How Neisseria Bacteria Stick to Immune Cells
Author Information
Author(s): Söderholm Niklas, Vielfort Katarina, Hultenby Kjell, Aro Helena
Primary Institution: Stockholm University
Hypothesis
Can pathogenic Neisseria bacteria adhere to the uropod of human neutrophils and evade immune response?
Conclusion
Pathogenic Neisseria can adhere to the uropod of human neutrophils, allowing them to evade phagocytosis and potentially spread through epithelial layers.
Supporting Evidence
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis adhered to the uropod of human PMNs.
- Bacterial adherence was reversible and could occur via direct contact or transport on the plasma membrane.
- Adherence to the uropod did not impair PMN motility.
- CD46 accumulated at the uropod upon bacterial adherence, indicating a potential signaling role.
- Intracellular bacteria were observed at the uropod, suggesting a mechanism for internalization.
Takeaway
The study shows that harmful Neisseria bacteria can stick to the back part of immune cells, helping them avoid being eaten by these cells and spread to other areas.
Methodology
The study used live-cell imaging, TIRF, TEM, and SEM to visualize the interaction between Neisseria and human PMNs.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in sample selection as only specific strains were tested.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on two specific Neisseria strains and may not represent all pathogenic Neisseria interactions.
Participant Demographics
Freshly isolated PMNs from human blood donors.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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