Pseudomonas aeruginosa aggregates in cystic fibrosis sputum produce exopolysaccharides that likely impede current therapies.

ABSTRACT: In cystic fibrosis (CF) airways, Pseudomonas aeruginosa forms cellular aggregates called biofilms that are thought to contribute to chronic infection. To form aggregates, P. aeruginosa can use different mechanisms, each with its own pathogenic implications. However, how they form in vivo is controversial and unclear. One mechanism involves a bacterially produced extracellular matrix that holds the aggregates together. Pel and Psl exopolysaccharides are structural and protective components of this matrix. We develop an immunohistochemical method to visualize Pel and Psl in CF sputum. We demonstrate that both exopolysaccharides are expressed in the CF airways and that the morphology of aggregates is consistent with an exopolysaccharide-dependent aggregation mechanism. We reason that the cati

SUBMITTER: Jennings LK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7958924 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature