Inactivation of Haemophilus influenzae lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis genes interferes with outer membrane localization of the hap autotransporter.

ABSTRACT: Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae is a major cause of localized respiratory tract disease and initiates infection by colonizing the nasopharynx. Colonization requires adherence to host epithelial cells, which is mediated by surface proteins such as the Hap adhesin. In this study, we identified a relationship between Hap levels in the outer membrane and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) biosynthesis enzymes. We found that mutation of the rfaF, pgmB, lgtC, kfiC, orfE, rfbP, lsgB, or lsgD genes, which are involved in the synthesis of the LPS oligosaccharide core in H. influenzae strain Rd/HapS243A, resulted in loss of Hap in the bacterial outer membrane and a decrease in hap transcript levels. In contrast, the same mutations had no effect on outer membrane localization of H. influenzae P5 or IgA1 pro

SUBMITTER: Spahich NA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3302475 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature