gamma-Glutamyltransferase is a Helicobacter pylori virulence factor but is not essential for colonization

Infect Immun. 2001 Jun;69(6):4168-73. doi: 10.1128/IAI.69.6.4168-4173.2001.

Abstract

The contribution of glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) (gamma-glutamyltransferase [EC 2. 3. 2. 2]) to Helicobacter pylori virulence was investigated in piglets and mice using GGT-deficient isogenic strains. All animals became colonized. However, the bacterial load was significantly lower for mutant bacteria than for parent strains. These results suggest that GGT activity provides an advantage to H. pylori in colonization.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Gastric Mucosa / microbiology
  • Germ-Free Life
  • Helicobacter Infections / microbiology*
  • Helicobacter pylori / enzymology
  • Helicobacter pylori / genetics
  • Helicobacter pylori / growth & development*
  • Helicobacter pylori / pathogenicity*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mutation
  • Swine
  • Virulence
  • gamma-Glutamyltransferase / genetics
  • gamma-Glutamyltransferase / metabolism*

Substances

  • gamma-Glutamyltransferase