HutZ is required for efficient heme utilization and contributes to the pathogenicity of Avibacterium paragallinarum

• DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03979-22
• Publication Date: 2023-09-28T13:20:41Z
• Authors: Caiyun Huo; Lijiao Jiao; Guiping Li; Donghai Li; Wutong Lin; Yingjian Sun; Huiling Sun
• Keywords: Avibacterium paragallinarum; heme utilization; HutZ; pathogenicity; iron homeostasis; Microbiology; QR1-502; Research Article

Avibacterium paragallinarum is the pathogen that causes infectious coryza, a highly contagious respiratory disease brings serious threat to chickens. Heme utilization systems play an important role in bacterial adversity adaptation and pathogenicity, our previous report found presence of heme (HutZ) Av. paragallinarum. However, little known about function HutZ In this study, mutant strain was successfully developed identified by PCR western blot analysis. Mutation significantly retards growth under reduced iron conditions, indicating regulatory on acquisition. Notably, had slower than wild-type when provided as sole source iron; thus, crucial for Moreover, exhibited markedly compromised tolerance acid stress compared strain. Pathogenicity analysis showed mutation weakened ability bacteria invade reproduce host macrophage cells vitro. Furthermore, could decrease virulence chickens, which displayed lower morbidity milder clinical symptoms. Hence, first study demonstrate in-depth essential roles homeostasis pathogenesis paragallinarum, provides novel insight into advances new prophylactic vaccines against kind bacteria.ImportanceHeme protein has been characterized heme-degrading enzyme critical cleavage biliverdin via verdoheme can release be used bacteria. The interaction between still unknown. Here, we unraveled growth, acquisition, utilization, resistance acidic We also uncovered importance success infection clues strategies organism. This work constitutes relevant step toward understanding master factor. Therefore, great mechanisms underlying may contribute therapeutic applications.