Lipooligosaccharide-independent alteration of cellular homeostasis in Neisseria meningitidis-infected epithelial cells.

Neisseria meningitidis (MC) is an important cause of meningitis and septic shock. Primary loose attachment of MC to host epithelial cells is mediated by type IV pili. Lipooligosaccharide (LOS), opacity (Opa) proteins and glycolipid adhesins facilitate subsequent tight attachment.