CD46 as a Signaling Intermediate in N. Gonorrhoeae Infection

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ABSTRACT CD46 is a human-specific membrane protein with numerous signaling and receptor properties. Despite the multifunctional nature of this protein, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying its biological phenotypes. Several viruses and bacteria target CD46, using it as a receptor or downregulating it in infected cells. Pathogenic Neisseria (N. gonorrhoeae and N. meningitidis) interact with epithelial cell CD46 at multiple levels. Infection via the Type IV pilus triggers its phosphorylation, alters its trafficking, and causes its secretion. We present evidence that Neisseria infection also stimulates its proteolytic processing by the endogenous protease complex Presenilin/¿- Secretase (PS/¿-S), an event that is linked to bacterial invasion. We present a model for PS/¿-S processing of CD46, and propose to test predictions arising from this model. Our overall goal is to provide a strong molecular framework for understanding the numerous regulatory activities of CD46, including its role in infection.