FimH Adhesin of Type 1 Fimbriae Is a Potent Inducer of Innate Antimicrobial Responses Which Requires TLR4 and Type 1 Interferon Signalling
2008

FimH Induces Innate Antimicrobial Responses

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Author Information

Author(s): Ashkar Ali A., Mossman Karen L., Coombes Brian K., Gyles Carlton L., Mackenzie Randy

Primary Institution: McMaster University

Hypothesis

Does FimH, the adhesin of type 1 fimbriae, induce innate antimicrobial responses via TLR4 and type 1 interferon signaling?

Conclusion

FimH is a potent inducer of innate antimicrobial responses and can protect against genital HSV-2 infection.

Supporting Evidence

  • FimH induced an innate antiviral state in murine macrophages and primary MEFs.
  • Vaginal delivery of FimH protected wild type mice from genital HSV-2 challenge.
  • FimH signaling required TLR4 and type 1 interferon pathways.

Takeaway

FimH helps our body fight off infections by making our immune system stronger, especially against certain viruses.

Methodology

The study involved in vitro and in vivo experiments using murine macrophages and primary MEFs to assess the immune response to FimH.

Limitations

The study primarily focused on murine models, which may not fully represent human responses.

Participant Demographics

C57BL/6 mice and various genetically modified mouse strains were used.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.ppat.1000233

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