Growth rate and oxygen regulate the interactions of group B Streptococcus with polarized respiratory epithelial cells.
We investigated growth conditions that regulate the ability of group B Streptococcus (GBS) to attach to, invade, and translocate through polarized human respiratory epithelial cells (RECs). GBS grown in a chemostat at a fast cell mass doubling time (t(d) = 1.8 h), invaded RECs from both the apical and basolateral surfaces in higher numbers compared with those held at a t(d) = 11 h. With the exception of adherence from the basolateral surface, GBS reached peak adherence to, invasion of, and translocation through RECs when held at the fast t(d) with 15% dissolved oxygen compared with 0% dissolved oxygen. Growth rate and oxygen level strongly influence the interaction of GBS with polarized RECs and likely GBS pathogenicity.
Johri
Atul K
AK
Channing Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Breigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Med School, 181 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Patwardhan
Vilas
V
Paoletti
Lawrence C
LC
D001422:Bacterial Adhesion; D016764:Cell Polarity; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D010100:Oxygen / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013292:Streptococcus agalactiae / Q000254:growth & development*; D013997:Time Factors
D010100:Oxygen