Penetration of fimbriate enteric bacteria through basement membranes: A hypothesis |
| |
Authors: | Timo K Korhonen Ritva Virkola Kaarina Lähteenmäki Yvonne Björkman Maini Kukkonen Tiina Raunio Ann-Mari Tarkkanen Benita Westerlund |
| |
Institution: | Department of General Microbiology, University of Helsinki, Finland. |
| |
Abstract: | A mechanism for penetration of basement membranes by Escherichia coli is presented. The mechanism is based on the ability of the S fimbriae of meningitis-associated E. coli to bind to vascular endothelium and choroid plexuses in brain and to basement membranes. On the other hand, the S and the type 1 fimbriae of E. coli immobilize plasminogen and tissue-type plasminogen activator; this process generates proteolytic plasmin activity on the surface of fimbriate cells. Our hypothesis is that bacterium-bound plasma activity, directed to basement membranes through fimbrial binding, promotes bacterial penetration through basement membranes. |
| |
Keywords: | Basement membrane Escherichia coli Fimbriae Laminin Plasmin |
|