Salivary Receptors for the Proline-rich Protein-binding and Lectin-like Adhesins of Oral Actinomyces and Streptococci

Opportunistic respiratory pathogens in the oral cavity of the elderly

The oral cavity of the hospitalized or bedridden elderly is often a reservoir for opportunistic pathogens associated with respiratory diseases. Commensal flora and the host interact in a balanced fashion and oral infections are considered to appear following an imbalance in the oral resident microbiota, leading to the emergence of potentially pathogenic bacteria. The definition of the process involved in colonization by opportunistic respiratory pathogens needs to elucidate the factors responsible for the transition of the microbiota from commensal to pathogenic flora. The regulatory factors influencing the oral ecosystem can be divided into three major categories: the host defense system, commensal bacteria, and external pathogens. In this article, we review the profile of these categories including the intricate cellular interaction between immune factors and commensal bacteria and the disturbance in homeostasis in the oral cavity of hospitalized or bedridden elderly, which facilitates oral colonization by opportunistic respiratory pathogens.

Integrity of proteins in human saliva after sterilization by gamma irradiation

Microbial contamination of whole human saliva is unwanted for certain in vitro applications, e.g., when utilizing it as a growth substratum for biofilm experiments. The aim of this investigation was to test gamma irradiation for its suitability to sterilize saliva and to investigate the treatment's influence on the composition and integrity of salivary proteins in comparison to filter sterilization. For inhibition of bacterial growth by gamma irradiation, a sterility assurance level of 10(-6) was determined to be reached at a dose of 3.5 kGy. At this dose, the integrity of proteins, as measured by fluorescence, circular dichroism, and gel electrophoretic banding pattern, and the enzymatic activities of salivary amylase and lysozyme were virtually unchanged. Filtration reduced the total protein concentration to about half of its original value and decreased lysozyme activity to about 10%. It can be concluded that irradiation is suitable for sterilizing whole saliva in its native form.

Oral biofilm models for mechanical plaque removal

In vitro plaque removal studies require biofilm models that resemble in vivo dental plaque. Here, we compare contact and non-contact removal of single and dual-species biofilms as well as of biofilms grown from human whole saliva in vitro using different biofilm models. Bacteria were adhered to a salivary pellicle for 2 h or grown after adhesion for 16 h, after which, their removal was evaluated. In a contact mode, no differences were observed between the manual, rotating, or sonic brushing; and removal was on average 39%, 84%, and 95% for Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus oralis, and Actinomyces naeslundii, respectively, and 90% and 54% for the dual- and multi-species biofilms, respectively. However, in a non-contact mode, rotating and sonic brushes still removed considerable numbers of bacteria (24-40%), while the manual brush as a control (5-11%) did not. Single A. naeslundii and dual-species (A. naeslundii and S. oralis) biofilms were more difficult to remove after 16 h growth than after 2 h adhesion (on average, 62% and 93% for 16- and 2-h-old biofilms, respectively), while in contrast, biofilms grown from whole saliva were easier to remove (97% after 16 h and 54% after 2 h of growth). Considering the strong adhesion of dual-species biofilms and their easier more reproducible growth compared with biofilms grown from whole saliva, dual-species biofilms of A. naeslundii and S. oralis are suggested to be preferred for use in mechanical plaque removal studies in vitro.

In vitro adhesion of Streptococcus sanguinis to dentine root surface after treatment with Er:YAG laser, ultrasonic system, or manual curette

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the dentine root surface roughness and the adherence of Streptococcus sanguinis (ATCC 10556) after treatment with an ultrasonic system, Er:YAG laser, or manual curette.

BACKGROUND DATA

Bacterial adhesion and formation of dental biofilm after scaling and root planing may be a challenge to the long-term stability of periodontal therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty flattened bovine roots were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: ultrasonic system (n = 10); Er:YAG laser (n = 10); manual curette (n = 10); or control untreated roots (n = 10). The mean surface roughness (Ra, microm) of the specimens before and after exposure to each treatment was determined using a surface profilometer. In addition, S. sanguinis was grown on the treated and untreated specimens and the amounts of retained bacteria on the surfaces were measured by culture method.

RESULTS

All treatments increased the Ra; however, the roughest surface was produced by the curettes. In addition, the specimens treated with curettes showed the highest S. sanguinis adhesion. There was a significant positive correlation between roughness values and bacterial cells counts.

CONCLUSION

S. sanguinis adhesion was the highest on the curette-treated dentine root surfaces, which also presented the greatest surface roughness.

Shear-enhanced oral microbial adhesion

Shear-enhanced adhesion, although not observed for fimbria-mediated adhesion of oral Actinomyces spp., was noted for Hsa-mediated adhesion of Streptococcus gordonii to sialic acid-containing receptors, an interaction implicated in the pathogenesis of infective endocarditis.

Resemblance of salivary protein profiles between children with early childhood caries and caries-free controls

Although prolonged bottle feeding with a carbohydrate-rich content is commonly agreed to be the main etiologic factor for early childhood caries (ECC), in recent years additional endogenous factors, including the composition of saliva, have been suspected as predisposing factors in children for the development of this aggressive form of dental caries. As a basis for investigating the putative involvement of salivary proteins in the etiology of ECC, a qualitative comparison of major salivary protein profiles between children with ECC and caries-free controls was performed. Saliva was collected from 30 children with ECC and, after separation by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, was compared with saliva from 20 caries-free controls for the general composition of proteins by means of silver staining, glycoprotein staining, and lectin blotting. Gels and blots were analysed using densitometry, and the protein-banding patterns resulting from the individuals' samples were compared by image analysis for the presence or absence of protein bands. Dendrograms obtained after comparison of all samples showed a high degree of similarity for the experimental groups. In summary, the results attest a uniform expression of the major protein components in children's saliva, regardless of the clinical manifestation of ECC, and thus pave the way for further detailed investigations of more subtle differences in the salivary proteome.

Influences of protein films on antibacterial or bacteria-repellent surface coatings in a model system using silicon wafers

Immobilization of defined chemical functionalities to biomaterial surfaces is employed to optimize them not only for tissue compatibility but also for prevention of bacterial infection. Grafting surfaces with chains of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) results in bacterial repellence whereas modification with cationic groups conveys them with bactericidal properties. Since biomaterials in situ will become exposed to a protein-rich environment, it is necessary to investigate the influence of prior protein adsorption on the antibacterial activity of this type of chemical surface modification. In the present study, we immobilized short-chain PEG and two pyridinium group-containing methacrylate monomers, 12-methacryloyloxydodecylpyridinium bromide (MDPB) and 6-methacryloyloxyhexylpyridinium chloride (MHPC), to silicon wafer model surfaces to investigate the influence of prior protein adsorption on the bactericidal activity of the surface coating towards subsequently attached bacteria. Adsorbed amounts of human serum albumin and salivary proteins were found to be two times higher on cationic compared to PEG-modified surfaces. An analogous tendency was found for attachment of Streptococcus gordonii and Streptococcus mutans to the same surfaces without prior protein exposure. However, most bacteria attached to cationic surfaces were found to be dead. Prior exposure of cationic surfaces to protein solutions drastically altered bacterial attachment dependent on the type of protein solution and bacterial species employed. Significantly, the original bactericidal activity of pyridinium-coated surfaces was found greatly reduced upon adsorption of a protein film. As a conclusion we propose that future approaches should combine the protein- and bacteria-repellent properties of PEG-coatings with the bactericidal function of charged cationic groups.

Identification of glycoprotein receptors within the human salivary proteome for the lectin-like BabA and SabA adhesins of Helicobacter pylori by fluorescence-based 2-D bacterial overlay

Because gastric infection by Helicobacter pylori takes place via the oral route, possible interactions of this bacterium with human salivary proteins could occur. By using modified 1- and 2-D bacterial overlay, binding of H. pylori adhesins BabA and SabA to the whole range of salivary proteins was explored. Bound salivary receptor molecules were identified by MALDI-MS and by comparison to previously established proteome maps of whole and glandular salivas. By use of adhesin-deficient mutants, binding of H. pylori to MUC7 and gp-340 could be linked to the SabA and BabA adhesins, respectively, whereas binding to MUC5B was associated with both adhesins. Binding of H. pylori to the proline-rich glycoprotein was newly detected and assigned to BabA adhesin whereas the SabA adhesin was found to mediate binding to newly detected receptor molecules, including carbonic anhydrase VI, secretory component, heavy chain of secretory IgA1, parotid secretory protein and zinc-alpha(2)-glycoprotein. Some of these salivary glycoproteins are known to act as scavenger molecules or are involved in innate immunity whereas others might come to modify the pathogenetic properties of this organism. In general, this 2-D bacterial overlay technique represents a useful supplement in adhesion studies of bacteria with complex protein mixtures.

Specific antibody activity, glycan heterogeneity and polyreactivity contribute to the protective activity of S-IgA at mucosal surfaces

An explanation of the principles and mechanisms involved in peaceful co-existence between animals and the huge, diverse, and ever-changing microbiota that resides on their mucosal surfaces represents a challenging puzzle that is fundamental in everyday survival. In addition to mechanical barriers and a variety of innate defense factors, mucosal immunoglobulins (Igs) provide protection by two complementary mechanisms: specific antibody activity and innate, Ig glycan-mediated binding, both of which serve to contain the mucosal microbiota in its physiological niche. Thus, the interaction of bacterial ligands with IgA glycans constitutes a discrete mechanism that is independent of antibody specificity and operates primarily in the intestinal tract. This mucosal site is by far the most heavily colonized with an enormously diverse bacterial population, as well as the most abundant production site for antibodies, predominantly of the IgA isotype, in the entire immune system. In embodying both adaptive and innate immune mechanisms within a single molecule, S-IgA maintains comprehensive protection of mucosal surfaces with economy of structure and function.

The Fusobacterium nucleatum outer membrane protein RadD is an arginine-inhibitable adhesin required for inter-species adherence and the structured architecture of multispecies biofilm

A defining characteristic of the suspected periodontal pathogen Fusobacterium nucleatum is its ability to adhere to a plethora of oral bacteria. This distinguishing feature is suggested to play an important role in oral biofilm formation and pathogenesis, with fusobacteria proposed to serve as central 'bridging organisms' in the architecture of the oral biofilm bringing together species which would not interact otherwise. Previous studies indicate that these bacterial interactions are mediated by galactose- or arginine-inhibitable adhesins although genetic evidence for the role and nature of these proposed adhesins remains elusive. To characterize these adhesins at the molecular level, the genetically transformable F. nucleatum strain ATCC 23726 was screened for adherence properties, and arginine-inhibitable adhesion was evident, while galactose-inhibitable adhesion was not detected. Six potential arginine-binding proteins were isolated from the membrane fraction of F. nucleatum ATCC 23726 and identified via mass spectroscopy as members of the outer membrane family of proteins in F. nucleatum. Inactivation of the genes encoding these six candidates for arginine-inhibitable adhesion and two additional homologues revealed that only a mutant derivative carrying an insertion in Fn1526 (now designated as radD) demonstrated significantly decreased co-aggregation with representatives of the gram-positive 'early oral colonizers'. Lack of the 350 kDa outer membrane protein encoded by radD resulted in the failure to form the extensive structured biofilm observed with the parent strain when grown in the presence of Streptococcus sanguinis ATCC 10556. These findings indicate that radD is responsible for arginine-inhibitable adherence of F. nucleatum and provides definitive molecular evidence that F. nucleatum adhesins play a vital role in inter-species adherence and multispecies biofilm formation.

Binding of the Streptococcus gordonii DL1 surface protein Hsa to the host cell membrane glycoproteins CD11b, CD43, and CD50

Infective endocarditis is frequently attributed to oral streptococci. The mechanisms of pathogenesis, however, are not well understood, although interaction between streptococci and phagocytes are thought to be very important. A highly expressed surface component of Streptococcus gordonii, Hsa, which has sialic acid-binding activity, contributes to infective endocarditis in vivo. In the present study, we found that S. gordonii DL1 binds to HL-60 cells differentiated into monocytes, granulocytes, and macrophages. Using a glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion to the NR2 domain, which is the sialic acid-binding region of Hsa, we confirmed that the Hsa NR2 domain also binds to differentiated HL-60 cells. To identify which sialoglycoproteins on the surface of differentiated HL-60 cells are receptors for Hsa, intrinsic membrane proteins were assessed by bacterial overlay and far-Western blotting. S. gordonii DL1 adhered to 100- to 150-kDa proteins, a reaction that was abolished by neuraminidase treatment. These sialoglycoproteins were identified as CD11b, CD43, and CD50 by GST pull-down assay and immunoprecipitation with each specific monoclonal antibody. These data suggest that S. gordonii DL1 Hsa specifically binds to three glycoproteins as receptors and that this interaction may be the initial bacterial binding step in infective endocarditis by oral streptococci.

In vitro inhibition of oral streptococci binding to the acquired pellicle by algal lectins

AIMS

The initial colonization of the tooth by streptococci involves their attachment to adsorbed components of the acquired pellicle. Avoiding this adhesion may be successful in preventing caries at early stages. Salivary mucins are glycoproteins that when absorbed onto hydroxyapatite may provide binding sites for certain bacteria. Algal lectins may be especially interesting for oral antiadhesion trials because of their great stability and high specificity for mucins. This work aimed to evaluate the potential of two algal lectins to inhibit the adherence of five streptococci species to the acquired pellicle in vitro.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The lectins used were extracted from Bryothamnion triquetrum (BTL) and Bryothamnion seaforthii (BSL). Fluorescence microscopy was applied to visualize the ability of fluorescein isothiocyanate-labelled lectins to attach to the pellicle and revealed a similar capability for both lectins. Streptococcal adherence assays were performed using saliva-coated microtitre plates. BSL inhibited more than 75% of Streptococcus sanguis, Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus sobrinus and Streptococcus mutans adherence, achieving 92% to the latter. BTL only obtained statistically significant results on S. mitis and S. sobrinus, whose adherence was decreased by 32.5% and 54.4%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Algal lectins are able to inhibit streptococcal adherence.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Our results support the proposed application of lectins in antiadhesion therapeutics.

Infections with viridans group streptococci in children with cancer

Infection with viridans group streptococci (VGS) causes morbidity and mortality in children with cancer. Incidence of these infections has increased over time. Neutropenic patients with acute myeloid leukemia and those receiving high-dose cytarabine or undergoing stem cell transplantation are at highest risk. One-third of infected patients develop a shock syndrome despite prompt antibiotic therapy. Host defense mechanisms contribute substantially to colonization and tissue damage, but the origin of the shock syndrome is not well understood. VGS infection may be accompanied by neurological complications, myocarditis, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Routine systemic antimicrobial prophylaxis against VGS infection has not been proven effective. Current recommendations include appropriate antibiotic therapy and intensive supportive care.

Fluorescence-based bacterial overlay method for simultaneous in situ quantification of surface-attached bacteria

For quantification of bacterial adherence to biomaterial surfaces or to other surfaces prone to biofouling, there is a need for methods that allow a comparative analysis of small material specimens. A new method for quantification of surface-attached biotinylated bacteria was established by in situ detection with fluorescence-labeled avidin-D. This method was evaluated utilizing a silicon wafer model system to monitor the influences of surface wettability and roughness on bacterial adhesion. Furthermore, the effects of protein preadsorption from serum, saliva, human serum albumin, and fibronectin were investigated. Streptococcus gordonii, Streptococcus mitis, and Staphylococcus aureus were chosen as model organisms because of their differing adhesion properties and their clinical relevance. To verify the results obtained by this new technique, scanning electron microscopy and agar replica plating were employed. Oxidized and poly(ethylene glycol)-modified silicon wafers were found to be more resistant to bacterial adhesion than wafers coated with hydrocarbon and fluorocarbon moieties. Roughening of the chemically modified surfaces resulted in an overall increase in bacterial attachment. Preadsorption of proteins affected bacterial adherence but did not fully abolish the influence of the original surface chemistry. However, in certain instances, mostly with saliva or serum, masking of the underlying surface chemistry became evident. The new bacterial overlay method allowed a reliable quantification of surface-attached bacteria and could hence be employed for measuring bacterial adherence on material specimens in a variety of applications.

Streptococcus gordonii Hsa environmentally constrains competitive binding by Streptococcus sanguinis to saliva-coated hydroxyapatite

Competition between pioneer colonizing bacteria may determine polymicrobial succession during dental plaque development, but the ecological constraints are poorly understood. For example, more Streptococcus sanguinis than Streptococcus gordonii organisms are consistently isolated from the same intraoral sites, yet S. gordonii fails to be excluded and survives as a species over time. To explain this observation, we hypothesized that S. gordonii could compete with S. sanguinis to adhere to saliva-coated hydroxyapatite (sHA), an in vitro model of the tooth surface. Both species bound similarly to sHA, yet 10- to 50-fold excess S. gordonii DL1 reduced binding of S. sanguinis SK36 by 85 to >95%. S. sanguinis, by contrast, did not significantly compete with S. gordonii to adhere. S. gordonii competed with S. sanguinis more effectively than other species of oral streptococci and depended upon the salivary film on HA. Next, putative S. gordonii adhesins were analyzed for contributions to interspecies competitive binding. Like wild-type S. gordonii, isogenic mutants with mutations in antigen I/II polypeptides (sspAB), amylase-binding proteins (abpAB), and Csh adhesins (cshAB) competed effectively against S. sanguinis. By contrast, an hsa-deficient mutant of S. gordonii showed significantly reduced binding and competitive capabilities, while these properties were restored in an hsa-complemented strain. Thus, Hsa confers a selective advantage to S. gordonii over S. sanguinis in competitive binding to sHA. Hsa expression may, therefore, serve as an environmental constraint against S. sanguinis, enabling S. gordonii to persist within the oral cavity, despite the greater natural prevalence of S. sanguinis in plaque and saliva.

Chemiluminescence-based detection and comparison of protein amounts adsorbed on differently modified silica surfaces

The biological consequences of protein adsorption on biomaterial surfaces are considered to be of utmost importance for their biocompatibility. A new method based on amino group-labeling coupled to a chemiluminescence reaction for direct determination of proteins adsorbed on material surfaces was employed. This method was used to explore the effects of surface chemistry and surface roughness on protein adsorption in a silicon oxide model system. Corundum sandblasting was applied to silicon wafers to create roughened surfaces while immobilization of fluorocarbon-, hydrocarbon-, and poly(ethylene glycol)-containing silanes produced surfaces of varying wettability. The adsorption behavior of two complex body fluids, human serum and saliva, and of two purified components, human serum albumin and fibronectin, was strongly influenced by the surface parameters. A general tendency to higher amounts of adsorbed protein was found on roughened surfaces and modification with poly(ethylene glycol) or with fluorocarbon moieties reduced protein adsorption. The values obtained with the new method could be confirmed by a colorimetric determination of protein amounts adsorbed on identically modified silica beads and were in accordance with those previously reported utilizing established methods for protein quantification. The presented method, which was methodically simple to perform and allowed the simultaneous measurement of a large number of samples, may be of future value for high-throughput surveying of the protein adsorption characteristics of biomaterials.

Molecular basis of L-rhamnose branch formation in streptococcal coaggregation receptor polysaccharides

The presence of L-rhamnose (Rha) branches in the coaggregation receptor polysaccharides (RPS) of Streptococcus gordonii 38 and Streptococcus oralis J22 was eliminated by replacement of wefB with ermAM in these strains. The expression of this gene in S. oralis 34 did not, however, result in the addition of Rha branches to the linear RPS of this strain, which is identical to that produced by the wefB-deficient mutant of S. gordonii 38. This paradoxical finding was explained by a subtle difference in acceptor specificity of the galactose-1-phosphotransferases encoded by downstream wefC in S. gordonii 38 and wefH in S. oralis 34. These genes were distinguished by the unique ability of WefC to act on the branched acceptor formed by the action of WefB.

Binding of the streptococcal surface glycoproteins GspB and Hsa to human salivary proteins

GspB and Hsa are homologous surface glycoproteins of Streptococcus gordonii that bind sialic acid moieties on platelet membrane glycoprotein Ibalpha. Since this species is an important member of the oral flora, we examined the direct binding of these adhesins to human salivary proteins. Both GspB and Hsa bound low-molecular-weight salivary mucin MG2 and salivary agglutinin. Hsa also bound several other salivary proteins, including secretory immunoglobulin A. Screening of six oral streptococcal isolates revealed that at least two of the strains expressed GspB homologues. These results indicate that GspB-like adhesins may be important for oral bacterial colonization.

Proteome analysis of glandular parotid and submandibular-sublingual saliva in comparison to whole human saliva by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis

The secretions of the salivary parotid and submandibular-sublingual (SMSL) glands constitute the main part of whole human saliva (WS) in which proline-rich proteins (PRPs) and mucins represent dominant groups. Although proteome analysis had been performed on WS, no identification of PRPs or mucins by 2-DE and MS was achieved in WS and no comprehensive analysis of both glandular secretions is available so far. The aim of this study was to compare the protein map of WS to parotid and SMSL secretions for the display of PRPs and mucins. WS and glandular secretions were subjected to 2-DE and spots were analyzed by MALDI-MS. New components identified in WS were cyclophilin-B and prolyl-4-hydroxylase. Also acidic and basic PRPs as well as the proline-rich glycoprotein (PRG) could now be mapped in WS. Acidic PRPs were found equally in parotid and SMSL secretions, whereas basic PRPs and PRG were found primarily in parotid secretion. Salivary mucin MUC7 was identified in SMSL secretion. Thus, the more abundant proteins of WS can be explained mainly by mixed contributions of parotid and SMSL secretions with only few components remaining that may be derived from local sources in the oral cavity.

Contribution of sialic acid-binding adhesin to pathogenesis of experimental endocarditis caused by Streptococcus gordonii DL1

An insertional mutation in hsa, the gene encoding the sialic acid-binding adhesin of Streptococcus gordonii DL1, resulted in a significant reduction of the infection rate of the organism and an inflammatory reaction in the rat aortic valve with experimental endocarditis, suggesting that the adhesin contributes to the infectivity of the organism for heart valves.

Helicobacter pylori adhesion to carbohydrates

Adherence of bacterial pathogens to host tissues contributes to colonization and virulence and typically involves specific interactions between bacterial proteins called adhesins and cognate oligosaccharide (glycan) or protein motifs in the host that are used as receptors. A given pathogen may have multiple adhesins, each specific for a different set of receptors and, potentially, with different roles in infection and disease. This chapter provides strategies for identifying and analyzing host glycan receptors and the bacterial adhesins that exploit them as receptors, with particular reference to adherence of the gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori.

Oral microbial communities in sickness and in health

The relationship between humans and their oral microflora begins shortly after birth and lasts a lifetime. Up until fairly recently, the associations between the host and oral bacteria were considered in terms of a multiplicity of single species interactions. However, it is becoming more apparent that the oral microbes comprise a complex community, and that oral health or disease depends on the interface between the host and the microbial community as a whole. Although it is important to continue studies of the pathogenic properties of specific microbes, these are relevant only in the context of the properties of the community within which they reside. Understanding the microbial communities that drive sickness or health is a key to combating human oral diseases.

Carbohydrate engineering of the recognition motifs in streptococcal co-aggregation receptor polysaccharides

The cell wall polysaccharides of certain oral streptococci function as receptors for the lectin-like surface adhesins on other members of the oral biofilm community. Recognition of these receptor polysaccharides (RPS) depends on the presence of a host-like motif, either GalNAcbeta1-3Gal (Gn) or Galbeta1-3GalNAc (G), within the oligosaccharide repeating units of different RPS structural types. Type 2Gn RPS of Streptococcus gordonii 38 and type 2G RPS of Streptococcus oralis J22 are composed of heptasaccharide repeats that are identical except for their host-like motifs. In the current investigation, the genes for the glycosyltransferases that synthesize these motifs were identified by high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis of genetically altered polysaccharides. RPS production was switched from type 2Gn to 2G by replacing wefC and wefD in the type 2Gn gene cluster of S. gordonii 38 with wefF and wefG from the type 2G cluster of S. oralis J22. Disruption of either wefC or wefF abolished cell surface RPS production. In contrast, disruption of wefD in the type 2Gn cluster or wefG in the type 2G cluster eliminated beta-GalNAc from the Gn motif or beta-Gal from the G motif, resulting in mutant polysaccharides with hexa- rather than heptasaccharide subunits. The mutant polysaccharides reacted like wild-type RPS with rabbit antibodies against type 2Gn or 2G RPS but were inactive as co-aggregation receptors. Additional mutant polysaccharides with GalNAcbeta1-3GalNAc or Galbeta1-3Gal recognition motifs were engineered by replacing wefC in the type 2Gn cluster with wefF or wefF in the type 2G cluster with wefC respectively. The reactions of these genetically modified polysaccharides as antigens and receptors provide further insight into the structural basis of RPS function.

Microbubble-induced detachment of coadhering oral bacteria from salivary pellicles

The presence and maturity of the salivary pellicle influences microbial adhesion and its tenacity in the oral cavity, posing a challenge to different plaque-control systems. Some plaque-control systems rely on surface-tension forces arising from passing microbubbles sprayed over the pellicle. Passage of such bubbles is accompanied by a high fluid flow, but systematic studies are lacking on the contribution of fluid flow vs. microbubbles towards plaque removal. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the detachment efficacy of laminar fluid flow (wall shear rates 11,000-16,000 s(-1)), with and without microbubbles, towards the detachment of Actinomyces naeslundii T14V-J1 and Streptococcus oralis J22, and their coadhering aggregates, from salivary pellicles formed over 2 h or 16 h from reconstituted human whole saliva. Microbubbles in a fluid flow were more efficient at inducing single bacterial detachment, resulting in almost complete (97%) removal for S. oralis J22 and a 15-fold increase in A. naeslundii T14V-J1 removal as compared to the detachment caused by fluid flow alone. A. naeslundii was more difficult to remove and apparently formed the strongest bonds with high-molecular-weight proteins in 16-h pellicles. The detachment of coaggregates after 2 min left a substantial amount of adhered bacterial mass, including more than 60% of singly attached A. naeslundii on the pellicle surface, providing nucleation sites for the de novo adhesion of coadhering streptococci.

Identification and characterization of binding properties of Helicobacter pylori by glycoconjugate arrays

The microaerophilic bacterium Helicobacter pylori is well established for its role in development of different gastric diseases. Bacterial adhesins and corresponding binding sites on the epithelial surface allow H. pylori to colonize the gastric tissue. In this investigation, the adhesion of H. pylori to dot blot arrays of natural glycoproteins and neoglycoproteins was studied. Adhesion was detected by overlay with fluorescence-labeled bacteria on immobilized (neo)glycoproteins. The results confirmed the interaction between the adhesin BabA and the H-1-, Lewis b-, and related fucose-containing antigens. In addition, H. pylori bound to terminal alpha2-3-linked sialic acids as previously described. The use of a sabA mutant and sialidase treatment of glycoconjugate arrays showed that the adherence of H. pylori to laminin is mediated by the sialic acid-binding adhesin, SabA. The adhesion to salivary mucin MUC5B is mainly associated with the BabA adhesin and to a lesser extent with the SabA adhesin. This agrees with reports, that MUC5B carries both fucosylated blood group antigens and alpha2-3-linked sialic acids. The adhesion of H. pylori to fibronectin and lactoferrin persisted in the babA/sabA double mutant. Because binding to these molecules was abolished by denaturation rather than by deglycosylation, it was suggested to depend on the recognition of unknown receptor moieties by an additional unknown bacterial surface component. The results demonstrate that the bacterial overlay method on glycoconjugate arrays is a useful tool for exploration and the characterization of unknown adhesin specificities of H. pylori and other bacteria.