Type I pili mediate gram-negative bacterial adherence to intact tracheal epithelium.
We have investigated the role of pili in mediating gram-negative bacterial adherence to an intact tracheal epithelium. Type 1 pili, but not P or Pseudomonas pili, markedly increased bacterial adherence. The adherence-promoting effect of Type 1 pili was due to the mannose-binding Type 1 pili adhesin, as both alpha-methyl mannoside and concanavalin A blocked adherence of Type 1 piliated bacteria. The Type 1 pili-binding site on tracheal epithelium appears to be a mannose-containing glycoprotein. Clearance of Type 1 piliated bacteria from the lung parenchyma was assessed by depositing the bacteria into a lobe; no difference in clearance rates between Type 1 and nonpiliated bacteria was present. Type 1 pili may enhance the ability of gram-negative bacteria to adhere to and colonize the lower respiratory tract.
Dal Nogare
A R
AR
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235-9034.
D018829:Adhesins, Bacterial; D000818:Animals; D001422:Bacterial Adhesion; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D004848:Epithelium / Q000382:microbiology; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology; D010861:Fimbriae, Bacterial / Q000502:physiology*; D037102:Lectins; D008168:Lung / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology; D008358:Mannose / Q000378:metabolism; D008657:Metabolic Clearance Rate; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D014132:Trachea / Q000166:cytology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000502:physiology*
D018829:Adhesins, Bacterial; D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D037102:Lectins; C038692:adhesin, Pseudomonas; D008358:Mannose