Amyloid-containing biofilms and autoimmunity

Amanda L. Miller, Jaime de Anda, Gerard C.L. Wong, Çagla Tükel

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Bacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms known for their ability to adapt to their environment. In response to stressful environmental conditions or in the presence of a contact surface, they commonly form multicellular aggregates called biofilms. Biofilms form on various abiotic or biotic surfaces through a dynamic stepwise process involving adhesion, growth, and extracellular matrix production. Biofilms develop on tissues as well as on implanted devices during infections, providing the bacteria with a mechanism for survival under harsh conditions including targeting by the immune system and antimicrobial therapy. Like pathogenic bacteria, members of the human microbiota can form biofilms. Biofilms formed by enteric bacteria contribute to several human diseases including autoimmune diseases and cancer. However, until recently the interactions of immune cells with biofilms had been mostly uncharacterized. Here, we will discuss how components of the enteric biofilm produced in vivo, specifically amyloid curli and extracellular DNA, could be interacting with the host's immune system causing an unpredicted immune response.

Original languageEnglish
Article number102435
JournalCurrent Opinion in Structural Biology
Volume75
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2022

Keywords

  • Amyloid
  • Amyloidogenic Proteins
  • Autoimmune Diseases
  • Autoimmunity
  • Bacteria
  • Biofilms
  • Humans

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