How Antibodies Disrupt Bacterial Adhesion
Author Information
Author(s): Hvorecny Kelli L., Interlandi Gianluca, Veth Tim S., Aprikian Pavel, Manchenko Anna, Tchesnokova Veronika L., Dickinson Miles S., Quispe Joel D., Riley Nicholas M., Klevit Rachel E., Magala Pearl, Sokurenko Evgeni V., Kollman Justin M.
Primary Institution: University of Washington
Hypothesis
What are the mechanisms by which antibodies affect the binding of the FimH adhesin in E. coli?
Conclusion
The study identifies four distinct mechanisms by which antibodies can inhibit bacterial adhesion through interactions with the FimH protein.
Supporting Evidence
- Monoclonal antibodies can mimic host cell receptors to block bacterial adhesion.
- Different antibodies can stabilize either the active or inactive states of the FimH protein.
- Antibodies can prevent conformational changes necessary for bacterial adhesion.
- Understanding these mechanisms can help develop new antimicrobial therapies.
Takeaway
Antibodies can stop bacteria from sticking to cells by mimicking the sugars they usually grab onto or by changing the shape of the proteins involved.
Methodology
The study used cryo-electron microscopy, mass spectrometry, binding assays, and molecular dynamics simulations to analyze antibody-FimH interactions.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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