Open AccessCharacterization of the Phase-Variable Autotransporter Lav Reveals a Role in Host Cell Adherence and Biofilm Formation in Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae
Author(s) -
Zachary N. Phillips,
Preeti Garai,
Greg Tram,
Gael Martin,
Annelies Van Den Bergh,
Asma-Ul Husna,
Megan Staples,
Keith Grimwood,
Amy V. Jennison,
Patrice Guillon,
Mark von Itzstein,
Michael P. Jennings,
Kenneth L. Brockman,
John M. Atack
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
infection and immunity
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.508
H-Index - 220
eISSN - 1070-6313
pISSN - 0019-9567
DOI - 10.1128/iai.00565-21
Subject(s) - haemophilus influenzae , biology , phase variation , microbiology and biotechnology , haemophilus , pasteurellaceae , gene , biofilm , locus (genetics) , phenotype , bacteria , genetics , antibiotics
Lav is an autotransporter protein found in pathogenicHaemophilus andNeisseria species. Lav in nontypeableHaemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is phase-variable: the gene reversibly switches ON-OFF via changes in length of a locus-located GCAA(n) simple DNA sequence repeat tract. The expression status oflav was examined in carriage and invasive collections of NTHi, where it was predominantly not expressed (OFF). Phenotypic study showedlav expression (ON) results in increased adherence to human lung cells and denser biofilm formation.