2025/10/13 by Mastura Neyazi, Pilar Samperio Ventayol, Natalie Burkard +3 · 1 voice
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Medicine · #Escherichia coli research studies #Viral gastroenteritis research and epidemiology #Gut microbiota and health
paper · pdf · doi:10.1002/1873-3468.70182
openalex publication_date 2025/10/13 · openalex created_date 2025/10/14 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/22
Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) attaches to host intestinal epithelial cells, resulting in severe illness and diarrhoea. Different cell models have been used to study EPEC infection, but a direct comparison of infection of cell lines and primary cells is lacking. In this study, we compare EPEC infection in primary epithelial cells with HeLa cells. Jejunal organoid-derived cells contain differentiated intestinal epithelial cells and form a tight monolayer. Upon infection, they retain integrity over longer time periods than HeLa cells. Attachment of EPEC to host cells and innate immune response is strongly delayed in organoid-derived monolayers. These results indicate that host cell factors determine the outcome of infection. Future identification of these host factors will aid the development of new therapeutics.