Shigella flexneri expresses adherence factors

What is it about?

Shigella flexneri causes infectious diarrhea by invading epithelial cells lining the colon. It was previously thought that S. flexneri does not express adherence factors, which are specialized structures that help bacteria bind to host cells. Using conditions that mimic bacterial transit through the small intestine that occurs prior to infection, we were able to detect adherence factors and identify genes required for S. flexneri to make these structures.

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Why is it important?

This work provides a new understanding of the early infection steps for S. flexneri, demonstrates that bacterial culture conditions effect the expression of virulence factors, highlights the importance of replicating gastrointestinal conditions to study pathogens like Shigella, and identifies new therapeutic targets for Shigella.

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