Connexin-dependent inter-cellular communication increases invasion and dissemination of Shigella in epithelial cells

Shigella flexneri, the causative agent of bacillar dystentery, invades the colonic mucosa where it elicits an intense inflammatory reaction responsible for destruction of the epithelium(1,2). During cell invasion, contact with host cells activates the type-III secretion of the Shigella lpaB and IpaC proteins(3,4). lpaB and IpaC are inserted into host cell plasma membranes and trigger initial signals that result in actin polymerization, while allowing cytosolic access of other bacterial effectors that further reorganize the cytoskeleton(5,6). After internalization, Shigella moves intracellularly and forms protrusions that infect neighbouring cells, promoting bacterial dissemination a cross the epithelium(2,6). Here, we show that during cell invasion, Shigella induces transient peaks in intracellular calcium concentration that are dependent on a functional type-III secretory apparatus. In addition, Shigella invasion induces the opening of Connexin 26 (Cx26) hemichannels in an actin- and phospholipase-C-dependent manner, allowing release of ATP into the medium. The released ATP, in turn, increases bacterial invasion and spreading, as well as calcium signalling induced by Shigella. These results provide evidence that pathogen-induced opening of connexin channels promotes signalling events that favour bacterial invasion and dissemination.