@article{ee0c8503aede4c0cafee46259c153fbb,
title = "Neural targeting of Mycobacterium leprae mediated by the G domain of the laminin-α2 chain",
abstract = "We report that the molecular basis of the neural tropism of Mycobacterium leprae is attributable to the specific binding of M. leprae to the laminin-α2 (LN-α2) chain on Schwann cell-axon units. Using recombinant fragments of LN-α2 (rLN-α2), the M. leprae-binding site was localized to the G domain. rLN-α2G mediated M. leprae binding to cell lines and to sciatic nerves of dystrophic dy/dy mice lacking LN-α2, but expressing laminin receptors. Anti-β4 integrin antibody attenuated rLN-α2G-mediated M. leprae adherence, suggesting that M. leprae interacts with cells by binding to β4 integrin via an LN-α2G bridge. Our results indicate a novel role for the G domain of LN-2 in infection and reveal a model in which a host-derived bridging molecule determines nerve tropism of a pathogen.",
author = "Anura Rambukkana and Salzer, {James L.} and Yurchenco, {Peter D.} and Tuomanen, {Elaine I.}",
note = "Funding Information: All correspondence should be addressed to A. R. We gratefully acknowledge the following contributions: M. leprae was provided by P. J. Brennan through the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, contract AI-52582; G. Zanazzi provided invaluable assistance with Schwann cell cultures; and M. Leismann assisted with cell line cultures. We thank T. Mathus, J. O'Rear, and S. Einheber for their contribution, and M. Zschack for graphics. We acknowledge E. Engvall, F. Giancotti, S. J. Kennel, A. H. J. Kolk, M. Paulsson, A. Sonnenberg, and J. R. Sanes for the gifts of antibodies, cell lines, and laminin reagents. We also thank M. Harboe for helpful discussion. This investigation was supported by the Heiser Foundation for Leprosy and Tuberculosis Research, a grant from the UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Program for Research in Tropical Diseases (TDR), and by NIH grants A127913 (to E. T.), DK36425 and DK48045 (to P. D. Y.), and NS33165 (to J. L. S.), and National Multiple Sclerosis Grant RG2678 (to J. L. S.).",
year = "1997",
month = mar,
day = "21",
doi = "10.1016/S0092-8674(00)81927-3",
language = "English (US)",
volume = "88",
pages = "811--821",
journal = "Cell",
issn = "0092-8674",
publisher = "Cell Press",
number = "6",
}