Bordetella pertussis binds the human complement regulator C4BP: role of filamentous hemagglutinin.

摘要: C4BP (C4b-binding protein) is a high-molecular-weight plasma protein that inhibits the classical pathway of complement activation. Recent experiments have demonstrated binds to many strains gram-positive bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes, major respiratory tract pathogen. Binding S. pyogenes was shown be due members M family, group surface proteins important for virulence. Here we report human also all clinical isolates gram-negative Bordetella pertussis, etiologic agent whooping cough. In addition, binding other species can cause disease in humans. Characterization different B. pertussis mutants showed strongly dependent on expression cell filamentous hemagglutinin, well-known virulence factor. Inhibition suggested and bind same region C4BP. The finding both ability suggests these two unrelated pathogens may use common mechanism during establishment an infection.