Listeria monocytogenes hijacks CD147 to ensure proper membrane protrusion formation and efficient bacterial dissemination Original paper

What was studied?

This study focused on the role of CD147 in the intracellular motility and cell-to-cell spreading of Listeria monocytogenes. Specifically, it examined how CD147, a transmembrane glycoprotein, is hijacked by Listeria during infection to stabilize actin-rich membrane protrusions, which are essential for bacterial dissemination between host cells. The researchers analyzed the effects of CD147 depletion on bacterial entry, comet/rocket tail formation, and membrane protrusions.

Who was studied?

The study examined Listeria monocytogenes infection in human cell lines, including HeLa, SKOV3, and A549 cells, and used CD147-depleted cells to evaluate the effects on bacterial invasion and spreading. The role of CD147 in the formation of actin-rich structures during infection was assessed through siRNA-mediated knockdown and immunofluorescence microscopy.

What were the most important findings?

The study revealed that CD147 is a crucial host cell protein that supports the proper formation and function of Listeria monocytogenes membrane protrusions, which are vital for cell-to-cell spreading. Depletion of CD147 resulted in the formation of malformed membrane protrusions that were shorter and more contorted compared to those in control cells. This morphological defect led to a significant reduction in the efficiency of bacterial dissemination between cells, with a roughly 50% decrease in infection area and fewer infected cells per focus in CD147-depleted samples. The study also showed that CD147 was recruited to the plasma membrane at sites of Listeria membrane protrusion formation and corresponding invaginations in neighboring cells, highlighting its role in facilitating intercellular spread. These findings underscore the importance of CD147 in the actin-based motility of Listeria and suggest that it is a critical factor for efficient bacterial dissemination.

What are the greatest implications of this study?

The findings from this study have important implications for understanding the molecular mechanisms that enable Listeria monocytogenes to spread efficiently within the host. CD147’s involvement in the stabilization of membrane protrusions and its role in bacterial dissemination suggest that targeting CD147 or its interactions with Listeria could be a potential therapeutic strategy to limit the spread of the infection. Additionally, the study contributes to the broader understanding of how bacteria manipulate host cell machinery to enhance their motility and spread, which could inform strategies to combat other pathogens that use similar mechanisms for dissemination.