Intracellular growth in Acanthamoeba castellanii affects monocyte entry mechanisms and enhances virulence of Legionella pneumophila.

摘要: Since Legionella pneumophila is an intracellular pathogen, entry into and replication within host cells are thought to be critical its ability cause disease. L. grown in one of environmental hosts, Acanthamoeba castellanii, phenotypically different from on standard laboratory medium (BCYE agar). Although amoeba-grown displays enhanced monocytes compared BCYE-grown bacteria, the mechanisms used effects virulence have not been examined. To explore whether differs these characteristics, we examined monocytes, activated macrophages, mice. Entry occurred more frequently by coiling phagocytosis, was less affected complement opsonization, sensitive microtubule microfilament inhibitors than bacteria. In addition, increased virulent A/J, C57BL/6 Beige, These data demonstrate for first time that intra-amoebal growth environment affects pneumophila.