Vibrio cholerae-induced cellular responses of polarized T84 intestinal epithelial cells are dependent on production of cholera toxin and the RTX toxin

K. J. Fullner*, W. I. Lencer, J. J. Mekalanos

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

53 Scopus citations

Abstract

To study the utility of in vitro-polarized intestinal cell monolayers for modeling Vibrio cholerae-host cell interactions, we added live V. cholerae bacteria to the apical surfaces of polarized T84 cell monolayers and monitored changes in electrical properties. We found that both classical and El Tor strains produce cholera toxin after addition to the monolayer, but induction is most likely due to medium components rather than bacterium-cell interactions. We also found that the RTX toxin is produced by El Tor strains. This toxin caused a loss of the barrier function of the paracellular tight junction that was measured as a decrease in transepithelial resistance. This decrease occurred when bacteria were added to either the apical or basolateral surfaces, indicating that the RTX toxin receptor is expressed on both surfaces. These results are discussed with regard to the applicability of the polarized T84 cell monolayers as an in vitro model of host-pathogen interactions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)6310-6317
Number of pages8
JournalInfection and immunity
Volume69
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - 2001

Funding

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Parasitology
  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases

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