Bighorn sheep beta2-integrin LFA-1 serves as a receptor for Mannheimia haemolytica leukotoxin

J Wildl Dis. 2008 Jul;44(3):743-7. doi: 10.7589/0090-3558-44.3.743.

Abstract

Mannheimia haemolytica is an important cause of pneumonia in bighorn sheep (BHS; Ovis canadensis). Leukotoxin (Lkt), the primary virulence determinant of M. haemolytica, induces cytolysis of all subsets of leukocytes. Previously, we have shown that CD18, the beta subunit of beta2-integrins, mediates Lkt-induced cytolysis. However, it is not clear whether CD18 of all three beta2-integrins, LFA-1, Mac-1, and CR4, mediates Lkt-induced cytolysis. The objective of this study was to determine whether BHS LFA-1 (CD11a/CD18) serves as a receptor for Lkt. Plasmids encoding cDNA for BHS CD11a and CD18 were cotransfected into Lkt-resistant HEK-293 cells. Flow cytometric analysis of transfectants confirmed cell surface expression of BHS LFA- 1, Lkt-LFA-1 binding and Lkt-induced intra-cellular calcium elevation. More importantly, the transfectants were efficiently lysed by Lkt in a concentration-dependent manner. Collectively, these results indicate that BHS LFA-1 serves as a functional receptor for M. haemolytica Lkt.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CD18 Antigens / immunology*
  • Exotoxins / biosynthesis*
  • Exotoxins / metabolism
  • Flow Cytometry / veterinary
  • Leukocytes / metabolism
  • Mannheimia haemolytica / immunology
  • Mannheimia haemolytica / metabolism*
  • Pasteurellosis, Pneumonic / immunology*
  • Pasteurellosis, Pneumonic / microbiology
  • Receptors, Leukocyte-Adhesion / metabolism
  • Sheep
  • Sheep Diseases / immunology*
  • Sheep Diseases / microbiology
  • Sheep, Bighorn*
  • Transfection / veterinary

Substances

  • CD18 Antigens
  • Exotoxins
  • Receptors, Leukocyte-Adhesion
  • leukotoxin