BPP0974 is a Bordetella parapertussis adhesin expressed in the avirulent phase, implicated in biofilm formation and intracellular survival

• Published in: Microbial pathogenesis 2024-08, Vol.193, p.106754, Article 106754
• Main Authors: Carrica, Mariela del Carmen, Gorgojo, Juan Pablo, Alvarez-Hayes, Jimena, Valdez, Hugo Alberto, Lamberti, Yanina Andrea, Rodriguez, Maria Eugenia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bacterial intracellular survival; Biofilm; Bordetella parapertussis; BPP0974; Respiratory epithelial cells; RTX adhesin
• ISSN: 0882-4010; 1096-1208; 1096-1208
• DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106754

B. parapertussis is a bacterium that causes whooping cough, a severe respiratory infection disease, that has shown an increased incidence in the population. Upon transmission through aerosol droplets, the initial steps of host colonization critically depend on the bacterial adhesins. We here described BPP0974, a B. parapertussis protein that exhibits the typical domain architecture of the large repetitive RTX adhesin family. BPP0974 was found to be retained in the bacterial membrane and secreted into the culture medium. This protein was found overexpressed in the avirulent phase of B. parapertussis, the phenotype proposed for initial host colonization. Interestingly, BPP0974 was found relevant for the biofilm formation as well as involved in the bacterial attachment to and survival within the respiratory epithelial cells. Taken together, our results suggest a role for BPP0974 in the early host colonization and pathogenesis of B. parapertussis. •B. parapertussis BPP0974 belongs to the RTX adhesin family.•This RTX adhesin is overexpressed in B. parapertussis avirulent phase.•This adhesin is involved in B. parapertussis biofilm formation.•This adhesin is involved in B. parapertussis attachment to respiratory epithelial cells.•This adhesin promotes B. parapertussis intracellular survival.