The TibA adhesin/invasin from enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli is self recognizing and induces bacterial aggregation and biofilm formation

Infect Immun. 2005 Apr;73(4):1954-63. doi: 10.1128/IAI.73.4.1954-1963.2005.

Abstract

Escherichia coli strains are responsible for many cases of gastrointestinal disease and represent a serious health problem worldwide. An essential step in the pathogenesis of such strains involves recognition and attachment to host intestinal surfaces. TibA is a potent bacterial adhesin associated with a number of enterotoxigenic E. coli strains and mediates bacterial attachment to a variety of human cells; additionally, it promotes invasion of such cells. This adhesin is a surface-displayed autotransporter protein and belongs to the exclusive group of bacterial glycoproteins; only the glycosylated form confers binding to and invasion of mammalian cells. Here we characterized TibA and showed that it possesses self-association characteristics and can mediate autoaggregation of E. coli cells. We demonstrated that intercellular TibA-TibA interaction is responsible for bacterial autoaggregation. Also, TibA expression significantly enhances biofilm formation by E. coli on abiotic surfaces.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adhesins, Escherichia coli / physiology*
  • Bacterial Capsules / physiology
  • Biofilms*
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • Escherichia coli / growth & development
  • Escherichia coli / physiology*
  • Fimbriae, Bacterial / physiology
  • Glycosylation

Substances

  • Adhesins, Escherichia coli