Listeria monocytogenes
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyListeria monocytogenes Exploits Mitochondrial Contact Site and Cristae Organizing System Complex Subunit Mic10 To Promote Mitochondrial Fragmentation and Cellular InfectionPathogenic bacteria can target host cell organelles to take control of key cellular processes and promote their intracellular survival, growth, and persistence. Mitochondria are essential, highly dynamic organelles with pivotal roles in a wide variety of cell functions. Mitochondrial dynamics and function are intimately linked. Our previous research showed that Listeria...
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyListeria monocytogenes Exploits Host Caveolin for Cell-to-Cell SpreadingListeria monocytogenes moves from one cell to another as it disseminates within tissues. This bacterial transfer process depends on the host actin cytoskeleton as the bacterium forms motile actin-rich membranous protrusions that propel the bacteria into neighboring cells, thus forming corresponding membrane invaginations. Here, we examine these membrane invaginations...
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyUbiquitination of Listeria Virulence Factor InlC Contributes to the Host Response to InfectionThe pathogenic potential of Listeria monocytogenes relies on the production of an arsenal of virulence determinants that have been extensively characterized, including surface and secreted proteins of the internalin family. We have previously shown that the Listeria secreted internalin InlC interacts with IκB kinase α to interfere with the host immune...
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyA Multiorgan Trafficking Circuit Provides Purifying Selection of Listeria monocytogenes Virulence GenesListeria monocytogenes maintains capabilities for free-living growth in the environment and for intracellular replication in a wide range of hosts, including livestock and humans. Here, we characterized an enterocolitis model of foodborne L. monocytogenes infection. This work highlights a multiorgan...
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyThe secRNome of Listeria monocytogenes Harbors Small Noncoding RNAs That Are Potent Inducers of Beta InterferonInterferons are potent and broadly acting cytokines that stimulate cellular responses to nucleic acids of unusual structures or locations. While protective when induced following viral infections, the induction of interferons is detrimental to the host during L. monocytogenes infection. Here, we identify specific sRNAs, secreted by the bacterium, with the capacity to...
Research Article | Molecular Biology and PhysiologyCell Shape and Antibiotic Resistance Are Maintained by the Activity of Multiple FtsW and RodA Enzymes in Listeria monocytogenesThe human pathogen Listeria monocytogenes is usually treated with high doses of β-lactam antibiotics, often combined with gentamicin. However, these antibiotics only act bacteriostatically on L. monocytogenes, and the immune system is needed to clear the infection. Therefore, individuals with a...
- Research ArticleListeria monocytogenes Source Distribution Analysis Indicates Regional Heterogeneity and Ecological Niche Preference among Serotype 4b Clones
In Listeria monocytogenes, serotype 4b strains are leading contributors to human disease, but intraserotype distributions among different sources and regions remain poorly elucidated. Analysis of 347 serotype 4b isolates from four different sources, mostly from North America, confirmed the overall predominance of the major clones CC1, CC2, CC4, and CC6 but found that...
- Editor's Pick Research ArticleInvasion of the Brain by Listeria monocytogenes Is Mediated by InlF and Host Cell Vimentin
Listeria monocytogenes is an intracellular bacterial pathogen that is capable of invading numerous host cells during infection. L. monocytogenes can cross the blood-brain barrier, leading to life-threatening meningitis. Here we show that an L. monocytogenes surface protein, InlF, is necessary for optimal colonization of the brain in mice. Furthermore, in the absence of vimentin, a cytosolic intermediate...