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Volume 162, Issue 3

isolates can adhere to human epithelial cells by type IV pilus-independent mechanisms Open Access

Abstract

In pathogenic species the type IV pili (Tfp) are of primary importance in host–pathogen interactions. Tfp mediate initial bacterial attachment to cell surfaces and formation of microcolonies via pilus–pilus interactions. Based on genome analysis, many non-pathogenic species are predicted to express Tfp, but aside from studies on , relatively little is known about the formation and function of pili in these organisms. Here, we have analysed pilin expression and the role of Tfp in . This non-pathogenic species shares a close taxonomic relationship to the pathogen and also colonizes the human oropharyngeal cavity. Through analysis of non-pathogenic genomes we identified two genes with homology to , which encodes the major pilin of . We show which of the two genes is required for Tfp expression in and that Tfp in this species are required for DNA competence, similar to other . However, in contrast to the meningococcus, deletion of the pilin gene did not impact the association of to human epithelial cells, demonstrating that isolates can adhere to human epithelial cells by Tfp-independent mechanisms.

  • Received:
  • Accepted:
  • Revised:
  • Published Online:
© 2016 The Authors
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2016-03-01
2024-04-19
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Neisseria cinerea isolates can adhere to human epithelial cells by type IV pilus-independent mechanisms
Microbiology 162, 487 (2016); https://doi.org/10.1099/mic.0.000248
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