Host cell-derived lactate functions as an effector molecule in Neisseria meningitidis microcolony dispersal

PLoS Pathogens

Leopold L. Ilag¹  Nadezda Zguna¹  Pilar Lloris-Garcerá²  Jakob Engman²  Sunil D. Saroj²  Olaspers Sara Eriksson²  Ann-Beth Jonsson²  Sara Sigurlásdóttir² 

[1] Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden;Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden

关键词: Neisseria meningitidis;    Host cells;    Neisseria;    Oxygen;    Glucose;    Neisseria gonorrhoeae;    Pili;    fimbriae;    Epithelial cells;   

DOI  :  10.1371/journal.ppat.1006251

学科分类：生物科学（综合）

来源: Public Library of Science

【 摘 要 】

The development of meningococcal disease, caused by the human pathogen Neisseria meningitidis, is preceded by the colonization of the epithelial layer in the nasopharynx. After initial adhesion to host cells meningococci form aggregates, through pilus-pilus interactions, termed microcolonies from which the bacteria later detach. Dispersal from microcolonies enables access to new colonization sites and facilitates the crossing of the cell barrier; however, this process is poorly understood. In this study, we used live-cell imaging to investigate the process of N. meningitidis microcolony dispersal. We show that direct contact with host cells is not required for microcolony dispersal, instead accumulation of a host-derived effector molecule induces microcolony dispersal. By using a host-cell free approach, we demonstrated that lactate, secreted from host cells, initiate rapid dispersal of microcolonies. Interestingly, metabolic utilization of lactate by the bacteria was not required for induction of dispersal, suggesting that lactate plays a role as a signaling molecule. Furthermore, Neisseria gonorrhoeae microcolony dispersal could also be induced by lactate. These findings reveal a role of host-secreted lactate in microcolony dispersal and virulence of pathogenic Neisseria.

【 授权许可】

CC BY