51
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Senior NJ, Titball RW. Isolation and primary culture of Galleria mellonella hemocytes for infection studies. F1000Res 2021; 9:1392. [PMID: 33520196 PMCID: PMC7818094 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.27504.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Galleria mellonella larvae are increasingly used to study the mechanisms of virulence of microbial pathogens and to assess the efficacy of antimicrobials. The G. mellonella model can faithfully reproduce many aspects of microbial disease which are seen in mammals, and therefore allows a reduction in the use of mammals. The model is now being widely used by researchers in universities, research institutes and industry. An attraction of the model is the interaction between pathogen and host. Hemocytes are specialised phagocytic cells which resemble neutrophils in mammals and play a major role in the response of the larvae to infection. However, the detailed interactions of hemocytes with pathogens is poorly understood, and is complicated by the presence of different sub-populations of cells. We report here a method for the isolation of hemocytes from Galleria mellonella. A needle-stick injury of larvae, before harvesting, markedly increased the recovery of hemocytes in the hemolymph. The majority of the hemocytes recovered were granulocyte-like cells. The hemocytes survived for at least 7 days in culture at either 28°C or 37°C. Pre-treatment of larvae with antibiotics did not enhance the survival of the cultured hemocytes. Our studies highlight the importance of including sham injected, rather than un-injected, controls when the G. mellonella model is used to test antimicrobial compounds. Our method will now allow investigations of the interactions of microbial pathogens with insect hemocytes enhancing the value of G. mellonella as an alternative model to replace the use of mammals, and for studies on hemocyte biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola J. Senior
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences - Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Richard W. Titball
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences - Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4QD, UK,
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52
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Luiz de Freitas L, Pereira da Silva F, Fernandes KM, Carneiro DG, Licursi de Oliveira L, Martins GF, Dantas Vanetti MC. The virulence of Salmonella Enteritidis in Galleria mellonella is improved by N-dodecanoyl-homoserine lactone. Microb Pathog 2021; 152:104730. [PMID: 33444697 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.104730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Salmonella is a food and waterborne pathogen responsible for outbreaks worldwide, and it can survive during passage through the stomach and inside host phagocytic cells. Virulence genes are required for infection and survival in macrophages, and some are under the regulation of the quorum sensing (QS) system. This study investigated the influence of the autoinducer 1 (AI-1), N-dodecanoyl-homoserine lactone (C12-HSL), on the virulence of Salmonella PT4 using Galleria mellonella as an infection model. Salmonella PT4 was grown in the presence and absence of C12-HSL under anaerobic conditions for 7 h, and the expression of rpoS, arcA, arcB, and invA genes was evaluated. After the inoculation of G. mellonella with the median lethal dose (LD50) of Salmonella PT4, the survival of bacteria inside the larvae and their health status (health index scoring) were monitored, as well as the pigment, nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) production. Also, the hemocyte viability, the induction of caspase-3, and microtubule-associated light chain 3 (LC3) protein in hemocytes were evaluated. Salmonella PT4 growing in the presence of C12-HSL showed increased rpoS, arcA, arcB, and invA expression and promoted higher larvae mortality and worse state of health after 24 h of infection. The C12-HSL also increased the persistence of Salmonella PT4 in the hemolymph and in the hemocytes. The highest pigmentation, NO production, and antioxidant enzymes were verified in the larva hemolymph infected with Salmonella PT4 grown with C12-HSL. Hemocytes from larvae infected with Salmonella PT4 grown with C12-HSL showed lower viability and higher production of caspase-3 and LC3. Taken together, these findings suggest that C12-HSL could be involved in the virulence of Salmonella PT4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Luiz de Freitas
- Departmento de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV), Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Kenner Morais Fernandes
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV), Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Deisy Guimarães Carneiro
- Departmento de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV), Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Gustavo Ferreira Martins
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV), Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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53
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Senior NJ, Titball RW. Isolation and primary culture of Galleria mellonella hemocytes for infection studies. F1000Res 2020; 9:1392. [PMID: 33520196 PMCID: PMC7818094 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.27504.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Galleria mellonella larvae are increasingly used to study the mechanisms of virulence of microbial pathogens and to assess the efficacy of antimicrobials. The G. mellonella model can faithfully reproduce many aspects of microbial disease which are seen in mammals, and therefore allows a reduction in the use of mammals. The model is now being widely used by researchers in universities, research institutes and industry. An attraction of the model is the interaction between pathogen and host. Hemocytes are specialised phagocytic cells which resemble neutrophils in mammals and play a major role in the response of the larvae to infection. However, the detailed interactions of hemocytes with pathogens is poorly understood, and is complicated by the presence of different sub-populations of cells. We report here a method for the isolation of hemocytes from Galleria mellonella. A needle-stick injury of larvae, before harvesting, markedly increased the recovery of hemocytes in the hemolymph. The majority of the hemocytes recovered were granulocyte-like cells. The hemocytes survived for at least 7 days in culture at either 28°C or 37°C. Pre-treatment of larvae with antibiotics did not enhance the survival of the cultured hemocytes. Our studies highlight the importance of including sham injected, rather than un-injected, controls when the G. mellonella model is used to test antimicrobial compounds. Our method will now allow investigations of the interactions of microbial pathogens with insect hemocytes enhancing the value of G. mellonella as an alternative model to replace the use of mammals, and for studies on hemocyte biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola J. Senior
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences - Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Richard W. Titball
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences - Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4QD, UK
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54
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Romera D, Aguilera-Correa JJ, García-Coca M, Mahillo-Fernández I, Viñuela-Sandoval L, García-Rodríguez J, Esteban J. The Galleria mellonella infection model as a system to investigate the virulence of Candida auris strains. Pathog Dis 2020; 78:5937422. [PMID: 33098293 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftaa067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is a multiresistant pathogenic yeast commonly isolated from bloodstream infections in immunocompromised patients. In this work, we infected Galleria mellonella larvae with 105 CFU of a reference strains and two clinical isolates of C. albicans and C. auris and we compared the outcomes of infection between both species. Larvae were evaluated every 24 h for a total of 120 h following the G. mellonella Health Index Scoring System, and survival, activity, melanization and cocoon formation were monitored. Our results showed that clinical isolates were significantly more pathogenic than reference strains independently of the tested species, producing lower survival and activity scores and higher melanization scores and being C. albicans strains more virulent than C. auris strains. We did not find differences in mortality between aggregative and non-aggregative C. auris strains, although non-aggregative strains produced significantly lower activity scores and higher melanization scores than aggregative ones. Survival assays using Galleria mellonella have been previously employed to examine and classify strains of this and other microbial species based on their virulence before scaling the experiments to a mammal model. Taken together, these results show how a more complete evaluation of the model can improve the study of C. auris isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Romera
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, IIS Fundación Jiménez Díaz, UAM. Avda. Reyes Católicos 2, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - John-Jairo Aguilera-Correa
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, IIS Fundación Jiménez Díaz, UAM. Avda. Reyes Católicos 2, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta García-Coca
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, IIS Fundación Jiménez Díaz, UAM. Avda. Reyes Católicos 2, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Mahillo-Fernández
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Service, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Av. Reyes Católicos, 2. 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Julio García-Rodríguez
- Department of Microbiology, La Paz University Hospital, Paseo de la Castellana, 261, 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jaime Esteban
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, IIS Fundación Jiménez Díaz, UAM. Avda. Reyes Católicos 2, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Bazin MA, Cojean S, Pagniez F, Bernadat G, Cavé C, Ourliac-Garnier I, Nourrisson MR, Morgado C, Picot C, Leclercq O, Baratte B, Robert T, Späth GF, Rachidi N, Bach S, Loiseau PM, Le Pape P, Marchand P. In vitro identification of imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine-based antileishmanial agents and evaluation of L. major casein kinase 1 inhibition. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 210:112956. [PMID: 33148491 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis constitutes a severe public health problem, with an estimated prevalence of 12 million cases. This potentially fatal disease has a worldwide distribution and in 2012, the fatal Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) was declared as new emerging disease in Europe, mainly due to global warming, with expected important public health impact. The available treatments are toxic, costly or lead to parasite resistance, thus there is an urgent need for new drugs with new mechanism of action. Previously, we reported the discovery of CTN1122, a potent imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine-based antileishmanial hit compound targeting L-CK1.2 at low micromolar ranges. Here, we described structurally related, safe and selective compounds endowed with antiparasitic properties, better than miltefosine, the reference therapy by oral route. L-CK1.2 homology model gave the first structural explanations of the role of 4-pyridyl (CTN1122) and 2-aminopyrimidin-4-yl (compound 21) moieties, at the position 3 of the central core, in the low micromolar to nanomolar L-CK1.2 inhibition, whereas N-methylpyrazole derivative 11 remained inactive against the parasite kinase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc-Antoine Bazin
- Université de Nantes, Cibles et Médicaments des Infections et du Cancer, IICiMed, EA 1155, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | - Sandrine Cojean
- BioCIS Biomolécules: Conception, Isolement, Synthèse, Chimiothérapie Antiparasitaire, UMR CNRS 8076, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Pharmacie, F-92296, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Fabrice Pagniez
- Université de Nantes, Cibles et Médicaments des Infections et du Cancer, IICiMed, EA 1155, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | - Guillaume Bernadat
- BioCIS Biomolécules: Conception, Isolement, Synthèse, Chimiothérapie Antiparasitaire, UMR CNRS 8076, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Pharmacie, F-92296, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Christian Cavé
- BioCIS Biomolécules: Conception, Isolement, Synthèse, Chimiothérapie Antiparasitaire, UMR CNRS 8076, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Pharmacie, F-92296, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Isabelle Ourliac-Garnier
- Université de Nantes, Cibles et Médicaments des Infections et du Cancer, IICiMed, EA 1155, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | - Marie-Renée Nourrisson
- Université de Nantes, Cibles et Médicaments des Infections et du Cancer, IICiMed, EA 1155, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | - Cathy Morgado
- Université de Nantes, Cibles et Médicaments des Infections et du Cancer, IICiMed, EA 1155, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | - Carine Picot
- Université de Nantes, Cibles et Médicaments des Infections et du Cancer, IICiMed, EA 1155, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | - Olivier Leclercq
- Institut Pasteur and Institut National de Santé et Recherche Médicale INSERM U1201, Unité de Parasitologie Moléculaire et Signalisation, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Blandine Baratte
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR8227, Integrative Biology of Marine Models Laboratory (LBI2M), Station Biologique de Roscoff, F-29680, Roscoff, France; Sorbonne Université, CNRS, FR2424, Kinase Inhibitor Specialized Screening Facility - KISSf, Station Biologique, F-29680, Roscoff, France
| | - Thomas Robert
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR8227, Integrative Biology of Marine Models Laboratory (LBI2M), Station Biologique de Roscoff, F-29680, Roscoff, France; Sorbonne Université, CNRS, FR2424, Kinase Inhibitor Specialized Screening Facility - KISSf, Station Biologique, F-29680, Roscoff, France
| | - Gérald F Späth
- Institut Pasteur and Institut National de Santé et Recherche Médicale INSERM U1201, Unité de Parasitologie Moléculaire et Signalisation, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Najma Rachidi
- Institut Pasteur and Institut National de Santé et Recherche Médicale INSERM U1201, Unité de Parasitologie Moléculaire et Signalisation, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Stéphane Bach
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR8227, Integrative Biology of Marine Models Laboratory (LBI2M), Station Biologique de Roscoff, F-29680, Roscoff, France; Sorbonne Université, CNRS, FR2424, Kinase Inhibitor Specialized Screening Facility - KISSf, Station Biologique, F-29680, Roscoff, France
| | - Philippe M Loiseau
- BioCIS Biomolécules: Conception, Isolement, Synthèse, Chimiothérapie Antiparasitaire, UMR CNRS 8076, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Pharmacie, F-92296, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Patrice Le Pape
- Université de Nantes, Cibles et Médicaments des Infections et du Cancer, IICiMed, EA 1155, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | - Pascal Marchand
- Université de Nantes, Cibles et Médicaments des Infections et du Cancer, IICiMed, EA 1155, F-44000, Nantes, France.
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Abstract
Streptococcus parasanguinis is a dominant isolate of dental plaque and an opportunistic pathogen associated with subacute endocarditis. As the expression of collagen binding proteins (CBPs) could promote the establishment of S. parasanguinis in the host, the functions of three putative CBP-encoding loci, Spaf_0420, Spaf_1570, and Spaf_1573, were analyzed using isogenic mutant strains. It was revealed that S. parasanguinis FW213 bound effectively to fibronectin and type I collagen, but the strain's affinity for laminin and type IV collagen was quite low. By using various deletion derivatives, it was found that these three loci mediated the binding of S. parasanguinis to multiple extracellular matrix molecules, with type I collagen as the common substrate. Derivative strains with a deletion in any of the three loci expressed reduced binding to trypsin-treated swine heart valves. The deletion of these loci also reduced the viable count of S. parasanguinis bacteria within macrophages, especially the loss of Spaf_0420, but only strains with deletions in Spaf_0420 and Spaf_1570 expressed reduced virulence in the Galleria mellonella larva model. The deletion of Spaf_1570 and Spaf_1573 affected mainly the structure, but not the overall mass, of biofilm cultures in a flow cell system. Thus, CBPs are likely to be more critical for the initial colonization of S. parasanguinis on host tissues during the development of endocarditis.IMPORTANCE Bacteria generally can utilize multiple adhesins to establish themselves in the host. We found that Streptococcus parasanguinis, a dominant oral commensal and an opportunistic pathogen for subacute endocarditis, possesses at least three collagen-binding proteins that enable S. parasanguinis to successfully colonize damaged heart tissues and escape innate immune clearance. The binding specificities of these three proteins for extracellular matrix molecules differ, although all three proteins participate in biofilm formation by S. parasanguinis The "multiligand for multisubstrate" feature of these adhesins may explain the high adaptability of this microbe to different tissue sites.
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Piatek M, Sheehan G, Kavanagh K. UtilisingGalleria mellonella larvae for studying in vivo activity of conventional and novel antimicrobial agents. Pathog Dis 2020; 78:5917982. [DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftaa059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACTThe immune response of insects displays many structural and functional similarities to the innate immune response of mammals. As a result of these conserved features, insects may be used for evaluating microbial virulence or for testing the in vivo efficacy and toxicity of antimicrobial compounds and results show strong similarities to those from mammals. Galleria mellonella larvae are widely used in this capacity and have the advantage of being easy to use, inexpensive to purchase and house, and being free from the ethical and legal restrictions that relate to the use of mammals in these tests. Galleria mellonella larvae may be used to assess the in vivo toxicity and efficacy of novel antimicrobial compounds. A wide range of antibacterial and antifungal therapies have been evaluated in G. mellonella larvae and results have informed subsequent experiments in mammals. While insect larvae are a convenient and reproducible model to use, care must be taken in their use to ensure accuracy of results. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive account of the use of G. mellonella larvae for assessing the in vivo toxicity and efficacy of a wide range of antibacterial and antifungal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Piatek
- SSPC Pharma Research Centre, Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Co. Kildare W23 F2H6, Ireland
| | - Gerard Sheehan
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Kevin Kavanagh
- SSPC Pharma Research Centre, Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Co. Kildare W23 F2H6, Ireland
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Bojanić K, Acke E, Roe WD, Marshall JC, Cornelius AJ, Biggs PJ, Midwinter AC. Comparison of the Pathogenic Potential of Campylobacter jejuni, C. upsaliensis and C. helveticus and Limitations of Using Larvae of Galleria mellonella as an Infection Model. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9090713. [PMID: 32872505 PMCID: PMC7560178 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9090713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Campylobacter enteritis in humans is primarily associated with C. jejuni/coli infection. Other species cause campylobacteriosis relatively infrequently; while this could be attributed to bias in diagnostic methods, the pathogenicity of non-jejuni/coli Campylobacter spp. such as C. upsaliensis and C. helveticus (isolated from dogs and cats) is uncertain. Galleria mellonella larvae are suitable models of the mammalian innate immune system and have been applied to C. jejuni studies. This study compared the pathogenicity of C. jejuni, C. upsaliensis, and C. helveticus isolates. Larvae inoculated with either C. upsaliensis or C. helveticus showed significantly higher survival than those inoculated with C. jejuni. All three Campylobacter species induced indistinguishable histopathological changes in the larvae. C. jejuni could be isolated from inoculated larvae up to eight days post-inoculation whereas C. upsaliensis and C. helveticus could only be isolated in the first two days. There was a significant variation in the hazard rate between batches of larvae, in Campylobacter strains, and in biological replicates as random effects, and in species and bacterial dose as fixed effects. The Galleria model is applicable to other Campylobacter spp. as well as C. jejuni, but may be subject to significant variation with all Campylobacter species. While C. upsaliensis and C. helveticus cannot be considered non-pathogenic, they are significantly less pathogenic than C. jejuni.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krunoslav Bojanić
- EpiLab, Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand; (J.C.M.); (P.J.B.); (A.C.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +38-514571391
| | - Els Acke
- Klinik für Kleintiere, Veterinärmedizinische Fakultät der Universität Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Wendi D. Roe
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand;
| | - Jonathan C. Marshall
- EpiLab, Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand; (J.C.M.); (P.J.B.); (A.C.M.)
| | - Angela J. Cornelius
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited, Christchurch 8540, New Zealand;
| | - Patrick J. Biggs
- EpiLab, Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand; (J.C.M.); (P.J.B.); (A.C.M.)
| | - Anne C. Midwinter
- EpiLab, Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand; (J.C.M.); (P.J.B.); (A.C.M.)
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Firacative C, Khan A, Duan S, Ferreira-Paim K, Leemon D, Meyer W. Rearing and Maintenance of Galleria mellonella and Its Application to Study Fungal Virulence. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6030130. [PMID: 32784766 PMCID: PMC7558789 DOI: 10.3390/jof6030130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Galleria mellonella larvae have been widely used as alternative non-mammalian models for the study of fungal virulence and pathogenesis. The larvae can be acquired in small volumes from worm farms, pet stores, or other independent suppliers commonly found in the United States and parts of Europe. However, in countries with no or limited commercial availability, the process of shipping these larvae can cause them stress, resulting in decreased or altered immunity. Furthermore, the conditions used to rear these larvae including diet, humidity, temperature, and maintenance procedures vary among the suppliers. Variation in these factors can affect the response of G. mellonella larvae to infection, thereby decreasing the reproducibility of fungal virulence experiments. There is a critical need for standardized procedures and incubation conditions for rearing G. mellonella to produce quality, unstressed larvae with the least genetic variability. In order to standardize these procedures, cost-effective protocols for the propagation and maintenance of G. mellonella larvae using an artificial diet, which has been successfully used in our own laboratory, requiring minimal equipment and expertise, are herein described. Examples for the application of this model in fungal pathogenicity and gene knockout studies as feasible alternatives for traditionally used animal models are also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Firacative
- Molecular Mycology Research Laboratory, Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Medical School, Westmead Clinical School, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital (Research and Education Network), Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead 2145, NSW, Australia; (C.F.); (A.K.); (S.D.); (K.F.-P.)
- Studies in Translational Microbiology and Emerging Diseases Research Group (MICROS), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota 111221, Colombia
| | - Aziza Khan
- Molecular Mycology Research Laboratory, Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Medical School, Westmead Clinical School, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital (Research and Education Network), Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead 2145, NSW, Australia; (C.F.); (A.K.); (S.D.); (K.F.-P.)
| | - Shuyao Duan
- Molecular Mycology Research Laboratory, Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Medical School, Westmead Clinical School, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital (Research and Education Network), Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead 2145, NSW, Australia; (C.F.); (A.K.); (S.D.); (K.F.-P.)
| | - Kennio Ferreira-Paim
- Molecular Mycology Research Laboratory, Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Medical School, Westmead Clinical School, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital (Research and Education Network), Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead 2145, NSW, Australia; (C.F.); (A.K.); (S.D.); (K.F.-P.)
- Infectious Disease Department, Triangulo Mineiro Federal University, Uberaba 38025-440, Brazil
| | - Diana Leemon
- Agri Science Queensland, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and Forestry, Brisbane 4102, QLD, Australia;
| | - Wieland Meyer
- Molecular Mycology Research Laboratory, Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Medical School, Westmead Clinical School, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital (Research and Education Network), Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead 2145, NSW, Australia; (C.F.); (A.K.); (S.D.); (K.F.-P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-2-86273430
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60
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Guérin F, Lallement C, Goudergues B, Isnard C, Sanguinetti M, Cacaci M, Torelli R, Cattoir V, Giard JC. Landscape of in vivo Fitness-Associated Genes of Enterobacter cloacae Complex. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1609. [PMID: 32754144 PMCID: PMC7365913 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Species of the Enterobacter cloacae complex (ECC) represent an increasing cause of hospital-acquired infections and commonly exhibit multiple antibiotic resistances. In order to identify genes that may play a role in its ability to colonize the host, we used the transposon-sequencing (Tn-seq) approach. To this end, a high-density random transposon insertion library was obtained from E. cloacae subsp. cloacae ATCC 13047, which was used to analyze the fitness of ca. 300,000 mutants in Galleria mellonella colonization model. Following massively parallel sequencing, we identified 624 genes that seemed essential for the optimal growth and/or the fitness within the host. Moreover, 63 genes where mutations resulted in positive selection were found, while 576 genes potentially involved in the in vivo fitness were observed. These findings pointed out the role of some transcriptional regulators, type VI secretion system, and surface-associated proteins in the in vivo fitness of E. cloacae ATCC 13047. We then selected eight genes based on their high positive or negative fold changes (FCs) and tested the corresponding deletion mutants for their virulence and ability to cope with stresses. Thereby, we showed that ECL_02247 (encoding the NAD-dependent epimerase/dehydratase) and ECL_04444 (coding for a surface antigen-like protein) may correspond to new virulence factors, and that the regulator ECL_00056 was involved in in vivo fitness. In addition, bacterial cells lacking the flagellum-specific ATP synthase FliI (ECL_03223) and the hypothetical protein ECL_01421 were affected for mobility and resistance to H2O2, respectively. All these results yield valuable information regarding genes important for infection process and stress response of E. cloacae ATCC 13047 and participate to a better understanding of the opportunistic traits in this bacterial pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Guérin
- Université de Caen Normandie, EA4655 U2RM (Équipe «Antibio-Résistance»), Caen, France.,CHU de Caen, Service de Microbiologie, Caen, France
| | - Claire Lallement
- Université de Caen Normandie, EA4655 U2RM (Équipe «Antibio-Résistance»), Caen, France
| | - Benoit Goudergues
- Université de Caen Normandie, EA4655 U2RM (Équipe «Antibio-Résistance»), Caen, France
| | - Christophe Isnard
- Université de Caen Normandie, EA4655 U2RM (Équipe «Antibio-Résistance»), Caen, France.,CHU de Caen, Service de Microbiologie, Caen, France
| | - Maurizio Sanguinetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio e Infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Margherita Cacaci
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio e Infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Torelli
- Institute of Microbiology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincent Cattoir
- Rennes University Hospital, Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rennes, France.,Inserm U1230, University of Rennes 1, Rennes, France
| | - Jean-Christophe Giard
- Université de Caen Normandie, EA4655 U2RM (Équipe «Antibio-Résistance»), Caen, France
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Rossoni RD, de Barros PP, Mendonça IDC, Medina RP, Silva DHS, Fuchs BB, Junqueira JC, Mylonakis E. The Postbiotic Activity of Lactobacillus paracasei 28.4 Against Candida auris. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:397. [PMID: 32850495 PMCID: PMC7417517 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris has emerged as a medically important pathogen with considerable resistance to antifungal agents. The ability to produce biofilms is an important pathogenicity feature of this species that aids escape of host immune responses and antimicrobial agents. The objective of this study was to verify antifungal action using in vitro and in vivo models of the Lactobacillus paracasei 28.4 probiotic cells and postbiotic activity of crude extract (LPCE) and fraction 1 (LPF1), derived from L. paracasei 28.4 supernatant. Both live cells and cells free supernatant of L. paracasei 28.4 inhibited C. auris suggesting probiotic and postbiotic effects. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for LPCE was 15 mg/mL and ranges from 3.75 to 7.5 mg/mL for LPF1. Killing kinetics determined that after 24 h treatment with LPCE or LPF1 there was a complete reduction of viable C. auris cells compared to fluconazole, which decreased the initial inoculum by 1-logCFU during the same time period. LPCE and LPF1 significantly reduced the biomass (p = 0.0001) and the metabolic activity (p = 0.0001) of C. auris biofilm. There was also a total reduction (~108 CFU/mL) in viability of persister C. auris cells after treatment with postbiotic elements (p < 0.0001). In an in vivo study, injection of LPCE and LPF1 into G. mellonella larvae infected with C. auris prolonged survival of these insects compared to a control group (p < 0.05) and elicited immune responses by increasing the number of circulating hemocytes and gene expression of antimicrobial peptide galiomicin. We concluded that the L. paracasei 28.4 cells and postbiotic elements (LPCE and LPF1) have antifungal activity against planktonic cells, biofilms, and persister cells of C. auris. Postbiotic supplementation derived from L. paracasei 28.4 protected G. mellonella infected with C. auris and enhanced its immune status indicating a dual function in modulating a host immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodnei Dennis Rossoni
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University/UNESP, São José dos Campos, Brazil.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Patrícia Pimentel de Barros
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University/UNESP, São José dos Campos, Brazil.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Iatã do Carmo Mendonça
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Center for Bioassays, Biosynthesis and Ecophysiology of Natural Products, Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo State University, UNESP, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Rebeca Previate Medina
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Center for Bioassays, Biosynthesis and Ecophysiology of Natural Products, Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo State University, UNESP, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Dulce Helena Siqueira Silva
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Center for Bioassays, Biosynthesis and Ecophysiology of Natural Products, Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo State University, UNESP, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Beth Burgwyn Fuchs
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Juliana Campos Junqueira
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University/UNESP, São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Eleftherios Mylonakis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
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Fuentes-Castillo D, Navas-Suárez PE, Gondim MF, Esposito F, Sacristán C, Fontana H, Fuga B, Piovani C, Kooij R, Lincopan N, Catão-Dias JL. Genomic characterization of multidrug-resistant ESBL-producing Escherichia coli ST58 causing fatal colibacillosis in critically endangered Brazilian merganser (Mergus octosetaceus). Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 68:258-266. [PMID: 32544292 PMCID: PMC8246901 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Even though antimicrobial‐resistant bacteria have begun to be detected in wildlife, raising important issues related to their transmission and persistence of clinically important pathogens in the environment, little is known about the role of these bacteria on wildlife health, especially on endangered species. The Brazilian merganser (Mergus octosetaceus) is one of the most threatened waterfowl in the world, classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. In 2019, a fatal case of sepsis was diagnosed in an 8‐day‐old Brazilian merganser inhabiting a zoological park. At necropsy, major gross lesions were pulmonary and hepatic congestion. Using microbiologic and genomic methods, we identified a multidrug‐resistant (MDR) extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase (ESBL) CTX‐M‐8‐producing Escherichia coli (designed as PMPU strain) belonging to the international clone ST58, in coelomic cavity, oesophagus, lungs, small intestine and cloaca samples. PMPU strain harboured a broad resistome against antibiotics (cephalosporins, tetracyclines, aminoglycosides, sulphonamides, trimethoprim and quinolones), domestic/hospital disinfectants and heavy metals (arsenic, mercury, lead, copper and silver). Additionally, the virulence of E. coli PMPU strain was confirmed using a wax moth (Galleria mellonella) infection model, and it was supported by the presence of virulence genes encoding toxins, adherence factors, invasins and iron acquisition systems. Broad resistome and virulome of PMPU contributed to therapeutic failure and death of the animal. In brief, we report for the first time a fatal colibacillosis by MDR ESBL‐producing E. coli in critically endangered Brazilian merganser, highlighting that besides colonization, critical priority pathogens are threatening wildlife. E. coli ST58 clone has been previously reported in humans, food‐producing animals, wildlife and environment, supporting broad adaptation and persistence at human–animal–environment interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danny Fuentes-Castillo
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,One Health Brazilian Resistance Project (OneBR), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pedro Enrique Navas-Suárez
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Fernanda Esposito
- One Health Brazilian Resistance Project (OneBR), São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Clinical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlos Sacristán
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Herrison Fontana
- One Health Brazilian Resistance Project (OneBR), São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Clinical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruna Fuga
- One Health Brazilian Resistance Project (OneBR), São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Clinical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Microbiology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Nilton Lincopan
- One Health Brazilian Resistance Project (OneBR), São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Clinical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Microbiology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José Luiz Catão-Dias
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Binder J, Shadkchan Y, Osherov N, Krappmann S. The Essential Thioredoxin Reductase of the Human Pathogenic Mold Aspergillus fumigatus Is a Promising Antifungal Target. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1383. [PMID: 32670238 PMCID: PMC7330004 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of cellular targets for antifungal compounds is a cornerstone for the development of novel antimycotics, for which a significant need exists due to increasing numbers of susceptible patients, emerging pathogens, and evolving resistance. For the human pathogenic mold Aspergillus fumigatus, the causative agent of the opportunistic disease aspergillosis, only a limited number of established targets and corresponding drugs are available. Among several targets that were postulated from a variety of experimental approaches, the conserved thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) activity encoded by the trxR gene was assessed in this study. Its essentiality could be confirmed following a conditional TetOFF promoter replacement strategy. Relevance of the trxR gene product for oxidative stress resistance was revealed and, most importantly, its requirement for full virulence of A. fumigatus in two different models of infection resembling invasive aspergillosis. Our findings complement the idea of targeting the reductase component of the fungal thioredoxin system for antifungal therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Binder
- Mikrobiologisches Institut - Klinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Yana Shadkchan
- Aspergillus and Antifungal Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - Nir Osherov
- Aspergillus and Antifungal Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - Sven Krappmann
- Mikrobiologisches Institut - Klinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Medical Immunology Campus Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Erlangen Center of Infection Research, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Moman R, O'Neill CA, Ledder RG, Cheesapcharoen T, McBain AJ. Mitigation of the Toxic Effects of Periodontal Pathogens by Candidate Probiotics in Oral Keratinocytes, and in an Invertebrate Model. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:999. [PMID: 32612578 PMCID: PMC7308727 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The larvae of the wax moth Galleria mellonella and human oral keratinocytes were used to investigate the protective activity of the candidate oral probiotics Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LHR), Lactobacillus reuteri (LR), and Streptococcus salivarius K-12 (SS) against the periodontal pathogens Fusobacterium nucleatum (FN), Porphyromonas gingivalis (PG), and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (AA). Probiotics were delivered to the larvae (i) concomitantly with the pathogen in the same larval pro-leg; (ii) concomitantly with the pathogen in different pro-legs, and (iii) before inoculation with the pathogen in different pro-legs. Probiotics were delivered as viable cells, cell lysates or cell supernatants to the oral keratinocytes concomitantly with the pathogen. The periodontal pathogens killed at least 50% of larvae within 24 h although PG and FN were significantly more virulent than AA in the order FN > PG > AA and were also significantly lethal to mammalian cells. The candidate probiotics, however, were not lethal to the larvae or human oral keratinocytes at doses up to 107 cells/larvae. Wax worm survival rates increased up to 60% for some probiotic/pathogen combinations compared with control larvae inoculated with pathogens only. SS was the most effective probiotic against FN challenge and LHR the least, in simultaneous administration and pre-treatment, SS and LR were generally the most protective against all pathogens (up to 60% survival). For P. gingivalis, LR > LHR > SS, and for A. actinomycetemcomitans SS > LHR and LR. Administering the candidate probiotics to human oral keratinocytes significantly decreased the toxic effects of the periodontal pathogens. In summary, the periodontal pathogens were variably lethal to G. mellonella and human oral keratinocytes and the candidate probiotics had measurable protective effects, which were greatest when administrated simultaneously with the periodontal pathogens, suggesting protective effects based on bacterial interaction, and providing a basis for mechanistic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raja Moman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya
| | - Catherine A O'Neill
- Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth G Ledder
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Tanaporn Cheesapcharoen
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J McBain
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Barreto TL, Rossato L, de Freitas ALD, Meis JF, Lopes LB, Colombo AL, Ishida K. Miltefosine as an alternative strategy in the treatment of the emerging fungus Candida auris. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2020; 56:106049. [PMID: 32544569 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2020.106049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Candida auris (C. auris) is an emerging fungal species that is able to develop multidrug resistance and outbreaks of invasive infections worldwide with high mortality rates. To increase the treatment options for C. auris infection this study assessed the efficacy of miltefosine (MFS), that has demonstrated a broad-spectrum antifungal action in vitro. This study aimed to: (i) evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of MFS against C. auris clinical isolates in the planktonic and biofilm lifestyles; and (ii) compare the activity of MFS in its free form and encapsulated in alginate nanoparticles (MFS-AN) in Galleria mellonella larvae infected by C. auris. METHODS The antifungal susceptibility test was performed using broth microdilution method and the in vivo treatment in Galleria mellonella larval infection model. RESULTS MFS exhibited in vitro inhibitory effects at MICs ranging 1-4 µg/mL and fungicidal activity against planktonic cells of C. auris clinical isolates. MFS antibiofilm activity was observed during biofilm formation (0.25-4 µg/mL) and on pre-formed biofilms (16-32 µg/mL). Moreover, the dispersed cells from C. auris biofilms had a similar susceptibility to those obtained for planktonic cells. Treatment with free MFS or MFS-AN resulted in significant improvements in the survival and morbidity rates of Galleria mellonella larvae infected by C. auris. In addition, reduction of fungal burden (0.5-1 log CFU/g) and granuloma formation were observed when compared with the untreated group. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that both the free MFS and MFS-AN have potential for the treatment of fungal infections caused by the emerging C. auris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thayná Lopes Barreto
- Laboratory of Antifungal Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luana Rossato
- Special Laboratory of Mycology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aline Luiza Duarte de Freitas
- Laboratory of Antifungal Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jacques F Meis
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital (CWZ), Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Centre of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/CWZ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Luciana Biagini Lopes
- Laboratory of Nanomedicine and Drug Delivery Systems, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Kelly Ishida
- Laboratory of Antifungal Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Malavia D, Gow NAR, Usher J. Advances in Molecular Tools and In Vivo Models for the Study of Human Fungal Pathogenesis. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E803. [PMID: 32466582 PMCID: PMC7356103 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8060803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic fungi represent an increasing infectious disease threat to humans, especially with an increasing challenge of antifungal drug resistance. Over the decades, numerous tools have been developed to expedite the study of pathogenicity, initiation of disease, drug resistance and host-pathogen interactions. In this review, we highlight advances that have been made in the use of molecular tools using CRISPR technologies, RNA interference and transposon targeted mutagenesis. We also discuss the use of animal models in modelling disease of human fungal pathogens, focusing on zebrafish, the silkworm, Galleria mellonella and the murine model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jane Usher
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK; (D.M.); (N.A.R.G.)
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Sheehan G, Konings M, Lim W, Fahal A, Kavanagh K, van de Sande WWJ. Proteomic analysis of the processes leading to Madurella mycetomatis grain formation in Galleria mellonella larvae. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008190. [PMID: 32267851 PMCID: PMC7141616 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycetoma is a neglected chronic and granulomatous infection primarily associated with the fungal pathogen Madurella mycetomatis. Characteristic of this infection is the formation of grains. However, the processes leading to grain formation are not known. In this study, we employed a proteomic approach to characterise M. mycetomatis grain formation in Galleria mellonella larvae and map the processes leading to grain formation over time. For this, at 1 day, 3 days and 7 days post-inoculation, proteins from grains and hemolymph were extracted and analysed by label-free mass spectrometry. A total of 87, 51 and 48 M. mycetomatis proteins and 713, 997, 18 G. mellonella proteins were found in grains on day 1, 3 and 7 post-inoculation respectively. M. mycetomatis proteins were mainly involved in cellular metabolic processes and numerous enzymes were encountered. G. mellonella proteins were primarily involved in the nodulation process. The proteins identified were linked to nodulation and grain formation and four steps of grain formation were identified. The results of this proteomic approach could in the future be used to design novel strategies to interfere with mycetoma grain formation and to combat this difficult to treat infection. Although grain formation is the hallmark of mycetoma, so far the pathways leading to grain formation were not studied. Since our hypothesis is that both host and pathogen play a role in this process, we aimed to study this process in a model system. Grains can be formed in the invertebrate Galleria mellonella and different stages of grain formation can be noted within the larvae. We therefore infected G. mellonella with the mycetoma causative agent Madurella mycetomatis, and monitored grain formation over time. At day 1, day 3 and day 7 post-inoculation, grains and hemolymph were obtained from infected larvae. Proteins were isolated and identified by label-free mass spectrometry. By analyzing the proteins found in both host and pathogen on the different time points, we were able to develop a grain model over time. This grain model can in the future be used to identify novel treatments for this difficult to treat infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Sheehan
- Medical Mycology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Mickey Konings
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wilson Lim
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Kevin Kavanagh
- Medical Mycology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Wendy W. J. van de Sande
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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Stączek S, Zdybicka-Barabas A, Pleszczyńska M, Wiater A, Cytryńska M. Aspergillus niger α-1,3-glucan acts as a virulence factor by inhibiting the insect phenoloxidase system. J Invertebr Pathol 2020; 171:107341. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2020.107341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Mir AH, Qamar A, Qadir I, Naqvi AH, Begum R. Accumulation and trafficking of zinc oxide nanoparticles in an invertebrate model, Bombyx mori, with insights on their effects on immuno-competent cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:1617. [PMID: 32005898 PMCID: PMC6994675 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-58526-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are used in many applications; however, their interactions with cells, immune cells in particular, and potential health risk(s) are not fully known. In this manuscript, we have demonstrated the potential of ZnO NPs to cross the gut barrier in an invertebrate model, Bombyx mori, and that they can reach the hemolymph where they interact with and/or are taken up by immune-competent cells resulting in various toxic responses like decline in hemocyte viability, ROS generation, morphological alterations, apoptotic cell death, etc. Exposure to these NPs also resulted in alteration of hemocyte dynamics including an immediate increase in THC, possibly due to the release of these hemocytes either from enhanced rate of cell divisions or from attached hemocyte populations, and decline in percentage of prohemocytes and increase in percentage of two professional phagocytes, i.e., granulocytes and plasmatocytes, possibly due to the differentiation of prohemocytes into phagocytes in response to a perceived immune challenge posed by these NPs. Taken together, our data suggest that ZnO NPs have the potential to cross gut barrier and cause various toxic effects that could reverse and the insects could return to normal physiological states as there is restoration and repair of various systems and their affected pathways following the clearance of these NPs from the insect body. Our study also indicates that B. mori has the potential to serve as an effective alternate animal model for biosafety, environmental monitoring and screening of NPs, particularly to evaluate their interactions with invertebrate immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashiq Hussain Mir
- Section of Entomology, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, Uttar Pradesh, India. .,Department of Zoology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, 144411, Punjab, India.
| | - Ayesha Qamar
- Section of Entomology, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ishana Qadir
- Section of Entomology, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Alim H Naqvi
- Interdisciplinary Nanotechnology Centre, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rizwana Begum
- Section of Entomology, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Cutuli MA, Petronio Petronio G, Vergalito F, Magnifico I, Pietrangelo L, Venditti N, Di Marco R. Galleria mellonella as a consolidated in vivo model hosts: New developments in antibacterial strategies and novel drug testing. Virulence 2019; 10:527-541. [PMID: 31142220 PMCID: PMC6550544 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2019.1621649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A greater ethical conscience, new global rules and a modified perception of ethical consciousness entail a more rigorous control on utilizations of vertebrates for in vivo studies. To cope with this new scenario, numerous alternatives to rodents have been proposed. Among these, the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella had a preponderant role, especially in the microbiological field, as demonstrated by the growing number of recent scientific publications. The reasons for its success must be sought in its peculiar characteristics such as the innate immune response mechanisms and the ability to grow at a temperature of 37°C. This review aims to describe the most relevant features of G. mellonella in microbiology, highlighting the most recent and relevant research on antibacterial strategies, novel drug tests and toxicological studies. Although solutions for some limitations are required, G. mellonella has all the necessary host features to be a consolidated in vivo model host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Alfio Cutuli
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “Vincenzo Tiberio”, Università degli Studi del Molise Italy - III Ed Polifunzionale, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Giulio Petronio Petronio
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “Vincenzo Tiberio”, Università degli Studi del Molise Italy - III Ed Polifunzionale, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Franca Vergalito
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “Vincenzo Tiberio”, Università degli Studi del Molise Italy - III Ed Polifunzionale, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Irene Magnifico
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “Vincenzo Tiberio”, Università degli Studi del Molise Italy - III Ed Polifunzionale, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Laura Pietrangelo
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “Vincenzo Tiberio”, Università degli Studi del Molise Italy - III Ed Polifunzionale, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Noemi Venditti
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “Vincenzo Tiberio”, Università degli Studi del Molise Italy - III Ed Polifunzionale, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Roberto Di Marco
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “Vincenzo Tiberio”, Università degli Studi del Molise Italy - III Ed Polifunzionale, Campobasso, Italy
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71
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Ribeiro F, Rossoni R, Barros P, Santos J, Fugisaki L, Leão M, Junqueira J. Action mechanisms of probiotics on
Candida
spp. and candidiasis prevention: an update. J Appl Microbiol 2019; 129:175-185. [DOI: 10.1111/jam.14511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- F.C. Ribeiro
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis Institute of Science and Technology São Paulo State University/UNESP Sao Jose dos Campos Brazil
| | - R.D. Rossoni
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis Institute of Science and Technology São Paulo State University/UNESP Sao Jose dos Campos Brazil
| | - P.P. Barros
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis Institute of Science and Technology São Paulo State University/UNESP Sao Jose dos Campos Brazil
| | - J.D. Santos
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis Institute of Science and Technology São Paulo State University/UNESP Sao Jose dos Campos Brazil
| | - L.R.O. Fugisaki
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis Institute of Science and Technology São Paulo State University/UNESP Sao Jose dos Campos Brazil
| | - M.P.V. Leão
- Bioscience Basic Institute University of Taubaté Bom Conselho Taubaté SP Brazil
| | - J.C. Junqueira
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis Institute of Science and Technology São Paulo State University/UNESP Sao Jose dos Campos Brazil
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72
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Lebeurre J, Dahyot S, Diene S, Paulay A, Aubourg M, Argemi X, Giard JC, Tournier I, François P, Pestel-Caron M. Comparative Genome Analysis of Staphylococcus lugdunensis Shows Clonal Complex-Dependent Diversity of the Putative Virulence Factor, ess/Type VII Locus. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2479. [PMID: 31736914 PMCID: PMC6834553 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus lugdunensis is a commensal bacterium of human skin that has emerged as a virulent Coagulase-Negative Staphylococcus in both community-acquired and healthcare associated infections. Genotyping methods have shown a clonal population structure of this pathogen but failed to identify hypervirulent lineages. Here, complete genomes of three pathogenic and three carriage S. lugdunensis strains were obtained by Single-Molecule sequencing (PacBio) and compared to 15 complete genomes available in GenBank database. The aim was to identify (i) genetic determinants specific to pathogenic or carriage strains or specific to clonal complexes (CCs) defined by MultiLocus Sequence Typing, and (ii) antibiotic resistance genes and new putative virulence factors encoded or not by mobile genetic elements (MGE). Comparative genomic analysis did not show a strict correlation between gene content and the ability of the six strains to cause infections in humans and in a Galleria mellonella infection model. However, this study identified new MGEs (five prophages, two genomic islands and one plasmid) and genetic variations of some putative virulence-associated loci, especially in CC3 strains. For a clonal population, high variability and eight CC-dependent genetic organizations were observed for the ess locus, which encodes a putative type VII secretion system (T7SS) homologous to that of S. aureus. Further phenotypic and functional studies are needed to characterize this particular CC3 and to evaluate the role of T7SS in the virulence of S. lugdunensis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sandrine Dahyot
- UNIROUEN, GRAM EA2656, Rouen University Hospital, Normandie Université, Rouen, France
| | - Seydina Diene
- Genomic Research Laboratory, Service of Infectious Diseases, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Marion Aubourg
- EA4655 U2RM (Équipe Antibio-Résistance), Université de Caen Basse-Normandie, Caen, France
| | - Xavier Argemi
- CHRU de Strasbourg, VBP EA7290, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Institut de Bactériologie, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Jean-Christophe Giard
- EA4655 U2RM (Équipe Antibio-Résistance), Université de Caen Basse-Normandie, Caen, France
| | - Isabelle Tournier
- UNIROUEN, Inserm U1245, Normandy Centre for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Rouen University Hospital, Normandie Université, Rouen, France
| | - Patrice François
- Genomic Research Laboratory, Service of Infectious Diseases, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Martine Pestel-Caron
- UNIROUEN, GRAM EA2656, Rouen University Hospital, Normandie Université, Rouen, France
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73
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Malmquist JA, Rogan MR, McGillivray SM. Galleria mellonella as an Infection Model for Bacillus anthracis Sterne. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:360. [PMID: 31681636 PMCID: PMC6813211 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding bacterial virulence provides insight into the molecular basis behind infection and could identify new drug targets. However, assessing potential virulence determinants relies on testing in an animal model. The mouse is a well-validated model but it is constrained by the ethical and logistical challenges of using vertebrate animals. Recently the larva of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella has been explored as a possible infection model for a number of pathogens. In this study, we developed G. mellonella as an infection model for Bacillus anthracis Sterne. We first validated two different infection assays, a survival assay and a competition assay, using mutants containing disruptions in known B. anthracis virulence genes. We next tested the utility of G. mellonella to assess the virulence of transposon mutants with unknown mutations that had increased susceptibility to hydrogen peroxide in in vitro assays. One of these transposon mutants also displayed significantly decreased virulence in G. mellonella. Further investigation revealed that this mutant had a disruption in the petrobactin biosynthesis operon (asbABCDEF), which has been previously implicated in both virulence and defense against oxidative stress. We conclude that G. mellonella can detect attenuated virulence of B. anthracis Sterne in a manner consistent with that of mammalian infection models. Therefore, G. mellonella could serve as a useful alternative to vertebrate testing, especially for early assessments of potential virulence genes when use of a mammalian model may not be ethical or practical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob A Malmquist
- Department of Biology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Madison R Rogan
- Department of Biology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Shauna M McGillivray
- Department of Biology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, United States
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74
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Alseth EO, Pursey E, Luján AM, McLeod I, Rollie C, Westra ER. Bacterial biodiversity drives the evolution of CRISPR-based phage resistance. Nature 2019; 574:549-552. [PMID: 31645729 PMCID: PMC6837874 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-019-1662-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
About half of all bacteria carry genes for CRISPR-Cas adaptive immune systems1, which provide immunological memory by inserting short DNA sequences from phage and other parasitic DNA elements into CRISPR loci on the host genome2. Whereas CRISPR loci evolve rapidly in natural environments3,4, bacterial species typically evolve phage resistance by the mutation or loss of phage receptors under laboratory conditions5,6. Here we report how this discrepancy may in part be explained by differences in the biotic complexity of in vitro and natural environments7,8. Specifically, by using the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa and its phage DMS3vir, we show that coexistence with other human pathogens amplifies the fitness trade-offs associated with the mutation of phage receptors, and therefore tips the balance in favour of the evolution of CRISPR-based resistance. We also demonstrate that this has important knock-on effects for the virulence of P. aeruginosa, which became attenuated only if the bacteria evolved surface-based resistance. Our data reveal that the biotic complexity of microbial communities in natural environments is an important driver of the evolution of CRISPR-Cas adaptive immunity, with key implications for bacterial fitness and virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellinor O Alseth
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, Biosciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, UK.
| | - Elizabeth Pursey
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, Biosciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, UK
| | - Adela M Luján
- IRNASUS, CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Católica de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Isobel McLeod
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, Biosciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, UK
| | - Clare Rollie
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, Biosciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, UK
| | - Edze R Westra
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, Biosciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, UK.
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75
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Campos-Silva R, Brust FR, Trentin DS, Macedo AJ. Alternative method in Galleria mellonella larvae to study biofilm infection and treatment. Microb Pathog 2019; 137:103756. [PMID: 31546000 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2019.103756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
In vivo studies are crucial decision-maker step in order to translate in vitro data to an applied therapy. Considering this we describe a simple method that analyzes and quantifies biofilm formation inside the Galleria mellonella larvae. Toothbrush bristles were employed as an abiotic surface to mimic a medical device. A standardized inoculum of Staphylococcus aureus was systemically injected in the larvae together with the insertion of a bristle in the last proleg pair. After incubation adhered cells were detached from bristles and quantified by colony-forming units (CFU) counting using staphylococci-selective medium. About 3 × 106 CFU of S. aureus were recovered from bristles and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images confirmed biofilm formation. Control group did not show adherent bacteria, as demonstrated by absence of CFU counting and SEM images, indicating that the insertion procedure is free of bacterial contamination. We present a feasible method to evaluate bacterial biofilm formation in vivo that in the near future can be used to evaluate antibiofilm compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Campos-Silva
- Laboratório de Biofilmes e Diversidade Microbiana, Faculdade de Farmácia and Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Flávia Roberta Brust
- Laboratório de Biofilmes e Diversidade Microbiana, Faculdade de Farmácia and Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Danielle Silva Trentin
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociências, Departamento de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Alexandre José Macedo
- Laboratório de Biofilmes e Diversidade Microbiana, Faculdade de Farmácia and Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.
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76
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Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC)-Phenomena in Candida albicans and Their Impact on the Diagnosis of Antifungal Resistance. J Fungi (Basel) 2019; 5:jof5030083. [PMID: 31487830 PMCID: PMC6787722 DOI: 10.3390/jof5030083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) of clinical isolates is a tool in routine diagnostics to facilitate decision making on optimal antifungal therapy. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC)-phenomena (trailing and paradoxical effects (PXE)) observed in AFST complicate the unambiguous and reproducible determination of MICs and the impact of these phenomena on in vivo outcome are not fully understood. We aimed to link the MIC-phenomena with in vivo treatment response using the alternative infection model Galleria mellonella. We found that Candida albicans strains exhibiting PXE for caspofungin (CAS) had variable treatment outcomes in the Galleria model. In contrast, C. albicans strains showing trailing for voriconazole failed to respond in vivo. Caspofungin- and voriconazole-susceptible C. albicans strains responded to the respective antifungal therapy in vivo. In conclusion, MIC data and subsequent susceptibility interpretation of strains exhibiting PXE and/or trailing should be carried out with caution, as both effects are linked to drug adaptation and treatment response is uncertain to predict.
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77
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Phenotypic switching in Candida tropicalis alters host-pathogen interactions in a Galleria mellonella infection model. Sci Rep 2019; 9:12555. [PMID: 31467372 PMCID: PMC6715636 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49080-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida tropicalis is a human pathogen associated with high mortality rates. We have reported a switching system in C. tropicalis consisting of five morphotypes – the parental, switch variant (crepe and rough), and revertant (crepe and rough) strains, which exhibited altered virulence in a Galleria mellonella model. Here, we evaluate whether switching events may alter host-pathogen interactions by comparing the attributes of the innate responses to the various states. All switched strains induced higher melanization in G. mellonella larvae than that induced by the parental strain. The galiomicin expression was higher in the larvae infected with the crepe and rough morphotypes than that in the larvae infected with the parental strain. Hemocytes preferentially phagocytosed crepe variant cells over parental cells in vitro. In contrast, the rough variant cells were less phagocytosed than the parental strain. The hemocyte density was decreased in the larvae infected with the crepe variant compared to that in the larvae infected with the parental strain. Interestingly, larvae infected with the revertant of crepe restored the hemocyte density levels that to those observed for larvae infected with the parental strain. Most of the switched strains were more resistant to hemocyte candidacidal activity than the parental strain. These results indicate that the switch states exhibit similarities as well as important differences during infection in a G. mellonella model.
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78
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Rossato JM, Moresco TR, Uczay J, da Rocha JBT. Staphylococcus aureus-induced sepsis in the lobster cockroach Nauphoeta cinerea. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 66:101343. [PMID: 31446196 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2019.101343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Invertebrates have been instrumental in understanding the mechanisms involved in infectious diseases, considering the idea to replace, reduce and refine the use of mammals as well as to understand the basic principles of immune response in insect. We evaluated the consequences of Staphylococcus aureus-induced sepsis in the last instar nymphs of Nauphoeta cinerea injected with different concentrations of bacteria preserved in two culture media. Infected groups had a decrease in hemolymph metabolites (glucose, amino acids, total proteins, and cholesterol), in contrast to the proteins in the fat body. Higher concentrations of S. aureus caused permanent morphological alterations in adults, decrease in food consumption, increase in isolation, and increase in CFU until death of the cockroaches. Survival and protection of nymphs against a repeated and stronger challenge with the same bacteria varied according to the medium they were conserved. N. cinerea proves to be a suitable and promising model for studies related to bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Marzari Rossato
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular e Programa de Pós-graduação Bioquímica Toxicológica, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Brazil.
| | - Terimar Ruoso Moresco
- Departamento de Ciências da Saúde, Laboratório de Microbiologia CEMICRO, UFSM, Brazil.
| | - Juliano Uczay
- Departamento de Ciências da Saúde, Laboratório de Microbiologia CEMICRO, UFSM, Brazil.
| | - João Batista Teixeira da Rocha
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular e Programa de Pós-graduação Bioquímica Toxicológica, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Brazil.
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79
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Efficacy of oritavancin alone and in combination against vancomycin-susceptible and -resistant enterococci in an in-vivo Galleria mellonella survival model. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2019; 54:197-201. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2019.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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80
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New Perspectives on Galleria mellonella Larvae as a Host Model Using Riemerella anatipestifer as a Proof of Concept. Infect Immun 2019; 87:IAI.00072-19. [PMID: 31160365 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00072-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Galleria mellonella larvae have been used as a host model to study interactions between pathogens and hosts for several years. However, whether the model is useful to interrogate Riemerella anatipestifer infection biology remained unknown. This study aimed to exploit the potential of G. mellonella larvae and reveal their limitations as a host model for R. anatipestifer infection. G. mellonella larvae were shown to be effective for virulence evaluations of different R. anatipestifer strains. Furthermore, the virulent strain R. anatipestifer CH-1 had a stronger ability to proliferate than the attenuated strain R. anatipestifer ATCC 11845 in both G. mellonella larvae and ducklings. Unconventionally it was shown that G. mellonella larvae cannot be used to evaluate the efficacy of antimicrobials and their combinations. Additionally, it was shown that certain virulence factors, such as OmpA (B739_0861), B739_1208, B739_1343, and Wza (B739_1124), were specific only for ducklings, suggesting that G. mellonella larvae must be cautiously used to identify virulence factors of R. anatipestifer Evaluation of heme uptake-related virulence genes, such as tonB1 and tonB2, required preincubating the strains with hemoglobin before infection of G. mellonella larvae since R. anatipestifer cannot obtain a heme source from G. mellonella larvae. In conclusion, this study revealed the applicability and limitations of G. mellonella as a model with which to study the pathogen-host interaction, particularly in the context of R. anatipestifer infection.
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81
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Fuentes-Castillo D, Farfán-López M, Esposito F, Moura Q, Fernandes MR, Lopes R, Cardoso B, Muñoz ME, Cerdeira L, Najle I, Muñoz PM, Catão-Dias JL, González-Acuña D, Lincopan N. Wild owls colonized by international clones of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (CTX-M)-producing Escherichia coli and Salmonella Infantis in the Southern Cone of America. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 674:554-562. [PMID: 31022545 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.04.149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs)-producing Enterobacteriaceae have been classified as critical priority pathogens by the World Health Organization (WHO). We have conducted a microbiological and genomic surveillance study, in order to investigate the occurrence and features of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in wild birds admitted to a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre in Chile. This study reports for the first time the occurrence of highly virulent ESBL-producing Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica serovar Infantis in wild owls inhabiting the Southern Cone of America. Genomic analysis revealed a wide resistome (for antibiotics, heavy metals and disinfectants) among international lineages of E. coli belonging to ST345 and ST2705, and S. Infantis ST32, producing CTX-M-8 or CTX-M-65 ESBLs. On the other hand, wide virulome was associated with a highly virulent behaviour in the Galleria mellonella infection model. Worryingly, all these lineages have been previously reported in humans, supporting that wide resistome and virulome could be contributing to rapid adaptation and dissemination of these clones at the human-animal-environment interface. In summary, wild owls can constitute environmental reservoirs of international clones of ESBL (CTX-M)-producing E. coli and S. Infantis carrying a wide resistome and virulome, in the Southern Cone of America, with potential risks to human, animal and environmental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danny Fuentes-Castillo
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mariella Farfán-López
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Esposito
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Quézia Moura
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Miriam R Fernandes
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ralf Lopes
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Brenda Cardoso
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria E Muñoz
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Louise Cerdeira
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ignacia Najle
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Patricio M Muñoz
- Department of Mineralogy and Geotectonics, Institute of Geosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José L Catão-Dias
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniel González-Acuña
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Nilton Lincopan
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Clinical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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82
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Safety assessment of Gram-negative bacteria associated with traditional French cheeses. Food Microbiol 2019; 79:1-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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83
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Castillo Pedraza MC, Rosalen PL, de Castilho ARF, Freires IDA, de Sales Leite L, Faustoferri RC, Quivey RG, Klein MI. Inactivation of Streptococcus mutans genes lytST and dltAD impairs its pathogenicity in vivo. J Oral Microbiol 2019; 11:1607505. [PMID: 31143407 PMCID: PMC6522913 DOI: 10.1080/20002297.2019.1607505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Streptococcus mutans orchestrates the development of a biofilm that causes dental caries in the presence of dietary sucrose, and, in the bloodstream, S. mutans can cause systemic infections. The development of a cariogenic biofilm is dependent on the formation of an extracellular matrix rich in exopolysaccharides, which contains extracellular DNA (eDNA) and lipoteichoic acids (LTAs). While the exopolysaccharides are virulence markers, the involvement of genes linked to eDNA and LTAs metabolism in the pathogenicity of S. mutans remains unclear. Objective and Design: In this study, a parental strain S. mutans UA159 and derivative strains carrying single gene deletions were used to investigate the role of eDNA (ΔlytS and ΔlytT), LTA (ΔdltA and ΔdltD), and insoluble exopolysaccharides (ΔgtfB) in virulence in a rodent model of dental caries (rats) and a systemic infection model (Galleria mellonella larvae). Results: Fewer carious lesions were observed on smooth and sulcal surfaces of enamel and dentin of the rats infected with ∆lytS, ∆dltD, and ΔgtfB (vs. the parental strain). Moreover, strains carrying gene deletions prevented the killing of larvae (vs. the parental strain). Conclusions: Altogether, these findings indicate that inactivation of lytST and dltAD impaired S. mutans cariogenicity and virulence in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Midian C Castillo Pedraza
- Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, Sao Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Dentistry, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Pedro L Rosalen
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Aline Rogéria Freire de Castilho
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Piracicaba, Brazil.,Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Irlan de Almeida Freires
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Luana de Sales Leite
- Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, Sao Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Dentistry, Araraquara, Brazil
| | | | - Robert G Quivey
- Center for Oral Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Marlise I Klein
- Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, Sao Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Dentistry, Araraquara, Brazil
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Fiorotti J, Menna-Barreto RFS, Gôlo PS, Coutinho-Rodrigues CJB, Bitencourt ROB, Spadacci-Morena DD, Angelo IDC, Bittencourt VREP. Ultrastructural and Cytotoxic Effects of Metarhizium robertsii Infection on Rhipicephalus microplus Hemocytes. Front Physiol 2019; 10:654. [PMID: 31191351 PMCID: PMC6548823 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Metarhizium is an entomopathogenic fungus widely employed in the biological control of arthropods. Hemocytes present in the hemolymph of invertebrates are the cells involved in the immune response of arthropods. Despite this, knowledge about Rhipicephalus microplus hemocytes morphological aspects as well as their role in response to the fungal infection is scarce. The present study aimed to analyze the hemocytes of R. microplus females after Metarhizium robertsii infection, using light and electron microscopy approaches associated with the cytotoxicity evaluation. Five types of hemocytes (prohemocytes, spherulocytes, plasmatocytes, granulocytes, and oenocytoids) were described in the hemolymph of uninfected ticks, while only prohemocytes, granulocytes, and plasmatocytes were observed in fungus-infected tick females. Twenty-four hours after the fungal infection, only granulocytes and plasmatocytes were detected in the transmission electron microscopy analysis. Hemocytes from fungus-infected tick females showed several cytoplasmic vacuoles with different electron densities, and lipid droplets in close contact to low electron density vacuoles, as well as the formation of autophagosomes and subcellular material in different stages of degradation could also be observed. M. robertsii propagules were more toxic to tick hemocytes in the highest concentration tested (1.0 × 108 conidia mL-1). Interestingly, the lowest fungus concentration did not affect significantly the cell viability. Microanalysis showed that cells granules from fungus-infected and uninfected ticks had similar composition. This study addressed the first report of fungal cytotoxicity analyzing ultrastructural effects on hemocytes of R. microplus infected with entomopathogenic fungi. These results open new perspectives for the comprehension of ticks physiology and pathology, allowing the identification of new targets for the biological control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica Fiorotti
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Brazil
| | | | - Patrícia Silva Gôlo
- Departamento de Parasitologia Animal, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Brazil
| | | | - Ricardo Oliveira Barbosa Bitencourt
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Brazil
| | | | - Isabele da Costa Angelo
- Departamento de Epidemiologia e Saúde Pública, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Brazil
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85
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Bismuth H, Aussel L, Ezraty B. [The greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella to study host-pathogen interactions]. Med Sci (Paris) 2019; 35:346-351. [PMID: 31038112 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2019071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The massive use of antibiotics in health and agriculture has led to the emergence of pathogenic microorganisms resistant to frequently used treatments. In 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) published its first ever list of antibiotic-resistant "priority pathogens", a catalogue of twelve families of bacteria that pose the greatest threat to human health. In this context, a new model for the study of host-pathogen interactions is becoming increasingly popular : the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella. This butterfly larvae, sometimes considered as a new "laboratory rat", has many practical advantages and is an important host in the study of some steps in the pathogenicity of infectious agents and the identification of new treatments. This review presents this alternative model and describes its possible applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Bismuth
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, Laboratoire de Chimie Bactérienne, UMR 7283, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, 31, chemin Joseph Aiguier, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Laurent Aussel
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, Laboratoire de Chimie Bactérienne, UMR 7283, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, 31, chemin Joseph Aiguier, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Benjamin Ezraty
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, Laboratoire de Chimie Bactérienne, UMR 7283, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, 31, chemin Joseph Aiguier, 13009 Marseille, France
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86
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Two Novel Bacteriophages Improve Survival in Galleria mellonella Infection and Mouse Acute Pneumonia Models Infected with Extensively Drug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Appl Environ Microbiol 2019; 85:AEM.02900-18. [PMID: 30824445 PMCID: PMC6495756 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02900-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, two novel P. aeruginosa phages, Bϕ-R656 and Bϕ-R1836, were evaluated in vitro, in silico, and in vivo for therapeutic efficacy and safety as an alternative antibacterial agent to control XDR-PA strains collected from pneumonia patients. Both phages exhibited potent bacteriolytic activity and greatly improved survival in G. mellonella larva infection and a mouse acute pneumonia model. Based on these results, we strongly predict that these two new phages could be used as fast-acting and safe alternative biological weapons against XDR-PA infections. Extensively drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (XDR-PA) is a life-threatening pathogen that causes serious global problems. Here, we investigated two novel P. aeruginosa bacteriophages (phages), Bϕ-R656 and Bϕ-R1836, in vitro, in silico, and in vivo to evaluate the potential of phage therapy to control XDR-PA clinical strains. Bϕ-R656 and Bϕ-R1836 belong to the Siphoviridae family and exhibited broad host ranges which could lyse 18 (64%) and 14 (50%) of the 28 XDR-PA strains. In addition, the two phages showed strong bacteriolytic activity against XDR-PA host strains from pneumonia patients. The whole genomes of Bϕ-R656 and Bϕ-R1836 have linear double-stranded DNA of 60,919 and 37,714 bp, respectively. The complete sequence of Bϕ-R656 had very low similarity to the previously discovered P. aeruginosa phages in GenBank, but phage Bϕ-R1836 exhibited 98% and 91% nucleotide similarity to Pseudomonas phages YMC12/01/R24 and PA1/KOR/2010, respectively. In the two in vivo infection models, treatment with Bϕ-R656 and Bϕ-R1836 enhanced the survival of Galleria mellonella larvae (50% and 60%, respectively) at 72 h postinfection and pneumonia-model mice (66% and 83%, respectively) at 12 days postinfection compared with untreated controls. Treatment with Bϕ-R656 or Bϕ-R1836 also significantly decreased the bacterial load in the lungs of the mouse pneumonia model (>6 log10 CFU and >4 log10 CFU, respectively) on day 5. IMPORTANCE In this study, two novel P. aeruginosa phages, Bϕ-R656 and Bϕ-R1836, were evaluated in vitro, in silico, and in vivo for therapeutic efficacy and safety as an alternative antibacterial agent to control XDR-PA strains collected from pneumonia patients. Both phages exhibited potent bacteriolytic activity and greatly improved survival in G. mellonella larva infection and a mouse acute pneumonia model. Based on these results, we strongly predict that these two new phages could be used as fast-acting and safe alternative biological weapons against XDR-PA infections.
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87
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Sheehan G, Garvey A, Croke M, Kavanagh K. Innate humoral immune defences in mammals and insects: The same, with differences ? Virulence 2019; 9:1625-1639. [PMID: 30257608 PMCID: PMC7000196 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2018.1526531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The insect immune response demonstrates many similarities to the innate immune response of mammals and a wide range of insects is now employed to assess the virulence of pathogens and produce results comparable to those obtained using mammals. Many of the humoral responses in insects and mammals are similar (e.g. insect transglutaminases and human clotting factor XIIIa) however a number show distinct differences. For example in mammals, melanization plays a role in protection from solar radiation and in skin and hair pigmentation. In contrast, insect melanization acts as a defence mechanism in which the proPO system is activated upon pathogen invasion. Human and insect antimicrobial peptides share distinct structural and functional similarities, insects produce the majority of their AMPs from the fat body while mammals rely on production locally at the site of infection by epithelial/mucosal cells. Understanding the structure and function of the insect immune system and the similarities with the innate immune response of mammals will increase the attractiveness of using insects as in vivo models for studying host – pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Sheehan
- a Department of Biology , Maynooth University , Maynooth , Ireland
| | - Amy Garvey
- a Department of Biology , Maynooth University , Maynooth , Ireland
| | - Michael Croke
- a Department of Biology , Maynooth University , Maynooth , Ireland
| | - Kevin Kavanagh
- a Department of Biology , Maynooth University , Maynooth , Ireland
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88
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Animal Models to Study Mucormycosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2019; 5:jof5020027. [PMID: 30934788 PMCID: PMC6617025 DOI: 10.3390/jof5020027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mucormycosis is a rare but often fatal or debilitating infection caused by a diverse group of fungi. Animal models have been crucial in advancing our knowledge of mechanisms influencing the pathogenesis of mucormycoses, and to evaluate therapeutic strategies. This review describes the animal models established for mucormycosis, summarizes how they have been applied to study mucormycoses, and discusses the advantages and limitations of the different model systems.
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89
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Singkum P, Suwanmanee S, Pumeesat P, Luplertlop N. A powerful in vivo alternative model in scientific research: Galleria mellonella. Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung 2019; 66:31-55. [PMID: 30816806 DOI: 10.1556/030.66.2019.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Murine models are suggested as the gold standard for scientific research, but they have many limitations of ethical and logistical concern. Then, the alternative host models have been developed to use in many aspects especially in invertebrate animals. These models are selected for many areas of research including genetics, physiology, biochemistry, evolution, disease, neurobiology, and behavior. During the past decade, Galleria mellonella has been used for several medical and scientific researches focusing on human pathogens. This model commonly used their larvae stage due to their easy to use, non-essential special tools or special technique, inexpensive, short life span, and no specific ethical requirement. Moreover, their innate immune response close similarly to mammals, which correlate with murine immunity. In this review, not only the current knowledge of characteristics and immune response of G. mellonella, and the practical use of these larvae in medical mycology research have been presented, but also the better understanding of their limitations has been provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pantira Singkum
- 1 Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyMahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - San Suwanmanee
- 1 Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyMahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Potjaman Pumeesat
- 1 Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyMahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- 2 Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Medical TechnologyBansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Natthanej Luplertlop
- 1 Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyMahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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90
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Cools F, Torfs E, Aizawa J, Vanhoutte B, Maes L, Caljon G, Delputte P, Cappoen D, Cos P. Optimization and Characterization of a Galleria mellonella Larval Infection Model for Virulence Studies and the Evaluation of Therapeutics Against Streptococcus pneumoniae. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:311. [PMID: 30846978 PMCID: PMC6394149 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pneumoniae is the leading cause of bacterial pneumonia. Infection is linked to high morbidity and mortality rates and antibiotic resistance within this pathogen is on the rise. Therefore, there is a need for novel antimicrobial therapies. To lower the time and costs of the drug discovery process, alternative in vivo models should be considered. As such, Galleria mellonella larvae can be of great value. The larval immunity consisting of several types of haemocytes is remarkably similar to the human innate immune system. Furthermore, these larvae don’t require specific housing, are cheap and are easy to handle. In this study, the use of a G. mellonella infection model to study early pneumococcal infections and treatment is proposed. Firstly, the fitness of this model to study pneumococcal virulence factors is confirmed using streptococcal strains TIGR4, ATCC®49619, D39 and its capsule-deficient counterpart R6 at different inoculum sizes. The streptococcal polysaccharide capsule is considered the most important virulence factor without which streptococci are unable to sustain an in vivo infection. Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed indeed a higher larval survival after infection with streptococcal strain R6 compared to strain D39. Then, the infection was characterized by determining the number of haemocytes, production of oxygen free radicals and bacterial burden at several time points during the course of infection. Lastly, treatment of infected larvae with the standard antibiotics amoxicillin and moxifloxacin was evaluated. Treatment has proven to have a positive outcome on the course of infection, depending on the administered dosage. These data imply that G. mellonella larvae can be used to evaluate antimicrobial therapies against S. pneumoniae, apart from using the larval model to study streptococcal properties. The in-depth knowledge acquired regarding this model, makes it more suitable for use in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freya Cools
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Eveline Torfs
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Juliana Aizawa
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Bieke Vanhoutte
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Davie Cappoen
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Paul Cos
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
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91
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Wuensch A, Trusch F, Iberahim NA, van West P. Galleria melonella as an experimental in vivo host model for the fish-pathogenic oomycete Saprolegnia parasitica. Fungal Biol 2019; 122:182-189. [PMID: 29458721 PMCID: PMC5840505 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2017.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Oomycetes are eukaryotic pathogens infecting animals and plants. Amongst them Saprolegnia parasitica is a fish pathogenic oomycete causing devastating losses in the aquaculture industry. To secure fish supply, new drugs are in high demand and since fish experiments are time consuming, expensive and involve animal welfare issues the search for adequate model systems is essential. Galleria mellonella serves as a heterologous host model for bacterial and fungal infections. This study extends the use of G. mellonella for studying infections with oomycetes. Saprolegniales are highly pathogenic to the insects while in contrast, the plant pathogen Phytophthora infestans showed no pathogenicity. Melanisation of hyphae below the cuticle allowed direct macroscopic monitoring of disease progression. However, the melanin response is not systemic as for other pathogens but instead is very local. The mortality of the larvae is dose-dependent and can be induced by cysts or regenerating protoplasts as an alternative source of inoculation. Galleria mellonella serves as a heterologous host model system for Saprolegniales. The melanisation of the larvae is local around the growing hyphae. Regenerating protoplasts can be used as an alternative inoculum to cysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Wuensch
- Aberdeen Oomycete Laboratory, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK; International Centre for Aquaculture Research and Development (ICARD), University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK.
| | - Franziska Trusch
- Aberdeen Oomycete Laboratory, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK; International Centre for Aquaculture Research and Development (ICARD), University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK.
| | - Nurul A Iberahim
- Aberdeen Oomycete Laboratory, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK; International Centre for Aquaculture Research and Development (ICARD), University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK.
| | - Pieter van West
- Aberdeen Oomycete Laboratory, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK; International Centre for Aquaculture Research and Development (ICARD), University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK.
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92
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RgsD negatively controls development, toxigenesis, stress response, and virulence in Aspergillus fumigatus. Sci Rep 2019; 9:811. [PMID: 30692551 PMCID: PMC6349852 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-37124-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) domain proteins generally attenuate heterotrimeric G protein signaling, thereby fine-tune the duration and strength of signal transduction. In this study, we characterize the functions of RgsD, one of the six RGS domain proteins present in the human pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. The deletion (Δ) of rgsD results in enhanced asexual sporulation coupled with increased mRNA levels of key developmental activators. Moreover, ΔrgsD leads to increased spore tolerance to UV and oxidative stress, which might be associated with the enhanced expression of melanin biosynthetic genes and increased amount of melanin. Yeast two-hybrid assays reveal that RgsD can interact with the three Gα proteins GpaB, GanA, and GpaA, showing the highest interaction potential with GpaB. Importantly, the ΔrgsD mutant shows elevated expression of genes in the cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) pathway and PKA catalytic activity. The ΔrgsD mutant also display increased gliotoxin production and elevated virulence toward Galleria mellonella wax moth larvae. Transcriptomic analyses using RNA-seq reveal the expression changes associated with the diverse phenotypic outcomes caused by ΔrgsD. Collectively, we conclude that RgsD attenuates cAMP-PKA signaling pathway and negatively regulates asexual development, toxigenesis, melanin production, and virulence in A. fumigatus.
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93
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Mc Namara L, Dolan SK, Walsh JMD, Stephens JC, Glare TR, Kavanagh K, Griffin CT. Oosporein, an abundant metabolite in Beauveria caledonica, with a feedback induction mechanism and a role in insect virulence. Fungal Biol 2019; 123:601-610. [PMID: 31345414 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2019.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Oosporein was first identified from the insect pathogen Beauveria bassiana >50 y ago. Here, we investigate the insecticidal, anti-feedant and immunomodulation effects of oosporein produced by Beauveria caledonica on the forestry pest Hylobius abietis and model insect Galleria mellonella. We report a novel feedback induction mechanism regulating oosporein production in B. caledonica; exogenous oosporein induces the expression of the oosporein cluster, leading to increased abundance of oosporein biosynthetic enzymes, as shown by label-free quantitative proteomics. Oosporein did not have an anti-feedant effect on H. abietis adults - on the contrary, insects exposed to oosporein-treated food fed more than those exposed to untreated food only. Injected oosporein did not kill insect larvae but increased susceptibility of H. abietis to a subsequent infection. Oosporein did not act as a contact toxin on H. abietis adults and G. mellonella larvae at the concentrations tested. Therefore, it appears that oosporein promotes infection rather than directly killing insects; this could be mediated both by a reduction in haemocyte numbers and by alterations to the humoral immune system. This work makes a case for future research into the potential use of B. caledonica as a biocontrol agent through combinations with oosporein or with enhanced production of oosporein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Mc Namara
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland; Teagasc, Oak Park, Crop Research Centre, Co. Carlow, Ireland.
| | - Stephen K Dolan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QW, UK
| | - John M D Walsh
- Department of Chemistry, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - John C Stephens
- Department of Chemistry, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Travis R Glare
- Bio-Protection Research Centre, Lincoln, University Lincoln, New Zealand
| | - Kevin Kavanagh
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
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94
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Abstract
Candida albicans is the most common human fungal pathogen with an estimated crude mortality rate of 40%. The ability of the organism to switch from the yeast to hyphal form and produce biofilms are important virulence factors. C. albicans infections are combatted by the host immune system. However, Candida triggers a strong inflammatory response that, if not appropriately regulated, can damage host tissues. Therefore, it is important that the host immune response eliminates the fungus but limits tissue damage. This study provides evidence that targeting cholinergic receptors cannot only curb the virulence of C. albicans by inhibiting filamentous growth and biofilm formation but can also appropriately regulate the host immune response to induce rapid clearance with limited damage to vital tissues. This article provides evidence that repurposing licensed drugs that target cholinergic receptors may offer novel therapeutic solutions for the prevention or treatment of fungal infections. Acetylcholine modulates the virulence of Candida albicans and regulates an appropriate immune response to infection in a Galleria mellonella infection model. Indeed, the evidence suggests that C. albicans possesses a functional cholinergic receptor that can regulate filamentous growth and biofilm formation. Furthermore, G. mellonella immune cell subsets possess repertories of cholinergic receptors which regulate an effective and appropriate cellular immune response to C. albicans infection. This study aimed to investigate the cholinergic receptor subtype involved in regulation of filamentous growth and biofilm formation by C. albicans and determine the roles of cholinergic receptors in modulation of G. mellonella immune cell subsets. The general muscarinic receptor agonist, pilocarpine hydrochloride, inhibited C. albicans biofilm formation and pathogenicity, a phenomenon that could be reversed using the general muscarinic receptor antagonist, scopolamine. Pilocarpine hydrochloride protected G. mellonella larvae from C. albicans infection via inhibition of C. albicans filamentation and appropriate regulation of cellular immunity. However, scopolamine abrogated the capacity of pilocarpine hydrochloride to protect G. mellonella larvae from C. albicans infection. Furthermore, acetylcholine and pilocarpine hydrochloride exhibited differential modulatory capabilities on Galleria mellonella hemocyte responses to C. albicans. The data in this article demonstrate that a muscarinic receptor modulates C. albicans filamentation and biofilm formation. Furthermore, the results suggest that G. mellonella hemocyte subsets possess unique repertoires of cholinergic receptors that regulate their differentiation, activation, and function in contrasting manners. Therefore, targeting cholinergic receptors by repurposing currently licensed cholinergic drugs may offer novel therapeutic solutions for the prevention or treatment of fungal infections. IMPORTANCECandida albicans is the most common human fungal pathogen with an estimated crude mortality rate of 40%. The ability of the organism to switch from the yeast to hyphal form and produce biofilms are important virulence factors. C. albicans infections are combatted by the host immune system. However, Candida triggers a strong inflammatory response that, if not appropriately regulated, can damage host tissues. Therefore, it is important that the host immune response eliminates the fungus but limits tissue damage. This study provides evidence that targeting cholinergic receptors cannot only curb the virulence of C. albicans by inhibiting filamentous growth and biofilm formation but can also appropriately regulate the host immune response to induce rapid clearance with limited damage to vital tissues. This article provides evidence that repurposing licensed drugs that target cholinergic receptors may offer novel therapeutic solutions for the prevention or treatment of fungal infections.
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95
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Sheehan G, Kavanagh K. Proteomic Analysis of the Responses of Candida albicans during Infection of Galleria mellonella Larvae. J Fungi (Basel) 2019; 5:jof5010007. [PMID: 30641883 PMCID: PMC6463115 DOI: 10.3390/jof5010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This study assessed the development of disseminated candidiasis within Galleria mellonella larvae and characterized the proteomic responses of Candida albicans to larval hemolymph. Infection of larvae with an inoculum of 1 × 10⁶ yeast cells reduced larval viability 24 (53.33 ± 3.33%), 48 (33.33 ± 3.33%) and 72 (6.66 ± 3.33%) h post infection. C. albicans infection quickly disseminated from the site of inoculation and the presence of yeast and hyphal forms were found in nodules extracted from infected larvae at 6 and 24 h. A range of proteins secreted during infection of G. mellonella by C. albicans were detected in larval hemolymph and these were enriched for biological processes such as interaction with host and pathogenesis. The candicidal activity of hemolymph after immediate incubation of yeast cells resulted in a decrease in yeast cell viability (0.23 ± 0.03 × 10⁶ yeast cells/mL), p < 0.05) as compared to control (0.99 ± 0.01 × 10⁶ yeast cells/mL). C. albicans responded to incubation in hemolymph ex vivo by the induction of an oxidative stress response, a decrease in proteins associated with protein synthesis and an increase in glycolytic proteins. The results presented here indicate that C. albicans can overcome the fungicidal activity of hemolymph by altering protein synthesis and cellular respiration, and commence invasion and dissemination throughout the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Sheehan
- Medical Mycology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, W23F2H6 Co. Kildare, Ireland.
| | - Kevin Kavanagh
- Medical Mycology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, W23F2H6 Co. Kildare, Ireland.
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96
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Ude Z, Kavanagh K, Twamley B, Pour M, Gathergood N, Kellett A, Marmion CJ. A new class of prophylactic metallo-antibiotic possessing potent anti-cancer and anti-microbial properties. Dalton Trans 2019; 48:8578-8593. [DOI: 10.1039/c9dt00250b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
A family of metallo-antibiotics of general formula [Cu(N,N)(CipA)Cl] where N,N is a phenanthrene ligand and CipA is a derivative of the clinically used fluoroquinolone antibiotic ciprofloxacin – targeting immunocompromised cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziga Ude
- Centre for Synthesis and Chemical Biology
- Department of Chemistry
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
- Dublin 2
- Ireland
| | | | - Brendan Twamley
- School of Chemistry
- Trinity College Dublin
- University of Dublin College Green
- Dublin 2
- Ireland
| | - Milan Pour
- Department of Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Charles University
- 500 05 Hradec Kralove
- Czech Republic
| | - Nicholas Gathergood
- ERA Chair of Green Chemistry
- Division of Chemistry
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology
- School of Science
- Tallinn University of Technology
| | - Andrew Kellett
- School of Chemical Sciences and the National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology
- Dublin City University
- Dublin 9
- Ireland
| | - Celine J. Marmion
- Centre for Synthesis and Chemical Biology
- Department of Chemistry
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
- Dublin 2
- Ireland
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97
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Kamal F, Peters DL, McCutcheon JG, Dunphy GB, Dennis JJ. Use of Greater Wax Moth Larvae (Galleria mellonella) as an Alternative Animal Infection Model for Analysis of Bacterial Pathogenesis. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1898:163-171. [PMID: 30570731 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8940-9_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Alternative infection models of bacterial pathogenesis are useful because they reproduce some of the disease characteristics observed in higher animals. Insect models are especially useful for modeling bacterial infections, as they are inexpensive, generally less labor-intensive, and more ethically acceptable than experimentation on higher organisms. Similar to animals, insects have been shown to possess innate immune systems that respond to pathogenic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Kamal
- Faculty of Science, Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Danielle L Peters
- Faculty of Science, Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jaclyn G McCutcheon
- Faculty of Science, Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Gary B Dunphy
- Natural Resource Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jonathan J Dennis
- Faculty of Science, Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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98
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Immune Response of Galleria mellonella against Human Fungal Pathogens. J Fungi (Basel) 2018; 5:jof5010003. [PMID: 30587801 PMCID: PMC6463112 DOI: 10.3390/jof5010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In many aspects, the immune response against pathogens in insects is similar to the innate immunity in mammals. This has caused a strong interest in the scientific community for the use of this model in research of host⁻pathogen interactions. In recent years, the use of Galleria mellonella larvae, an insect belonging to the Lepidoptera order, has emerged as an excellent model to study the virulence of human pathogens. It is a model that offers many advantages; for example, it is easy to handle and establish in every laboratory, the larvae have a low cost, and they tolerate a wide range of temperatures, including human temperature 37 °C. The immune response of G. mellonella is innate and is divided into a cellular component (hemocytes) and humoral component (antimicrobial peptides, lytic enzymes, and peptides and melanin) that work together against different intruders. It has been shown that the immune response of this insect has a great specificity and has the ability to distinguish between different classes of microorganisms. In this review, we delve into the different components of the innate immune response of Galleria mellonella, and how these components manifest in the infection of fungal pathogens including Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Histoplasma capsulatum.
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99
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Pereira TC, de Barros PP, Fugisaki LRDO, Rossoni RD, Ribeiro FDC, de Menezes RT, Junqueira JC, Scorzoni L. Recent Advances in the Use of Galleria mellonella Model to Study Immune Responses against Human Pathogens. J Fungi (Basel) 2018; 4:jof4040128. [PMID: 30486393 PMCID: PMC6308929 DOI: 10.3390/jof4040128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of invertebrates for in vivo studies in microbiology is well established in the scientific community. Larvae of Galleria mellonella are a widely used model for studying pathogenesis, the efficacy of new antimicrobial compounds, and immune responses. The immune system of G. mellonella larvae is structurally and functionally similar to the innate immune response of mammals, which makes this model suitable for such studies. In this review, cellular responses (hemocytes activity: phagocytosis, nodulation, and encapsulation) and humoral responses (reactions or soluble molecules released in the hemolymph as antimicrobial peptides, melanization, clotting, free radical production, and primary immunization) are discussed, highlighting the use of G. mellonella as a model of immune response to different human pathogenic microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais Cristine Pereira
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, São Paulo 12245-000, Brazil.
| | - Patrícia Pimentel de Barros
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, São Paulo 12245-000, Brazil.
| | - Luciana Ruano de Oliveira Fugisaki
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, São Paulo 12245-000, Brazil.
| | - Rodnei Dennis Rossoni
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, São Paulo 12245-000, Brazil.
| | - Felipe de Camargo Ribeiro
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, São Paulo 12245-000, Brazil.
| | - Raquel Teles de Menezes
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, São Paulo 12245-000, Brazil.
| | - Juliana Campos Junqueira
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, São Paulo 12245-000, Brazil.
| | - Liliana Scorzoni
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, São Paulo 12245-000, Brazil.
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100
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Springer K, Sänger PA, Moritz C, Felsl A, Rattei T, Fuchs TM. Insecticidal Toxicity of Yersinia frederiksenii Involves the Novel Enterotoxin YacT. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018; 8:392. [PMID: 30488025 PMCID: PMC6246891 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The genus Yersinia comprises 19 species of which three are known as human and animal pathogens. Some species display toxicity toward invertebrates using the so-called toxin complex (TC) and/or determinants that are not yet known. Recent studies showed a remarkable variability of insecticidal activities when representatives of different Yersinia species (spp.) were subcutaneously injected into the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella. Here, we demonstrate that Y. intermedia and Y. frederiksenii are highly toxic to this insect. A member of Y. Enterocolitica phylogroup 1B killed G. mellonella larvae with injection doses of approximately 38 cells only, thus resembling the insecticidal activity of Photorhabdus luminescens. The pathogenicity Yersinia spp. displays toward the larvae was higher at 15°C than at 30°C and independent of the TC. However, upon subtraction of all genes of the low-pathogenic Y. enterocolitica strain W22703 from the genomes of Y. intermedia and Y. frederiksenii, we identified a set of genes that may be responsible for the toxicity of these two species. Indeed, a mutant of Y. frederiksenii lacking yacT, a gene that encodes a protein similar to the heat-stable cytotonic enterotoxin (Ast) of Aeromonas hydrophila, exhibited a reduced pathogenicity toward G. mellonella larvae and altered the morphology of hemocytes. The data suggests that the repertoire of virulence determinants present in environmental Yersinia species remains to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Springer
- Lehrstuhl für Mikrobielle Ökologie, Fakultät für Grundlagen der Biowissenschaften, Wissenschaftszentrum Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany
| | | | - Christian Moritz
- Lehrstuhl für Mikrobielle Ökologie, Fakultät für Grundlagen der Biowissenschaften, Wissenschaftszentrum Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany
| | - Angela Felsl
- Lehrstuhl für Mikrobielle Ökologie, Fakultät für Grundlagen der Biowissenschaften, Wissenschaftszentrum Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany
| | - Thomas Rattei
- Department of Computational Systems Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thilo M Fuchs
- Lehrstuhl für Mikrobielle Ökologie, Fakultät für Grundlagen der Biowissenschaften, Wissenschaftszentrum Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany.,Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institut für Molekulare Pathogenese, Jena, Germany
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