Localization of plasmid loci necessary for the entry of Shigella flexneri into HeLa cells, and characterization of one locus encoding four immunogenic polypeptides

J Gen Microbiol. 1987 Dec;133(12):3403-13. doi: 10.1099/00221287-133-12-3403.

Abstract

We have previously cloned a 44 kb fragment from the virulence plasmid of Shigella flexneri serotype 5 strain M90T which is capable of restoring invasiveness to an avirulent, plasmidless mutant. This report presents a genetic and physical analysis of Tn5 mutations in recombinant clone pHS4108. Tn5 mutagenesis allowed identification of at least five regions implicated in the entry phenotype. These regions were located on a 20 kb portion of pHS4108. Expression of the insertion mutants was studied by immunoblots using the serum of a convalescent monkey infected by S. flexneri 2a, which recognized four plasmid-associated polypeptides. We propose that the four immunogenic polypeptides, a, b, c, and d, are encoded an operon.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Chromosome Mapping*
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • DNA Transposable Elements
  • Genes, Bacterial
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Mutation
  • Peptides / genetics*
  • Plasmids*
  • Protein Biosynthesis
  • Shigella flexneri / genetics*
  • Shigella flexneri / pathogenicity

Substances

  • DNA Transposable Elements
  • Peptides