Proteomic analysis of human U937 cell line activation mediated by Haemophilus influenzae type b P2 porin and its surface-exposed loop 7

The virulence of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) has been attributed to a variety of potential factors associated with its cell surface, including lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and major outer membrane proteins (OMPs). P2 porin, one of the best-characterized porins in terms of its functional characteristics, is the most abundant OMP in Hib and has also been shown to possess proinflammatory activity. To characterize the role played by bacterial surface components in disease onset and development, the proteomic profiling of human U937 cell line activated by H. influenzae type b P2 porin and its most active surface-exposed loop (L7) was performed by means of two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. The study provided a list of candidate proteins with potential relevance in the host immune and inflammatory response. Most of the differentially expressed proteins are involved in metabolic processes, remodelling of cytoskeleton, stress response and signal transduction pathways. The results constitute the basis for dissecting signal transduction cascades activated by P2 stimulation and gain insights into the molecular events involved in the modulation of pathogen-host cell interactions.