Peritoneal culture alters Streptococcus pneumoniae protein profiles and virulence properties.
We have examined the properties of Streptococcus pneumoniae cultured in the murine peritoneal cavity and compared its virulence-associated characteristics to those of cultures grown in vitro. Analysis of mRNA levels for specific virulence factors demonstrated a 2.8-fold increase in ply expression and a 2.2-fold increase in capA3 expression during murine peritoneal culture (MPC). Two-dimensional gels and immunoblots using convalescent-phase patient sera and murine sera revealed distinct differences in protein production in vivo (MPC). MPC-grown pneumococci adhered to A549 epithelial cell lines at levels 10-fold greater than those cultured in vitro.
Orihuela
C J
CJ
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555-1019, USA.
Janssen
R
R
Robb
C W
CW
Watson
D A
DA
Niesel
D W
DW
D000818:Animals; D001422:Bacterial Adhesion; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D015152:Blotting, Northern; D002460:Cell Line; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D010529:Peritoneal Cavity / Q000382:microbiology*; D011008:Pneumococcal Infections / Q000382:microbiology*; D013296:Streptococcus pneumoniae / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D014774:Virulence / Q000235:genetics
D001426:Bacterial Proteins