IgG binds Escherichia coli serine protease EspP and protects mice from E. coli O157:H7 infection

The effect of pooled immunoglobulins (IgG) on E. coli O157:H7 colonization and the course of disease in an EHEC mouse model was investigated showing an improved survival and decreased intestinal and renal pathology. Treatment was given after inoculation thereby corresponding to the clinical setting. In vitro studies identified E. coli serine protease EspP as the E. coli O157:H7 protein that IgG bound to, via the Fc fragment, in both murine and human IgG preparations, and blocked its enzymatic activity. EspP is a virulence factor previously shown to promote colonic cell injury and the uptake of Shiga toxin by intestinal cells. The results suggest that IgG in commercial preparations binds to EspP protecting the host from E. coli O157:H7 infection and could potentially be beneficial in patients.