Lactoferrin Impairs the Initial Steps of Shigella flexneri-induced Phagocytosis in HeLaCells ♦ 842

Abstract

Introduction: Previously we have shown that human lactoferrin decreases significantly the invasiveness of S. flexneri in a HeLa cell model. A unique aspect of Shigella invasion is that the bacteria induces its own uptake by mammalian cells that are not normally phagocytic (bacterium-induced phagocytosis). The earliest step in this process is induction of pseudopods projecting from the HeLa cell surface, a process that can be seen within minutes of exposure of HeLa cells to Shigella.