Mechanistic Role of Cytoskeletal Proteins in Escherichia coli K1-Induced Pericyte Invasion

Bacterial meningitis remains a major global public health concern, with Escherichia coli-associated cases showing an increasing incidence. The mechanism by which E. coli K1 crosses the blood–brain barrier via pericytes is poorly understood, necessitating detailed mechanistic investigation. Adhesion and invasion assays were optimized using an in vitro model of human brain vascular pericytes co-cultured with E. coli K1. Cellular architecture was examined using immunofluorescence microscopy, while protein expression dynamics were analyzed using western blotting.