Listeriolysin S, a novel peptide haemolysin associated with a subset of lineage I Listeria monocytogenes

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Files
PDC_ListeriolysinPV2008.pdf(421.61 KB)
Published Version
Date
2008-09-12
Authors
Cotter, Paul D.
Draper, Lorraine A.
Lawton, Elaine M.
Daly, Karen M.
Groeger, David S.
Casey, Pat G.
Ross, R. Paul
Hill, Colin
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
PLOS
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Abstract
Streptolysin S (SLS) is a bacteriocin-like haemolytic and cytotoxic virulence factor that plays a key role in the virulence of Group A Streptococcus (GAS), the causative agent of pharyngitis, impetigo, necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Although it has long been thought that SLS and related peptides are produced by GAS and related streptococci only, there is evidence to suggest that a number of the most notorious Gram-positive pathogenic bacteria, including Listeria monocytogenes, Clostridium botulinum and Staphylococcus aureus, produce related peptides. The distribution of the L. monocytogenes cluster is particularly noteworthy in that it is found exclusively among a subset of lineage I strains; i.e., those responsible for the majority of outbreaks of listeriosis. Expression of these genes results in the production of a haemolytic and cytotoxic factor, designated Listeriolysin S, which contributes to virulence of the pathogen as assessed by murine- and human polymorphonuclear neutrophil–based studies. Thus, in the process of establishing the existence of an extended family of SLS-like modified virulence peptides (MVPs), the genetic basis for the enhanced virulence of a proportion of lineage I L. monocytogenes may have been revealed.
Description
Keywords
Streptolysin S , Virulence , Group A Streptococcus , Listeria monocytogenes , Clostridium botulinum , Staphylococcus aureus , Listeriolysin S
Citation
Cotter PD, Draper LA, Lawton EM, Daly KM, Groeger DS, et al. (2008) Listeriolysin S, a Novel Peptide Haemolysin Associated with a Subset of Lineage I Listeria monocytogenes. PLoS Pathog 4(9): e1000144. doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.1000144