The secretome of Helicobacter trogontum.

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter trogontum is a putative enterohepatic pathogen, which following infection of IL-10 knock-out mice, results in severe clinical signs and typhlocolitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The pathogenic potential of H. trogontum Type strain LRB 8581 was investigated using proteomics coupled with mass spectrometry to characterize the secretome of H. trogontum and scanning electron microscopy to visualize H. trogontum adherence and invasion.

RESULTS

One hundred and four proteins were identified and bioinformatically predicted to be secreted. Further functional classifications revealed proteins involved in motility, virulence, and colonization factors and the type VI secretion system. Microscopy showed that H. trogontum can adhere to host cells through flagella-microvillus interactions and invade causing a membrane ruffling-like effect and severe cell damage.

CONCLUSIONS

This indicated H. trogontum has the ability to adhere to and invade human cells and secrete factors that may contribute to disease development.