ShdA-Mediated Intestinal Persistence of Salmonella Typhimurium

Salmonella is a major cause of economic loss. ShdA is a surface protein of Salmonella that mimics heparin, binding a cationic cradle of the Hep-2 domain of fibronectin (Fn). Deletion of ShdA results in reduced colonisation. ShdA binding to Fn will be characterised in vitro and in vivo. The minimal region of ShdA required for binding Fn and the role in colonisation will be identified. <P>
We will investigate the role of ShdA binding to Fn in ShdA mediated persistence of S. typhimurium in the intestine. The role of intestinal persistence in the immune response of the host to infection by Salmonella will be investigated to evaluate vaccine strains containing a deletion of shdA. ShdA domains will be expressed for crystalisation studies.