Analysis of a collagen-binding trimeric autotransporter adhesin from Mannheimia haemolytica A1

FEMS Microbiol Lett. 2009 Nov;300(2):242-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1574-6968.2009.01786.x. Epub 2009 Sep 9.

Abstract

A locus that codes for a high-molecular-weight adhesin was previously isolated from Mannheimia haemolytica A1. In this study, we showed that this locus, named ahs, codes for two proteins (AhsA and AhsB) that exhibit characteristics of a trimeric autotransporter adhesin. Sequence analysis of AhsA showed the presence of 21 collagen-binding motifs in the protein. Collagen-binding assays showed that M. haemolytica A1 binds to collagen in a dose-dependent manner. This binding activity is trypsin sensitive and can be inhibited by anti-AhsA antibody. AhsB is the cognate transporter for AhsA. The C-terminal of AhsB showed highly conserved amino acids typical of trimeric autotransporters. Experimental data showed that the C-terminal 120 amino acids of AhsB could indeed form trimeric molecules. Western immunoblots showed the presence of anti-AhsA antibodies in the sera of calves that had been challenged with M. haemolytica A1, suggesting that AhsA is expressed and immunogenic in cattle.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adhesins, Bacterial / genetics*
  • Adhesins, Bacterial / immunology
  • Adhesins, Bacterial / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Bacterial / blood
  • Binding Sites
  • Cattle
  • Collagen / metabolism*
  • Conserved Sequence
  • Mannheimia haemolytica / genetics*
  • Mannheimia haemolytica / immunology
  • Mannheimia haemolytica / metabolism*
  • Membrane Transport Proteins / genetics*
  • Membrane Transport Proteins / metabolism*
  • Pasteurellaceae Infections / immunology
  • Pasteurellaceae Infections / veterinary
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Multimerization
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA

Substances

  • Adhesins, Bacterial
  • Antibodies, Bacterial
  • Membrane Transport Proteins
  • Collagen