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Analysis of pathogen-host cell interactions in purpura fulminans: expression of capsule, type IV pili, and PorA by Neisseria meningitidis in vivo

Analysis of pathogen-host cell interactions in purpura fulminans: expression of capsule, type IV pili, and PorA by Neisseria meningitidis in vivo
Analysis of pathogen-host cell interactions in purpura fulminans: expression of capsule, type IV pili, and PorA by Neisseria meningitidis in vivo
The pattern of meningococcal surface structure expression in different microenvironments following bloodstream invasion in vivo is not known. We used immunohistochemistry to determine the expression of capsule, type IV pili, and PorA by meningococci residing in the skin lesions of children with purpura fulminans. All the skin biopsy samples showed evidence of thrombosis and, frequently, a perivascular inflammatory cell infiltrate consisting of neutrophils (elastase positive) and monocytes/macrophages (CD68 positive). Modified Gram staining revealed 20 to over 100 gram-negative diplococci in each 4-µm-thick section, usually grouped into microcolonies. Immunoperoxidase staining demonstrated that the invading meningococci expressed PorA, capsule, and type IV pilin. Expression of these antigens was not restricted to any particular environment and was found in association with meningococci located in leukocytes, small blood vessels, and the dermal interstitium. Confocal laser scanning microscopy demonstrated coexpression of pilin and capsule by numerous microcolonies. However, there was some discordance in capsule and pilin expression within the microcolonies, suggesting phase variation. The strategy employed in this study will be helpful in investigating invasive bacterial diseases where antigenic and phase variation has a significant impact on virulence and on vaccine design.
0019-9567
5193-5201
Harrison, O.B.
432d7f8f-3ac5-4831-8be0-04d8c1e69903
Robertson, B.D.
669e6a52-8c52-4c62-a2b6-3c5d3d835f90
Faust, S.N.
f97df780-9f9b-418e-b349-7adf63e150c1
Jepson, M.A.
1d5de5d5-470c-471c-89b3-f3a2fc5573e9
Goldin, R.D.
61032798-41c5-4047-8a69-f0cc05c853d5
Levin, M.
3668029d-82f9-422c-8a69-42ccae2e88bf
Heyderman, R.S.
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Harrison, O.B.
432d7f8f-3ac5-4831-8be0-04d8c1e69903
Robertson, B.D.
669e6a52-8c52-4c62-a2b6-3c5d3d835f90
Faust, S.N.
f97df780-9f9b-418e-b349-7adf63e150c1
Jepson, M.A.
1d5de5d5-470c-471c-89b3-f3a2fc5573e9
Goldin, R.D.
61032798-41c5-4047-8a69-f0cc05c853d5
Levin, M.
3668029d-82f9-422c-8a69-42ccae2e88bf
Heyderman, R.S.
8f7afe4d-1758-4a08-84a2-fb61f21613ba

Harrison, O.B., Robertson, B.D., Faust, S.N., Jepson, M.A., Goldin, R.D., Levin, M. and Heyderman, R.S. (2002) Analysis of pathogen-host cell interactions in purpura fulminans: expression of capsule, type IV pili, and PorA by Neisseria meningitidis in vivo. Infection and Immunity, 70 (9), 5193-5201. (doi:10.1128/IAI.70.9.5193-5201.2002).

Record type: Article

Abstract

The pattern of meningococcal surface structure expression in different microenvironments following bloodstream invasion in vivo is not known. We used immunohistochemistry to determine the expression of capsule, type IV pili, and PorA by meningococci residing in the skin lesions of children with purpura fulminans. All the skin biopsy samples showed evidence of thrombosis and, frequently, a perivascular inflammatory cell infiltrate consisting of neutrophils (elastase positive) and monocytes/macrophages (CD68 positive). Modified Gram staining revealed 20 to over 100 gram-negative diplococci in each 4-µm-thick section, usually grouped into microcolonies. Immunoperoxidase staining demonstrated that the invading meningococci expressed PorA, capsule, and type IV pilin. Expression of these antigens was not restricted to any particular environment and was found in association with meningococci located in leukocytes, small blood vessels, and the dermal interstitium. Confocal laser scanning microscopy demonstrated coexpression of pilin and capsule by numerous microcolonies. However, there was some discordance in capsule and pilin expression within the microcolonies, suggesting phase variation. The strategy employed in this study will be helpful in investigating invasive bacterial diseases where antigenic and phase variation has a significant impact on virulence and on vaccine design.

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Published date: 2002

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Local EPrints ID: 40617
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/40617
ISSN: 0019-9567
PURE UUID: 1fbfcc21-faa5-47a3-b77b-5b9d80a9ee39
ORCID for S.N. Faust: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0003-3410-7642

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Date deposited: 07 Jul 2006
Last modified: 16 Mar 2024 03:50

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Contributors

Author: O.B. Harrison
Author: B.D. Robertson
Author: S.N. Faust ORCID iD
Author: M.A. Jepson
Author: R.D. Goldin
Author: M. Levin
Author: R.S. Heyderman

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