Type IV pilus retraction is required for Neisseria musculi colonization and persistence in a natural mouse model of infection

Abstract

We describe the importance of Type IV pilus retraction to colonization and persistence by a mouse commensal Neisseria, N. musculi, in its native host. Our findings have implications for the role of Tfp retraction in mediating interactions of human-adapted pathogenic and commensal Neisseria with their human host due to the relatedness of these species.

Keywords: Neisseria gonorrhoeae; Neisseria meningitidis; Neisseria musculi; PilT; PilT2; PilU; Type IV pilus retraction; colonization; commensal Neisseria; persistence.