Effect of lactoferrin on interaction of Prevotella intermedia with plasma and subepithelial matrix proteins

A lactoferrin-binding protein with an estimated molecular mass of 57 kDa was identified in the cell envelope of Prevotella intermedia by gel electrophoresis and Western-blol analysis. Peroxidase-labeled bovine lactoferrin and human lactoferrin showed similar specific binding to this protein. Whole cells of P. intermedia were also examined for interactions with 5 ¹²⁵I-labeled plasma and subepithelial matrix proteins. A high degree of binding was found with fibronectin, collagen type I and type IV and laminin, whereas a moderate interaction was detected with fibrinogen. The ability of bovine lactoferrin to affect the interactions of the above proteins with P. intermedia was examined. In the presence of unlabeled bovine lactoferrin, a dose-dependent inhibition of binding was observed with all 5 proteins tested. Unlabeled bovine lactoferrin also dissociated the bacterial complexes with these proteins. The complexes with laminin or collagen type I were more effectively dissociated than fibronectin or fibrinogen, whereas the interaction with collagen type IV was affected to a lesser extent. A strain-dependent variation in the effect of bovine lactoferrin was observed. These data establish the presence of a specific lactoferrin-binding protein in the cell envelope of P. intermedia. The ability of lactoferrin to inhibit the binding of some plasma and subepithelial matrix proteins to P. intermedia could be a protective mechanism against the establishment of this pathogen in the periodontal pocket.