Analysis of adherence mechanisms to host cells promoting T3SS-mediated toxin injection (B15*)

• Subject Area: Parasitology and Biology of Tropical Infectious Disease Pathogens
• Term: from 2015 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 32152271

According to the current paradigm Yersinia enterocolitica (Ye) invasin (Inv) binds directly and the Yersinia adhesin A (YadA) indirectly via extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins to 1 integrins, the as yet only recognized host cell receptor exploited by Ye. We will identify the unknown host cell receptor(s) promoting Ye adhesion and Yop injection into leukocytes in vivo, and to define forces and molecular events in adhesion required for promoting Yop injection. To this end transgenic integrin null mice and cell lines lacking or overexpressing the novel receptors will be generated and explored with Ye wildtype and mutant strains. By using atomic force microscopy and flow chamber experiments, we will define quantitative properties of Ye-host cell interactions resulting in Yop injection.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 766: The Bacterial Cell Envelope: Structure, Function and Infection Interface
• Applicant Institution: Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Ingo Birger Autenrieth; Professor Dr. Filipp Oesterhelt