Listeria monocytogenes Internalin and E-cadherin: From Bench to Bedside Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
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Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Microbes
Microbes
Microbes are microscopic organisms living in and on the human body, shaping health through digestion, vitamin production, and immune protection. When microbial balance is disrupted, disease can occur. This guide explains key microbe types—bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and archaea—plus major pathogenic and beneficial examples.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This study focused on the interaction between Listeria monocytogenes internalin A (InlA) and the host receptor E-cadherin. The research explored how this interaction contributes to the pathogen’s ability to cross human host barriers, such as the intestinal, placental, and blood-brain barriers, during infection. The study also investigated the structural aspects of InlA and its role in the internalization process.
Who was studied?
The study primarily investigated Listeria monocytogenes and its surface protein InlA, which interacts with the E-cadherin receptor found on host epithelial cells. The research examined the effects of this interaction on the ability of Listeria to invade human cells, with a particular focus on humanized animal models and cell cultures expressing human E-cadherin.
What were the most important findings?
The study highlighted the critical role of InlA in facilitating Listeria monocytogenes invasion into nonphagocytic cells. The interaction between InlA and E-cadherin was shown to be essential for Listeria‘s ability to breach the intestinal barrier, and it was implicated in crossing the placental barrier as well. The research also demonstrated that the InlA–E-cadherin interaction is highly species-specific, with the interaction being functional in humans, guinea pigs, rabbits, and other species that express a specific proline residue at position 16 of the E-cadherin EC1 domain. Additionally, the study found that InlA-mediated infection is impaired in species with a glutamic acid substitution at this position, highlighting the importance of this amino acid in Listeria pathogenicity. Further analysis revealed that InlA’s interaction with E-cadherin promotes internalization of Listeria, and this process is supported by a cascade of intracellular signaling pathways that facilitate actin polymerization and cell-to-cell spread of the bacteria.
What are the greatest implications of this study?
The study has significant implications for understanding the pathogenesis of Listeria monocytogenes infections, especially in pregnant women, where the ability of Listeria to cross the placental barrier can lead to severe outcomes like abortion or neonatal infection. By elucidating the molecular details of InlA–E-cadherin interaction, the research opens potential avenues for therapeutic interventions that could block this interaction and prevent bacterial invasion. This understanding is also crucial for developing vaccines or treatments targeting specific stages of infection, particularly for individuals at high risk. Moreover, the study’s findings underscore the importance of E-cadherin as a receptor for both Listeria and other pathogens, providing broader insights into host–pathogen interactions and the role of cell adhesion molecules in infection.
Listeria monocytogenes
Listeria monocytogenes is an opportunistic pathogen capable of surviving in diverse environments, including soil, water, and decaying vegetation. L. monocytogenes has the unique ability to evade the immune system by moving directly from cell to cell within the host. This intracellular lifestyle allows the bacterium to avoid extracellular immune detection, contributing to its ability to cause invasive diseases like meningitis and septicemia, particularly in the elderly and immunocompromised.