Cellular invasion byStaphylococcus aureusreveals a functional link between focal adhesion kinase and cortactin in integrin-mediated internalisation

Staphylococcus aureus host cell invasion and virulence in sepsis is facilitated by the multiple repeats within FnBPA

Entry of Staphylococcus aureus into the bloodstream can lead to metastatic abscess formation and infective endocarditis. Crucial to the development of both these conditions is the interaction of S. aureus with endothelial cells. In vivo and in vitro studies have shown that the staphylococcal invasin FnBPA triggers bacterial invasion of endothelial cells via a process that involves fibronectin (Fn) bridging to alpha(5)beta(1) integrins. The Fn-binding region of FnBPA usually contains 11 non-identical repeats (FnBRs) with differing affinities for Fn, which facilitate the binding of multiple Fn molecules and may promote integrin clustering. We thus hypothesized that multiple repeats are necessary to trigger the invasion of endothelial cells by S. aureus. To test this we constructed variants of fnbA containing various combinations of FnBRs. In vitro assays revealed that endothelial cell invasion can be facilitated by a single high-affinity, but not low-affinity FnBR. Studies using a nisin-inducible system that controlled surface expression of FnBPA revealed that variants encoding fewer FnBRs required higher levels of surface expression to mediate invasion. High expression levels of FnBPA bearing a single low affinity FnBR bound Fn but did not invade, suggesting that FnBPA affinity for Fn is crucial for triggering internalization. In addition, multiple FnBRs increased the speed of internalization, as did higher expression levels of FnBPA, without altering the uptake mechanism. The relevance of these findings to pathogenesis was demonstrated using a murine sepsis model, which showed that multiple FnBRs were required for virulence. In conclusion, multiple FnBRs within FnBPA facilitate efficient Fn adhesion, trigger rapid bacterial uptake and are required for pathogenesis.

Interaction of staphylococci with bone

Staphylococci, in particular Staphylococcus aureus, are the predominant cause of bone infections worldwide. These infections are painful, debilitating and with the rise in antibiotic-resistant forms, increasingly difficult to treat. The growth in the number of prosthetic joint replacement procedures also provides new opportunities for these infections to take hold. Comprehending the mechanisms by which staphylococci interact with and damage bone is critical to the development of new approaches to meet this challenge. This review summarises current understanding of the mechanisms by which staphylococci infect and damage bone. We address the role of the inflammatory response to staphylococcal infection in disrupting the homeostatic balance of bone matrix deposition and resorption and thereby mediating bone destruction. A number of virulence factors that have been shown to contribute to bone infection and pathology are discussed, however no single factor has been defined as being specific to bone infections. Although traditionally considered an extracellular pathogen, there is increasing evidence that staphylococci are able to invade host cells, and that an intracellular lifestyle may facilitate long-term persistence in bone tissue, enabling evasion of antimicrobials and host immune responses. ‘Small colony variant’ strains, with mutations disabling the electron transport pathway appear particularly adept at invading and persisting within host cells, and exhibit enhanced antimicrobial resistance, and may represent a further complication in the treatment and management of staphylococcal bone disease.

Topographic features retained after antibiotic modification of Ti alloy surfaces: retention of topography with attachment of antibiotics

Periprosthetic infection is increasingly prevalent in orthopaedics with infection rates of 2% to 15% after total hip arthroplasty. To effectively decrease bacterial attachment, colonization, and subsequent development of periprosthetic infection, we previously described a method to covalently bond vancomycin to smooth Ti alloy surfaces. To attach vancomycin, the Ti surface is first passivated to create a fresh oxide layer. Previously, passivation has been achieved with an H2SO4/H2O2 etch that can destroy the topography of the underlying implant. Passivation by hydrothermal aging as well as by H2SO4/H2O2 incubation produced a robust oxide layer, but only hydrothermal aging left the geometry unaltered. These hydrothermally passivated Kirschner wires and smooth or beaded Ti surfaces were chemically coupled with vancomycin. Antibiotic-coupled samples representing all three geometries were uniformly covered with antibiotic, resisted colonization by Staphylococcus aureus for longer than 8 hours, and retained their biocompatibility as assessed by normal attachment and morphology of preosteocytic MLO-A5 cells. Using this technique, we believe it is possible to passivate many complex implant designs/geometries as a first step toward covalent bonding of antibiotics or other bioactive factors.

NADPH oxidases and angiotensin II receptor signaling

Over the last decade many studies have demonstrated the importance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by NADPH oxidases in angiotensin II (Ang II) signaling, as well as a role for ROS in the development of different diseases in which Ang II is a central component. In this review, we summarize the mechanism of activation of NADPH oxidases by Ang II and describe the molecular targets of ROS in Ang II signaling in the vasculature, kidney and brain. We also discuss the effects of genetic manipulation of NADPH oxidase function on the physiology and pathophysiology of the renin-angiotensin system.

Phase I/II clinical evaluation of StrataGraft: a consistent, pathogen-free human skin substitute

BACKGROUND

Large wounds often require temporary allograft placement to optimize the wound bed and prevent infection until permanent closure is feasible. We developed and clinically tested a second-generation living human skin substitute (StrataGraft). StrataGraft provides both a dermis and a fully-stratified, biologically-functional epidermis generated from a pathogen-free, long-lived human keratinocyte progenitor cell line, Neonatal Immortalized KeratinocyteS (NIKS).

METHODS

Histology, electron microscopy, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and bacterial growth in vitro were used to analyze human skin substitutes generated from primary human keratinocytes or NIKS cells. A phase I/II, National Institute of Health-funded, randomized, safety, and dose escalation trial was performed to assess autograft take in 15 patients 2 weeks after coverage with StrataGraft skin substitute or cryopreserved cadaver allograft.

RESULTS

StrataGraft skin substitute exhibited a fully stratified epidermis with multilamellar lipid sheets and barrier function as well as robust human beta defensin-3 mRNA levels. Analysis of the primary endpoint in the clinical study revealed no differences in autograft take between wound sites pretreated with StrataGraft skin substitute or cadaver allograft. No StrataGraft-related adverse events or serious adverse events were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The major finding of this phase I/II clinical study is that performance of StrataGraft skin substitute was comparable to cadaver allograft for the temporary management of complex skin defects. StrataGraft skin substitute may also eliminate the risk for disease transmission associated with allograft tissue and offer additional protection to the wound bed through inherent antimicrobial properties. StrataGraft is a pathogen-free human skin substitute that is ideal for the management of severe skin wounds before autografting.

Integrin-linked kinase is required for vitronectin-mediated internalization of Streptococcus pneumoniae by host cells

By interacting with components of the human host, including extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, Streptococcus pneumoniae has evolved various strategies for colonization. Here, we characterized the interaction of pneumococci with the adhesive glycoprotein vitronectin and the contribution of this protein to pneumococcal uptake by host cells in an integrin-dependent manner. Specific interaction of S. pneumoniae with the heparin-binding sites of purified multimeric vitronectin was demonstrated by flow cytometry analysis. Host-cell-bound vitronectin promoted pneumococcal adherence to and invasion into human epithelial and endothelial cells. Pneumococci were trapped by microspike-like structures, which were induced upon contact of pneumococci with host-cell-bound vitronectin. Alphavbeta3 integrin was identified as the major cellular receptor for vitronectin-mediated adherence and uptake of pneumococci. Ingestion of pneumococci by host cells via vitronectin required a dynamic actin cytoskeleton and was dependent on integrin-linked kinase (ILK), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), and protein kinase B (Akt), as demonstrated by gene silencing or in inhibition experiments. In conclusion, pneumococci exploit the vitronectin-alphavbeta3-integrin complex as a cellular receptor for invasion and this integrin-mediated internalization requires the cooperation between the host signalling molecules ILK, PI3K and Akt.

Genome analysis of the meat starter culture bacterium Staphylococcus carnosus TM300

The Staphylococcus carnosus genome has the highest GC content of all sequenced staphylococcal genomes, with 34.6%, and therefore represents a species that is set apart from S. aureus, S. epidermidis, S. saprophyticus, and S. haemolyticus. With only 2.56 Mbp, the genome belongs to a family of smaller staphylococcal genomes, and the ori and ter regions are asymmetrically arranged with the replichores I (1.05 Mbp) and II (1.5 Mbp). The events leading up to this asymmetry probably occurred not that long ago in evolution, as there was not enough time to approach the natural tendency of a physical balance. Unlike the genomes of pathogenic species, the TM300 genome does not contain mobile elements such as plasmids, insertion sequences, transposons, or STAR elements; also, the number of repeat sequences is markedly decreased, suggesting a comparatively high stability of the genome. While most S. aureus genomes contain several prophages and genomic islands, the TM300 genome contains only one prophage, PhiTM300, and one genomic island, nuSCA1, which is characterized by a mosaic structure mainly composed of species-specific genes. Most of the metabolic core pathways are present in the genome. Some open reading frames are truncated, which reflects the nutrient-rich environment of the meat starter culture, making some functions dispensable. The genome is well equipped with all functions necessary for the starter culture, such as nitrate/nitrite reduction, various sugar degradation pathways, two catalases, and nine osmoprotection systems. The genome lacks most of the toxins typical of S. aureus as well as genes involved in biofilm formation, underscoring the nonpathogenic status.

Clathrin, AP-2, and the NPXY-binding subset of alternate endocytic adaptors facilitate FimH-mediated bacterial invasion of host cells

The FimH adhesin, localized at the distal tips of type 1 pili, binds mannose-containing glycoprotein receptors like alpha3beta1 integrins and stimulates bacterial entry into target host cells. Strains of uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), the major cause of urinary tract infections, utilize FimH to invade bladder epithelial cells. Here we set out to define the mechanism by which UPEC enters host cells by investigating four of the major entry routes known to be exploited by invasive pathogens: caveolae, clathrin, macropinocytosis and secretory lysosomes. Using pharmacological inhibitors in combination with RNA interference against specific endocytic pathway components, mutant host cell lines and a mouse infection model system, we found that type 1 pili-dependent bacterial invasion of host cells occurs via a cholesterol- and dynamin-dependent phagocytosis-like mechanism. This process did not require caveolae or secretory lysosomes, but was modulated by calcium levels, clathrin, and cooperative input from the primary clathrin adaptor AP-2 and a subset of alternate adaptors comprised of Numb, ARH and Dab2. These alternate clathrin adaptors recognize NPXY motifs, as found within the cytosolic tail of beta1 integrin, suggesting a functional link between the engagement of integrin receptors by FimH and the clathrin-dependent uptake of type 1-piliated bacteria.

Cell surface O-glycans limit Staphylococcus aureus adherence to corneal epithelial cells

The mucin-rich environment of the intact corneal epithelium is thought to contribute to the prevention of Staphylococcus aureus infection. This study examined whether O-glycans, which constitute the majority of the mucin mass of epithelial cell glycocalyces, prevented bacterial adhesion and growth. Abrogation of mucin O glycosylation using the chemical primer benzyl-alpha-GalNAc resulted in increased adherence of parental strain RN6390 to apical human corneal-limbal epithelial (HCLE) cells and to biotinylated cell surface protein in static and liquid phase adhesion assays, consistent with a role of mucin O-glycans in preventing bacterial adhesion. Comparable results were found with ALC135, an isogenic mutant strain defective in the accessory gene regulators agr and sar, indicating that the agr- and/or sar-regulated virulence factors did not play a major role in mediating adhesion to the corneal cell surface after mucin O-glycan truncation. In exoglycosidase digestion studies, treatment with sialidase from Arthrobacter ureafaciens--which hydrolyzed mucin-associated O-acetyl sialic acid--but not from Clostridium perfringens resulted in an increase in RN6390 and ALC135 adhesion. Abrogation of mucin O glycosylation in HCLE cell cultures did not affect bacterial growth. Overall, these data indicate that mucin O-glycans contribute to the prevention of bacterial adherence to the apical surface of corneal epithelial cells and suggest that alteration of cell surface glycosylation from disease or trauma, including that stemming from contact lens wear, could contribute to a higher risk of infection.

Integrin-dependent phagocytosis: spreading from microadhesion to new concepts

By linking actin dynamics to extracellular components, integrins are involved in a wide range of cellular processes that are associated with or require cytoskeletal remodelling and cell-shape changes. One such function is integrin-dependent phagocytosis, a process that several integrins are capable of mediating and that allows the binding and clearance of particles. Integrin-dependent phagocytosis is involved in a wide range of physiological processes, from the clearance of microorganisms and apoptotic-cell removal to extracellular-matrix remodelling. Integrin signalling is also exploited by microbial pathogens for entry into host cells. Far from being a particular property of specific integrins and specialised cells, integrin-dependent uptake is emerging as a general, intrinsic ability of most integrins that is associated with their capacity to signal to the actin cytoskeleton. Integrin-mediated phagocytosis can therefore be used as a robust model in which to study integrin regulation and signalling.

The major pilin subunit of the AAF/II fimbriae from enteroaggregative Escherichia coli mediates binding to extracellular matrix proteins

Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) adherence to human intestinal tissue is mediated by aggregative adherence fimbriae (AAF); however, the receptors involved in EAEC adherence remain uncharacterized. Adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins is commonly observed among enteric pathogens, so we addressed the hypothesis that EAEC may bind to extracellular matrix proteins commonly found in the intestine. We found that EAEC prototype strain 042 adhered more abundantly to surfaces that were precoated with the extracellular matrix proteins fibronectin, laminin, and type IV collagen. Differences in fibronectin binding of almost 2 orders of magnitude were observed between EAEC 042 and a mutant in the AAF/II major pilin gene, aafA. Purified AafA, refolded as a donor strand complementation construct, bound fibronectin in a dose-dependent manner. Addition of fibronectin to the apical surfaces of polarized T84 cell monolayers augmented EAEC 042 adherence, and this effect required expression of aafA. Finally, increased bacterial adherence was observed when apical secretion of fibronectin was induced by adenosine in polarized T84 cells. Binding to fibronectin may contribute to colonization of the gastrointestinal tract by EAEC.

The role of epithelial integrin receptors in recognition of pulmonary pathogens

Integrins are a large family of heterodimeric transmembrane cell adhesion receptors. During the last decade, it has become clear that integrins significantly participate in various host-pathogen interactions involving pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Many bacteria possess adhesins that can bind either directly or indirectly to integrins. However, there appears to be an emerging role for integrins beyond simply adhesion molecules. Given the conserved nature of integrin structure and function, and the diversity of the pathogens which use integrins, it appears that they may act as pattern recognition receptors important for the innate immune response. Several clinically significant bacterial pathogens target lung epithelial integrins, and this review will focus on exploring various structures and mechanisms involved in these interactions.

Simvastatin inhibits Staphylococcus aureus host cell invasion through modulation of isoprenoid intermediates

Patients on a statin regimen have a decreased risk of death due to bacterial sepsis. We have found that protection by simvastatin includes the inhibition of host cell invasion by Staphylococcus aureus, the most common etiologic agent of sepsis. Inhibition was due in part to depletion of isoprenoid intermediates within the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway and led to the cytosolic accumulation of the small GTPases CDC42, Rac, and RhoB. Actin stress fiber disassembly required for host invasion was attenuated by simvastatin and by the inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) activity. PI3K relies on coupling to prenylated proteins, such as this subset of small GTPases, for access to membrane-bound phosphoinositide to mediate stress fiber disassembly. Therefore, we examined whether simvastatin restricts PI3K cellular localization. In response to simvastatin, the PI3K isoform p85, coupled to these small-GTPases, was sequestered within the cytosol. From these findings, we propose a mechanism whereby simvastatin restricts p85 localization, inhibiting the actin dynamics required for bacterial endocytosis. This approach may provide the basis for protection at the level of the host in invasive infections by S. aureus.

Proteomic characterization of the whole secretome of Legionella pneumophila and functional analysis of outer membrane vesicles

Secretion of effector molecules is one of the major mechanisms by which the intracellular human pathogen Legionella pneumophila interacts with host cells during infection. Specific secretion machineries which are responsible for the subfraction of secreted proteins (soluble supernatant proteins [SSPs]) and the production of bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) both contribute to the protein composition of the extracellular milieu of this lung pathogen. Here we present comprehensive proteome reference maps for both SSPs and OMVs. Protein identification and assignment analyses revealed a total of 181 supernatant proteins, 107 of which were specific to the SSP fraction and 33 of which were specific to OMVs. A functional classification showed that a large proportion of the identified OMV proteins are involved in the pathogenesis of Legionnaires' disease. Zymography and enzyme assays demonstrated that the SSP and OMV fractions possess proteolytic and lipolytic enzyme activities which may contribute to the destruction of the alveolar lining during infection. Furthermore, it was shown that OMVs do not kill host cells but specifically modulate their cytokine response. Binding of immunofluorescently stained OMVs to alveolar epithelial cells, as visualized by confocal laser scanning microscopy, suggested that there is delivery of a large and complex group of proteins and lipids in the infected tissue in association with OMVs. On the basis of these new findings, we discuss the relevance of protein sorting and compartmentalization of virulence factors, as well as environmental aspects of the vesicle-mediated secretion.

A potential new pathway for Staphylococcus aureus dissemination: the silent survival of S. aureus phagocytosed by human monocyte-derived macrophages

Although considered to be an extracellular pathogen, Staphylococcus aureus is able to invade a variety of mammalian, non-professional phagocytes and can also survive engulfment by professional phagocytes such as neutrophils and monocytes. In both of these cell types S. aureus promptly escapes from the endosomes/phagosomes and proliferates within the cytoplasm, which quickly leads to host cell death. In this report we show that S. aureus interacted with human monocyte-derived macrophages in a very different way to those of other mammalian cells. Upon phagocytosis by macrophages, S. aureus persisted intracellularly in vacuoles for 3-4 days before escaping into the cytoplasm and causing host cell lysis. Until the point of host cell lysis the infected macrophages showed no signs of apoptosis or necrosis and were functional. They were able to eliminate intracellular staphylococci if prestimulated with interferon-gamma at concentrations equivalent to human therapeutic doses. S. aureus survival was dependent on the alternative sigma factor B as well as the global regulator agr, but not SarA. Furthermore, isogenic mutants deficient in alpha-toxin, the metalloprotease aureolysin, protein A, and sortase A were efficiently killed by macrophages upon phagocytosis, although with different kinetics. In particular alpha-toxin was a key effector molecule that was essential for S. aureus intracellular survival in macrophages. Together, our data indicate that the ability of S. aureus to survive phagocytosis by macrophages is determined by multiple virulence factors in a way that differs considerably from its interactions with other cell types. S. aureus persists inside macrophages for several days without affecting the viability of these mobile cells which may serve as vehicles for the dissemination of infection.

Invasive and adherent bacterial pathogens co-Opt host clathrin for infection

Infection by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes depends on host cell clathrin. To determine whether this requirement is widespread, we analyzed infection models using diverse bacteria. We demonstrated that bacteria that enter cells following binding to cellular receptors (termed "zippering" bacteria) invade in a clathrin-dependent manner. In contrast, bacteria that inject effector proteins into host cells in order to gain entry (termed "triggering" bacteria) invade in a clathrin-independent manner. Strikingly, enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) required clathrin to form actin-rich pedestals in host cells beneath adhering bacteria, even though this pathogen remains extracellular. Furthermore, clathrin accumulation preceded the actin rearrangements necessary for Listeria entry. These data provide evidence for a clathrin-based entry pathway allowing internalization of large objects (bacteria and ligand-coated beads) and used by "zippering" bacteria as part of a general mechanism to invade host mammalian cells. We also revealed a nonendocytic role for clathrin required for extracellular EPEC infections.

Fer-mediated cortactin phosphorylation is associated with efficient fibroblast migration and is dependent on reactive oxygen species generation during integrin-mediated cell adhesion

The molecular details linking integrin engagement to downstream cortactin (Ctn) tyrosine phosphorylation are largely unknown. In this report, we show for the first time that Fer and Ctn are potently tyrosine phosphorylated in response to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in a variety of cell types. Working with catalytically inactive fer and src/yes/fyn-deficient murine embryonic fibroblasts (ferDR/DR and syf MEF, respectively), we observed that H2O2-induced Ctn tyrosine phosphorylation is primarily dependent on Fer but not Src family kinase (SFK) activity. We also demonstrated for the first time that Fer is activated by fibronectin engagement and, in concert with SFKs, mediates Ctn tyrosine phosphorylation in integrin signaling pathways. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers or the NADPH oxidase inhibitor, diphenylene iodonium, attenuated integrin-induced Fer and Ctn tyrosine phosphorylation. Taken together, these findings provide novel genetic evidence that a ROS-Fer signaling arm contributes to SFK-mediated Ctn tyrosine phosphorylation in integrin signaling. Lastly, a migration defect in ferDR/DR MEF suggests that integrin signaling through the ROS-Fer-Ctn signaling arm may be linked to mechanisms governing cell motility. These data demonstrate for the first time an oxidative link between integrin adhesion and an actin-binding protein involved in actin polymerization.

Src phosphorylation of cortactin enhances actin assembly

Src kinase mediates growth factor signaling and causes oncogenic transformation, which includes dramatic changes in the actin cytoskeleton, cell shape, and motility. Cortactin was discovered as a substrate for Src. How phosphorylation of cortactin can enhance actin assembly is unknown. Here, using an actin assembly system reconstituted from purified components, we demonstrate for the first time a biochemical mechanism by which Src phosphorylation of cortactin affects actin assembly. The adaptor Nck is an important component of the system, linking phosphorylated cortactin with neuronal WASp (N-WASp) and WASp-interacting protein (WIP) to activate Arp2/3 complex.

Engagement of integrins as a cellular route of invasion by bacterial pathogens

Integrins are heterodimeric receptors that mediate important cell functions, including cell adhesion, migration and tissue organisation. These transmembrane receptors regulate the direct association of cells with each other and with extracellular matrix proteins. However, by binding their ligands, integrins provide a transmembrane link for the bidirectional transmission of mechanical forces and biochemical signals across the plasma membrane. Interestingly, several of this family of receptors are exploited by pathogens to establish contact with the host cells. Hence, microbes subvert normal eukaryotic cell processes to create a specialised niche which allows their survival. This review highlights the fundamental role of integrins in bacterial pathogenesis.

Integrin traffic

Cell adhesion, migration and the maintenance of cell polarity are all processes that depend on the correct targeting of integrins and the dynamic remodelling of integrin-containing adhesion sites. The importance of the endo/exocytic cycle of integrins as a key regulator of these functions is increasingly recognized. Several recent publications have provided mechanistic insight into how integrin traffic is regulated in cells. Increasing evidence suggests that small GTPases such as Arf6 and members of the Rab family control integrin internalization and recycling back to the plasma membrane along microtubules. The fine tuning of these trafficking events seems to be mediated by specific guanine-nucleotide-exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs). In addition, several kinases regulate integrin traffic. The identification of their substrates has demonstrated how these kinases regulate integrin traffic by controlling small GTPases or stabilizing cytoskeletal tracks that are crucial for efficient traffic of integrins to the plasma membrane.

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.

Staphylococcus aureus fibronectin binding protein-A induces motile attachment sites and complex actin remodeling in living endothelial cells

Staphylococcus aureus fibronectin binding protein-A (FnBPA) stimulates alpha5beta1-integrin signaling and actin rearrangements in host cells. This eventually leads to invasion of the staphylococci and their targeting to lysosomes. Using live cell imaging, we found that FnBPA-expressing staphylococci induce formation of fibrillar adhesion-like attachment sites and translocate together with them on the surface of human endothelial cells (velocity approximately 50 microm/h). The translocating bacteria recruited cellular actin and Rab5 in a cyclic and alternating manner, suggesting unsuccessful attempts of phagocytosis by the endothelial cells. Translocation, actin recruitment, and eventual invasion of the staphylococci was regulated by the fibrillar adhesion protein tensin. The staphylococci also regularly produced Neural Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein-controlled actin comet tails that further propelled them on the cell surface (velocity up to 1000 microm/h). Thus, S. aureus FnBPA produces attachment sites that promote bacterial movements but subvert actin- and Rab5 reorganization during invasion. This may constitute a novel strategy of S. aureus to postpone invasion until its toxins become effective.

Invasion of host cells by Salmonella typhimurium requires focal adhesion kinase and p130Cas

Salmonella typhimurium colonizes the intestinal epithelium by injecting an array of effector proteins into host cells that induces phagocytic uptake of attached bacteria. However, the host molecules targeted by these effectors remain poorly defined. Here, we demonstrate that S. typhimurium induces formation of focal adhesion-like complexes at sites of bacterial attachment and that both focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and the scaffolding protein p130Cas are required for Salmonella uptake. Entry of Salmonella into FAK(-/-) cells is dramatically impaired and can be restored to control levels by expression of wild-type FAK. Surprisingly, reconstitution of bacterial internalization requires neither the kinase domain of FAK nor activation of c-Src, but does require a C-terminal PXXP motif through which FAK interacts with Cas. Infection of Cas(-/-) cells is also impaired, and reconstitution of invasiveness requires the central Cas YXXP repeat domain. The invasion defect in Cas(-/-) cells can be suppressed by overexpression of FAK, suggesting a functional link between FAK and Cas in the regulation of Salmonella invasion. Together, these findings reveal a novel role for focal adhesion proteins in the invasion of host cells by Salmonella.

A role for cortactin in Listeria monocytogenes invasion of NIH 3T3 cells, but not in its intracellular motility

Cortactin is an F-actin binding protein that binds to the Arp2/3 complex, stimulates its actin nucleation activity, and inhibits actin filament debranching. Using RNA interference directed against cortactin, we explored the importance of cortactin for several processes involving dynamic actin assembly. Silencing cortactin expression was efficiently achieved in HeLa and NIH 3T3 cells, with less than 5% of cortactin expression in siRNA-treated cells. Surprisingly, endocytosis in HeLa and NIH 3T3 cells, and cell migration rates, were not altered by RNAi-mediated cortactin silencing. Listeria utilizes actin-based motility to move within and spread among mammalian host cells; its actin-clouds and tails recruit cortactin. We explored the role of cortactin during the Listeria life cycle in cortactin "knockdown" NIH 3T3 cells. Interestingly, cortactin siRNA-treated cells showed a significant reduction in the efficiency of the bacteria invasion in NIH 3T3 cells. However, cortactin depletion did not interfere with assembly of Listeria actin clouds or actin tails, or Listeria intracellular motility or speed. Therefore, our findings suggest that cortactin plays a role in Listeria internalization, but not in the formation of actin clouds and tails, or in bacteria intracellular motility.

Cellular adhesion molecules as targets for bacterial infection

A large number of bacterial pathogens targets cell adhesion molecules to establish an intimate contact with host cells and tissues. Members of the integrin, cadherin and immunoglobulin-related cell adhesion molecule (IgCAM) families are frequently recognized by specific bacterial surface proteins. Binding can trigger bacterial internalization following cytoskeletal rearrangements that are initiated upon receptor clustering. Moreover, signals emanating from the occupied receptors can result in cellular responses such as gene expression events that influence the phenotype of the infected cell. This review will address recent advances in our understanding of bacterial engagement of cellular adhesion molecules by discussing the binding of integrins by Staphylococcus aureus as well as the exploitation of IgCAMs by pathogenic Neisseria species.

Bacterial adhesion and entry into host cells

Successful establishment of infection by bacterial pathogens requires adhesion to host cells, colonization of tissues, and in certain cases, cellular invasion-followed by intracellular multiplication, dissemination to other tissues, or persistence. Bacteria use monomeric adhesins/invasins or highly sophisticated macromolecular machines such as type III secretion systems and retractile type IV pili to establish a complex host/pathogen molecular crosstalk that leads to subversion of cellular functions and establishment of disease.

Sticky connections: extracellular matrix protein recognition and integrin-mediated cellular invasion by Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of hospital-acquired and often persistent infections. A key feature of pathogenic S. aureus is the expression of an array of extracellular matrix-binding proteins. In particular, the fibronectin-binding proteins FnBP-A and FnBP-B afford the pathogen the ability to connect to cellular integrins and to trigger internalization into host cells. Recent work has highlighted the role of host cell invasion in the pathogenesis of S. aureus, the structure-function relationship of FnBPs, and the host factors required to allow bacterial uptake. Understanding the invasive capacity of S. aureus should open up new avenues to control this microorganism in diverse disease settings.

Surface Adhesins of Staphylococcus aureus

An important facet in the interaction between Staphylococcus aureus and its host is the ability of the bacterium to adhere to human extracellular matrix components and serum proteins. In order to colonise the host and disseminate, it uses a wide range of strategies, the molecular and genetic basis of which are multifactorial, with extensive functional overlap between adhesins. Here, we describe the current knowledge of the molecular features of the adhesive components of S. aureus, mechanisms of adhesion and the impact that these have on host-pathogen interaction.

Cortactin is required for integrin-mediated cell spreading

Cortactin is an SH3 domain-containing protein that contributes to the formation of dynamic cortical actin-associated structures, such as lamellipodia and membrane ruffles. Here we show that expression of either the GFP-tagged N-terminal or the C-teminal halves of cortactin inhibits significantly the spreading of COS7 cells on fibronectin. Introducing inactivating point mutation into the SH3 domain of the C-terminal half of cortactin suspends the dominant negative effect of the construct. In addition, a vector-based RNA interference was used to knock-down endogenous level of cortactin in cells. We demonstrate that cortactin deficient cells were not able to spread. These results suggest that cortactin is required for integrin-mediated signalling pathways.

Quantification of bacterial invasion into adherent cells by flow cytometry

Quantification of invasive, intracellular bacteria is critical in many areas of cellular microbiology and immunology. We describe a novel and fast approach to determine invasion of bacterial pathogens in adherent cell types such as epithelial cells or fibroblasts based on flow cytometry. Using the CEACAM-mediated uptake of Opa-expressing Neisseria gonorrhoeae as a well-characterized model of bacterial invasion, we demonstrate that the flow cytometry-based method yields results comparable to a standard antibiotic protection assay. Furthermore, the quantification of intracellular bacteria by the novel approach is not biased by intracellular killing of the microbes and correctly discriminates between cell-associated extracellular and bona fide intracellular bacteria. As flow cytometry-based quantification is also applicable to other pathogen-host interactions such as the integrin-mediated internalization of Staphylococcus aureus, this approach provides a fast and convenient alternative for the quantification of bacterial uptake and should be particularly useful in elucidating the molecular mechanisms of pathogen-triggered host cell invasion.

Bacteria-host-cell interactions at the plasma membrane: stories on actin cytoskeleton subversion

Exploitation of the host-cell actin cytoskeleton is pivotal for many microbial pathogens to enter cells, to disseminate within and between infected tissues, to prevent their uptake by phagocytic cells, or to promote intimate attachment to the cell surface. To accomplish this, these pathogens have evolved common as well as unique strategies to modulate actin dynamics at the plasma membrane, which will be discussed here, exemplified by a number of well-studied bacterial pathogens.