Inadequate binding of immune regulator factor H is associated with sensitivity of Borrelia lusitaniae to human complement.

ABSTRACT: Spirochetes belonging to the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex differ in resistance to complement-mediated killing by human serum. Here, we characterize complement sensitivity of a panel of B. lusitaniae isolates derived from ticks collected in Germany and Portugal as well as one patient-derived isolate, PoHL. All isolates are highly susceptible to complement-mediated lysis in human serum and activate complement predominantly by the alternative pathway, leading to an increased deposition of complement components C3, C6, and the terminal complement complex. Interestingly, serum-sensitive B. lusitaniae isolates were able to bind immune regulator factor H (CFH), and some strains also bound CFH-related protein 1 (CFHR1) and CFHR2. Moreover, CFH bound to the surface of B. lusitaniae was i

SUBMITTER: Dieterich R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2976354 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature