O-Acetylation of sialic acid on Group B Streptococcus inhibits neutrophil suppression and virulence

Biochem J. 2010 May 13;428(2):163-8. doi: 10.1042/BJ20100232.

Abstract

GBS (Group B Streptococcus) requires capsular Sia (sialic acid) for virulence and partially modifies this sugar by O-acetylation. In the present paper we describe serotype-specific patterns of GBS Sia O-acetylation that can be manipulated by genetic and biochemical means. In vitro and in vivo assays demonstrate that this subtle modification attenuates GBS Sia-mediated neutrophil suppression and animal virulence.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetylation
  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Kinetics
  • Male
  • Mice
  • N-Acetylneuraminic Acid / genetics
  • N-Acetylneuraminic Acid / metabolism*
  • Neutrophils / immunology*
  • Neutrophils / metabolism
  • Polysaccharides, Bacterial / genetics
  • Polysaccharides, Bacterial / immunology
  • Polysaccharides, Bacterial / metabolism
  • Streptococcus agalactiae / genetics
  • Streptococcus agalactiae / immunology*
  • Streptococcus agalactiae / metabolism
  • Streptococcus agalactiae / pathogenicity*
  • Virulence / genetics
  • Virulence / physiology*

Substances

  • Polysaccharides, Bacterial
  • N-Acetylneuraminic Acid