Epigallocatechin gallate inhibits leukotoxin release by Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans by promoting association with the bacterial membrane.

ABSTRACT: The oral pathogen, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, produces a number of virulence factors, including a leukotoxin (LtxA), which specifically kills human white blood cells, to provide a colonization advantage to the bacterium. Strains of A. actinomycetemcomitans that produce more LtxA have been more closely linked to disease, indicating that this toxin plays a key role in pathogenesis of the bacterium. Disruption of the activity of LtxA thus represents a promising approach to reducing the pathogenicity of the bacterium. Catechins are polyphenolic molecules derived from plants, which have shown potent antibacterial and antitoxin activities. We have previously shown that galloylated catechins are able to prevent LtxA delivery to host cells by altering the toxin's secondary structure an

SUBMITTER: Chang EH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7015128 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature