Host defense proteins derived from human saliva bind to Staphylococcus aureus.

ABSTRACT: Proteins in human saliva are thought to modulate bacterial colonization of the oral cavity. Yet, information is sparse on how salivary proteins interact with systemic pathogens that transiently or permanently colonize the oral environment. Staphylococcus aureus is a pathogen that frequently colonizes the oral cavity and can cause respiratory disease in hospitalized patients at risk. Here, we investigated salivary protein binding to this organism upon exposure to saliva as a first step toward understanding the mechanism by which the organism can colonize the oral cavity of vulnerable patients. By using fluorescently labeled saliva and proteomic techniques, we demonstrated selective binding of major salivary components by S. aureus to include DMBT1(gp-340), mucin-7, secretory component, immu

SUBMITTER: Heo SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3639616 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature