The Salmochelin Siderophore Receptor Iron Contributes To Invasion Of Urothelial Cells By Extraintestinal Pathogenic Escherichia Coli In Vitro

Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) strains possess several siderophore-dependent iron uptake systems. In this study we demonstrated that the salmochelin siderophore receptor IroN is involved in the invasion of urothelial cells by ExPEC in vitro. Thus, IroN may play a dual role in the establishment of urinary tract infections, displaying an iron uptake receptor as well as an internalization factor.