scholarly journals The Pseudomonas aeruginosa Periplasmic Protease CtpA Can Affect Systems That Impact Its Ability To Mount Both Acute and Chronic Infections

2013 ◽  
Vol 81 (12) ◽  
pp. 4561-4570 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jin Seo ◽  
Andrew J. Darwin
Keyword(s):  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Sigma Factor ◽  
Cell Envelope ◽  
Virulence Gene ◽  
Normal Function ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Tissue Destruction ◽  
Chronic Infections ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Virulence Gene Expression

ABSTRACTProteases play important roles in the virulence ofPseudomonas aeruginosa. Some are exported to act on host targets and facilitate tissue destruction and bacterial dissemination. Others work within the bacterial cell to process virulence factors and regulate virulence gene expression. Relatively little is known about the role of one class of bacterial serine proteases known as the carboxyl-terminal processing proteases (CTPs). TheP. aeruginosagenome encodes two CTPs annotated as PA3257/Prc and PA5134/CtpA in strain PAO1. Prc degrades mutant forms of the anti-sigma factor MucA to promote mucoidy in some cystic fibrosis lung isolates. However, nothing is known about the role or importance of CtpA. We have now found that endogenous CtpA is a soluble periplasmic protein and that actpAnull mutant has specific phenotypes consistent with an altered cell envelope. Although actpAnull mutation has no major effect on bacterial growth in the laboratory, CtpA is essential for the normal function of the type 3 secretion system (T3SS), for cytotoxicity toward host cells, and for virulence in a mouse model of acute pneumonia. Conversely, increasing the amount of CtpA above its endogenous level induces an uncharacterized extracytoplasmic function sigma factor regulon, an event that has been reported to attenuateP. aeruginosain a rat model of chronic lung infection. Therefore, a normal level of CtpA activity is critical for T3SS function and acute virulence, whereas too much activity can trigger an apparent stress response that is detrimental to chronic virulence.

scholarly journals Perforin-2 Protects Host Cells and Mice by Restricting the Vacuole to Cytosol Transitioning of a Bacterial Pathogen

2016 ◽  
Vol 84 (4) ◽  
pp. 1083-1091 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan McCormack ◽  
Wael Bahnan ◽  
Niraj Shrestha ◽  
Justin Boucher ◽  
Marcella Barreto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Pathogen ◽  
Virulence Gene ◽  
Systemic Infection ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Virulence Gene Expression ◽  
Membrane Bound ◽  
High Level ◽  
Macpf Domain

The host-encoded Perforin-2 (encoded by the macrophage-expressed gene 1,Mpeg1), which possesses a pore-forming MACPF domain, reduces the viability of bacterial pathogens that reside within membrane-bound compartments. Here, it is shown that Perforin-2 also restricts the proliferation of the intracytosolic pathogenListeria monocytogenes. Within a few hours of systemic infection, the massive proliferation ofL. monocytogenesinPerforin-2−/−mice leads to a rapid appearance of acute disease symptoms. We go on to show in culturedPerforin-2−/−cells that the vacuole-to-cytosol transitioning ofL. monocytogenesis greatly accelerated. Unexpectedly, we found that inPerforin-2−/−macrophages,Listeria-containing vacuoles quickly (≤15 min) acidify, and that this was coincident with greater virulence gene expression, likely accounting for the more rapid translocation ofL. monocytogenesto its replicative niche in the cytosol. This hypothesis was supported by our finding that aL. monocytogenesstrain expressing virulence factors at a constitutively high level replicated equally well inPerforin-2+/+andPerforin-2−/−macrophages. Our findings suggest that the protective role of Perforin-2 against listeriosis is based on it limiting the intracellular replication of the pathogen. This cellular activity of Perforin-2 may derive from it regulating the acidification ofListeria-containing vacuoles, thereby depriving the pathogen of favorable intracellular conditions that promote its virulence gene activity.

scholarly journals Overproduction of the AlgT Sigma Factor Is Lethal to Mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa

2020 ◽  
Vol 202 (20) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley R. Cross ◽  
Vishnu Raghuram ◽  
Zihuan Wang ◽  
Debayan Dey ◽  
Joanna B. Goldberg
Keyword(s):  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Sigma Factor ◽  
Continuous Production ◽  
Common Mutation ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Chronic Infections ◽  
Truncated Form ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Lung Infections

ABSTRACT Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from chronic lung infections often overproduce alginate, giving rise to the mucoid phenotype. Isolation of mucoid strains from chronic lung infections correlates with a poor patient outcome. The most common mutation that causes the mucoid phenotype is called mucA22 and results in a truncated form of the anti-sigma factor MucA that is continuously subjected to proteolysis. When a functional MucA is absent, the cognate sigma factor, AlgT, is no longer sequestered and continuously transcribes the alginate biosynthesis operon, leading to alginate overproduction. In this work, we report that in the absence of wild-type MucA, providing exogenous AlgT is toxic. This is intriguing, since mucoid strains endogenously possess high levels of AlgT. Furthermore, we show that suppressors of toxic AlgT production have mutations in mucP, a protease involved in MucA degradation, and provide the first atomistic model of MucP. Based on our findings, we speculate that mutations in mucP stabilize the truncated form of MucA22, rendering it functional and therefore able to reduce toxicity by properly sequestering AlgT. IMPORTANCE Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic bacterial pathogen capable of causing chronic lung infections. Phenotypes important for the long-term persistence and adaption to this unique lung ecosystem are largely regulated by the AlgT sigma factor. Chronic infection isolates often contain mutations in the anti-sigma factor mucA, resulting in uncontrolled AlgT and continuous production of alginate in addition to the expression of ∼300 additional genes. Here, we report that in the absence of wild-type MucA, AlgT overproduction is lethal and that suppressors of toxic AlgT production have mutations in the MucA protease, MucP. Since AlgT contributes to the establishment of chronic infections, understanding how AlgT is regulated will provide vital information on how P. aeruginosa is capable of causing long-term infections.

scholarly journals PrtR Homeostasis Contributes to Pseudomonas aeruginosa Pathogenesis and Resistance against Ciprofloxacin

2014 ◽  
Vol 82 (4) ◽  
pp. 1638-1647 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ziyu Sun ◽  
Jing Shi ◽  
Chang Liu ◽  
Yongxin Jin ◽  
Kewei Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Bacterial Colonization ◽  
Mrna Level ◽  
Sos Response ◽  
Opportunistic Pathogen ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Chronic Infections ◽  
Mobility Shift ◽  
Content Type

ABSTRACTPseudomonas aeruginosais an opportunistic pathogen that causes acute and chronic infections in humans. Pyocins are bacteriocins produced byP. aeruginosathat are usually released through lysis of the producer strains. Expression of pyocin genes is negatively regulated by PrtR, which gets cleaved under SOS response, leading to upregulation of pyocin synthetic genes. Previously, we demonstrated that PrtR is required for the expression of type III secretion system (T3SS), which is an important virulence component ofP. aeruginosa. In this study, we demonstrate that mutation inprtRresults in reduced bacterial colonization in a mouse acute pneumonia model. Examination of bacterial and host cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluids from infected mice revealed that expression of PrtR is induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) released by neutrophils. We further demonstrate that treatment with hydrogen peroxide or ciprofloxacin, known to induce the SOS response and pyocin production, resulted in an elevated PrtR mRNA level. Overexpression of PrtR by atacpromoter repressed the endogenousprtRpromoter activity, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay revealed that PrtR binds to its own promoter, suggesting an autorepressive mechanism of regulation. A high level of PrtR expressed from a plasmid resulted in increased T3SS gene expression during infection and higher resistance against ciprofloxacin. Overall, our results suggest that the autorepression of PrtR contributes to the maintenance of a relatively stable level of PrtR, which is permissive to T3SS gene expression in the presence of ROS while increasing bacterial tolerance to stresses, such as ciprofloxacin, by limiting pyocin production.

scholarly journals Synergy of Silver Nanoparticles and Aztreonam against Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 Biofilms

2014 ◽  
Vol 58 (10) ◽  
pp. 5818-5830 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc B. Habash ◽  
Amber J. Park ◽  
Emily C. Vis ◽  
Robert J. Harris ◽  
Cezar M. Khursigara
Keyword(s):  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Silver Nanoparticles ◽  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Antimicrobial Agents ◽  
Cell Envelope ◽  
Antimicrobial Properties ◽  
Planktonic Cell ◽  
Chronic Infections ◽  
Content Type

ABSTRACTPathogenic bacterial biofilms, such as those found in the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), exhibit increased antimicrobial resistance, due in part to the inherent architecture of the biofilm community. The protection provided by the biofilm limits antimicrobial dispersion and penetration and reduces the efficacy of antibiotics that normally inhibit planktonic cell growth. Thus, alternative antimicrobial strategies are required to combat persistent infections. The antimicrobial properties of silver have been known for decades, but silver and silver-containing compounds have recently seen renewed interest as antimicrobial agents for treating bacterial infections. The goal of this study was to assess the efficacy of citrate-capped silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) of various sizes, alone and in combination with the monobactam antibiotic aztreonam, to inhibitPseudomonas aeruginosaPAO1 biofilms. Among the different sizes of AgNPs examined, 10-nm nanoparticles were most effective in inhibiting the recovery ofP. aeruginosabiofilm cultures and showed synergy of inhibition when combined with sub-MIC levels of aztreonam. Visualization of biofilms treated with combinations of 10-nm AgNPs and aztreonam indicated that the synergistic bactericidal effects are likely caused by better penetration of the small AgNPs into the biofilm matrix, which enhances the deleterious effects of aztreonam against the cell envelope ofP. aeruginosawithin the biofilms. These data suggest that small AgNPs synergistically enhance the antimicrobial effects of aztreonam againstP. aeruginosain vitro, and they reveal a potential role for combinations of small AgNPs and antibiotics in treating patients with chronic infections.

scholarly journals 2,3-Dihydroxybenzoic Acid-Containing Nanofiber Wound Dressings Inhibit Biofilm Formation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa

2014 ◽  
Vol 58 (4) ◽  
pp. 2098-2104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jayesh J. Ahire ◽  
Leon M. T. Dicks
Keyword(s):  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Iron Chelator ◽  
Wound Dressings ◽  
Tissue Destruction ◽  
Dihydroxybenzoic Acid ◽  
Chronic Infections ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cell Numbers ◽  
Time Required

ABSTRACTPseudomonas aeruginosaforms biofilms in wounds, which often leads to chronic infections that are difficult to treat with antibiotics. Free iron enhances biofilm formation, delays wound healing, and may even be responsible for persistent inflammation, increased connective tissue destruction, and lipid peroxidation. Exposure ofP. aeruginosaXen 5 to the iron chelator 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA), electrospun into a nanofiber blend of poly(d,l-lactide) (PDLLA) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), referred to as DF, for 8 h decreased biofilm formation by approximately 75%. This was shown by a drastic decline in cell numbers, from 7.1 log10CFU/ml to 4.8 log10CFU/ml when biofilms were exposed to DF in the presence of 2.0 mM FeCl36H2O. A similar decline in cell numbers was recorded in the presence of 3.0 mM FeCl36H2O and DF. The cells were more mobile in the presence of DHBA, supporting the observation of less biofilm formation at lower iron concentrations. DHBA at MIC levels (1.5 mg/ml) inhibited the growth of strain Xen 5 for at least 24 h. Our findings indicate that DHBA electrospun into nanofibers inhibits cell growth for at least 4 h, which is equivalent to the time required for all DHBA to diffuse from DF. This is the first indication that DF can be developed into a wound dressing to treat topical infections caused byP. aeruginosa.

scholarly journals Identification of Genes in the σ22 Regulon of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Required for Cell Envelope Homeostasis in Either the Planktonic or the Sessile Mode of Growth

mBio ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynn F. Wood ◽  
Dennis E. Ohman
Keyword(s):  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Cell Wall ◽  
Stress Response ◽  
Sigma Factor ◽  
Cell Envelope ◽  
Wall Stress ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Response System ◽  
Cell Wall Stress ◽  
Stress Response System

ABSTRACTThePseudomonas aeruginosaextracytoplasmic functioning (ECF) sigma factor σ22is encoded byalgT/algUand is inhibited by anti-sigma factor MucA. σ22was originally discovered for its essential role in the expression of the exopolysaccharide alginate by mucoid strains associated with chronic pulmonary infection. However, σ22is now known to also have a large regulon associated with the response to cell wall stress. Our recent transcriptome analysis identified 293 open reading frames (ORFs) in the σ22stress stimulon that include genes for outer envelope biogenesis and remodeling, although most of the genes have undefined functions. To better understand the σ22-dependent stress response, mutants affected in 27 genes of the σ22stimulon were examined and expression was studied withlacZfusions. Mutants constructed in the 27 genes showed no major change in response to cell wall-acting antibiotics or growth at elevated temperatures nor in alginate production. The mutants were examined for their effects on the expression of the σ22-dependent promoter of the alginate biosynthetic operon (PalgD) as a measure of σ22derepression from MucA. By testing PalgDexpression under both planktonic and sessile growth conditions, 11 genes were found to play a role in the stress response that activates σ22. Some mutations caused an increase or a decrease in the response to cell wall stress. Interestingly, mutations in 7 of the 11 genes caused constitutive PalgDexpression under nonstressed conditions and thus showed that these genes are involved in maintaining envelope homeostasis. Mutations in PA0062 and PA1324 showed constitutive PalgDexpression during both the planktonic and the sessile modes of growth. However, the PA5178 mutation caused constitutive PalgDexpression only during planktonic growth. In contrast, mutations in PA2717, PA0567, PA3040, and PA0920 caused constitutive PalgDexpression only in the sessile/biofilm mode of growth. This provides evidence that the σ22stimulon for cell envelope homeostasis overlaps with biofilm control mechanisms.IMPORTANCEDuring chronic lung infections, such as in cystic fibrosis patients,Pseudomonas aeruginosaproduces the exopolysaccharide alginate and forms biofilms that shield the organisms from the immune response and increase resistance to antibiotics. Activation of alginate genes is under the control of an extracytoplasmic stress response system that releases an alternative sigma factor (σ22) in response to cell wall stress and then activates expression of a large regulon. In this study, a mutant analysis of 27 members of the regulon showed that 11 play a role in envelope homeostasis and affect the stress response system itself. Interestingly, some genes demonstrate effects only in either the planktonic (free-swimming) or the sessile (biofilm) mode of growth, which leads to persistence and antibiotic tolerance. The studies presented here provide an important initial step in dissecting the mechanisms that regulate a critical signal transduction pathway that impactsP. aeruginosapathogenesis.

scholarly journals Spatial Segregation of Virulence Gene Expression during Acute Enteric Infection with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium

mBio ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard C. Laughlin ◽  
Leigh A. Knodler ◽  
Roula Barhoumi ◽  
H. Ross Payne ◽  
Jing Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Salmonella Enterica ◽  
Virulence Gene ◽  
Bacterial Virulence ◽  
Natural Host ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Enteric Infection ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Virulence Gene Expression ◽  
Serovar Typhimurium

ABSTRACTTo establish a replicative niche during its infectious cycle between the intestinal lumen and tissue, the enteric pathogenSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium requires numerous virulence genes, including genes for two type III secretion systems (T3SS) and their cognate effectors. To better understand the host-pathogen relationship, including early infection dynamics and induction kinetics of the bacterial virulence program in the context of a natural host, we monitored the subcellular localization and temporal expression of T3SS-1 and T3SS-2 using fluorescent single-cell reporters in a bovine, ligated ileal loop model of infection. We observed that the majority of bacteria at 2 h postinfection are flagellated, express T3SS-1 but not T3SS-2, and are associated with the epithelium or with extruding enterocytes. In epithelial cells,S. Typhimurium cells were surrounded by intact vacuolar membranes or present within membrane-compromised vacuoles that typically contained numerous vesicular structures. By 8 h postinfection, T3SS-2-expressing bacteria were detected in the lamina propria and in the underlying mucosa, while T3SS-1-expressing bacteria were in the lumen. Our work identifies for the first time the temporal and spatial regulation of T3SS-1 and -2 expression during an enteric infection in a natural host and provides further support for the concept of cytosolicS. Typhimurium in extruding epithelium as a mechanism for reseeding the lumen.IMPORTANCEThe pathogenic bacteriumSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium invades and persists within host cells using distinct sets of virulence genes. Genes fromSalmonellapathogenicity island 1 (SPI-1) are used to initiate contact and facilitate uptake into nonphagocytic host cells, while genes within SPI-2 allow the pathogen to colonize host cells. While many studies have identified bacterial virulence determinants in animal models of infection, very few have focused on virulence gene expression at the single-cell level during anin vivoinfection. To better understand when and where bacterial virulence factors are expressed during an acute enteric infection of a natural host, we infected bovine jejunal-ileal loops withS. Typhimurium cells harboring fluorescent transcriptional reporters for SPI-1 and -2 (PinvFand PssaG, respectively). After a prescribed time of infection, tissue and luminal fluid were collected and analyzed by microscopy. During early infection (≤2 h), bacteria within both intact and compromised membrane-bound vacuoles were observed within the epithelium, with the majority expressing SPI-1. As the infection progressed,S. Typhimurium displayed differential expression of the SPI-1 and SPI-2 regulons, with the majority of tissue-associated bacteria expressing SPI-2 and the majority of lumen-associated bacteria expressing SPI-1. This underscores the finding thatSalmonellavirulence gene expression changes as the pathogen transitions from one anatomical location to the next.

scholarly journals σ Factor and Anti-σ Factor That Control Swarming Motility and Biofilm Formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

2015 ◽  
Vol 198 (5) ◽  
pp. 755-765 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bryan A. McGuffie ◽  
Isabelle Vallet-Gely ◽  
Simon L. Dove
Keyword(s):  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Cell Envelope ◽  
Opportunistic Pathogen ◽  
Chronic Infections ◽  
Swarming Motility ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Σ Factor ◽  
Stress Response System

ABSTRACTPseudomonas aeruginosais capable of causing a variety of acute and chronic infections. Here, we provide evidence thatsbrR(PA2895), a gene previously identified as required during chronicP. aeruginosarespiratory infection, encodes an anti-σ factor that inhibits the activity of its cognate extracytoplasmic-function σ factor, SbrI (PA2896). Bacterial two-hybrid analysis identified an N-terminal region of SbrR that interacts directly with SbrI and that was sufficient for inhibition of SbrI-dependent gene expression. We show that SbrI associates with RNA polymerasein vivoand identify the SbrIR regulon. In cells lacking SbrR, the SbrI-dependent expression ofmuiAwas found to inhibit swarming motility and promote biofilm formation. Our findings reveal SbrR and SbrI as a novel set of regulators of swarming motility and biofilm formation inP. aeruginosathat mediate their effects throughmuiA, a gene not previously known to influence surface-associated behaviors in this organism.IMPORTANCEThis study characterizes a σ factor/anti-σ factor system that reciprocally regulates the surface-associated behaviors of swarming motility and biofilm formation in the opportunistic pathogenPseudomonas aeruginosa. We present evidence that SbrR is an anti-σ factor specific for its cognate σ factor, SbrI, and identify the SbrIR regulon inP. aeruginosa. We find that cells lacking SbrR are severely defective in swarming motility and exhibit enhanced biofilm formation. Moreover, we identifymuiA(PA1494) as the SbrI-dependent gene responsible for mediating these effects. SbrIR have been implicated in virulence and in responding to antimicrobial and cell envelope stress. SbrIR may therefore represent a stress response system that influences the surface behaviors ofP. aeruginosaduring infection.

scholarly journals Vfr Directly ActivatesexsATranscription To Regulate Expression of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa Type III Secretion System

2016 ◽  
Vol 198 (9) ◽  
pp. 1442-1450 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne E. Marsden ◽  
Peter J. Intile ◽  
Kayley H. Schulmeyer ◽  
Ethan R. Simmons-Patterson ◽  
Mark L. Urbanowski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Type Iii Secretion ◽  
Virulence Gene ◽  
Type Iv Pili ◽  
Global Regulator ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Virulence Gene Expression ◽  
Type Iii ◽  
Type Iv

ABSTRACTThePseudomonas aeruginosacyclic AMP (cAMP)-Vfr system (CVS) is a global regulator of virulence gene expression. Regulatory targets include type IV pili, secreted proteases, and the type III secretion system (T3SS). The mechanism by which CVS regulates T3SS gene expression remains undefined. Single-cell expression studies previously found that only a portion of the cells within a population express the T3SS under inducing conditions, a property known as bistability. We now report that bistability is altered in avfrmutant, wherein a substantially smaller fraction of the cells express the T3SS relative to the parental strain. Since bistability usually involves positive-feedback loops, we tested the hypothesis that virulence factor regulator (Vfr) regulates the expression ofexsA. ExsA is the central regulator of T3SS gene expression and autoregulates its own expression. AlthoughexsAis the last gene of theexsCEBApolycistronic mRNA, we demonstrate that Vfr directly activatesexsAtranscription from a second promoter (PexsA) located immediately upstream ofexsA. PexsApromoter activity is entirely Vfr dependent. Direct binding of Vfr to a PexsApromoter probe was demonstrated by electrophoretic mobility shift assays, and DNase I footprinting revealed an area of protection that coincides with a putative Vfr consensus-binding site. Mutagenesis of that site disrupted Vfr binding and PexsApromoter activity. We conclude that Vfr contributes to T3SS gene expression through activation of the PexsApromoter, which is internal to the previously characterizedexsCEBAoperon.IMPORTANCEVfr is a cAMP-dependent DNA-binding protein that functions as a global regulator of virulence gene expression inPseudomonas aeruginosa. Regulation by Vfr allows for the coordinate production of related virulence functions, such as type IV pili and type III secretion, required for adherence to and intoxication of host cells, respectively. Although the molecular mechanism of Vfr regulation has been defined for many target genes, a direct link between Vfr and T3SS gene expression had not been established. In the present study, we report that Vfr directly controlsexsAtranscription, the master regulator of T3SS gene expression, from a newly identified promoter located immediately upstream ofexsA.

scholarly journals Distinct Contributions of CD18 Integrins for Binding and Phagocytic Internalization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

2020 ◽  
Vol 88 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sally Demirdjian ◽  
Daniel Hopkins ◽  
Nadia Cumbal ◽  
Craig T. Lefort ◽  
Brent Berwin
Keyword(s):  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Leukocyte Adhesion ◽  
Ectopic Expression ◽  
Bacterial Pathogen ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Bacterial Motility ◽  
Cell Surface Receptor ◽  
Chronic Infections ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Deficiency Type

ABSTRACT Phagocytosis is the key mechanism for host control of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a motile Gram-negative, opportunistic bacterial pathogen which frequently undergoes adaptation and selection for traits that are advantageous for survival. One such clinically relevant adaptation is the loss of bacterial motility, observed within chronic infections, that is associated with increased antibiotic tolerance and phagocytic resistance. Previous studies using phagocytes from a leukocyte adhesion deficiency type 1 (LAD-I) patient identified CD18 as a putative cell surface receptor for uptake of live P. aeruginosa. However, how bacterial motility alters direct engagement with CD18-containing integrins remains unknown. Here we demonstrate, with the use of motile and isogenic nonmotile deletion mutants of two independent strains of P. aeruginosa and with CRISPR-generated CD18-deficient cell lines in human monocytes and murine neutrophils, that CD18 expression facilitates the uptake of both motile and nonmotile P. aeruginosa. However, unexpectedly, mechanistic studies revealed that CD18 expression was dispensable for the initial attachment of the bacteria to the host cells, which was validated with ectopic expression of complement receptor 3 (CR3) by CHO cells. Our data support that surface N-linked glycan chains (N-glycans) likely facilitate the initial interaction of bacteria with monocytes and cooperate with CD18 integrins in trans to promote internalization of bacteria. Moreover, talin-1 and kindlin-3 proteins promote uptake, but not binding, of P. aeruginosa by murine neutrophils, which supports a role for CD18 integrin signaling in this process. These findings provide novel insights into the cellular determinants for phagocytic recognition and uptake of P. aeruginosa.

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