Jett, B. D.Gilmore, Michael2018-03-272002Jett, B. D., and M. S. Gilmore. 2002. Internalization of Staphylococcus Aureus by Human Corneal Epithelial Cells: Role of Bacterial Fibronectin-Binding Protein and Host Cell Factors. Infection and Immunity 70, no. 8: 4697–4700. doi:10.1128/iai.70.8.4697-4700.2002.0019-9567http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:35141062Wild-type Staphylococcus aureus was observed to be capable of invading human corneal epithelial cells (HCEC) in vitro. Internalization of S. aureus required expression of fibronectin-binding proteins (FnBPs); the capacity of an FnBP-deficient isogenic strain to invade HCEC was reduced by more than 99%. The binding of S. aureus to HCEC did not require viable bacteria, since UV-killed cells were observed to adhere efficiently. Invasion of HCEC by S. aureus involved active host cell mechanisms; uptake was nearly completely eliminated by cytochalasin D and genistein. These data suggest that FnBPs play a key role in host-parasite interactions and may serve as an important adhesin or invasin in ulcerative keratitis caused by S. aureus.en-USJournal Article2018-03-2710.1128/IAI.70.8.4697-4700.2002