A novel cell wall lipopeptide is important for biofilm formation and pathogenicity of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis

Biofilm formation by pathogenic bacteria plays a key role in their pathogenesis. Previously, the pstA gene was shown to be involved in the virulence of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (M. ap), the causative agent of Johne's disease in cattle and a potential risk factor for Crohn's disease. Scanning electron microscopy and colonization levels of the M. ap mutant indicated that the pstA gene significantly contributes to the ability of M. ap to form biofilms. Digital measurements taken during electron microscopy identified a unique morphology for the ΔpstA mutant, which consisted of significantly shorter bacilli than the wild type. Analysis of the lipid profiles of the mycobacterial strains identified a novel lipopeptide that was present in the cell wall extracts of wild-type M. ap, but missing from the ΔpstA mutant. Interestingly, the calf infection model suggested that pstA contributes to intestinal invasion of M. ap. Furthermore, immunoblot analysis of peptides encoded by pstA identified a specific and significant level of immunogenicity. Taken together, our analysis revealed a novel cell wall component that could contribute to biofilm formation and to the virulence and immunogenicity of M. ap. Molecular tools to better control M. ap infections could be developed utilizing the presented findings.