Influence of glycan structure on the colonization of Streptococcus pneumoniae on human respiratory epithelial cells.

ABSTRACT: Virtually all living cells are encased in glycans. They perform key cellular functions such as immunomodulation and cell-cell recognition. Yet, how their composition and configuration affect their functions remains enigmatic. Here, we constructed isogenic capsule-switch mutants harboring 84 types of capsular polysaccharides (CPSs) in Streptococcus pneumoniae. This collection enables us to systematically measure the affinity of structurally related CPSs to primary human nasal and bronchial epithelial cells. Contrary to the paradigm, the surface charge does not appreciably affect epithelial cell binding. Factors that affect adhesion to respiratory cells include the number of rhamnose residues and the presence of human-like glycomotifs in CPS. Besides, pneumococcal colonization stimula

SUBMITTER: Chun YY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10068763 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature