title: Molecular and cellular determinants of non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae adherence and invasion.
abstract: Non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae is a common cause of human disease and initiates infection by colonizing the upper respiratory tract. Based on information from histopathologic specimens and in vitro studies with human cells and tissues in culture, non-typeable H. influenzae is capable of efficient adherence and appreciable invasion, properties that facilitate the process of colonization. A number of adhesive factors exist, each recognizing a distinct host cell structure and influencing cellular binding specificity. In addition, at least three invasion pathways exist, including one resembling macropinocytosis, a second mediated via the PAF receptor and a third involving beta-glucan receptors. Organisms are also capable of disrupting cell-cell junctions and passing between cells to the subepithelial space.
authors.affiliation: Edward Mallinckrodt Department of Pediatrics and Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63117, USA. stgeme@borcim.wustl.edu
authors.forename: Joseph W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: St Geme
mesh_terms: D018829:Adhesins, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D001422:Bacterial Adhesion; D016667:Bacterial Capsules / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D015373:Bacterial Typing Techniques; D001692:Biological Transport; D010861:Fimbriae, Bacterial / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006192:Haemophilus Infections / Q000382:microbiology; D006193:Haemophilus influenzae / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000472:pathogenicity* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides / Q000737:chemistry; D008958:Models, Molecular
chemical_list: D018829:Adhesins, Bacterial; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides