal bacteria alter the course of pathogenesis in polymicrobial communities.

Many bacterial infections are not the result of colonization and persistence of a single pathogenic microbe in an infection site but instead the result of colonization by several. Although the importance of polymicrobial interactions and pathogenesis has been noted by many prominent microbiologists including Louis Pasteur, most studies of pathogenic microbes have focused on single organism infections. One of the primary reasons for this oversight is the lack of robust model systems for studying bacterial interactions in an infection site. Here, we use a model co-culture system composed of the opportunistic oral pathogen Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and the common oral commensal Streptococcus gordonii to assess the impact of polymicrobial growth on pathogenesis. We found that the abilities of A. actinomycetemcomitans to persist and cause disease are enhanced during co-culture with S. gordonii. Remarkably, this enhanced persistence requires A. actinomycetemcomitans catabolism of L-lactate, the primary metabolite produced by S. gordonii. These data demonstrate that during co-culture growth, S. gordonii provides a carbon source for A. actinomycetemcomitans that is necessary for establishing a robust polymicrobial infection. This study also demonstrates that virulence of an opportunistic pathogen is impacted by members of the commensal flora.

Stick to your gums: mechanisms of oral microbial adherence

Studies on the adherence properties of oral bacteria have been a major focus in microbiology research for several decades. The ability of bacteria to adhere to the variety of surfaces present in the oral cavity, and to become integrated within the resident microbial communities, confers growth and survival properties. Molecular analyses have revealed several families of Gram-positive bacterial surface proteins, including serine-rich repeat, antigen I/II, and pilus families, that mediate adherence to a variety of salivary and oral bacterial receptors. In Gram-negative bacteria, pili, auto-transporters, and extracellular matrix-binding proteins provide components for host tissue recognition and building of complex microbial communities. Future studies will reveal in greater detail the binding pockets for these adhesin families and their receptors. This information will be crucial for the development of new inhibitors or vaccines that target the functional regions of bacterial proteins that are involved in colonization and pathogenesis.

Identification of the primary mechanism of complement evasion by the periodontal pathogen, Treponema denticola

Treponema denticola, a periodontal pathogen, binds the complement regulatory protein Factor H (FH). Factor H binding protein B (FhbB) is the sole FH binding protein produced by T. denticola. The interaction of FhbB with FH is unique in that FH is bound to the cell and then cleaved by the T. denticola protease, dentilisin. A ∼ 50-kDa product generated by dentilisin cleavage is retained at the cell surface. Until this study, a direct role for the FhbB-FH interaction in complement evasion and serum sensitivity had not been demonstrated. Here we assess the serum resistance of T. denticola strain 35405 (Td35405wt) and isogenic mutants deficient in dentilisin (Td35405-CCE) and FhbB production (Td35405ΔfhbB), respectively. Both dentilisin and FhbB have been postulated to be key virulence factors that mediate complement evasion. Consistent with conditions in the subgingival crevice, an environment with a significant concentration of complement, Td35405wt was resistant to serum concentrations as high as 25%. Deletion of fhbB (Td35405ΔfhbB), which resulted in the complete loss of FH binding ability, but not inactivation of dentilisin activity (Td35405-CCE), rendered T. denticola highly sensitive to 25% human serum with 80% of the cells being disrupted after 4 h of incubation. Heat treatment of the serum to inactivate complement confirmed that killing was mediated by complement. These results indicate that the FH-FhbB interaction is required for serum resistance whereas dentilisin is not. This report provides new insight into the novel complement evasion mechanisms of T. denticola.

Mapping the epithelial-cell-binding domain of the Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans autotransporter adhesin Aae

The Gram-negative periodontopathogen Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) binds selectively to buccal epithelial cells (BECs) of human and Old World primates by means of the outer-membrane autotransporter protein Aae. We speculated that the exposed N-terminal portion of the passenger domain of Aae would mediate binding to BECs. By using a series of plasmids that express full-length or truncated Aae proteins in Escherichia coli, we found that the BEC-binding domain of Aae was located in the N-terminal surface-exposed region of the protein, specifically in the region spanning amino acids 201–284 just upstream of the repeat region within the passenger domain. Peptides corresponding to amino acids 201–221, 222–238 and 201–240 were synthesized and tested for their ability to reduce Aae-mediated binding to BECs based on results obtained with truncated Aae proteins expressed in E. coli. BEC-binding of E. coli expressing Aae was reduced by as much as 50 % by pre-treatment of BECs with a 40-mer peptide (201–240; P40). Aae was also shown to mediate binding to cultured human epithelial keratinocytes (TW2.6), OBA9 and TERT, and endothelial (HUVEC) cells. Pre-treatment of epithelial cells with P40 resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in binding and reduced the binding of both full-length and truncated Aae proteins expressed in E. coli, as well as Aae expressed in Aa. Fluorescently labelled P40 peptides reacted in a dose-dependent manner with BEC receptors. We propose that these proof-of-principle experiments demonstrate that peptides can be designed to interfere with Aa binding mediated by host-cell receptors specific for Aae adhesins.

Human complement factor H binds to outer membrane protein Rck of Salmonella

Serum resistance, or resistance to complement-mediated killing, is a key virulence property of microbial pathogens. Rck is a 17-kDa outer membrane protein encoded on the virulence plasmid of Salmonella enterica serovars Typhimurium and Enteritidis. When expressed in either Escherichia coli or S. enterica Typhimurium, Rck confers serum resistance independent of LPS length. Recently, the Rck homolog from Yersinia enterocolitica, Ail, has been shown to bind the complement regulatory protein factor H (fH). Based on these observations, we hypothesized that Rck may also possess this ability. Using both flow cytometery and direct binding analysis, we demonstrate that Rck expressed in E. coli binds fH. We observed fH binding to Rck from human serum and also using the purified protein. Expression of Rck protected bacteria from alternative pathway-mediated killing and was associated with a reduction in C3b, Bb, and membrane attack complex deposition. fH bound to Rck promoted C3b cleavage in the presence of factor I. Binding was specific and mediated by two regions in fH, the short consensus repeats 5-7 and 19 to 20. These results suggest that fH recruitment by Rck is functional and can protect a normally serum-sensitive heterologous host against complement attack. Binding and exploitation of fH may thus contribute to Rck-mediated serum resistance.

Lack of Serotype Antigen in A. actinomycetemcomitans

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is divided into 6 serotypes. Occurrence of non-serotypeable strains is known, but background reasons are unclear. We hypothesized that non-serotypeable strains represent new serotypes or have altered expression of serotype-specific polysaccharide antigen (S-PA). We first characterized 311 strains from 189 individuals using both immunoassay- and PCR-based serotyping. Next, using natural human infection and rabbit immunization approaches, we clarified whether the phenotypically non-serotypeable strains expressed S-PA. Immunoassay identified serotypes a–f among 216 strains from 159 individuals. The remaining 95 strains from 30 individuals were phenotypically non-serotypeable. Yet, all these strains were identified by PCR-typing as serotype a-, b-, c-, or f. Non-serotypeability was confirmed by Western immunoblot with respective rabbit antisera. Patient sera remained non-reactive with autologous non-serotypeable strains at the serotype-specific region. Rabbit immunization with a phenotypically non-serotypeable strain induced no antibody production against S-PA. Thus, phenotypically non-serotypeable strains did not include novel serotypes, but lacked S-PA expression.

Irsogladine maleate regulates neutrophil migration and E-cadherin expression in gingival epithelium stimulated by Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans

Irsogladine maleate (IM) counters Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans-induced reduction of the gap junction intercellular communication and the expression of zonula occludens-1, which is a major tight junction structured protein, in cultured human gingival epithelial cells (HGEC). In addition, IM obviates the A. actinomycetemcomitans-induced increase in interleukin (IL)-8 levels in HGEC. Thus, by regulating the intercellular junctional complex and chemokine secretion in HGEC, IM may be useful to prevent periodontal disease. To clarify the effects and regulatory mechanism of IM in vivo and in vitro, we examined the expression of E-cadherin and neutrophil chemotaxis induced by A. actinomycetemcomitans under IM pretreatment. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that A. actinomycetemcomitans application to the gingival sulcus decreased the number of cells positive for E-cadherin and increased those positive for cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-2alpha (CINC-2alpha) in rat gingival epithelium. However, in IM-pretreated rats, A. actinomycetemcomitans application had little effect on CINC-2alpha and E-cadherin in gingival epithelium. In cultured HGEC, real-time PCR and Western blotting showed that IM and the ERK inhibitor PD98059 abolished the A. actinomycetemcomitans-induced increase in CXCL-1 and IL-8 in HGEC. On the other hand, IM, PD98059, and the p38 MAP kinase inhibitor SB203580 recovered the decrease in E-cadherin expression. In addition, conditioned medium from A. actinomycetemcomitans-stimulated HGEC enhanced human neutrophil chemotaxis, compared to that from un-stimulated HGEC or that from A. actinomycetemcomitans-stimulated HGEC under IM pretreatment. Furthermore, IM down-regulated the p38 MAP kinase and ERK phosphorylations induced by A. actinomycetemcomitans. In conclusion, IM may control A. actinomycetemcomitans-induced gingival inflammation by regulating neutrophil migration and E-cadherin expression in gingival epithelium.

Serum resistance of Acinetobacter baumannii through the binding of factor H to outer membrane proteins

Bacteremia is a common systemic disease caused by Acinetobacter baumannii, an important hospital-acquired pathogen among critically ill patients. The complement system is central to innate immune defense against invading bacteria in the blood. The present study investigated the susceptibility of clinical A. baumannii isolates to normal human sera (NHS), and determined the resistance mechanism of A. baumannii against complement-mediated lysis. The survival of A. baumannii isolates from bacteremic patients was significantly decreased in undiluted NHS, but they were resistant to 40% NHS. The alternative complement pathway was responsible for the direct killing of bacteria. The main regulator of the alternative complement pathway, factor H, bound to the surface of live A. baumannii treated with NHS. Factor H interacted with the outer membrane proteins with molecular sizes of 38 (AbOmpA), 32, and 24 kDa. The isogenic AbOmpA(-) mutant was highly susceptible to NHS in comparison with the wild-type A. baumannii strain, suggesting that AbOmpA was an important complement regulator-acquiring surface protein. These results indicate that A. baumannii evades complement attack through the acquisition of factor H to their surface.

Investigation of the three-dimensional architecture of the collagen adhesin EmaA of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans by electron tomography

The periodontal pathogen Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans displays on the bacterial surface a nonfimbrial adhesin, EmaA, which is required for collagen binding. In this study, electron tomography was used to characterize the three-dimensional (3D) architecture of this adhesin. The antenna-like surface appendages, corresponding to EmaA, were found to be composed of an ellipsoidal domain capping a rod-like domain that adopts either a straight or a bent conformation at various positions along the length. The most common flexible point along the length of the EmaA appendage was localized 29.4 nm away from the distal end. One-fifth of the appendages were straight and the remaining showed angles distributed between 140 degrees and 170 degrees at this location. Deletion analysis mapped this bend to amino acids 611 to 640 of the protein sequence. The 3D structure of the collagen binding domain of EmaA was generated by alignment and averaging of 9 subvolumes of the adhesin extracted from tomograms. The structure contains three subdomains: a globular structure with a diameter of approximately 5 nm and a cylindrical domain ( approximately 4.4 nm by 5.8 nm) separated by a linker region with a diameter of approximately 3 nm, followed by a cylindrical domain ( approximately 4.6 nm by 6.6 nm). This is the first 3D structure of a trimeric autotransporter protein of A. actinomycetemcomitans.

Analysis of a unique interaction between the complement regulatory protein factor H and the periodontal pathogen Treponema denticola

Treponema denticola, a spirochete associated with periodontitis, is abundant at the leading edge of subgingival plaque, where it interacts with gingival epithelia. T. denticola produces a number of virulence factors, including dentilisin, a protease which is cytopathic to host cells, and FhbB, a unique T. denticola lipoprotein that binds complement regulatory proteins. Earlier analyses suggested that FhbB specifically bound to factor H (FH)-like protein 1 (FHL-1). However, by using dentilisin-deficient mutants of T. denticola, we found that T. denticola preferentially binds FH and not FHL-1, and that FH is then cleaved by dentilisin to yield an FH subfragment of approximately 50 kDa. FH bound to dentilisin-deficient mutants but was not cleaved and retained its ability to serve as a cofactor for factor I in the cleavage of C3b. To assess the molecular basis of the interaction of FhbB with FH, mutational analyses were conducted. Replacement of specific residues in widely separated domains of FhbB and disruption of a central alpha helix with coiled-coil formation probability attenuated or eliminated FH binding. The data presented here are the first to demonstrate the retention at the cell surface of a proteolytic cleavage product of FH. The precise role of this FH fragment in the host-pathogen interaction remains to be determined.

Polymicrobial interactions stimulate resistance to host innate immunity through metabolite perception

Bacteria in the human oral cavity often grow in an attached multispecies biofilm community. Members of this community display defined interactions that have an impact on the physiology of the individual and the group. Here, we show that during coculture growth with streptococci, the oral pathogen Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans displays enhanced resistance to killing by host innate immunity. The mechanism of resistance involves sensing of the streptococcal metabolite hydrogen peroxide by A. actinomycetemcomitans, which stimulates a genetic program resulting in enhanced expression of the complement resistance protein ApiA. The oxidative stress response regulator OxyR mediates induction of apiA transcription, and this induction is required for coculture resistance to killing by human serum. These findings provide evidence that interaction between community members mediates prokaryotic resistance to host innate immunity and reinforce the need to understand how polymicrobial growth affects interaction with the host immune system.

Yersinia enterocolitica serum resistance proteins YadA and ail bind the complement regulator C4b-binding protein

Many pathogens are equipped with factors providing resistance against the bactericidal action of complement. Yersinia enterocolitica, a Gram-negative enteric pathogen with invasive properties, efficiently resists the deleterious action of human complement. The major Y. enterocolitica serum resistance determinants include outer membrane proteins YadA and Ail. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) O-antigen (O-ag) and outer core (OC) do not contribute directly to complement resistance. The aim of this study was to analyze a possible mechanism whereby Y. enterocolitica could inhibit the antibody-mediated classical pathway of complement activation. We show that Y. enterocolitica serotypes O:3, O:8, and O:9 bind C4b-binding protein (C4bp), an inhibitor of both the classical and lectin pathways of complement. To identify the C4bp receptors on Y. enterocolitica serotype O:3 surface, a set of mutants expressing YadA, Ail, O-ag, and OC in different combinations was tested for the ability to bind C4bp. The studies showed that both YadA and Ail acted as C4bp receptors. Ail-mediated C4bp binding, however, was blocked by the O-ag and OC, and could be observed only with mutants lacking these LPS structures. C4bp bound to Y. enterocolitica was functionally active and participated in the factor I-mediated degradation of C4b. These findings show that Y. enterocolitica uses two proteins, YadA and Ail, to bind C4bp. Binding of C4bp could help Y. enterocolitica to evade complement-mediated clearance in the human host.

To cause disease in humans, pathogenic bacteria have to evade the versatile immune system of the host. An important part of innate immunity is the complement system that is composed of over 30 proteins on host cells and in blood able to detect and destroy foreign material. To survive, bacteria can bind complement regulator proteins onto their surfaces and thus inhibit the activation of complement. Previously, it has been shown that food-borne diarrhoea-causing Yersinia enterocolitica can survive in human serum because of two bacterial surface proteins, YadA and Ail. These proteins have been shown to bind a complement alternative pathway regulator, factor H. Here, we show that both proteins also bind the classical and lectin pathway inhibitor, C4b-binding protein. These results together explain the serum resistance of Y. enterocolitica. The ability to evade complement attack is apparently important for the pathogenicity of Yersinia enterocolitica.

Highly conserved surface proteins of oral spirochetes as adhesins and potent inducers of proinflammatory and osteoclastogenic factors

Oral spirochetes include enormously heterogeneous Treponema species, and some have been implicated in the etiology of periodontitis. In this study, we characterized highly conserved surface proteins in four representative oral spirochetes (Treponema denticola, T. lecithinolyticum, T. maltophilum, and T. socranskii subsp. socranskii) that are homologs of T. pallidum Tp92, with opsonophagocytic potential and protective capacity against syphilis. Tp92 homologs of oral spirochetes had predicted signal peptides (20 to 31 amino acids) and molecular masses of 88 to 92 kDa for mature proteins. They showed amino acid sequence identities of 37.9 to 49.3% and similarities of 54.5 to 66.9% to Tp92. The sequence identities and similarities of Tp92 homologs of oral treponemes to one another were 41.6 to 71.6% and 59.9 to 85.6%, respectively. The tp92 gene homologs were successfully expressed in Escherichia coli, and the recombinant proteins were capable of binding to KB cells, an epithelial cell line, and inhibited the binding of the whole bacteria to the cells. Antiserum (the immunoglobulin G fraction) raised against a recombinant form of the T. denticola Tp92 homolog cross-reacted with homologs from three other species of treponemes. The Tp92 homologs stimulated various factors involved in inflammation and osteoclastogenesis, like interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), tumor necrosis factor alpha, IL-6, prostaglandin E(2), and matrix metalloproteinase 9, in host cells like monocytes and fibroblasts. Our results demonstrate that Tp92 homologs of oral spirochetes are highly conserved and may play an important role in cell attachment, inflammation, and tissue destruction. The coexistence of various Treponema species in a single periodontal pocket and, therefore, the accumulation of multiple Tp92 homologs may amplify the pathological effect in periodontitis.

EmaA, a potential virulence determinant of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in infective endocarditis

The gram-negative fastidious human oropharyngeal Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is implicated in the etiology of infective endocarditis. EmaA, an oligomeric coiled-coil adhesin homologous to YadA of Yersinia enterocolitica, was hypothesized to mediate the interaction of A. actinomycetemcomitans with collagen. Collagen, the most abundant protein in human bodies and the main component of extracellular matrix (ECM), predominates in the supporting tissue of cardiac valves. To extend our earlier studies using purified collagen to determine bacterial binding activities, we developed a tissue model using rabbit cardiac valves to investigate the interaction of A. actinomycetemcomitans with native collagen. The resected mitral valves, with or without removal of the endothelium, were incubated with equivalent numbers of the wild type and the isogenic emaA mutant defective in collagen binding. There was no difference in binding between the wild-type and the mutant strains when the endothelium remained intact. However, the emaA mutant was fivefold less effective than the wild-type strain in colonizing the exposed ECM. A 10-fold increase in the binding of the wild-type strain to ECM was observed compared with the intact endothelium. Similar observations were replicated in an in vivo endocarditis rabbit model; the emaA mutant was 10-fold less effective in the initial infection of the traumatized aortic valve. Colocalization studies indicated that A. actinomycetemcomitans bound to type I collagen. A. actinomycetemcomitans preferentially colonized the ECM and, together with the evidence that EmaA interacts with the native collagen, suggested that the adhesin is likely a potential virulence determinant of the bacterium in the initiation of infective endocarditis.

Identification of an antiparallel coiled-coil/loop domain required for ligand binding by the Borrelia hermsii FhbA protein: additional evidence for the role of FhbA in the host-pathogen interaction

Borrelia hermsii, an etiological agent of tick-borne relapsing fever in North America, binds host-derived serum proteins including factor H (FH), plasminogen, and an unidentified 60-kDa protein via its FhbA protein. Two distinct phylogenetic types of FhbA have been delineated (FhbA1 and FhbA2). These orthologs share a conserved C-terminal domain that contains two alpha helices with a high predictive probability of coiled-coil formation that are separated by a 14-amino-acid loop domain. Through site-directed mutagenesis, we have identified residues within these domains that influence the binding of both mouse and human FH, plasminogen, and/or the 60-kDa protein. To further investigate the involvement of FhbA in the host-pathogen interaction, strains that are either FhbA(+) (isolate YOR) or FhbA(-) (isolate REN) were tested for serum sensitivity. Significant differences were observed, with YOR and REN being serum resistant and serum sensitive (intermediate), respectively. To test the abilities of these strains to infect and persist in mice, mice were needle inoculated, and infectivity and persistence were then assessed. While both strains REN and YOR infected mice, only the FhbA(+) YOR strain persisted beyond day 4. Survival of the YOR isolate in blood correlated with the upregulation of the fhbA gene, as demonstrated by real-time reverse transcriptase PCR. These data advance our understanding of the unique interactions of FhbA with individual serum proteins and provide support for the hypothesis that FhbA is an important contributor to the pathogenesis of the relapsing fever spirochete B. hermsii.

Delineation of species-specific binding properties of the CspZ protein (BBH06) of Lyme disease spirochetes: evidence for new contributions to the pathogenesis of Borrelia spp

Borrelia burgdorferi CspZ (TIGR open reading frame designation, BBH06) is part of a functionally related group of proteins that bind one or more members of the factor H (FH) protein family. In this report we assess the conservation, distribution, properties, and ligand binding abilities of CspZ from the three main Borrelia species associated with Lyme disease infections in humans. CspZ (also referred to as BbCRASP-2 in the literature) was found to be highly conserved at the intraspecies level but divergent at the interspecies level. All CspZ orthologs that originated from B. burgdorferi isolates bound FH from a diverse group of mammals. In contrast, CspZ derived from B. garinii and B. afzelii did not. Regardless of the Borrelia species of origin, all CspZ proteins tested bound to unknown approximately 60-kDa serum proteins produced by different mammals. To further define the molecular basis for the differential binding of CspZ orthologs to host proteins, DNA sequence, truncation, and site-directed mutagenesis analyses were performed. DNA sequence analyses revealed that B. garinii and B. afzelii CspZ orthologs possess a 64-amino-acid N-terminal domain that is absent from B. burgdorferi CspZ. However, binding analyses of recombinant proteins revealed that this domain does not in and of itself influence ligand binding properties. Truncation and mutagenesis analyses further revealed that the key determinants required for ligand binding are discontinuous and that the presentation of the ligand binding pocket is dependent on alpha helices with high coiled-coil formation probability. The data presented here provide insight into the molecular basis of CspZ-ligand interactions and suggest that CspZ orthologs from diverse Borrelia species can contribute to the host-pathogen interaction through their interaction with serum proteins.

Acinetobacter baumannii outer membrane protein A targets the nucleus and induces cytotoxicity

Acinetobacter baumannii is an emerging opportunistic pathogen responsible for healthcare-associated infections. The outer membrane protein A of A. baumannii (AbOmpA) is the most abundant surface protein that has been associated with the apoptosis of epithelial cells through mitochondrial targeting. The nuclear translocation of AbOmpA and the subsequent pathology on host cells were further investigated. AbOmpA directly binds to eukaryotic cells. AbOmpA translocates to the nucleus by a novel monopartite nuclear localization signal (NLS). The introduction of rAbOmpA into the cells or a transient expression of AbOmpA-EGFP causes the nuclear localization of these proteins, while the fusion proteins of AbOmpADeltaNLS-EGFP and AbOmpA with substitutions in residues lysine to alanine in the NLS sequences represent an exclusively cytoplasmic distribution. The nuclear translocation of AbOmpA induces cell death in vitro. Furthermore, the microinjection of rAbOmpA into the nucleus of Xenopus laevis embryos fails to develop normal embryogenesis, thus leading to embryonic death. We propose a novel pathogenic mechanism of A. baumannii regarding the nuclear targeting of the bacterial structural protein AbOmpA.

Molecular heterogeneity of EmaA, an oligomeric autotransporter adhesin of Aggregatibacter (Actinobacillus) actinomycetemcomitans

Adhesion of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans to extracellular matrix proteins is mediated by antennae-like surface structures composed of EmaA oligomers. EmaA is an outer-membrane protein orthologous to the autotransporter YadA, a virulence determinant of Yersinia. emaA was present in the 27 strains examined, covering the six serotypes of A. actinomycetemcomitans. Ten individual genotypes and three different forms of the protein (full-length, intermediate and truncated) were predicted. The prototypic, full-length EmaA (202 kDa) was only associated with serotypes b and c, which displayed antennae-like surface structures. These strains bound to collagen embedded in a 3D matrix. The intermediate form of EmaA (173 kDa) was exclusively associated with serotypes d and a, which contained a 279 aa in-frame deletion, as well as a different N-terminal head domain sequence. These differences modified the appearance of the EmaA structures on the cell surface but maintained collagen-binding activity. Strains containing the truncated form of EmaA had single or multiple substitutions, deletions or insertions in the sequences, which resulted in the absence of EmaA molecules on the outer membrane and loss of collagen-binding activity. Population structure analyses of this organism, based on emaA, indicated that serotypes b and c belonged to one subpopulation, which was independent of the other serotypes. The main divergence was found in the functional head domain. The conserved emaA genotype within serotypes suggests a stable clonal linkage between this autotransporter protein and other virulence determinants.

A second Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans autotransporter adhesin exhibits specificity for buccal epithelial cells in humans and Old World primates

Previous work showed that the Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans adhesin Aae demonstrated species specificity and tissue tropism to buccal epithelial cells (BECs) derived from humans and Old World primates, but a second, lower-affinity adhesin was noted. This study was designed to determine if Omp100 (also known as ApiA), a surface-expressed A. actinomycetemcomitans adhesin, is that second adhesin and if so to investigate its tissue tropism and species specificity. A targeted mutagenesis protocol was used to construct an isogenic apiA mutant and an aae apiA double mutant with wild-type A. actinomycetemcomitans. In addition, Escherichia coli strain DH5alpha was used to express apiA to further assess binding parameters. Results indicated that the apiA mutant strain showed significantly less binding to BECs than its parent strain (P < or = 0.05). Further, binding mediated by ApiA was specific to BECs from humans and Old World primates, as seen in both wild-type A. actinomycetemcomitans and E. coli expressing ApiA (P < or = 0.05). Pretreatment of wild-type A. actinomycetemcomitans cells with anti-ApiA antiserum reduced binding in a dose-dependent manner. The aae apiA double mutant completely abrogated A. actinomycetemcomitans binding to both human and Old World primate BECs. Taken together, these studies indicate that ApiA and Aae, in concert, modulate binding of A. actinomycetemcomitans to human BECs. Since the BEC is a prominent reservoir for A. actinomycetemcomitans, identification of this second adhesin could lead to important therapeutic strategies.

Molecular characterization of the membrane-bound quinol peroxidase functionally connected to the respiratory chain

Here, we report for the first time quinol peroxidase (QPO), an enzyme that uses ubiquinol-1 as an electron donor for the reduction of H(2)O(2) to water. We purified QPO to > 90% purity from the membrane fraction of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans. QPO is a 53.6-kDa protein that contains three heme c molecules. The qpo gene was predicted to encode a putative bacterial cytochrome c peroxidase with N-terminal extensions containing an additional potential heme c-binding motif. Although qpo has high sequence homology to bacterial cytochrome c peroxidases, QPO did not catalyze peroxidation in the presence of horse heart cytochrome c. In addition, the cytoplasmic membrane of A. actinomycetemcomitans had apparent QPO-dependent peroxidase activity in the presence of NADH or succinate, which are substrates for the respiratory chain. Based on these findings, we present a new mechanism for the scavenging of reactive oxygen species in which quinol in the respiratory chain is consumed.

Characterizing the specific coaggregation between Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans serotype c strains and Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC 33277

A visual coaggregation study showed specific interspecies coaggregation between an Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans serotype c strain and Porphyromonas gingivalis strains ATCC 33277 and 381. We mutagenized A. actinomycetemcomitans SUNYaB 67 (serotype c) with transposon IS903phikan and isolated three transposon insertion mutants that had a reduced ability to aggregate with P. gingivalis ATCC 33277. The three transposon insertions in the mutant strains mapped to the genes at ORF12, ORF13 and ORF16 of the gene cluster responsible for producing serotype c-specific polysaccharide antigen (SPA). Western blot analysis with serotype c-specific antibody showed that these strains did not produce the high-molecular-mass smear of SPA. Furthermore, two SPA-deficient mutants and an SPA-producing mutant were constructed. The two SPA-deficient mutants were deficient for ORF12 and ORF14, which are necessary for the synthesis of serotype c-SPA, and the SPA-producing mutant was deficient for ORF17, which is not related to SPA synthesis. The ORF12- and ORF14-deficient mutants showed reduced ability to aggregate with P. gingivalis ATCC 33277, while the ORF17-deficient mutant aggregated with ATCC 33277 to the same extent as wild-type SUNYaB 67. Our findings suggest that serotype c-SPA of A. actinomycetemcomitans mediates coaggregation with P. gingivalis ATCC 33277.

Adhesion and invasion to epithelial cells by fimA genotypes of Porphyromonas gingivalis

Adhesion to and invasion of epithelial cells by the periodontopathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis is promoted by the major fimbriae, encoded by fimA. The microorganism can be classified in six genotypes, based on fimA sequence, and genotype II strains are more prevalent than others in periodontitis patients. This study aimed to determine the adhesive and invasive abilities on KB cells of different fimA allelic variants of P. gingivalis isolates. Twenty-two isolates and six reference strains representing the six fimA genotypes and non-typeable strains were screened for their adhesion and invasion abilities on KB cells, using standard methods. All strains were able to adhere and, except for one, to invade KB cells. However, these properties were not homogeneous among strains belonging to the same genotype. There was no correlation between adhesion and invasion efficiencies. Isolate KdII 865 (fimA genotype II) was the most invasive and the second most adhesive strain, whereas reference strain ATCC 33277 (fimA I) showed a low adhesion ability but was highly invasive. These data indicated that fimA genotypes of P. gingivalis are not related to the adhesion and invasion abilities on KB cells, suggesting that the increased prevalence and proportion of certain genotypes may be attributed to other characteristics besides FimA variation.

Novel surface structures are associated with the adhesion of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans to collagen

Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans is a gram-negative, facultative, anaerobic bacterium that colonizes the human oral cavity and the upper respiratory tract. This bacterium is strongly associated with localized aggressive periodontitis and adult periodontitis and is the causative agent for other serious systemic infections. Recently, we have identified a protein, EmaA (extracellular matrix protein adhesin A), that mediates the adhesion of A. actinomycetemcomitans to collagen. The conserved sequence and predicted secondary structure suggest that EmaA is an orthologue of the Yersinia enterocolitica adhesin YadA. Electron microscopy examinations of A. actinomycetemcomitans have identified antenna-like protrusions associated with the surface of the bacterium. These structures are absent on emaA mutant strains and can be restored by transformation of the mutant strain with emaA in trans. The loss of these structures is associated with a decrease in the binding of this bacterium to collagen. The antenna-like structures are composed of a long rod that terminates in an ellipsoidal head region. The analysis of these structures using image processing techniques has provided an initial estimate of the overall dimensions, which suggests that the appendages are oligomeric structures formed by either three or four subunits. Together, the data suggest that emaA is required for the expression of novel appendages on the surface of A. actinomycetemcomitans that mediate the adhesion of the bacterium to collagen.

Identification of the gene encoding the FhbB protein of Treponema denticola, a highly unique factor H-like protein 1 binding protein

The gene encoding the Treponema denticola factor H-like protein 1 (FHL-1) binding protein, FhbB, was recovered and characterized. Sequence conservation, expression, and properties of FhbB were analyzed. The identification of FhbB represents an important step in understanding the contribution of FHL-1 binding in T. denticola pathogenesis and in development of periodontal disease.

Association of Eubacterium nodatum and Treponema denticola with human periodontitis lesions

BACKGROUND

The purpose of the present investigation was to compare the levels, proportions and percentage of sites colonized by 40 bacterial species in subgingival plaque samples from periodontally healthy subjects and patients with chronic periodontitis to seek possible pathogens other than the consensus pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia.

METHOD

Subgingival plaque samples were taken from the mesial aspect of each tooth in 635 subjects with chronic periodontitis and 189 periodontally healthy subjects. The samples were individually analyzed for their content of 40 bacterial species using checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization (total samples = 21,832). Mean counts, % DNA probe counts and percentage of sites colonized at >10(5) were determined for each species in each subject and then averaged in each clinical group. Significance of difference between groups was determined using the Mann-Whitney test. Association between combinations of species and periodontal status was examined by stepwise logistic regression analysis. Analyses were repeated using a subset of subjects from both clinical groups who had proportions of P. gingivalis plus T. forsythia less than the median (4.42%) found in periodontally healthy subjects. All analyses were adjusted for multiple comparisons.

RESULTS

For the 824 subjects the consensus pathogens P. gingivalis and T. forsythia as well as Eubacterium nodatum and Treponema denticola had significantly higher mean counts, proportions and percentage of sites colonized in samples from subjects with periodontitis than from periodontally healthy subjects. There were significantly more Capnocytophaga gingivalis, Streptococcus gordonii and Veillonella parvula in periodontally healthy subjects. E. nodatum, T. denticola, Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus intermedius, Fusobacterium nucleatum ssp. vincentii all had higher counts and proportions in diseased than healthy subjects who had low proportions of P. gingivalis and T. forsythia. Logistic regression analysis indicated that the same species groups were associated with disease status after adjusting for the proportions of the other species.

CONCLUSIONS

This investigation confirmed the strong association of P. gingivalis and T. forsythia with chronic periodontitis and emphasized a strong association of E. nodatum and T. denticola with periodontitis whether in the presence or absence of high levels of the consensus pathogens. Other species, including S. oralis, Eikenella corrodens, S. intermedius and F. nucleatum ssp. vincentii, were associated with disease when P. gingivalis and T. forsythia were present in low proportions.

Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans outer membrane protein 100 triggers innate immunity and production of beta-defensin and the 18-kilodalton cationic antimicrobial protein through the fibronectin-integrin pathway in human gingival epithelial cells

Antimicrobial peptides, human beta-defensin (hBD), and the 18-kDa cationic antimicrobial protein (CAP18) are components of innate immunity. These peptides have antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans is a gram-negative facultative anaerobe implicated in the initiation of periodontitis. The innate immunity peptides have antibacterial activity against A. actinomycetemcomitans. We investigated the molecular mechanism of human gingival epithelial cells (HGEC) responding to exposure to A. actinomycetemcomitans. HGEC constitutively express hBD1 and inducibly express hBD2, hBD3, and CAP18 on exposure to A. actinomycetemcomitans. The level of expression varies among clinical isolates. In the signaling pathway for hBD2 induction by the bacterial contact, we demonstrate that the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase and not the NF-kappaB transcription factor pathway is used. We found the outer membrane protein 100 (Omp100; identified by molecular mass) is the component inducing the hBD2 response. Omp100 binds to fibronectin, an extracellular matrix inducing hBD2 via the MAP kinase pathway. Anti-integrin alpha(5)beta(1), antifibronectin, genistein, and PP2 suppress the Omp100-induced expression of hBD2, suggesting that Src kinase is involved through integrin alpha(5)beta(1). The inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), IL-6 and IL-8, produced by HGEC on contact with A. actinomycetemcomitans also stimulate expression of hBD2. Further, neutralizing antibody against TNF-alpha or IL-8 partially inhibits the induction of hBD2 on bacterial contact. Therefore, we found that the induction of the antimicrobial peptides is mediated by a direct response principally through an Omp100-fibronectin interaction, and using secondary stimulation by inflammatory cytokines induced by the bacterial exposure.

Immunoproteomics of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans outer-membrane proteins reveal a highly immunoreactive peptidoglycan-associated lipoprotein

In a search for novel bioactive cell surface structures of periodontal pathogens, it was found that sera from two patients with Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans-associated infections reacted strongly at 17 kDa on immunoblots of A. actinomycetemcomitans outer-membrane protein (OMP) preparations. The 17 kDa antigen was also recognized by anti-CsgA (Escherichia coli curli major subunit) antibody. The 17 kDa A. actinomycetemcomitans protein was identified as peptidoglycan-associated lipoprotein (PAL; AaPAL) by two-dimensional immunoblotting and subsequent sequence analysis by mass spectrometry and bioinformatics tools. AaPAL was an OMP and a lipoprotein, and it had an OmpA-like domain. In a group of middle-aged subjects (n = 26), serum reactivity to AaPAL was associated with the presence of periodontitis but not with the oral detection of A. actinomycetemcomitans. Both human sera and rabbit antisera against three different types of antigens, the gel-purified AaPAL, A. actinomycetemcomitans whole-cell antigens, and CsgA, recognized putative PALs of oral haemophili in addition to AaPAL. The results demonstrated that the novel AaPAL is a conserved bacterial lipoprotein. It is expressed in vivo and is strongly immunoreactive. The antigenic cross-reactivity found between AaPAL and oral haemophili may enhance local and systemic immuno-inflammatory reactions in periodontitis.

Neisseria meningitidis NhhA is a multifunctional trimeric autotransporter adhesin

NhhA, Neisseriahia/hsf homologue, or GNA0992, is an oligomeric outer membrane protein of Neisseria meningitidis, recently included in the family of trimeric autotransporter adhesins. In this study we present the structural and functional characterization of this protein. By expressing in Escherichia coli the full-length gene, deletion mutants and chimeric proteins of NhhA, we demonstrated that the last 72 C-terminal residues are able to allow trimerization and localization of the N-terminal protein domain to the bacterial surface. In addition, we investigated on the possible role of NhhA in bacterial-host interaction events. We assessed in vitro the ability of recombinant purified NhhA to bind human epithelial cells as well as laminin and heparan sulphate. Furthermore, we shown that E. coli strain expressing NhhA was able to adhere to epithelial cells, and observed a reduced adherence in a meningococcal isogenic MC58DeltaNhhA mutant. We concluded that this protein is a multifunctional adhesin, able to promote the bacterial adhesion to host cells and extracellular matrix components. Collectively, our results underline a putative role of NhhA in meningococcal pathogenesis and ascertain its structural and functional belonging to the emerging group of bacterial autotransporter adhesins with trimeric architecture.

Inactivation of DNA adenine methyltransferase alters virulence factors in Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans

DNA adenine methyltransferase (DAM) plays critical roles in diverse biological pathways in gram-negative bacteria, and specifically in regulating the expression of virulence genes in several organisms. Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans plays an important role in the pathogenesis of juvenile and adult periodontal disease, yet little is known about its mechanisms of gene regulation. DAM is shown here to directly or indirectly affect well-known A. actinomycetemcomitans virulence factors. A mutant A. actinomycetemcomitans strain lacking the dam gene was created by homologous recombination and shows normal growth phenotypes when grown exponentially. This mutant strain has four sixfold increased levels of extracellular leukotoxin, altered cellular levels of leukotoxin, and significant changes in bacterial invasion of KB oral epithelial cells. These results provide a basis for further characterization of regulatory mechanisms that control A. actinomycetemcomitans virulence.

Bacterial complement evasion

The human complement system is elemental to recognize bacteria, opsonize them for handling by phagocytes, or kill them by direct lysis. However, successful bacterial pathogens have in turn evolved ingenious strategies to overcome this part of the immune system. In this review we discuss the different stages of complement activation sequentially and illustrate the immune evasion strategies that various bacteria have developed to evade each subsequent step. The focus is on bacterial proteins, either surface-bound or excreted, that block complement activation. The underlying molecular mechanism of action and the possible role in pathophysiology of bacterial infections are discussed.

Adhesion mediated by autotransporters of Gram-negative bacteria: Structural and functional features

The ability of bacterial proteins to promote adhesion to biological surfaces is a fundamental step in bacterial infections. Some bacterial adhesins belong to the family of autotransporters, which are secreted to the surface of Gram-negative bacteria by an elegantly simple mechanism. This review will summarize their functional and structural features.

Characterization of immunoaffinity purified peptidoglycan-associated lipoprotein of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans

Peptidoglycan-associated lipoprotein (PAL) is a highly conserved structural outer membrane protein among Gram-negative bacteria. In some species, it is proinflammatory and released extracellularly. We purified a newly identified PAL (AaPAL) of a periodontal pathogen Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans by using AaPAL antipeptide antibodies coupled to immunoaffinity chromatography column. No protein impurities originating in A. actinomycetemcomitans were found in the final product. Sera from patients infected by A. actinomycetemcomitans recognized the purified AaPAL. The present purification method seems to be suitable for isolation of AaPAL and probably PALs of other bacterial species, and applicable in studies investigating proinflammatory mechanisms of A. actinomycetemcomitans.

Demonstration of factor H-like protein 1 binding to Treponema denticola, a pathogen associated with periodontal disease in humans

Treponema denticola is an important contributor to periodontal disease. In this study we investigated the ability of T. denticola to bind the complement regulatory proteins factor H and factor H-like protein 1 (FHL-1). The binding of these proteins has been demonstrated to facilitate evasion of the alternative complement cascade and/or to play a role in adherence and invasion. Here we demonstrate that T. denticola specifically binds FHL-1 via a 14-kDa, surface-exposed protein that we designated FhbB. Consistent with its FHL-1 binding specificity, FhbB binds only to factor H recombinant fragments spanning short consensus repeats (SCRs) 1 to 7 (H7 construct) and not to SCR constructs spanning SCRs 8 to 15 and 16 to 20. Binding of H7 to FhbB was inhibited by heparin. The specific involvement of SCR 7 in the interaction was demonstrated using an H7 mutant (H7AB) in which specific charged residues in SCR 7 were replaced by alanine. This construct lost FhbB binding ability. Analyses of the ability of FHL-1 bound to the surface of T. denticola to serve as a cofactor for factor I-mediated cleavage of C3b revealed that C3b is cleaved in an FHL-1/factor I-independent manner, perhaps by an unidentified protease. Based on the data presented here, we hypothesize that the primary function of FHL-1 binding by T. denticola might be to facilitate adherence to FHL-1 present on anchorage-dependent cells and in the extracellular matrix.

Irsogladine maleate influences the response of gap junctional intercellular communication and IL-8 of human gingival epithelial cells following periodontopathogenic bacterial challenge

Gingival epithelial cells first encounter periodontopathogenic bacteria and their metabolic products to produce inflammatory cytokines. Gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) is thought to play a critical role in cellular coordination in tissue homeostasis. Gap junctions are structured by connexins (CXs). GJIC response of gingival epithelial cells to the bacteria may be involved in the initiation of periodontal disease. Irsogladine maleate (IM) is known to enhance GJIC through cAMP. In the present study, we examined an effect of IM on GJIC response and on interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels in human gingival epithelial cells (HGEC) exposed to a periodontopathogenic bacterium, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, and its outer membrane protein (OMP) 29 in order to test the hypothesis that IM has the ability to modulate GJIC and inflammatory responses of gingival epithelial cells to periodontopathogenic bacteria. IM countered the OMP29-induced reduction of GJIC, CX43 levels and cAMP levels in HGEC. The simultaneous addition of OMP29 and dibutyryl cAMP also abrogated the repression of GJIC by OMP29. Furthermore, IM obviated the increase in IL-8 levels in HGEC stimulated by whole live A. actinomycetemcomitans and by OMP29. These findings suggest that IM counters the OMP29-induced GJIC reduction in HGEC through cAMP. IM may eliminate initial perturbation of gingival epithelial cells by regulating responses of GJIC and IL-8 to periodontopathogenic bacterial exposure.

Concurrence between the gene expression pattern of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans in localized aggressive periodontitis and in human epithelial cells

Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans is a facultatively intracellular pathogen and the aetiological agent of localized aggressive periodontitis. Screening of the genome of A. actinomycetemcomitans for in vivo-induced antigen determinants previously demonstrated that the proteome of this organism differs in laboratory culture compared with conditions found during active infection. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the bacterial gene expression pattern inferred with in vivo-induced antigen technology (IVIAT) in human infections was consistent with the gene expression pattern occurring upon epithelial cell association. To this end, a real-time PCR method was developed and used to quantify absolute and relative bacterial gene expression of A. actinomycetemcomitans grown extra- and intracellularly in two human epithelial cell lines (HeLa and IHGK). The amount of template used in the assay was normalized using the total count of viable bacteria (c.f.u.) as a reference point and performed in duplicate in at least two independent experiments. Controls for this experiment included 16S rRNA and gapdh. Transcription of all eight ORFs tested increased significantly (P < 0.05) in HeLa and IHGK cells compared with bacteria grown extracellularly. The concurrence of gene expression patterns found in the two models suggests that these epithelial cells are valid in vitro models of infection for the genes tested. IVIAT is an experimental platform that can be used as a validation tool to assess the reliability of animal and other models of infection and is applicable to most pathogens.

Trimeric autotransporters: a distinct subfamily of autotransporter proteins

Autotransporter proteins are a large family of gram-negative bacterial extracellular proteins. These proteins have a characteristic arrangement of functional domains, including an N-terminal signal peptide, an internal passenger domain, and a C-terminal translocator domain. Recent studies have identified a novel subfamily of autotransporters, defined by a short trimeric C-terminal translocator domain and known as trimeric autotransporters. In this article, we review our current knowledge of the structural and functional characteristics of trimeric autotransporters, highlighting the distinctions between this subfamily and conventional autotransporters. We speculate that trimeric autotransporters evolved to enable high-affinity multivalent adhesive interactions with host surfaces and circulating host molecules to take place.

Parotid secretory protein is expressed and inducible in human gingival keratinocytes

BACKGROUND

Parotid secretory protein (PSP) is a major salivary protein that is thought to possess both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity. A major question is whether PSP expression can be regulated by humoral factors and bacteria. Periodontitis is an inflammatory lesion initiated by interaction between gingival keratinocytes and periodontopathogenic microorganisms such as the Gram-negative anaerobe Porphyromonas gingivalis. Cytokines and sex hormones have been implicated in the progression of various forms of periodontal diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We investigated the expression of PSP and its regulation in primary cultures of human gingival keratinocytes (HGK). HGK at the third or fourth passage were exposed to heat-killed P. gingivalis, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and 17beta-estradiol. The PSP mRNA levels were examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The protein expression of PSP was confirmed by immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

Heat-killed P. gingivalis, TNF-alpha and 17beta-estradiol all resulted in increased HGK levels of mRNA for PSP as determined by real-time PCR analysis. Immunofluorescence demonstrated increased PSP localized within the cytoplasm of HGK following exposure to killed P. gingivalis.

CONCLUSION

The present study has demonstrated for the first time that PSP is expressed in keratinocytes and that it can be up-regulated by bacteria and humoral factors. Thus PSP may have a role in the innate defense system at the gingival epithelial surface.

Putative coiled-coil structural elements of the BBA68 protein of Lyme disease spirochetes are required for formation of its factor H binding site

Factor H and factor H like-protein 1 (FHL-1) are complement regulatory proteins that serve as cofactors for the factor I-mediated cleavage of C3b. Some Lyme disease and relapsing fever spirochete species bind factor H to their surface to facilitate immune evasion. The Lyme disease spirochetes produce several factor H binding proteins (FHBPs) that form two distinct classes. Class I FHBPs (OspE orthologs and paralogs) bind only factor H, while class II FHBPs (BBA68) bind both factor H and FHL-1. BBA68 belongs to a large paralogous protein family, and of these paralogs, BBA69 is the member most closely related to BBA68. To determine if BBA69 can also bind factor H, recombinant protein was generated and tested for factor H binding. BBA69 did not exhibit factor H binding ability, suggesting that among family 54 paralogs, factor H binding is unique to BBA68. To identify the determinants of BBA68 that are involved in factor H binding, truncation and site-directed mutational analyses were performed. These analyses revealed that the factor H binding site is discontinuous and provide strong evidence that coiled-coil structural elements are involved in the formation of the binding site.