Defense and Adaptation: The Complex Inter-Relationship between Campylobacter jejuni and Mucus

Abofu Alemka,Nicolae Corcionivoschi,Billy Bourke

doi:10.3389/fcimb.2012.00015

Abofu Alemka, Nicolae Corcionivoschi + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2012.00015

Copy DOI

Abstract

Mucus colonization is an essential early step toward establishing successful infection and disease by mucosal pathogens. There is an emerging literature implicating specific mucin sub-types and mucin modifications in protecting the host from Campylobacter jejuni infection. However, mucosal pathogens have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to breach the mucus layer and C. jejuni in particular appears to harbor specific adaptations to better colonize intestinal mucus. For example, components of mucus are chemotactic for C. jejuni and the rheological properties of mucus promote motility of the organism. Furthermore, recent studies demonstrate that mucins modulate the pathogenicity of C. jejuni in a species-specific manner and likely help determine whether these bacteria become pathogenic (as in humans), or adopt a commensal mode of existence (as in chickens and other animals). This review focuses on recent advances in understanding the complex interplay between C. jejuni and components of the mucus layer.

Highlights

CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGYDefense and adaptation: the complex inter-relationship between Campylobacter jejuni and mucus
MUCUS COMPOSITION The visco-elastic mucus gel layer consists of an outer loose layer containing gut microbiota and an inner more compact layer devoid of any bacteria (Johansson et al, 2008)
Other protective bioactive molecules in mucus include trefoil factors involved in the repair and restitution of the epithelial mucosa (Taupin and Podolsky, 2003), and resistin-like molecule β (Relmβ) which contribute to the barrier properties of mucus by enhancing mucin gene expression and preventing bacteria from breaching the mucus layer (Hogan et al, 2006; Krimi et al, 2008)

Summary

CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY

Defense and adaptation: the complex inter-relationship between Campylobacter jejuni and mucus. Mucus colonization is an essential early step toward establishing successful infection and disease by mucosal pathogens. There is an emerging literature implicating specific mucin sub-types and mucin modifications in protecting the host from Campylobacter jejuni infection. Mucosal pathogens have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to breach the mucus layer and C. jejuni in particular appears to harbor specific adaptations to better colonize intestinal mucus. Components of mucus are chemotactic for C. jejuni and the rheological properties of mucus promote motility of the organism. Recent studies demonstrate that mucins modulate the pathogenicity of C. jejuni in a species-specific manner and likely help determine whether these bacteria become pathogenic (as in humans), or adopt a commensal mode of existence (as in chickens and other animals). This review focuses on recent advances in understanding the complex interplay between C. jejuni and components of the mucus layer

INTRODUCTION

Campylobacter and mucus

Findings

CONCLUSION AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES