Open Accessγ-Glutamyltransferase Is a Helicobacter pylori Virulence Factor but Is Not Essential for Colonization
Author(s) -
Karen McGovern,
Thomas G. Blanchard,
Juan A. Gutierrez,
Steven J. Czinn,
Steven Krakowka,
Philip Youngman
Publication year - 2001
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.69.6.4168-4173.2001
Subject(s) - biology , helicobacter pylori , virulence , colonization , virulence factor , microbiology and biotechnology , gamma glutamyltransferase , bacteria , helicobacter , spirillaceae , mutant , enzyme , gastritis , genetics , gene , biochemistry
The contribution of glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) (gamma-glutamyltransferase [EC 2. 3. 2. 2]) to Helicobacter pylori virulence was investigated in piglets and mice using GGT-deficient isogenic strains. All animals became colonized. However, the bacterial load was significantly lower for mutant bacteria than for parent strains. These results suggest that GGT activity provides an advantage to H. pylori in colonization.