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IlsA, a unique surface protein of Bacillus cereus required for iron acquisition from heme, hemoglobin and ferritin.
- Source :
- PLoS Pathogens, Vol 5, Iss 11, p e1000675 (2009)
- Publication Year :
- 2009
- Publisher :
- Public Library of Science (PLoS), 2009.
-
Abstract
- The human opportunistic pathogen Bacillus cereus belongs to the B. cereus group that includes bacteria with a broad host spectrum. The ability of these bacteria to colonize diverse hosts is reliant on the presence of adaptation factors. Previously, an IVET strategy led to the identification of a novel B. cereus protein (IlsA, Iron-regulated leucine rich surface protein), which is specifically expressed in the insect host or under iron restrictive conditions in vitro. Here, we show that IlsA is localized on the surface of B. cereus and hence has the potential to interact with host proteins. We report that B. cereus uses hemoglobin, heme and ferritin, but not transferrin and lactoferrin. In addition, affinity tests revealed that IlsA interacts with both hemoglobin and ferritin. Furthermore, IlsA directly binds heme probably through the NEAT domain. Inactivation of ilsA drastically decreases the ability of B. cereus to grow in the presence of hemoglobin, heme and ferritin, indicating that IlsA is essential for iron acquisition from these iron sources. In addition, the ilsA mutant displays a reduction in growth and virulence in an insect model. Hence, our results indicate that IlsA is a key factor within a new iron acquisition system, playing an important role in the general virulence strategy adapted by B. cereus to colonize susceptible hosts.
- Subjects :
- Immunologic diseases. Allergy
RC581-607
Biology (General)
QH301-705.5
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 15537366 and 15537374
- Volume :
- 5
- Issue :
- 11
- Database :
- Directory of Open Access Journals
- Journal :
- PLoS Pathogens
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- edsdoj.2dff27eb37c4cd1b16199b1983214fd
- Document Type :
- article
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1000675