Role of fibronectin-binding proteins A and B in in vitro cellular infections and in vivo septic infections by Staphylococcus aureus.

Fibronectin-binding protein A (FnBPA) and FnBPB are important adhesins for Staphylococcus aureus infection. We constructed fnbA and/or fnbB mutant strains from S. aureus SH1000, which possesses intact rsbU, and studied the role of these adhesins in in vitro and in vivo infections. In intravenous infection, all fnb mutants caused a remarkable reduction in the colonization rate in kidneys and the mortality rate of mice. fnbB mutant caused a more severe decrease in body weight than that caused by fnbA mutant. Serum levels of interleukin-6 and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activation in spleen cells were remarkably reduced in fnbA or fnbA fnbB mutant infections; however, there was no significant reduction in fnbB mutant infections. In in vitro cellular infection, FnBPA was shown to be indispensable for adhesion to and internalization by nonprofessional phagocytic cells upon ingestion by inflammatory macrophages and NF-κB activation. However, both FnBPs were required for efficient cellular responses. The results showed that FnBPA is more important for in vitro and in vivo infections; however, cooperation between FnBPA and FnBPB is indispensable for the induction of severe infection resulting in septic death.