Exoenzyme S from Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been studied as an adhesin for glycosphingolipids and buccal cells. Binding of exoenzyme S to gangliotriosylceramide (GalNAcfll-4Gal,l-4Glci3l-1Cer), gangliotetraosylceramide (Gall-3GaINAcTIIl-4Gal1l-4Glcil-lCer), and lactosylceramide (Gal31-4Glco1-lCer) separated on thin-layer chromatograms was observed. Binding curves for exoenzyme S with dilutions of gangliotetraosylceramide immobilized on plastic plates were similar to previously reported results for the intact bacteria. Binding of exoenzyme S to sialylated counterparts of these glycosphingolipids was not seen, indicating that the addition of a sialic acid residue interferes with binding. Exoenzyme S and monoclonal antibody to exoenzyme S inhibit the binding of P. aeruginosa to buccal cells. The presence of exoenzyme S on the surface of P. aeruginosa was detected by immunogold labeling of bacteria with antibodies to exoenzyme S. Results of these studies led us to conclude that exoenzyme S is an important adhesin of P. aeruginosa. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important opportunistic pathogen of immunocompromised patients (7). Infections of the respiratory tract are of particular concern because they are associated with high mortality rates (2). Cystic fibrosis patients are at high risk for lung infections due to P. aeruginosa which lead to significant morbidity and contribute to death of the patients (15, 17). Identification of the factors responsible for colonization of the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients by P. aeruginosa is particularly important since the organism is virtually impossible to eradicate once a chronic infection has been established.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.