The identification of wadB, a new glycosyltransferase gene, confirms the branched structure and the role in virulence of the lipopolysaccharide core of Brucella abortus

Brucellosis is a worldwide extended zoonosis caused by Brucella spp. These gram-negative bacteria are not readily detected by innate immunity, a virulence-related property largely linked to their surface lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The role of the LPS lipid A and O-polysaccharide in virulence is well known. Moreover, mutation of the glycosyltransferase gene wadC of Brucella abortus, although not affecting O-polysaccharide assembly onto the lipid-A core section causes a core oligosaccharide defect that increases recognition by innate immunity. Here, we report on a second gene ( wadB) encoding a LPS core glycosyltransferase not involved in the assembly of the O-polysaccharide-linked core section. As compared to wild-type B.abortus, a wadB mutant was sensitive to bactericidal peptides and non-immune serum, and was attenuated in mice and dendritic cells. These observations show that as WadC, WadB is also involved in the assembly of a branch of Brucella LPS core and support the concept that this LPS section is a virulence-related structure. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Gil Ramírez, Yolanda, Conde Álvarez, Raquel, Palacios Chaves, Leyre, Zúñiga Ripa, Amaia, Grilló, María Jesús, Arce Gorvel, Vilma, Hanniffy, Sean, Moriyón, Ignacio, Iriarte, Maite
Format:	artículo biblioteca
Published:	Elsevier 2014-08
Subjects:	wadC, wadB, Virulence, Brucella, Glycosyltransferase, Lipopolysaccharide,
Online Access:	http://hdl.handle.net/10261/100898
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