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J Vet Sci. 2008 Jun;9(2):133-144 |
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The C-terminal variable domain of LigB from Leptospira mediates binding to fibronectin
Yi-Pin Lin, Yung-Fu Chang* |
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Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
* yc42@cornell.edu |
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Adhesion through microbial surface components that
recognize adhesive matrix molecules is an essential step in
infection for most pathogenic bacteria. In this study, we
report that LigB interacts with fibronectin (Fn) through
its variable region. A possible role for LigB in bacterial attachment
to host cells during the course of infection is supported
by the following observations: (i) binding of the
variable region of LigB to Madin-Darby canine kidney
(MDCK) cells in a dose-dependent manner reduces the adhesion
of Leptospira, (ii) inhibition of leptospiral attachment
to Fn by the variable region of LigB, and (iii) decrease
in binding of the variable region of LigB to the
MDCK cells in the presence of Fn. Furthermore, we found
a significant reduction in binding of the variable region of
LigB to Fn using small interfering RNA (siRNA). Finally,
the isothermal titration calorimetric results confirmed the
interaction between the variable region of LigB and Fn.
This is the first report to demonstrate that LigB binds to
MDCK cells. In addition, the reduction of Fn expression in
the MDCK cells, by siRNA, reduced the binding of LigB.
Taken together, the data from the present study showed
that LigB is a Fn-binding protein of pathogenic Leptospira
spp. and may play a pivotal role in Leptospira-host interaction
during the initial stage of infection.
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