How Antibodies Stop Bacteria from Sticking
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: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Hypothesis
The study investigates how antibodies can disrupt bacterial adhesion through various mechanisms.
Conclusion
The study identifies four distinct mechanisms by which antibodies can interfere with bacterial adhesion.
Supporting Evidence
- The study reveals that antibodies can mimic ligands to disrupt bacterial adhesion.
- Antibodies can stabilize the inactive state of FimH, preventing its activation.
- Conformational trapping of FimH by antibodies can inhibit its function.
- Long-range allosteric effects can lock the ligand pocket of FimH, affecting its binding.
Takeaway
Antibodies can help stop bacteria from sticking to our cells in different ways, which could help in fighting infections.
Methodology
The study used cryoEM, mass spectrometry, binding assays, and molecular dynamics simulations to analyze antibody-FimH interactions.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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