Attachment of Bacteroides gingivalis to collagenous substrata

Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis of the Fimbrillin Locus, fimA, of Porphyromonas gingivalis

With hybridization probes derived from the fimbrial locus of Porphyromonas gingivalis strain 381, fimA381' restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) were examined at the fimbrillin locus in 39 human and animal strains of this species. The 39 strains were subdivided into nine RFLP groups (I-IX) after genomic digests were probed with the internal coding sequence of the fimA381 gene. Thirty-three strains showed one or more AluI fragments of moderate-to-high homology (≥77%) with the internal coding sequence of fimA381. These strains were distributed into the first seven RFLP groups, based solely on the size of the major hybridizing AluI fragment. Five human strains (RFLP Group VIII) had only one Alu I fragment that hybridized very poorly with this probe. One animal strain did not have homology at all (RFLP Group IX). When all AluI fragments that hybridized with fimA381 were analyzed, RFLP groups I-VIII were further differentiated into 25 distinct RFLP patterns. Hybridizations were also performed with the internal coding sequence of fimA381 to probe PstI genomic digests of selected strains that appeared to have lesser homology with fimA381. These hybridizations were performed to determine the level and location of the region of poor homology within the fimA genes of these strains. The results suggested that fimbrial coding sequences are more commonly conserved between these strains in the 5'-region of the fimA locus (≥92% sequence homology). However, the five human strains of RFLP Group VIII had only one PstI fragment that hybridized very poorly with a probe derived from fimA381 coding sequence, and this sequence homology (only > 66%) was located in the central or 3'-end of the fimA gene. The 5'-region of the fimA allele in Group VIII strains did not have any detectable sequence homology. In contrast, the Group VIII strains were highly homologous with the sequences flanking the fimA381 gene. This indicates that these strains do possess a fimA allele at the same chromosomal location as fimA381.

Transglutaminase 2 is essential for adherence of Porphyromonas gingivalis to host cells

Porphyromonas gingivalis is the major causative agent of periodontitis, and it may also be involved in the development of systemic diseases (atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis). P. gingivalis is found on and within oral and gingival epithelial cells following binding to surface components of host cells, which serve as receptors for the bacterium. Evidence is presented in this study that shows that transglutaminase 2 (TG2) plays a critical role in the adherence of P. gingivalis to host cells. Studies of confocal microscopy indicate colocalization of P. gingivalis with TG2 on the surface of HEp-2 epithelial cells, with clusters of TG2 seen at bacterial attachment sites. By silencing the expression of TG2 with siRNA in HEp-2 cells, P. gingivalis association was greatly diminished. The bacterium does not bind well to a mouse fibroblast cell line that produces low amounts of surface TG2, but binding can be restored by introduction of TG2 expressed on a plasmid. TG2 can form very tight complexes with fibronectin (FN), and the complementary binding sites of the two proteins are known. A synthetic peptide that mimics the main FN-binding sequence of TG2 blocks the formation of TG2-FN complexes and is highly effective in inhibiting adherence of P. gingivalis to host cells. These findings provide evidence of a role for cell-surface TG2 in bacterial attachment and subsequent internalization.

Purification and characterization of a novel secondary fimbrial protein from Porphyromonas gulae

Background

Porphyromonas gulae are black-pigmented anaerobic bacteria isolated from the gingival sulcus of various animal hosts and are distinct from Porphyromonas gingivalis originating in humans. We previously reported the antigenic similarities of 41-kDa fimbriae between P. gulae ATCC 51700 and P. gingivalis ATCC 33277. In this study, to clarify the presence of another type of fimbriae of P. gulae, we have purified and characterized the secondary fimbrial protein from P. gulae ATCC 51700.

Methods

The secondary fimbrial protein was purified from P. gulae ATCC 51700 using an immunoaffinity column coupling with antibodies against the 41-kDa fimbrial protein. The expression of fimbriae on the cell surface of P. gulae ATCC 51700 was investigated by transmission electron microscopy. The N-terminal amino acid sequence was determined by an amino acid sequencer system.

Results

The molecular mass of this protein was approximately 53-kDa, as estimated by SDS-PAGE. The polyclonal antibodies against the 53-kDa protein did not react with the 41-kDa fimbrial protein of P. gulae ATCC 51700. Immunogold electron microscopy revealed that anti-53-kDa fimbrial serum bound to fimbria on the cell surface of P. gulae ATCC 51700. The amino acid sequence of the N-terminal 15 residues of the 53-kDa fimbrial protein showed only 1 of 15 residues identical to the 41-kDa fimbrial protein.

Conclusion

The 53-kDa fimbriae are different in molecular weight and antigenicity from the 41-kDa fimbrial protein of P. gulae ATCC 51700. These results clearly suggest that the 41-kDa and the 53-kDa fimbriae are distinct types of fimbriae expressed simultaneously by this organism.

Strain-specific colonization patterns and serum modulation of multi-species oral biofilm development

Periodontitis results from an ecological shift in the composition of subgingival biofilms. Subgingival community maturation is modulated by inter-organismal interactions and the relationship of communities with the host. In an effort to better understand this process, we evaluated biofilm formation, with oral commensal species, by three strains of the subgingivally prevalent microorganism Fusobacterium nucleatum and four strains of the periodontopathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis. We also tested the effect of serum, which resembles gingival exudates, on subgingival biofilms. Biofilms were allowed to develop in flow cells using salivary medium. We found that although not all strains of F. nucleatum were able to grow in mono-species biofilms, forming a community with health-associated partners Actinomyces oris and Veillonella parvula promoted biofilm growth of all F. nucleatum strains. Strains of P. gingivalis also showed variable ability to form mono-species biofilms. P. gingivalis W50 and W83 did not form biofilms, while ATCC 33277 and 381 formed biofilm structures, but only strain ATCC 33277 grew over time. Unlike the enhanced growth of F. nucleatum with the two health-associated species, no strain of P. gingivalis grew in three-species communities with A. oris and V. parvula. However, addition of F. nucleatum facilitated growth of P. gingivalis ATCC 33277 with health-associated partners. Importantly, serum negatively affected the adhesion of F. nucleatum, while it favored biofilm growth by P. gingivalis. This work highlights strain specificity in subgingival biofilm formation. Environmental factors such as serum alter the colonization patterns of oral microorganisms and could impact subgingival biofilms by selectively promoting pathogenic species.

Porphyromonas gingivalis fimbriae carbohydrate specificity assessment by glycomics

Porphyromonas gingivalis is a major pathogen in adult periodontitis. Fimbriae play an important role in the initial interaction between the bacteria and the host. Our earlier studies suggested that the oligosaccharide moiety of lactoferrin is involved in the interaction with fimbriae. Porphyromonas gingivalis fimbriae bound strongly to albumin-fucosylamide (albumin-1-amido-1-deoxy-L-fucose) and to a lesser extent to albumin-N-acetyl-D-galactosamine (albumin-p-aminophenyl-N-acetyl-β-D-galactosaminide, but failed to bind bovine serum albumin. In this study we explored the glycan array to determine the carbohydrate-binding specificity of P. gingivalis fimbriae. Purified fimbriae bind to glycans which have a Lewis(x), Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3) GlcNAcβ structure in common. Interestingly, all glycans have a terminal fucose moiety and if fucose is removed, the fimbriae fail to bind. This is the first study that suggests that fucose is important for P. gingivalis fimbriae binding.

Porphyromonas gingivalis Fimbria-Induced Expression of Inflammatory Cytokines and Cyclooxygenase-2 in Mouse Macrophages and Its Inhibition by the Bioactive Compounds Fibronectin and Melatonin

Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) fimbriae, in addition to lipopolysaccharide, are involved in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. At the same time, bioactive compounds such as fibronectin (FN) and melatonin in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid have been reported to exert a preventive effect against periodontitis. Here, we review current knowledge regarding the potent inhibitory effects of FN and melatonin against Pg fimbria-induced induction of proinflammatory cytokines, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression, and NF-kappa B activation in mouse macrophages and discuss their possible clinical application for prevention of periodontal diseases induced by oral bacteria.

Construction of novel human monoclonal antibodies neutralizing Porphyromonas gingivalis hemagglutination activity using transgenic mice expressing human Ig loci

Porphyromonas gingivalis has been implicated as an important pathogen in the development of adult periodontitis, and its colonization of subgingival sites is critical in the pathogenic process. One potential virulence factor, hemagglutinin, may mediate bacteria attachment onto and penetration into host cells, as well as agglutinate and lyses erythrocytes to intake heme, an absolute requirement for growth. Toward the development of passive immunotherapy, the construction of a human type monoclonal antibody, which is capable of inhibiting the hemagglutinating ability, will be significant and important. The human mAbs, both exhibiting a high degree of specificity and affinity against the recombinant 130 kDa hemagglutinin domain protein have been prepared using XenoMouse technology. The constructed Xeno-mAbs, IgG2 subclass, significantly inhibited hemagglutination of P. gingivalis and its vesicles. The newly constructed Xeno-mAbs may prove to be useful for the development of passive immunization against periodontal diseases caused by P. gingivalis infection, pending the results of fertility study in disease mode.

Microbial shifts after subgingival debridement and formation of bacterial resistance when combined with local or systemic antimicrobials

Antibiotics have played a major role in the improvement of life expectancy in the last 50 years and have led many to believe that bacterial infections were about to vanish as a disease entity of any importance. Emerging problems resulting from a widespread use of antibiotics have modified the general perception of the capabilities of antimicrobial agents. Over the years, bacteria have become increasingly resistant to formerly potent antimicrobial agents, including some antiseptics. The use of antimicrobials may also disturb the delicate ecological equilibrium of the body, allowing the proliferation of resistant bacteria or non-bacterial micro-organisms. This shift may initiate new infections that are worse than the ones originally treated. No antimicrobial drug is absolutely non-toxic and the use of an agent carries accompanying risks. This paper discusses the development and occurrence of antimicrobial resistance in the subgingival flora towards antiseptics and local or systemic antibiotics and is focussed on the question: how can the outcome of periodontal therapy with/without antimicrobials be improved?

Invasion of dentinal tubules by oral bacteria

Bacterial invasion of dentinal tubules commonly occurs when dentin is exposed following a breach in the integrity of the overlying enamel or cementum. Bacterial products diffuse through the dentinal tubule toward the pulp and evoke inflammatory changes in the pulpo-dentin complex. These may eliminate the bacterial insult and block the route of infection. Unchecked, invasion results in pulpitis and pulp necrosis, infection of the root canal system, and periapical disease. While several hundred bacterial species are known to inhabit the oral cavity, a relatively small and select group of bacteria is involved in the invasion of dentinal tubules and subsequent infection of the root canal space. Gram-positive organisms dominate the tubule microflora in both carious and non-carious dentin. The relatively high numbers of obligate anaerobes present-such as Eubacterium spp., Propionibacterium spp., Bifidobacterium spp., Peptostreptococcus micros, and Veillonella spp.-suggest that the environment favors growth of these bacteria. Gram-negative obligate anaerobic rods, e.g., Porphyromonas spp., are less frequently recovered. Streptococci are among the most commonly identified bacteria that invade dentin. Recent evidence suggests that streptococci may recognize components present within dentinal tubules, such as collagen type I, which stimulate bacterial adhesion and intra-tubular growth. Specific interactions of other oral bacteria with invading streptococci may then facilitate the invasion of dentin by select bacterial groupings. An understanding the mechanisms involved in dentinal tubule invasion by bacteria should allow for the development of new control strategies, such as inhibitory compounds incorporated into oral health care products or dental materials, which would assist in the practice of endodontics.

Molecular interaction of Porphyromonas gingivalis with host cells: implication for the microbial pathogenesis of periodontal disease

Porphyromonas gingivalis is a predominant periodontal pathogen, which expresses a number of potential virulence factors involved in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Among them, fimbriae are a critical factor to mediate the bacterial interaction with host tissues, which promotes the bacterial adhesion to and invasion of the targeted sites. Fimbriae are capable of binding to human salivary components, commensal bacteria, and a variety of host cells including macrophages, epithelial cells, and fibroblasts. Human extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins such as vitronectin and fibronectin play important roles in cellular signal transduction via binding to receptor integrins. Fimbriae showed significant binding affinity to ECM proteins and clearly inhibited the molecular interactions between vitronectin/fibronectin and their receptor alphavbeta3 and alpha5beta1 integrins overexpressed on Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell strain. P. gingivalis fimbriae are likely to interrupt the cellular signaling via ECM proteins/integrins in periodontal regions. Fimbriae are also thought to be critically important in invasive events of the organism to host cells. The fimA genes, encoding FimA (a subunit of fimbriae), of P. gingivalis strains are classified into 5 types, I to V. Recent clinical investigations demonstrated the close relationship between the organisms with type II fimA and periodontitis development. Recombinant FimA (rFimA) proteins of types I to V were generated to compare their adhesion/invasion abilities to human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) and a human epithelial cell line (HEp-2 cells), respectively. There were no significant differences in the adhesion ability of microspheres (MS) coated with these rFimAs to HGF; however, the adhesion of type II rFimA-MS to HEp-2 cells was significantly greater than that of other rFimA types. It was also observed that the type II rFimA-MS markedly invaded the epithelial cells and accumulated around the nuclei. Collectively, these findings suggest that fimbriae of P. gingivalis, especially type II, are involved in the initiation and progression of human periodontitis.

The intra-oral translocation of periodontopathogens jeopardises the outcome of periodontal therapy

BACKGROUND

Although periodontitis has a multi-factorial aetiology, the success of its therapy mainly focuses on the eradication/reduction of the exogenous/endogenous periodontopathogens. Most of the species colonise several niches within the oral cavity (e.g. the mucosae, the tongue, the saliva, the periodontal pockets and all intra-oral hard surfaces) and even in the oro-pharyngeal area (e.g., the sinus and the tonsils).

METHODS

This review article discusses the intra-oral transmission of periodontopathogens between these niches and analyses clinical studies that support the idea and importance of such an intra-oral translocation.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Based on the literature, the oro-pharyngeal area should indeed be considered as a microbiological entity. Because untreated pockets jeopardise the healing of recently instrumented sites, the treatment of periodontitis should involve "a one stage approach" of all pathologic pockets (1-stage full-mouth disinfection) or should at least consider the use of antiseptics during the intervals between consecutive instrumentations, in order to prevent a microbial translocation of periodontopathogens during the healing period. For the same reason, regeneration procedures or the local application of antibiotics should be postponed until a maximal improvement has been obtained in the remaining dentition. This more global approach offers significant additional clinical and microbiological benefits.

Physicochemical, mechanical, and biological properties of commercial membranes for GTR

Barrier membranes for guided tissue regeneration (GTR) to treat bone defects have to satisfy criteria of biocompatibility, cell-occlusiveness, spacemaking, tissue integration, and clinical manageability. In this study, the morphological and mechanical properties of two commercial biodegradable membranes (Resolut LT and Biofix) as a function of the incubation time have been compared. Moreover, their permeability to both fluids and epithelial cells as well as the bacteria adhesion have been evaluated. The membranes are asymmetric and composed of a dense polymeric layer coupled with nonwoven (Resolut LT) or woven (Biofix) fibers. Both of the membranes, when incubated in complete culture medium, completely lose the structural and mechanical properties within 30 days. Moreover the results of solute permeability show that Resolut LT and Biofix membranes cannot be considered selective membranes to the solute crossing. On the contrary, they act as a barrier to the passage of the gingivial cells and to S. mutans bacteria.

Genetic diversity of Porphyromonas gingivalis and its possible importance to pathogenicity

During recent years much effort has been put into understanding the genetic composition of the oral populations of black-pigmented anaerobic bacteria. One of them, Porphyromonas gingivalis, is a putative periodontopathogenic organism considered to be particularly relevant in the etiology of adult periodontitis. It has been shown in studies using molecular typing methods that most bacterial populations consist of numerous genetic clones, and that only a small proportion of these clones cause disease. Elucidation of a possible association of genotypic profiles with either disease or clinical healthy condition is important for understanding the pathogenic characteristics of bacteria. Studies addressing this issue as it relates to P. gingivalis are reviewed in the present article. Genotypic characterization of P. gingivalis strains has revealed extensive heterogeneity in natural populations of this bacterium. Some of the potential virulence factors of P. gingivalis have been purified and cloned and methods have been established to identify their genes. Although no studies have clearly defined the relationship between a specific genotype of P. gingivalis and periodontal status of the host, it seems that molecular typing tools, which are undergoing rapid improvements, will allow us to distinguish between virulent and avirulent strains of the same species in the near future.

Coinvasion of dentinal tubules by Porphyromonas gingivalis and Streptococcus gordonii depends upon binding specificity of streptococcal antigen I/II adhesin

Cell wall-anchored polypeptides of the antigen I/II family are produced by many species of oral streptococci. These proteins mediate adhesion of streptococci to salivary glycoproteins and to other oral microorganisms and promote binding of cells to collagen type I and invasion of dentinal tubules. Since infections of the root canal system have a mixed anaerobic bacterial etiology, we investigated the hypothesis that coadhesion of anaerobic bacteria with streptococci may facilitate invasive endodontic disease. Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC 33277 cells were able to invade dentinal tubules when cocultured with Streptococcus gordonii DL1 (Challis) but not when cocultured with Streptococcus mutans NG8. An isogenic noninvasive mutant of S. gordonii, with production of SspA and SspB (antigen I/II family) polypeptides abrogated, was deficient in binding to collagen and had a 40% reduced ability to support adhesion of P. gingivalis. Heterologous expression of the S. mutans SpaP (antigen I/II) protein in this mutant restored collagen binding and tubule invasion but not adhesion to P. gingivalis or the ability to promote P. gingivalis coinvasion of dentin. An isogenic afimbrial mutant of P. gingivalis had 50% reduced binding to S. gordonii cells but was unaffected in the ability to coinvade dentinal tubules with S. gordonii wild-type cells. Expression of the S. gordonii SspA or SspB polypeptide on the surface of Lactococcus lactis cells endowed these bacteria with the abilities to bind P. gingivalis, penetrate dentinal tubules, and promote P. gingivalis coinvasion of dentin. The results demonstrate that collagen-binding and P. gingivalis-binding properties of antigen I/II polypeptides are discrete functions. Specificity of antigen I/II polypeptide recognition accounts for the ability of P. gingivalis to coinvade dentinal tubules with S. gordonii but not with S. mutans. This provides evidence that the specificity of interbacterial coadhesion may influence directly the etiology of pulpal and periapical diseases.

Distribution of Porphyromonas gingivalis strains with fimA genotypes in periodontitis patients

Fimbriae (FimA) of Porphyromonas gingivalis are filamentous components on the cell surface and are thought to play an important role in the colonization and invasion of periodontal tissues. We previously demonstrated that fimA can be classified into four variants (types I to IV) on the basis of the nucleotide sequences of the fimA gene. In the present study, we attempted to detect the four different fimA genes in saliva and plaque samples isolated from patients with periodontitis using the PCR method. Four sets of fimA type-specific primers were designed for the PCR assay. These primers selectively amplified 392-bp (type I), 257-bp (type II), 247-bp (type III), and 251-bp (type IV) DNA fragments of the fimA gene. Positive PCR results were observed with reference strains of P. gingivalis in a type-specific manner. All other laboratory strains of oral and nonoral bacteria gave negative results. The sensitivity of the PCR assay for fimA type-specific detection was between 5 and 50 cells of P. gingivalis. Clinical samples were obtained from saliva and subgingival plaque from deep pockets (>/=4 mm) of 93 patients with periodontitis. Bacterial genomic DNA was isolated from the samples, and the targeted fragments were amplified by PCR. The presence of P. gingivalis was demonstrated in 73 patients (78.5%), and a single fimA gene was detected in most patients. The distribution of the four fimA types among the P. gingivalis-positive patients was as follows: type I, 5.4%; type II, 58.9%; type III, 6. 8%; type IV, 12.3%; types I and II, 6.8%; types II and IV, 2.7%; and untypeable, 6.8%. P. gingivalis with type II fimA was detected more frequently in the deeper pockets, and a significant difference of the occurrence was observed between shallow (4 mm) and deep (>/=8 mm) pockets. These results suggest that P. gingivalis strains that possess type II fimA are significantly more predominant in periodontitis patients, and we speculate that these organisms are involved in the destructive progression of periodontal diseases.

Molecular interactions of Porphyromonas gingivalis fimbriae with host proteins: kinetic analyses based on surface plasmon resonance

Fimbriae of Porphyromonas gingivalis are thought to play an important role in the colonization and invasion of periodontal tissues. In this study, we analyzed the interactions of P. gingivalis fimbriae with human hemoglobin, fibrinogen, and salivary components (i.e., proline-rich protein [PRP], proline-rich glycoprotein [PRG], and statherin) based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy with a biomolecular interaction analyzing system (BIAcore). The real-time observation showed that the fimbriae interacted more quickly with hemoglobin and PRG than with other proteins and more intensely with fibrinogen. The significant association constant (ka) values obtained by BIAcore demonstrated that the interactions between fimbriae and these host proteins are specific. These estimated Ka values were not too different; however, the Ka values for hemoglobin (2.43 x 10(6)) and fibrinogen (2.16 x 10(6)) were statistically greater than those for the salivary proteins (1.48 x 10(6) to 1.63 x 10(6)). The Ka value of anti-fimbriae immunoglobulin G for fimbriae was estimated to be 1. 22 x 10(7), which was 6.55-fold higher than the mean Ka value of the host proteins. Peptide PRP-C, a potent inhibitor of PRP-fimbriae interaction, dramatically inhibited fimbrial association to PRP and PRG and was also inhibitory against other host proteins by BIAcore. The binding of fimbriae to these proteins was also evaluated by other methods with hydroxyapatite beads or polystyrene microtiter plates. The estimated binding abilities differed considerably, depending on the assay method that was used. It was noted that the binding capacity of PRP was strongly diminished by immobilization on a polystyrene surface. Taken together, these findings suggest that P. gingivalis fimbriae possess a strong ability to interact with the host proteins which promote bacterial adherence to the oral cavity and that SPR spectroscopy is a useful method for analyzing specific protein-fimbriae interactions.

Binding of the periodontal pathogen Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans to extracellular matrix proteins

The interaction of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, an important pathogen implicated in juvenile and adult periodontitis, with collagenous and noncollagenous proteins of the extracellular matrix was investigated. A. actinomycetemcomitans SUNY 465 bound to immobilized type I, II, III and V but not type IV collagen. Binding to immobilized collagen was saturable and concentration dependent. This interaction could not be inhibited by soluble collagen, suggesting that binding was dependent on a specific collagen conformation. Bacteria grown anaerobically exhibited decreased collagen-binding activity as compared with organisms grown acrobically. Bacterial outer membrane proteins were essential for binding to collagen. A actinomycetemcomitans SUNY 465 also bound to immobilized fibronectin. In contrast, bacteria did not bind to fibrinogen, bone sialoprotein, alpha 2-HS glycoprotein or albumin. The mechanism of the interaction with fibronectin was more complex, possibly involving both protein and nonproteinaceous components. The majority of other A. actinomycetemcomitans strains tested bound to extracellular matrix proteins in a manner similar to SUNY 465 but with minor variation. These results demonstrate that A. actinomycetemcomitans binds to proteins found in connective tissue. The interaction with extracellular matrix proteins may contribute to the virulence of this pathogen at oral and extraoral sites of infection.

Determination and characterization of the hemagglutinin-associated short motifs found in Porphyromonas gingivalis multiple gene products

Porphyromonas gingivalis is a Gram-negative anaerobic bacterial species implicated as an important pathogen in the development of adult periodontitis. In our studies of P. gingivalis and ways to protect against periodontal disease, we have prepared the monoclonal antibody mAb-Pg-vc and its recombinant antibody, which are capable of inhibiting the hemagglutinating activity of P. gingivalis (Shibata, Y., Kurihara, K., Takiguchi, H., and Abiko, Y. (1998) Infect. Immun. 66, 2207-2212). To clarify the antigenically related hemagglutinating domains, we attempted to determine the minimum motifs responsible for P. gingivalis hemagglutinin. Initially, the 9-kilobase EcoRI fragment encoding the 130-kDa protein was cloned from the P. gingivalis chromosome using mAb-Pg-vc. Western blot analysis of nested deletion clones, the competition experiments using synthetic peptides, and the binding assay of the phage-displayed peptides using the mAb-Pg-vc allowed us to identify the minimum motifs, PVQNLT. Furthermore, the presence of multi-gene family coding for this epitope was confirmed via Southern blot analysis and PCR using the primers complementary to the domain corresponding to this epitope. It is suggested that the hemagglutinin-associated motif may be PVQNLT and that the gene families specifying this motif found in P. gingivalis chromosome encode many hemagglutinin and/or hemagglutinin-related proteases.

Porphyromonas gingivalis fimbriae use beta2 integrin (CD11/CD18) on mouse peritoneal macrophages as a cellular receptor, and the CD18 beta chain plays a functional role in fimbrial signaling

In this study, we demonstrate that Porphyromonas gingivalis fimbriae use molecules of beta2 integrin (CD11/CD18) on mouse peritoneal macrophages as cellular receptors and also show that the beta chain (CD18) may play a functional role in signalling for the fimbria-induced expression of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) genes in the cells. Using a binding assay with 125I-labeled fimbriae, we observed that fimbrial binding to the macrophages was inhibited by treatment with CD11a, CD11b, CD11c, or CD18 antibody but not by that with CD29 antibody. Western blot assays showed that the fimbriae bound to molecules of beta2 integrin (CD11/CD18) on the macrophages. Furthermore, Northern blot analyses showed that the fimbria-induced expression of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha genes in the cells was inhibited strongly by CD18 antibody treatment and slightly by CD11a, CD11b, or CD11c antibody treatment. Interestingly, intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), a ligand of CD11/CD18, inhibited fimbrial binding to the cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, ICAM-1 clearly inhibited the fimbria-induced expression of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha genes in the cells. However, such inhibitory action was not observed with laminin treatment. These results suggest the importance of beta2 integrin (CD11/CD18) as a cellular receptor of P. gingivalis fimbriae in the initiation stage of the pathogenic mechanism of the organism in periodontal disease.

The importance of fimbriae in the virulence and ecology of some oral bacteria

Cumulative evidence indicates that bacterial adherence to mucosal and tooth surfaces as well as bacterial coaggregation are essential steps for colonization of various oral bacterial species. Bacterial fimbriae have been shown to play an important role in the interaction between bacteria and host cells or among bacterial cells. The properties of fimbriae from selected species of oral bacteria are discussed in terms of virulence traits and ecological significance. Among others, Porphyromonas gingivalis fimbriae have been most extensively studied. The fimbrial structure is composed of 41-kDa fimbrillin proteins. DNA sequencing of the fimbrillin gene (fimA) from nine strains of P. gingivalis suggests intraspecies variation in the structure of fimA, while retaining common immunochemical specificities. P. gingivalis fimbriae exhibit a wide variety of biological activities including immunogenicity, binding to various host proteins, stimulation of cytokine production and promotion of bone resorption, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans also possesses fimbriae; however, little is known concerning their chemical, genetical, and biological properties. Fimbriae of Prevotella intermedia are shown to induce hemagglutination reaction, while those of Prevotella loescheii are found to cause coaggregation with other bacteria, i.e., Actinomyces viscosus and sanguis streptococci. Fimbriae from gram-positive oral bacteria such as oral Actinomyces and sanguis streptococci are described. These fimbriae may participate in coaggregation, binding to saliva-coated hydroxyapatite or glycoprotein of the surface layer of oral epithelial cells. Taken together, fimbriae are key components in cell-to-surface and cell-to-cell adherence of oral bacteria and pathogenesis of some oral and systemic diseases.

Binding of Porphyromonas gingivalis fimbriae to proline-rich glycoproteins in parotid saliva via a domain shared by major salivary components

Porphyromonas gingivalis, a putative periodontopathogen, can bind to human saliva through its fimbriae. We previously found that salivary components from the submandibular and sublingual glands bind to P. gingivalis fimbriae and that acidic proline-rich protein (PRP) and statherin function as receptor molecules for fimbriae. In this study, we investigated the fimbria-binding components in parotid saliva. Fractionated human parotid saliva by gel-filtration chromatography was immobilized onto nitrocellulose membranes for the overlay assay following sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The salivary components on the membrane were allowed to interact with fimbriae purified from P. gingivalis ATCC 33277, and the interacted fimbriae were probed with anti-fimbria antibodies. The fimbriae were shown to bind to two forms of proline-rich glycoproteins (PRGs) as well as to acidic PRPs and statherin. Moreover, fimbriae bound to several components of smaller molecular size which appeared to be acidic PRP variants and basic PRPs. Fimbriae bound strongly to the purified PRGs adsorbed onto hydroxyapatite (HAP) beads. In contrast, PRGs in solution failed to inhibit the fimbrial binding to the immobilized PRGs on the HAP beads. These findings suggest that the appearance of binding site(s) of PRGs can be ascribed to their conformational changes. We previously identified the distinct segments within PRP and statherin molecules that are involved in fimbrial binding. The peptides analogous to the binding regions of PRP and statherin (i.e., PRP-C and STN-C) markedly inhibit the binding of fimbriae to PRP and statherin immobilized on the HAP beads, respectively. The PRP-C significantly inhibited the binding of fimbriae to PRG-coated HAP beads as well as to PRP on HAP beads. The peptide did not affect the binding of fimbriae to statherin, whereas the STN-C showed no effect on the fimbrial binding to PRPs or PRGs. In the overlay assay, the PRP-C clearly diminished the interactions between the fimbriae and the various salivary components, including PRPs, the PRGs, and the components with smaller molecular sizes but not statherin. These results strongly suggest that fimbriae bind to salivary components (except statherin) via common peptide segments. It is also suggested that fimbriae bind to saliva through the two distinct binding domains of receptory salivary components: (i) PRGs and PRPs and (ii) statherin.

Adherence of human oral spirochetes by collagen-binding proteins

The ability of spirochetes to adhere to collagens was compared among three species of human oral treponemes. Immunoblot analysis demonstrated that type I-, IV-, and V-collagen-binding polypeptides (CBPs) were detected in the heated and unheated preparations from both Treponema denticola ATCC 33520 and T. socranskii subsp. buccale ATCC 35534. Few CBPs, however, were detected in the heated and unheated preparations from a recently characterized isolate, T. medium strain G7201. Immunoelectron microscopy using rabbit antisera against the CBPs from the unheated preparations demonstrated that four CBPs, a 27 kDa type V-CBP of T. denticola ATCC 33520, a 95 kDa type IV-CBP and a 110 kDa type I-CBP of T. socranskii subsp. buccale ATCC 35534, and a 95 kDa type IV-CBP of T. medium strain G7201, were located on the outer envelopes of the individual cells. The adherence of T. denticola to the collagen-coated surfaces was significantly greater than that of T. medium, suggesting that the CBPs on the oral spirochetal cells play an important role in their adherence to collagen-rich connective tissues of the host.

Adherence of oral streptococci to an immobilized antimicrobial agent

An antimicrobial agent, 3-(trimethoxysilyl)-propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride, was immobilized on silica. Interaction between the material (termed) OAIS) and various oral bacterial species were then studied. Seven species of Streptococcus and two Actinomyces were investigated for their ability to adhere to this biomaterial. Cell-surface hydrophobicity and zeta-potential were examined as well. Analysis of extracted hydrophobic proteins which adhered to OAIS revealed that the adherence of these micro-organisms was closely related to the hydrophobicity of their cell surfaces. The results of zeta-potential assays indicated that negative charge on the cell surface inhibited adherence to OAIS. Gel electrophoresis revealed that OAIS could absorb cell-surface hydrophobic proteins from all bacterial species tested. Preadsorption of hydrophobic components on the cell surface inhibited adherence of the Strep. mutans strain to OAIS in a dose-dependent manner. The results indicate that OAIS adsorption of these oral bacteria was dependent on the degree of hydrophobicity of their surfaces. A major component of this adherence was hydrophobic cell-surface proteins.

Active sites of salivary proline-rich protein for binding to Porphyromonas gingivalis fimbriae

Porphyromonas gingivalis fimbriae specifically bind salivary acidic proline-rich protein 1 (PRP1) through protein-protein interactions. The binding domains of fimbrillin (a subunit of fimbriae) for PRP1 were analyzed previously (A. Amano, A. Sharma, J.-Y. Lee, H. T. Sojar, P. A. Raj, and R. J. Genco, Infect. Immun. 64:1631-1637, 1996). In this study, we investigated the sites of binding of the PRP1 molecules to the fimbriae. PRP1 (amino acid residues 1 to 150) was proteolysed to three fragments (residues 1 to 74 [fragment 1-74], 75 to 129, and 130 to 150). 125I-labeled fimbriae clearly bound fragments 75-129 and 130-150, immobilized on a polyvinylidene difluoride membrane; both fragments also inhibited whole-cell binding to PRP1-coated hydroxyapatite (HAP) beads by 50 and 83%, respectively. However, the N-terminal fragment failed to show any effect. Analogous peptides corresponding to residues 75 to 89, 90 to 106, 107 to 120, 121 to 129, and 130 to 150 of PRP1 were synthesized. The fimbriae significantly bound peptide 130-150, immobilized on 96-well plates, and the peptide also inhibited binding of 125I-labeled fimbriae to PRP1-coated HAP beads by almost 100%. Peptides 75-89, 90-106, and 121-129, immobilized on plates, showed considerable ability to bind fimbriae. For further analysis of active sites in residues 130 to 150, synthetic peptides corresponding to residues 130 to 137, 138 to 145, and 146 to 150 were prepared. Peptide 138-145 (GRPQGPPQ) inhibited fimbrial binding to PRP1-coated HAP beads by 97%. This amino acid sequence was shared in the alignment of residues 75 to 89, 90 to 106, and 107 to 120. Six synthetic peptides were prepared by serial deletions of individual residues from the N and C termini of peptide GRPQGPPQ. Peptide PQGPPQ was as inhibitory as peptide GRPQGPPQ. Further deletions of the dipeptide Pro-Gln from the N and C termini of peptide PQGPPQ resulted in significant loss of the inhibitory effect. These results strongly suggest that PQGPPQ is the minimal active segment for binding to P. gingivalis fimbriae and that the moiety of the Pro-Gln dipeptide plays a critical role in expressing binding ability.

The influence of anatomic and iatrogenic root surface characteristics on bacterial colonization and periodontal destruction: a review

PERIODONTITIS IS A MULTIFACTORIAL infectious disease affecting primarily a subset of subjects and a subset of sites. Recent microbiological data have acknowledged that before disease progression can occur, a susceptible host and site are required, in addition to the presence of pathogenic bacteria. This review discusses factors affecting periodontal disease progression and focuses in particular on the influence of anatomic and iatrogenic root surface characteristics. Retrospective studies clearly suggest a strong association between anatomic aberrations and periodontal attachment loss. Cemental tear seems to have the potential to initiate an aseptic, rapid, site-specific periodontal breakdown in a non-infected environment, illustrating the complexity of the attachment loss process. Recent experimental findings, furthermore, demonstrate a significant influence of root surface instrumentation roughness upon subgingival plaque formation and gingival tissue reactions, as well as a significant and positive relationship between subgingival plaque accumulation and inflammatory cell mobilization. These results indicate that subgingivally located irregularities may form stagnant sites or ecological niches which favor both retention and growth of organisms. Such events in addition to the progressive inflammatory changes may critically influence the subgingival environment by turning a stable site into an unstable or active periodontitis site. Thus, local anatomic and iatrogenic root surface characteristics may have a more profound effect on gingival health than previously assumed, particularly on a site level.

Porphyromonas gingivalis fimbria-stimulated bone resorption is inhibited through binding of the fimbriae to fibronectin

Our most recent study demonstrated that fibronectin is one of the Porphyromonas gingivalis fimbria-binding proteins. In this present study, we demonstrate with mouse embryonic calvarial cells that P. gingivalis fimbria-stimulated bone resorption is inhibited by human fibronectin. The fibronectin inhibition was dose and culture time dependent and was completely neutralized by antifibronectin antibody. The inhibitory action of fibronectin depended on fimbrial interaction with the heparin-binding and cell-attachment domains in the fibronectin structure.

Adhesion of Porphyromonas gingivalis fimbriae to human gingival cell line Ca9-22

In this study, we examined the effects of selected environmental factors on the adhesion of Porphyromonas gingivalis fimbriae, an important structure involved in attachment of the bacteria to human gingival cells. The human gingival carcinoma cell line Ca9-22 was grown in microculture plates, and adherence was detected by use of 125I-labeled fimbriae. Adhesion was increased by changes in pH from 7.0-8.0, but was decreased by increase in the sodium chloride concentration above 0.15 M. Trypsin treatment of Ca9-22 cells also augmented adhesion of the fimbriae to the cells. These results indicate that fimbrial adhesion to gingival cells is controlled by various environmental factors, and the data on trypsin treatment suggest that elevated levels of protease in the gingival sulcus, such as can occur with poor oral hygiene and gingivitis, may expose adhesion molecules on the gingival cell surface, thereby promoting the attachment of P. gingivalis fimbriae.

Expression of functional Porphyromonas gingivalis fimbrillin polypeptide domains on the surface of Streptococcus gordonii

Genetically engineering bacteria to express surface proteins which can antagonize the colonization of other microorganisms is a promising strategy for altering bacterial environments. The fimbriae of Porphyromonas gingivalis play an important role in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases. A structural subunit of the P. gingivalis fimbriae, fimbrillin, has been shown to be an important virulence factor, which likely promotes adherence of the bacterium to saliva-coated oral surfaces and induces host responses. Immunization of gnotobiotic rats with synthetic peptides based on the predicted amino acid sequence of fimbrillin has also been shown to elicit a specific immune response and protection against P. gingivalis-associated periodontal destruction. In this study we engineered the human oral commensal organism Streptococcus gordonii to surface express subdomains of the fimbrillin polypeptide fused to the anchor region of streptococcal M6 protein. The resulting recombinant S. gordonii strains expressing P. gingivalis fimbrillin bound saliva-coated hydroxyapatite in a concentration-dependent manner and inhibited binding of P. gingivalis to saliva-coated hydroxyapatite. Moreover, the recombinant S. gordonii strains were capable of eliciting a P. gingivalis fimbrillin-specific immune response in rabbits. These results show that functional and immunologically reactive P. gingivalis fimbrillin polypeptides can be expressed on the surface of S. gordonii. The recombinant fimbrillin-expressing S. gordonii strains may provide an effective vaccine or a vehicle for replacement therapy against P. gingivalis. These experiments demonstrated the feasibility of expressing biologically active agents (antigens or adhesin molecules) by genetically engineered streptococci. Such genetically engineered organisms can be utilized to modulate the microenvironment of the oral cavity.

Isolation and characterization of a minor fimbria from Porphyromonas gingivalis

We have discovered two distinctly different fimbriae expressed by the same Porphyromonas gingivalis strain. The construction of a fimA mutant of P. gingivalis ATCC 33277 has previously been reported by N. Hamada et al. (Infect. Immun. 62:1696-1704, 1994). Expression of fimbriae on the surface of the fimA mutant and the wild-type strain, ATCC 33277, were investigated by electron microscopy. The wild-type strain produced long fimbrial structures extending from the cell surface, whereas those structures were not observed on the fimA mutant. However, short fimbrial structures were seen on the surface of the fimA mutant. The short fimbrial protein was purified from the fimA mutant by selective protein precipitation and chromatography on DEAE Sepharose CL-6B. We have found that the second fimbrial structure of P. gingivalis ATCC 33277 is distinct from the 41-kDa (43-kDa) major fimbrial protein (FimA). We provisionally call this protein minor fimbriae. The molecular mass of the minor fimbriae is 67 kDa as estimated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under reducing conditions after boiling at 100 degrees C. The component shows a ladder-like pattern at 80 degrees C under nonreducing conditions, suggesting a tendency to aggregate or polymerize. In immunoblotting analysis, anti-minor fimbria serum reacted with both the 100 degrees C- and the 80 degrees C-treated minor fimbriae. The anti-minor fimbria serum also reacts with the same-molecular-size fimbrial preparation from the wild-type strain. Immunogold electron microscopy showed that the anti-minor fimbria serum bound to the minor fimbria on the cell surface of the wild-type strain. This is the first report on the identification of the minor fimbria produced by P. gingivalis. These results suggest that the minor fimbriae appearing on the fimA mutant strain are produced together with numerous long major fimbriae on the wild-type strain. Moreover, the minor fimbriae are different in size and antigenicity from the earlier-reported FimA, a major 41-kDa fimbrial component of P. gingivalis.

Mechanisms of adhesion by oral bacteria

Adherence to a surface is a key element for colonization of the human oral cavity by the more than 500 bacterial taxa recorded from oral samples. Three surfaces are available: teeth, epithelial mucosa, and the nascent surface created as each new bacterial cell binds to existing dental plaque. Oral bacteria exhibit specificity for their respective colonization sites. Such specificity is directed by adhesin-receptor cognate pairs on genetically distinct cells. Colonization is successful when adherent cells grow and metabolically participate in the oral bacterial community. The potential roles of adherence-relevant molecules are discussed in the context of the dynamic nature of the oral econiche.

Characterization of an adherence and antigenic determinant of the ArgI protease of Porphyromonas gingivalis which is present on multiple gene products

This study was performed to characterize the antigen(s) recognized by a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) produced to be specific for Porphyromonas gingivalis whole cells which we had previously shown to bind to epitopes recognized by sera from periodontitis patients. Preliminary data had suggested that the arginine-specific proteases of P. gingivalis (ArgI, ArgIA, and ArgIB) contained the antigenic determinants of four of these antibodies (MAbs 1A1, 2B/H9, 7D5, and 3B1). The location of the binding sites was examined with purified P. gingivalis enzymes and recombinant regions of the ArgI polyprotein expressed by subclones of the prpR1 gene in Escherichia coli XL-1 Blue cells. All four antibodies were reactive with protein determinants within the beta subunit, a hemagglutinin and/or adhesin component, of the ArgI dimer. MAb 1A1 strongly inhibited the agglutination of human erythrocytes by P. gingivalis W50 culture supernatant, suggesting that the binding site for this antibody contains residues which are critical for the interaction with the erythrocyte surface. The determinant for MAb 1A1 was examined further by construction of a set of truncated forms of the beta component expressed as fusion proteins with glutathione S-transferase at the N terminus. Analysis of these constructs mapped the binding site for MAb 1A1 to PrpRI residues G-907 to T-931, GVSPKVCKDV TVEGSNEFAP VQNLT. Western blot (immunoblot) analysis of P. gingivalis whole-cell proteins demonstrated that MAb 1A1 reacts with several proteins in the Mr range of 20,000 to 120,000. Furthermore, an oligonucleotide probe corresponding to the coding sequence for the region of the ArgI beta component containing the MAb 1A1 binding site hybridized to multiple bands on genomic digests of P. gingivalis DNA. These data indicate that the MAb 1A1 epitope may be a component of a binding domain common to multiple gene products of this organism and may thus represent a functionally important target of the host's specific immune response to P. gingivalis in periodontal disease.

Porphyromonas gingivalis fimbrillin is one of the fibronectin-binding proteins

In this study, we demonstrate that Porphyromonas gingivalis fimbrillin, a major component of bacterial fimbriae, is one of the fibronectin-binding proteins and that fibronectin is a potent inhibitor of the adherence of the bacteria to host cells and of the pathogenesis of the bacterium that acts by binding to the fimbriae. A Western blotting (immunoblotting) assay showed that fibronectin binds strongly to P. gingivalis fimbrillin. The fimbrial binding to fibronectin was also evidenced by a binding assay involving 125I-labeled fimbriae. Furthermore, fibronectin markedly inhibited the fimbria-induced expression of interleukin-1beta and neutrophil-specific chemoattractant KC genes in macrophages. The inhibitory action depended on the fimbrial interaction with heparin-binding and cell attachment domains in the fibronectin structure. The binding of P.gingivalis to mouse peritoneal macrophages via its fimbriae was inhibited by fibronectin. Fibronectin also inhibited the bacterial cell-induced expression of interleukin-1beta and KC genes in the macrophages. These results demonstrate the importance of fibronectin as a modulator of the pathogenic mechanism of P. gingivalis, a pathogen that causes adult periodontal disease.

Collagen-binding activity of Prevotella intermedia measured by a microtitre plate adherence assay

The ability of Prevotella intermedia to bind type I collagen was investigated. A simple method in which bacterial cells were allowed to attach to collagen-coated microtitre plate wells was used to characterize the activity. All strains of P. intermedia tested, as well as those of the closely related species Prevotella nigrescens, showed a capacity to attach to the collagen film. Exponential-phase cultures of P. intermedia demonstrated a greater binding capacity than older cells. Attachment to the collagen film was inhibited by the presence of EDTA, type I and IV collagen, denatured collagen (gelatin), fibrinogen or fibronectin. Pretreatment of bacterial cells with heat (60 degrees C, 30 min) or proteinase K also inhibited the binding. The collagen-binding activity could be solubilized from the bacterial cell surface by incubation with Zwittergent 3-14, a zwitterionic detergent. The collagen-binding capacity of P. intermedia demonstrated in the present study represents a mechanism of colonization allowing these bacteria to attach to a tissue matrix.

Cysteine protease of Porphyromonas gingivalis 381 enhances binding of fimbriae to cultured human fibroblasts and matrix proteins

It has been shown that Porphyromonas gingivalis 381, a suspected periodontopathogen, possesses fimbriae on its cell surface. The organism is also known to produce proteases which can degrade the host cell surface matrix proteins. In this study, we investigated the effect of protease on the binding of the purified P. gingivalis fimbriae to cultured fibroblasts or matrix proteins. A protease that can hydrolyze benzoyl-L-arginine p-nitroanilide was obtained from P. gingivalis 381 cells by sonication in phosphate-buffered 0.2% Triton X-100 and was purified by column chromatography. The molecular size of the protease was estimated to be 55 kDa by gel filtration or 47 kDa by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis. The enzyme activity was markedly inhibited by sulfhydryl reagents, antipain, and leupeptin. The protease degraded various host proteins, including collagen and fibronectin, and cleaved the COOH terminus of the arginine residue in peptides such as benzoyl-L-arginine p-nitroanilide. However, P. gingivalis fimbriae were not degraded by protease activity. The enzyme activity was enhanced in the presence of reducing agents or CaCl2. When cultured fibroblasts were partially treated with the protease, the binding of the purified P. gingivalis fimbriae to the fibroblast monolayer was increased significantly. However, this enhancing effect was suppressed upon the addition of antipain and leupeptin. Similarly, binding of the fimbriae to the collagen or fibronectin immobilized on the microtiter wells was also enhanced. Addition of these host matrix proteins efficiently inhibited the binding of fimbriae to the fibroblast monolayer. The binding assay of fimbriae using dipeptidyl ligand affinity column chromatography demonstrated a clear interaction between fimbriae and the arginine residue. Taken together, these results indicate that the P. gingivalis protease at least partially degrades the host matrix proteins, which, in turn, may lead to an increased exposure of the cryptic ligands that can result in enhanced fimbria-mediated binding of this organism to periodontal tissues.

The influence of surface roughness and surface-free energy on supra- and subgingival plaque formation in man. A review of the literature

In the oral cavity, an open growth system, bacterial adhesion to the non-shedding surfaces is for most bacteria the only way to survive. This adhesion occurs in 4 phases: the transport of the bacterium to the surface, the initial adhesion with a reversible and irreversible stage, the attachment by specific interactions, and finally the colonization in order to form a biofilm. Different hard surfaces are available in the oral cavity (teeth, filling materials, dental implants, or prostheses), all with different surface characteristics. In a healthy situation, a dynamic equilibrium exists on these surfaces between the forces of retention and those of removal. However, an increased bacterial accumulation often results in a shift toward disease. 2 mechanisms favour the retention of dental plaque: adhesion and stagnation. The aim of this review is to examine the influence of the surface roughness and the surface free energy in the adhesion process. Both in vitro and in vivo studies underline the importance of both variables in supragingival plaque formation. Rough surfaces will promote plaque formation and maturation, and high-energy surfaces are known to collect more plaque, to bind the plaque more strongly and to select specific bacteria. Although both variables interact with each other, the influence of surface roughness overrules that of the surface free energy. For the subgingival environment, with more facilities for microorganisms to survive, the importance of surface characteristics dramatically decreases. However, the influence of surface roughness and surface-free energy on supragingival plaque justifies the demand for smooth surfaces with a low surface-free energy in order to minimise plaque formation, thereby reducing the occurrence of caries and periodontitis.

Salivary receptors for recombinant fimbrillin of Porphyromonas gingivalis

Fimbriae are considered important in the adherence and colonization of Porphyromonas gingivalis in the oral cavity. It has been demonstrated that purified fimbriae bind to whole human saliva adsorbed to hydroxyapatite (HAP) beads, and the binding appears to be mediated by specific protein-protein interactions. Recently, we expressed the recombinant fimbrillin protein (r-Fim) of P. gingivalis corresponding to amino acid residues 10 to 337 of the native fimbrillin (A. Sharma, H.T. Sojar, J.-Y. Lee, and R.J. Genco, Infect. Immun. 61:3570-3573, 1993). We examined the ability of individual salivary components to promote the direct attachment of r-Fim to HAP beads. Purified r-Fim was radiolabeled with 125I and incubated with HAP beads which were coated with saliva or purified individual salivary components. Whole, parotid, and submandibular-sublingual salivas increased the binding of 125I-r-Fim to HAP beads. Submandibular-sublingual saliva was most effective in increasing the binding of 125I-r-Fim to HAP beads (1.8 times greater than that to uncoated HAP beads). The binding of 125I-r-Fim to HAP beads coated with acidic proline-rich protein 1 (PRP1) or statherin was four and two times greater, respectively, than that to uncoated HAP beads. PRP1 and statherin molecules were also found to bind 125I-r-Fim in an overlay assay. The binding of intact P. gingivalis cells to HAP beads coated with PRP1 or statherin was also enhanced, by 5.4 and 4.3 times, respectively, over that to uncoated HAP beads. The interactions of PRP1 and statherin with 125I-r-Fim were not inhibited by the addition of carbohydrates or amino acids. PRP1 and statherin in solution did not show inhibitory activity on 125I-r-Fim binding to HAP beads coated with PRP1 or statherin. These results suggest that P. gingivalis fimbriae bind strongly through protein-protein interactions to acidic proline-rich protein and statherin molecules which coat surfaces.

Host-related genotypic heterogeneity of Porphyromonas gingivalis strains in the beagle dog

The present investigation explored the genotypic heterogeneity of Porphyromonas gingivalis using restriction endonuclease analysis and ribotyping of 64 P. gingivalis isolates, recovered from the periodontal pockets of 3 beagle dogs, 2 of which were reared together. The isolates originated from both healthy and periodontal disease affected sites and thereby enabled the study of bacterial genotype with respect to (i) individual host, (ii) ecological niche (site within host) and (iii) level of periodontal health. Whole genomic DNA was extracted from each isolate and digested by the restriction endonuclease KpnI. Digestion fragments were separated by electrophoresis and transferred onto nylon membranes. The blots were hybridized with a digoxigenin-labeled 16S rDNA probe, and hybridization bands were detected using an anti-digoxigenin antibody conjugated with alkaline phosphatase and enhanced chemiluminescence. Fourteen genomic fingerprints and 13 ribotypes were observed among the 64 isolates. As many as 8 distinct fingerprints were detected within a single host and up to 4 fingerprints within a single periodontal pocket. The dogs reared together shared 2 common clonal types but also exhibited clonal types unique to each dog. No clear association between clonal type and periodontal health status could be made. The results revealed an extensive intra-host genotypic heterogeneity of P. gingivalis strains in the beagle dog and indicated that ribotyping was a sensitive method for differentiating clonal types within species.

Binding of host-associated treponeme proteins to collagens and laminin: a possible mechanism of spirochetal adherence to host tissues

The polypeptides of seven strains of human treponemes were investigated by immunoblot analysis for their binding to the human placental collagens and laminin. Of the treponemal polypeptides, eleven polypeptides, 45-kDa, 49-kDa, and 62-kDa polypeptides from T. pallidum ATCC 27087, a 48-kDa polypeptide from T. phagedenis biotype Reiter, 51-kDa and 53-kDa polypeptides from T. vincentii ATCC 35580, 30-kDa, 53-kDa and 63-kDa polypeptides from T. socranskii subsp. buccale ATCC 35534, a 52-kDa polypeptide from T. denticola ATCC 35405, and a 53-kDa polypeptide from T. denticola ATCC 33520 possessed an ability to bind to the laminin, type I, III, IV, or V collagen. An intermediate-sized human oral isolate strain G7201 did not possess any laminin- or collagen-binding polypeptides. Immunoelectron microscopy using intact treponemal cells with a single collagen-binding polypeptide and the corresponding antisera demonstrated that the 51-kDa and 53-kDa polypeptides from T. vincentii, the 53-kDa polypeptide from T. socranskii subsp. buccale ATCC 35534 and the 52-kDa polypeptide from T. denticola ATCC 35405, were outer envelope proteins.

Fibronectin and vitronectin binding of Bacteroides fragilis and eight other species of the genus

The fibronectin and vitronectin bindings of 152 strains belonging in 9 Bacteroides species of different origins were tested by means of latex agglutination. 23% of the strains isolated from faeces exhibited fibronectin binding, as did 46% of the strains obtained from severe infections. Most of the strains displaying fibronectin binding belonged to the species Bacteroides fragilis or Bacteroides vulgatus. The binding could be inhibited by preincubation of the cells with an excess amount of fibronectin. Vitronectin binding was less common, but was always observed in parallel with fibronectin binding.

Effect of lactoferrin on interaction of Prevotella intermedia with plasma and subepithelial matrix proteins

A lactoferrin-binding protein with an estimated molecular mass of 57 kDa was identified in the cell envelope of Prevotella intermedia by gel electrophoresis and Western-blot analysis. Peroxidase-labeled bovine lactoferrin and human lactoferrin showed similar specific binding to this protein. Whole cells of P. intermedia were also examined for interactions with 5 125I-labeled plasma and subepithelial matrix proteins. A high degree of binding was found with fibronectin, collagen type I and type IV and laminin, whereas a moderate interaction was detected with fibrinogen. The ability of bovine lactoferrin to affect the interactions of the above proteins with P. intermedia was examined. In the presence of unlabeled bovine lactoferrin, a dose-dependent inhibition of binding was observed with all 5 proteins tested. Unlabeled bovine lactoferrin also dissociated the bacterial complexes with these proteins. The complexes with laminin or collagen type I were more effectively dissociated than fibronectin or fibrinogen, whereas the interaction with collagen type IV was affected to a lesser extent. A strain-dependent variation in the effect of bovine lactoferrin was observed. These data establish the presence of a specific lactoferrin-binding protein in the cell envelope of P. intermedia. The ability of lactoferrin to inhibit the binding of some plasma and subepithelial matrix proteins to P. intermedia could be a protective mechanism against the establishment of this pathogen in the periodontal pocket.

Construction and characterization of a fimA mutant of Porphyromonas gingivalis

Although fimbriae of Porphyromonas gingivalis have been implicated as playing a major role in adherence to gingival tissue surfaces, no conclusive genetic evidence has yet been obtained. The fimA gene, the determinant for the major fimbrial subunit protein, was cloned and sequenced (D. P. Dickinson, M. A. Kubiniec, F. Yoshimura, and R. J. Genco, J. Bacteriol. 170:1658-1665, 1988). We undertook to inactivate the fimA gene by a homologous recombination technique and examined the fimA mutant for changes in surface properties, including production of fimbriae, adherence to human gingival fibroblasts and epithelial cells, hemagglutinating activity, and surface hydrophobicity. To inactivate the fimA gene, we disrupted a fimA clone by insertion of a DNA segment containing an erythromycin resistance (Emr) gene. This was then delivered into P. gingivalis ATCC 33277 from an Escherichia coli K-12 strain, SM10 lambda pir, by using a mobilizable suicide vector, pGP704; recombination at the fimA locus led to the isolation of a fimA mutant. Disruption of the fimA locus and disappearance of FimA production were confirmed by Southern hybridization with a fimA-specific DNA probe and Western immunoblotting with a monoclonal antibody against the FimA protein, respectively. The fimA mutant constructed failed to express long (0.5- to 1.0-micron) fimbriae from the bacterial surface and had a diminished adhesive capacity to tissue-cultured human gingival fibroblasts and epithelial cells. Observation of the bacteria adhering to human gingival fibroblasts by scanning electron microscopy revealed that the wild-type strain had dramatic local changes in the appearance of the microvilli at the point of contact with large bacterial clumps, whereas the fimA mutant did not. In contrast, neither the hemagglutinating activity nor the surface hydrophobicity was changed in the fimA mutant. These data thus constitute the first direct genetic evidence demonstrating that the FimA protein of P. gingivalis is essential for the interaction of the organism with human gingival tissue cells through a function(s) encoded by the fimA gene.