The role of HSV-induced Fc- and C3b(i)-receptors in bacterial adherence

L. A.M. De Graaf-Miltenburg, K. E. Van Vliet, T. L.M. Ten Hagen, J. Verhoef, J. A.G. Van Strijp*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) induces Fc- and C3b(i)-receptors on infected cells. The role of these receptors in bacterial superinfection was studied by comparing the adherence of non-opsonised and opsonised bacteria to HSV-infected and non-infected HEp-2 cells. A flow cytometric adherence assay, based on the fluorescent quantitation of FITC-labelled bacteria, was developed. Opsonisation of Staphylococcus epidermidis with human serum, resulted in a marked increase in adherence to HSV-infected cells and revealed a role for C3b(i)R- and FcR-mediated adhesion. However, the enhanced adherence never exceeded the level of attachment to non-infected cells. Increased adherence of other pathogenic bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was not observed, indicating that the HSV-receptors play a minor role in secondary infections. Bacterial adhesion factors such as the fimbriae of E. coli played a more dominant role in the adherence of bacteria to HSV-infected cells.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)48-54
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Medical Microbiology
Volume40
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 1994

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The role of HSV-induced Fc- and C3b(i)-receptors in bacterial adherence'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this