Biosynthesis of mitis group streptococcal glycolipids and their roles in physiology and antibiotic susceptibility

Bacterial cell surface components such as lipoteichoic acids (LTAs) play critical roles in host-microbe interactions and alter host responses based on their chemical structures. Mitis group streptococci have commensal and pathogenic interactions with the human host and produce Type IV LTAs that are slightly different in chemical structures between species. To reveal the molecular bases for the intricate interactions between MGS and human hosts, a detailed understanding of the structure and biosynthetic process of MGS LTAs is needed. In this study, we used genomic and lipidomic techniques to elucidate the biosynthetic processes of Type IV LTA and its associated glycolipid anchors, monohexosyl-diacylglycerol and dihexosyl-diacyglycerol, in the infectious endocarditis isolate Streptococcus sp. strain 1643. Through establishing a murine sepsis model, we validated the essentiality of these glycolipids in the full virulence of S. mitis . Additionally, we found that these glycolipids play an important role in protecting the bacteria from antimicrobials. Overall, results obtained through this study both confirm and dispute aspects of the existing model of glycolipids biosynthesis, provide insights into the fundamental roles of bacterial glycolipids, as well as suggest the potential of targeting glycolipids for developing antimicrobial therapeutics.