Bacillus anthracis Poly-γ-D-Glutamate Capsule Inhibits Opsonic Phagocytosis by Impeding Complement Activation.

ABSTRACT: Bacillus anthracis poly-γ-D-glutamic acid (PGA) capsule is an essential virulent factor that helps the bacterial pathogen to escape host immunity. Like other encapsulated bacterial species, the B. anthracis capsule may also inhibit complement-mediated clearance and ensure bacterial survival in the host. Previous reports suggest that B. anthracis spore proteins inhibit complement activation. However, the mechanism through which the B. anthracis capsule imparts a survival advantage to the active bacteria has not been demonstrated till date. Thus, to evaluate the role of the PGA capsule in evading host immunity, we have undertaken the present head-to-head comparative study of the phagocytosis and complement activation of non-encapsulated and encapsulated B. anth

SUBMITTER: Sharma S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7138205 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature