The TibA Adhesin/Invasin from EnterotoxigenicEscherichia coliIs Self Recognizing and Induces Bacterial Aggregation and Biofilm Formation

• DOI: 10.1128/iai.73.4.1954-1963.2005
• Publication Date: 2005-03-22T03:57:31Z
• Authors: Orla Sherlock; Rebecca Munk Vejborg; Per Klemm
• Keywords: 0301 basic medicine; Adhesins, Escherichia coli; 03 medical and health sciences; Glycosylation; Biofilms; Fimbriae, Bacterial; Escherichia coli; Cloning, Molecular; Bacterial Capsules; 3. Good health

ABSTRACTEscherichia colistrains are responsible for many cases of gastrointestinal disease and represent a serious health problem worldwide. An essential step in the pathogenesis of such strains involves recognition and attachment to host intestinal surfaces. TibA is a potent bacterial adhesin associated with a number of enterotoxigenicE. colistrains and mediates bacterial attachment to a variety of human cells; additionally, it promotes invasion of such cells. This adhesin is a surface-displayed autotransporter protein and belongs to the exclusive group of bacterial glycoproteins; only the glycosylated form confers binding to and invasion of mammalian cells. Here we characterized TibA and showed that it possesses self-association characteristics and can mediate autoaggregation ofE. colicells. We demonstrated that intercellular TibA-TibA interaction is responsible for bacterial autoaggregation. Also, TibA expression significantly enhances biofilm formation byE. colion abiotic surfaces.