A component of innate immunity prevents bacterial biofilm development

Pradeep K. Singh (), Matthew R. Parsek, E. Peter Greenberg and Michael J. Welsh
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Pradeep K. Singh: University of Iowa College of Medicine
Matthew R. Parsek: Northwestern University
E. Peter Greenberg: University of Iowa College of Medicine
Michael J. Welsh: University of Iowa College of Medicine

Nature, 2002, vol. 417, issue 6888, 552-555

Abstract: Abstract Antimicrobial factors form one arm of the innate immune system, which protects mucosal surfaces from bacterial infection1,2,3. These factors can rapidly kill bacteria deposited on mucosal surfaces and prevent acute invasive infections1,2,3,4. In many chronic infections, however, bacteria live in biofilms, which are distinct, matrix-encased communities specialized for surface persistence5,6,7. The transition from a free-living, independent existence to a biofilm lifestyle can be devastating, because biofilms notoriously resist killing by host defence mechanisms and antibiotics5,8. We hypothesized that the innate immune system possesses specific activity to protect against biofilm infections. Here we show that lactoferrin, a ubiquitous and abundant constituent of human external secretions, blocks biofilm development by the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This occurs at lactoferrin concentrations below those that kill or prevent growth. By chelating iron, lactoferrin stimulates twitching, a specialized form of surface motility, causing the bacteria to wander across the surface instead of forming cell clusters and biofilms. These findings reveal a specific anti-biofilm defence mechanism acting at a critical juncture in biofilm development, the time bacteria stop roaming as individuals and aggregate into durable communities.

Date: 2002
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DOI: 10.1038/417552a

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