Browse by author
Lookup NU author(s): Professor Neil SheerinORCiD
Urinary tract infection due to uropathogenic Escherichia coli is a common clinical problem. The innate immune system and the uroepithelium are critical in defence against infection. The complement system is both part of the innate immune system and influences the interaction between epithelium and pathogen. We have therefore investigated the mechanism by which uropathogenic E. coli activate complement and the potential for this to occur during clinical infection. The classical pathway is responsible for bacterial opsonisation when complement proteins are present at low concentrations. At higher concentrations the alternative pathway predominates but still requires the classical pathway for its initiation. In contrast the mannose binding lectin pathway is not involved. Early classical pathway components are present in the urine during infection and actively contribute to bacterial opsonisation. The classical pathway could be initiated by anti-E. coli antibodies of IgG or IgM subclasses that are present in urine during infection. Additionally immunoglobulin-independent mechanisms, such as direct C1q binding to bacteria, may be involved. In conclusion, uropathogenic E. coli are readily opsonised by complement in a classical pathway dependent manner. This can occur within the urinary tract during the development of clinical infection. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Author(s): Li K, Sacks SH, Sheerin NS
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Molecular Immunology
Year: 2008
Volume: 45
Issue: 4
Pages: 954-962
Print publication date: 01/02/2008
ISSN (print): 0161-5890
ISSN (electronic): 1872-9142
Publisher: Elsevier
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.molimm.2007.07.037
DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2007.07.037
PubMed id: 17870166
Altmetrics provided by Altmetric
