Evaluating Shigella flexneri Pathogenesis in the Human Enteroid Model [Bacterial Infections]

In this study, we show that Shigella flexneri is capable of infecting and replicating intracellularly in human enteroids derived from different segments of the intestine. Apical invasion by S. flexneri is very limited but increases ~10-fold when enteroids are differentiated to include M cells. Invasion via the basolateral surface was at least 2-log10 units more efficient than apical infection. Increased secretion of interleukin-8 and higher expression levels of the mucin glycoprotein Muc2 were observed in the enteroids following S. flexneri infection. The human enteroid model promises to bridge some of the gaps between traditional cell culture, animal models, and human infection.
Source: Infection and Immunity - Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Tags: Bacterial Infections Source Type: research