The Mig protein of Streptococcus dysgalactiae inhibits bacterial internalization into bovine mammary gland epithelial cells.

The role of the Mig protein of Streptococcus dysgalactiae in bacterial adhesion and internalization of bovine mammary gland epithelial cells (MAC-T) was investigated with the wild-type and isogenic mig mutant strains. While there was no difference in adhesion between the strains, the wild-type strain exhibited a significantly lower level of invasion than the mutants. The lower level of internalization of the Mig(+) strain is likely due to Mig-mediated interference with uptake of the microorganisms rather than the host protein binding properties of Mig. Avoidance of intimate interactions with the host cells might be an alternative strategy for S. dysgalactiae to survive and persist in the bovine mammary glands.