Integrin-mediated invasion of Staphylococcus aureus into human cells requires Src family protein-tyrosine kinases.
Staphylococcus aureus, a common cause of nosocomial infections, is able to invade eukaryotic cells by indirectly engaging beta1 integrin-containing host receptors, whereas non-pathogenic Staphylococcus carnosus is not invasive. Here, we identify intracellular signals involved in integrin-initiated internalization of S. aureus. In particular, the host cell actin cytoskeleton and Src family protein-tyrosine kinases (PTKs) are essential to mediate S. aureus invasion. Src PTKs are activated in response to pathogenic S. aureus, but not S. carnosus. In addition, pharmacological and genetic interference with Src PTK function reduces bacterial internalization. Importantly, Src PTK-deficient cells are resistant to S. aureus invasion, demonstrating the essentiality of host Src PTKs in integrin-mediated uptake of this pathogen.
Agerer
Franziska
F
Zentrum für Infektionsforschung, Universität Würzburg, Röntgenring 11, 97070 Würzburg, Germany.
Michel
Antje
A
Ohlsen
Knut
K
Hauck
Christof R
CR
D000199:Actins / Q000502:physiology; D002460:Cell Line; D004705:Endocytosis; D006801:Humans; D019012:Integrin beta1 / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000209:etiology / Q000382:microbiology; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000472:pathogenicity* / Q000502:physiology; D019061:src-Family Kinases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*
D000199:Actins; D019012:Integrin beta1; D019061:src-Family Kinases