BMC microbiology
The contribution of LepA to virulence and host cell invasion in Salmonella Typhimurium
By Braetz S, Nerlich A and Fulde M.
Abstract
Background
LepA is one of the most conserved proteins and is found in nearly all bacteria as well as in eukaryotes. Mutation of lepA increases antibiotic tolerance in Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and rifampicin-resistant clinical mycobacterial isolates. However, the physiological function and its role in virulence of LepA remain elusive, particularly considering that LepA is non-essential under laboratory conditions.
Methods
We investigated the lepA gene of Salmonella Typhimurium for its role in bacterial invasion of host cells. Invasion assays using lepA mutants were performed in macrophages (J774) and epithelial cells (Caco-2 and HT29-MTX), both in the presence and absence of mucus. In addition, virulence gene induction, motility, and pathogenicity in a Galleria mellonella infection model were assessed.