Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli Virulence Genes Encoding Secreted Signalling Proteins Are Essential for Modulation of Caco-2 Cell Electrolyte Transport

The pathophysiology of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) diarrhea remains uncertain. In vitro, EPEC stimulates a rapid increase in short-circuit current (Isc) across Caco-2 cell monolayers coincident with intimate attaching and effacing (A/E) bacterial adhesion. This study has examined the roles of specific EPEC virulence proteins in this Isc response. EPEC genes encoding EspA, EspB, and EspD, essential for signal transduction in host cells and A/E activity, were also required for modulation of Caco-2 electrolyte transport.