Targeting and crossing of the human maternofetal barrier by Listeria monocytogenes: Role of internalin interaction with trophoblast E-cadherin 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:
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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 mechanisms through which Listeria monocytogenes crosses the human maternofetal barrier, specifically exploring the role of internalin A (InlA) in facilitating bacterial invasion. The researchers investigated the interaction between InlA, a bacterial surface protein, and E-cadherin, its host receptor, in human trophoblast cells, and how this interaction contributes to the bacterium’s ability to target and invade the placental barrier.
Who was studied?
The study examined Listeria monocytogenes strains, particularly focusing on their ability to invade human trophoblast cells, including both cultured cell lines (BeWo) and primary trophoblasts derived from placental tissue. It also included human placental sections obtained from women with documented fetoplacental listeriosis.
What were the most important findings?
The study found that InlA, a surface protein of Listeria monocytogenes, mediates attachment to E-cadherin receptors on human syncytiotrophoblasts, which are critical for crossing the placental barrier. The research demonstrated that InlA specifically interacts with E-cadherin on the apical membrane of syncytiotrophoblasts to facilitate bacterial invasion. InlA-expressing Listeria strains were able to invade trophoblast cells at significantly higher rates than strains lacking InlA. Furthermore, in placental villous explants, only the InlA-expressing Listeria strains were able to invade the syncytiotrophoblast layer and replicate in the underlying tissue. This study confirmed that InlA-mediated invasion of the placental barrier is essential for Listeria monocytogenes to cause fetoplacental infections, suggesting that the mechanism for placental invasion mirrors that of intestinal barrier penetration.
What are the greatest implications of this study?
The findings have critical implications for understanding the pathogenesis of Listeria monocytogenes during pregnancy and its ability to cause severe infections like listeriosis. By identifying the specific interaction between InlA and E-cadherin as a key factor in crossing the placental barrier, the study opens new avenues for potential therapeutic interventions targeting this pathway. Blocking the InlA–E-cadherin interaction could provide a strategy for preventing the bacterial invasion of the placenta and reducing the risk of fetal infections. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of understanding how Listeria exploits host cell mechanisms for pathogenicity, which could inform the development of vaccines or treatments to prevent listeriosis in pregnant women.
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.