The Characteristics and Function of Internalin G in Listeria monocytogenes

In order to clarified characteristics and function of internalin G (inlG) in Listeria monocytogenes ATCC^®19111 (1/2a) (LM), the immune protection of the inlG was evaluated in mice, the homologous recombination was used to construct inlG deletion strains, and their biological characteristics were studied by the transcriptomics analysis. As a result, the immunization of mice with the purified protein achieved a protective effect against bacterial infection. The deletion strain LM-AinlG was successfully constructed with genetic stability. The mouse infection test showed that the virulence of LM was decreased after the deletion of the inlG gene. The deletion strain showed enhanced adhesion to and invasion of Caco-2 cells. Compared to the wild strain, 18 genes were up-regulated, and 24 genes were down-regulated in the LM-AinlG. This study has laid a foundation for further research on the function of inlG and the pathogenesis of LM.

In this study, immunization of mice with the purified inlG protein achieved a protective effect against Listeria monocytogenes infection. The virulence of LM-ΔinlG was decreased by mouse infection. However, the adhesion and invasion ability to Caco-2 cell were enhanced. Compared to the wild strain, 18 genes were up-regulated, and 24 genes were down-regulated in the LM-ΔinlG. This study has laid a foundation for further study of the function of the inlG and the listeriosis.