1. Functions of type 1 fimbriae during K
Functions of type 1 fimbriae during K. pneumoniae infection and biofilm formation.
Functions of type 1 fimbriae during K. pneumoniae infection and biofilm formation. Type 1 fimbriae are filamentous, membrane-bound, adhesive structures composed primarily of FimA subunits, with the FimH subunit on the tip. These fimbriae have a role in bladder cell invasion by K. pneumoniae as well as biofilm formation in the bladder and on abiotic surfaces. However, type 1 fimbriae may be a negative influence on K. pneumoniae virulence in vivo in a few ways. First, type 1 fimbriae amplify lectinophagocytosis of K. pneumoniae by macrophages and neutrophils. Second, the FimH subunit increases binding to immune cells such as mast cells, leading to increased immune cell activation and subsequent recruitment of neutrophils, which likely increases K. pneumoniae clearance.
Michelle K. Paczosa, and Joan Mecsas Microbiol. Mol. Biol. Rev. 2016; doi: /MMBR