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Arcelin-1 is a lectin-like protein found in the seeds of wild varieties of the kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). This protein displays insecticidal properties, but the mechanism of action is as yet unknown. In the present study we investigated the biochemical and biophysical properties of arcelin-1 from Phaseolus vulgaris cv. RAZ-2. Native arcelin-1 is a dimeric glycoprotein of 60 kDa, built from the non-covalent association of two identical monomers. This dimer resists dissociation by chaotropic agents and is highly resistant to proteolytic enzymes. Each subunit contains 10% (w/w) neutral sugars which belong to the high-mannose and complex-type glycans attached to three glycosylation sites. No interaction of the protein with simple sugars could be detected, but arcelin-1 displays an intrinsic specificity in binding complex glycans. Arcelin-1 therefore differs from the closely related phytohaemagglutinin lectins and alpha-amylase inhibitor in several respects: oligomerization states, sugar-binding affinities and the type and number of glycan chains. These features may be related to the toxicity of arcelin-1.

Little is known about the pathogenic mechanisms or potential virulence factors of Arcobacter spp. The aim of the study described here was to obtain more insights in the pathogenicity mechanisms of Arcobacter spp. by testing their ability to adhere to, invade and induce interleukin-8 expression in human Caco-2 and porcine IPI-2I cell lines. Eight Arcobacter strains were tested. Four strains were obtained from a culture collection, and represent the four Arcobacter spp. known to be associated with animals and humans. The other four strains were field isolates from the amniotic fluid of sows and from newborn piglets. All eight Arcobacter strains were able to adhere to both cell lines, and induced interleukin-8 production as early as 2 h after a 1h incubation period. This production was still increased 6 h postinfection. Differences in the cell association of the eight strains were obvious, with A. cibarius showing the highest adhesion ability. Invasion of intestinal epithelial cells was only observed for A. cryaerophilus strains. No correlation between invasiveness or strong adhesion of the tested strains and the level of interleukin-8 induction was observed.

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