The dCache Chemoreceptor TlpA of Helicobacter pylori Binds Multiple Attractant and Antagonistic Ligands via Distinct Sites
Kevin S. Johnson, Bassam A. Elgamoudi, Freda E.‐C. Jen, Christopher J. Day, Emily Goers Sweeney, Megan L. Pryce, Karen Guillemin, Thomas Haselhorst, Victoria Korolik, Karen M. Ottemann
Abstract
Numerous chemotactic bacterial pathogens depend on the ability to sense a diverse array of signals through chemoreceptors to achieve successful colonization and virulence within their host. The signals sensed by chemoreceptors, however, are not always fully understood. This is the case for TlpA, a dCache_1 chemoreceptor of H. pylori that enables the bacterium to induce less inflammation during chronic infections. H. pylori causes a significant global disease burden, which is driven by the development of gastric inflammation. Accordingly, it is essential to understand the processes by which H. pylori modulates host inflammation. This work uncovers the signals that TlpA can sense and highlights the underappreciated ability to regulate chemotactic responses by antagonistic chemoreceptor ligands, which is an emerging theme among other chemotactic systems.