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Seo HS, Mu R, Kim BJ, Doran KS, Sullam PM. Binding of glycoprotein Srr1 of Streptococcus agalactiae to fibrinogen promotes attachment to brain endothelium and the development of meningitis. PLoS Pathog 2012; 8:e1002947. [PMID: 23055927 PMCID: PMC3464228 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1002947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2012] [Accepted: 08/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The serine-rich repeat glycoprotein Srr1 of Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) is thought to be an important adhesin for the pathogenesis of meningitis. Although expression of Srr1 is associated with increased binding to human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hBMEC), the molecular basis for this interaction is not well defined. We now demonstrate that Srr1 contributes to GBS attachment to hBMEC via the direct interaction of its binding region (BR) with human fibrinogen. When assessed by Far Western blotting, Srr1 was the only protein in GBS extracts that bound fibrinogen. Studies using recombinant Srr1-BR and purified fibrinogen in vitro confirmed a direct protein-protein interaction. Srr1-BR binding was localized to amino acids 283–410 of the fibrinogen Aα chain. Structural predictions indicated that the conformation of Srr1-BR is likely to resemble that of SdrG and other related staphylococcal proteins that bind to fibrinogen through a “dock, lock, and latch” mechanism (DLL). Deletion of the predicted latch domain of Srr1-BR abolished the interaction of the BR with fibrinogen. In addition, a mutant GBS strain lacking the latch domain exhibited reduced binding to hBMEC, and was significantly attenuated in an in vivo model of meningitis. These results indicate that Srr1 can bind fibrinogen directly likely through a DLL mechanism, which has not been described for other streptococcal adhesins. This interaction was important for the pathogenesis of GBS central nervous system invasion and subsequent disease progression. Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B streptococcus, GBS) is a leading cause of meningitis in newborns and infants. This life-threatening infection of the brain and surrounding tissues continues to result in a high incidence of morbidity and mortality, despite antibiotic therapy. A key factor in disease production is the ability of this organism to invade the central nervous system, via the bloodstream. We now report that a GBS surface protein called Srr1 binds fibrinogen, a major protein in human blood. This interaction enhances the attachment of GBS to brain vascular endothelial cells, and contributes to the development of meningitis. A mutation in Srr1 that specifically disrupted binding to fibrinogen significantly reduced GBS attachment to brain endothelium, and markedly reduced virulence in an in vivo model of GBS disease. These studies have identified a new mechanism by which Srr1 contributes to GBS invasion of the central nervous system and may provide a basis for novel therapies targeting Srr1 binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Seong Seo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Rong Mu
- Department of Biology and Center for Microbial Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Brandon J. Kim
- Department of Biology and Center for Microbial Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Kelly S. Doran
- Department of Biology and Center for Microbial Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California at San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Paul M. Sullam
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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102
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Kim JC, Crary B, Chang YC, Kwon-Chung KJ, Kim KJ. Cryptococcus neoformans activates RhoGTPase proteins followed by protein kinase C, focal adhesion kinase, and ezrin to promote traversal across the blood-brain barrier. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:36147-57. [PMID: 22898813 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.389676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that causes meningoencephalitis. Previous studies have demonstrated that Cryptococcus binding and invasion of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC) is a prerequisite for transmigration across the blood-brain barrier. However, the molecular mechanism involved in the cryptococcal blood-brain barrier traversal is poorly understood. In this study we examined the signaling events in HBMEC during interaction with C. neoformans. Analysis with inhibitors revealed that cryptococcal association, invasion, and transmigration require host actin cytoskeleton rearrangement. Rho pulldown assays revealed that Cryptococcus induces activation of three members of RhoGTPases, e.g. RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42, and their activations are required for cryptococcal transmigration across the HBMEC monolayer. Western blot analysis showed that Cryptococcus also induces phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), ezrin, and protein kinase C α (PKCα), all of which are involved in the rearrangement of host actin cytoskeleton. Down-regulation of FAK, ezrin, or PKCα by shRNA knockdown, dominant-negative transfection, or inhibitors significantly reduces cryptococcal ability to traverse the HBMEC monolayer, indicating their positive role in cryptococcal transmigration. In addition, activation of RhoGTPases is the upstream event for phosphorylation of FAK, ezrin, and PKCα during C. neoformans-HBMEC interaction. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that C. neoformans activates RhoGTPases and subsequently FAK, ezrin, and PKCα to promote their traversal across the HBMEC monolayer, which is the critical step for cryptococcal brain infection and development of meningitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong-Chul Kim
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Immunology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160, USA
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103
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Alkuwaity K, Taylor A, Heckels JE, Doran KS, Christodoulides M. Group B Streptococcus interactions with human meningeal cells and astrocytes in vitro. PLoS One 2012; 7:e42660. [PMID: 22900037 PMCID: PMC3416839 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2012] [Accepted: 07/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus, GBS) is a leading cause of life-threatening neonatal meningitis and survivors often suffer permanent neurological damage. How this organism interacts with the meninges and subsequently with astrocytes that constitute the underlying cortical glia limitans superficialis is not known. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In this paper, we demonstrate dose-dependent adherence of GBS over time to human meningioma cells and fetal astrocytes in vitro, which was not influenced by expression of either β-haemolysin/cytolysin (β-h/c) toxin, different capsule serotypes or by absence of capsule (p>0.05). Internalization of GBS by both cell types was, however, a slow and an infrequent event (only 0.02-0.4% of associated bacteria were internalised by 9 h). Expression of β-h/c toxin did not play a role in invasion (p>0.05), whereas capsule expression lead to a reduction (p<0.05) in the numbers of intracellular bacteria recovered. GBS strains induced cytotoxicity as demonstrated by the measurement of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzyme release by 9 h and by viable staining. Increasing levels of meningioma cell death correlated with bacterial growth and the phenotype of β-h/c toxin production, i.e. from weakly, to normo- to hyper-haemolytic. However, cytotoxicity was significantly greater (p<0.05) towards astrocytes, and infection with initial MOI≥0.003 induced 70-100% LDH release. By comparing wild-type (β-h/c(+)) and mutant (ΔcylE β-h/c(-)) strains and β-h/c toxin extracts and by using the surfactant dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine in cytotoxicity inhibition experiments, β-h/c toxin was demonstrated as principally responsible for cell death. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE This study has described key events in the interactions of GBS with meningeal cells and astrocytes in vitro and a major virulence role for β-h/c toxin. Understanding the mechanisms involved will help to identify potential therapies for improving patient survival and for reducing the incidence and severity of neurological sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalil Alkuwaity
- Neisseria Research Group, Molecular Microbiology, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Sir Henry Wellcome Laboratories, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander Taylor
- Neisseria Research Group, Molecular Microbiology, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Sir Henry Wellcome Laboratories, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - John E. Heckels
- Neisseria Research Group, Molecular Microbiology, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Sir Henry Wellcome Laboratories, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Kelly S. Doran
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Myron Christodoulides
- Neisseria Research Group, Molecular Microbiology, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Sir Henry Wellcome Laboratories, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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104
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Han H, Liu C, Wang Q, Xuan C, Zheng B, Tang J, Yan J, Zhang J, Li M, Cheng H, Lu G, Gao GF. The two-component system Ihk/Irr contributes to the virulence of Streptococcus suis serotype 2 strain 05ZYH33 through alteration of the bacterial cell metabolism. Microbiology (Reading) 2012; 158:1852-1866. [DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.057448-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Huiming Han
- Graduate University, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China
| | - Cuihua Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China
| | - Quanhui Wang
- Beijing Proteomics Institute, Beijing 101318, PR China
- Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, PR China
| | - Chunling Xuan
- Graduate University, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China
| | - Beiwen Zheng
- Graduate University, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China
| | - Jiaqi Tang
- Department of Epidemiology, Research Institute for Medicine of Nanjing Command, Nanjing 210002, PR China
| | - Jinghua Yan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China
| | - Jingren Zhang
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Microbiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 630030, PR China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China
| | - Hao Cheng
- Graduate University, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China
| | - Guangwen Lu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China
| | - George F. Gao
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China
- Graduate University, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China
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105
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van Sorge NM, Doran KS. Defense at the border: the blood-brain barrier versus bacterial foreigners. Future Microbiol 2012; 7:383-94. [PMID: 22393891 DOI: 10.2217/fmb.12.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial meningitis is among the top ten causes of infectious disease-related deaths worldwide, with up to half of the survivors left with permanent neurological sequelae. The blood-brain barrier (BBB), composed mainly of specialized brain microvascular endothelial cells, maintains biochemical homeostasis in the CNS by regulating the passage of nutrients, molecules and cells from the blood to the brain. Despite its highly restrictive nature, certain bacterial pathogens are able to gain entry into the CNS resulting in serious disease. In recent years, important advances have been made in understanding the molecular and cellular events that are involved in the development of bacterial meningitis. In this review, we summarize the progress made in elucidating the molecular mechanisms of bacterial BBB-crossing, highlighting common themes of host-pathogen interaction, and the potential role of the BBB in innate defense during infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina M van Sorge
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Medical Microbiology, Heidelberglaan 100, G04.614, 3584 GX Utrecht, The Netherlands
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106
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Abstract
The pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans exhibits a striking propensity to cause central nervous system (CNS) disease in people with HIV/AIDS. Given that cryptococcal infections are generally initiated by pulmonary colonization, dissemination requires that the fungus withstand phagocytic killing, cross the alveolar-capillary interface in the lung, survive in the circulatory system and breach the blood-brain barrier. We know little about the molecular mechanisms underlying dissemination, but there is a rapidly growing list of mutants that fail to cause CNS disease. These mutants reveal a remarkable diversity of functions and therefore illustrate the complexity of the cryptococcal-host interaction. The challenge now is to extend the analysis of these mutants to acquire a detailed understanding of each step in dissemination.
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107
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Siddiqui R, Edwards-Smallbone J, Flynn R, Khan NA. Next generation of non-mammalian blood-brain barrier models to study parasitic infections of the central nervous system. Virulence 2012; 3:159-63. [PMID: 21921682 PMCID: PMC3396694 DOI: 10.4161/viru.17631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Transmigration of neuropathogens across the blood-brain barrier is a key step in the development of central nervous system infections, making it a prime target for drug development. The ability of neuropathogens to traverse the blood-brain barrier continues to inspire researchers to understand the specific strategies and molecular mechanisms that allow them to enter the brain. The availability of models of the blood-brain barrier that closely mimic the situation in vivo offers unprecedented opportunities for the development of novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
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108
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Coureuil M, Join-Lambert O, Lécuyer H, Bourdoulous S, Marullo S, Nassif X. Mechanism of meningeal invasion by Neisseria meningitidis. Virulence 2012; 3:164-72. [PMID: 22366962 PMCID: PMC3396695 DOI: 10.4161/viru.18639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier physiologically protects the meningeal spaces from blood-borne bacterial pathogens, due to the existence of specialized junctional interendothelial complexes. Few bacterial pathogens are able to reach the subarachnoidal space and among those, Neisseria meningitidis is the one that achieves this task the most constantly when present in the bloodstream. Meningeal invasion is a consequence of a tight interaction of meningococci with brain endothelial cells. This interaction, mediated by the type IV pili, is responsible for the formation of microcolonies on the apical surface of the cells. This interaction is followed by the activation of signaling pathways in the host cells leading to the formation of endothelial docking structures resembling those elicited by the interaction of leukocytes with endothelial cells during extravasation. The consequence of these bacterial-induced signaling events is the recruitment of intercellular junction components in the docking structure and the subsequent opening of the intercellular junctions.
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109
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Tazi A, Bellais S, Tardieux I, Dramsi S, Trieu-Cuot P, Poyart C. Group B Streptococcus surface proteins as major determinants for meningeal tropism. Curr Opin Microbiol 2011; 15:44-9. [PMID: 22206860 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2011.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2011] [Revised: 11/30/2011] [Accepted: 12/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Streptococcus agalactiae (group B Streptococcus, GBS), a normal constituent of the intestinal microbiota is the major cause of human neonatal infections and a worldwide spread 'hypervirulent' clone, GBS ST-17, is strongly associated with neonatal meningitis. Adhesion to epithelial and endothelial cells constitutes a key step of the infectious process. Therefore GBS surface-anchored proteins are obvious potential adhesion mediators of barrier crossing and determinant of hypervirulence. This review addresses the most recent molecular insights gained from studies on GBS surface proteins proven to be involved in the crossing of the brain-blood barrier and emphasizes on the specificity of a hypervirulent clone that displays meningeal tropism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa Tazi
- Institut Cochin, Université Paris Descartes Sorbonne Paris Cité, CNRS (UMR 8104), Paris, France
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110
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HIV-1 gp41 ectodomain enhances Cryptococcus neoformans binding to human brain microvascular endothelial cells via gp41 core-induced membrane activities. Biochem J 2011; 438:457-66. [PMID: 21668410 DOI: 10.1042/bj20110218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans causes life-threatening meningoencephalitis, particularly prevalent in AIDS patients. The interrelationship between C. neoformans and HIV-1 is intriguing, as both pathogens elicit severe neuropathological complications. We have previously demonstrated that the HIV-1 gp41 ectodomain fragments gp41-I33 (amino acids 579-611) and gp41-I90 (amino acids 550-639) can enhance C. neoformans binding to HBMECs (human brain microvascular endothelial cells). Both peptides contain the loop region of gp41. In the present study, we used immunofluorescence microscopy and transmission and scanning electron microscopy to explore the underlying mechanisms. Our findings indicated that both C. neoformans and gp41-I90 up-regulated ICAM-1 (intercellular adhesion molecule 1) on the HBMECs and elicited membrane ruffling on the surface of HBMECs. The HIV-1 gp41 ectodomain could also induce CD44 and β-actin redistribution to the membrane lipid rafts, but it could not enhance PKCα (protein kinase Cα) phosphorylation like C. neoformans. Instead, gp41-I90 was able to induce syncytium formation on HBMECs. The results of the present study suggest HIV-1 gp41-enhanced C. neoformans binding to HBMECs via gp41 core domain-induced membrane activities, revealing a potential mechanism of invasion for this pathogenic fungus into the brain tissues of HIV-1-infected patients.
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111
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Serine-rich repeat proteins and pili promote Streptococcus agalactiae colonization of the vaginal tract. J Bacteriol 2011; 193:6834-42. [PMID: 21984789 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00094-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococcus [GBS]) is a Gram-positive bacterium found in the female rectovaginal tract and is capable of producing severe disease in susceptible hosts, including newborns and pregnant women. The vaginal tract is considered a major reservoir for GBS, and maternal vaginal colonization poses a significant risk to the newborn; however, little is known about the specific bacterial factors that promote GBS colonization and persistence in the female reproductive tract. We have developed in vitro models of GBS interaction with the human female cervicovaginal tract using human vaginal and cervical epithelial cell lines. Analysis of isogenic mutant GBS strains deficient in cell surface organelles such as pili and serine-rich repeat (Srr) proteins shows that these factors contribute to host cell attachment. As Srr proteins are heavily glycosylated, we confirmed that carbohydrate moieties contribute to the effective interaction of Srr-1 with vaginal epithelial cells. Antibody inhibition assays identified keratin 4 as a possible host receptor for Srr-1. Our findings were further substantiated in an in vivo mouse model of GBS vaginal colonization, where mice inoculated with an Srr-1-deficient mutant exhibited decreased GBS vaginal persistence compared to those inoculated with the wild-type (WT) parental strain. Furthermore, competition experiments in mice showed that WT GBS exhibited a significant survival advantage over the ΔpilA or Δsrr-1 mutant in the vaginal tract. Our results suggest that these GBS surface proteins contribute to vaginal colonization and may offer new insights into the mechanisms of vaginal niche establishment.
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112
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Bencurova E, Mlynarcik P, Bhide M. An insight into the ligand-receptor interactions involved in the translocation of pathogens across blood-brain barrier. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 63:297-318. [PMID: 22092557 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-695x.2011.00867.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2011] [Revised: 08/09/2011] [Accepted: 09/02/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Traversal of pathogen across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is an essential step for central nervous system (CNS) invasion. Pathogen traversal can occur paracellularly, transcellularly, and/or in infected phagocytes (Trojan horse mechanism). To trigger the translocation processes, mainly through paracellular and transcellular ways, interactions between protein molecules of pathogen and BBB are inevitable. Simply, it takes two to tango: both host receptors and pathogen ligands. Underlying molecular basis of BBB translocation of various pathogens has been revealed in the last decade, and a plethora of experimental data on protein-protein interactions has been created. This review compiles these data and should give insights into the ligand-receptor interactions that occur during BBB translocation. Further, it sheds light on cell signaling events triggered in response to ligand-receptor interaction. Understanding of the molecular principles of pathogen-host interactions that are involved in traversal of the BBB should contribute to develop new vaccine and drug strategies to prevent CNS infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Bencurova
- Laboratory of Biomedical Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Kosice, Slovakia
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113
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Host cytosolic phospholipase A₂α contributes to group B Streptococcus penetration of the blood-brain barrier. Infect Immun 2011; 79:4088-93. [PMID: 21825068 DOI: 10.1128/iai.05506-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is the most common bacterium causing neonatal meningitis, and neonatal GBS meningitis continues to be an important cause of mortality and morbidity. Here we provide the first direct evidence that host cytosolic phospholipase A₂α (cPLA₂α) contributes to type III GBS invasion of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC), which constitute the blood-brain barrier and penetration into the brain, the key step required for the development of GBS meningitis. This was shown by our demonstration that pharmacological inhibition and gene deletion of cPLA₂α significantly decreased GBS invasion of the HBMEC monolayer and penetration into the brain. cPLA₂α releases arachidonic acid from membrane phospholipids, and we showed that the contribution of cPLA₂α to GBS invasion of HBMEC involved lipoxygenated metabolites of arachidonic acid, cysteinyl leukotrienes (LTs). In addition, type III GBS invasion of the HBMEC monolayer involves protein kinase Cα (PKCα), as shown by time-dependent PKCα activation in response to GBS as well as decreased GBS invasion in HBMEC expressing dominant-negative PKCα. PKCα activation in response to GBS, however, was abolished by inhibition of cPLA₂α and cysteinyl LTs, suggesting that cPLA₂α and cysteinyl LTs contribute to type III GBS invasion of the HBMEC monolayer via PKCα. These findings demonstrate that specific host factors involving cPLA₂α and cysteinyl LTs contribute to type III GBS penetration of the blood-brain barrier and their contribution involves PKCα.
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114
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Boone TJ, Burnham CAD, Tyrrell GJ. Binding of group B streptococcal phosphoglycerate kinase to plasminogen and actin. Microb Pathog 2011; 51:255-61. [PMID: 21729749 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2011.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2010] [Revised: 06/02/2011] [Accepted: 06/17/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The glycolytic enzyme, phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) of group B streptococci (GBS), has previously been identified as expressed on the GBS cell surface. The data presented describes the ability of group B streptococcal phosphoglycerate kinase (GBS-PGK) to bind to plasminogen and to bind actin. GBS-PGK binding to plasminogen was inhibited by the lysine analogue, 6-aminocaproic acid, suggesting plasminogen binding is achieved through GBS-PGK lysine residues. In addition to GBS-PGK surface expression, GBS-PGK was also found to be released from the bacterial cell suggesting GBS-PGK may affect its environment independent of GBS. To determine the effect of GBS-PGK on the actin cytoskeleton within a host cell, GBS-PGK attached to green fluorescent protein was transfected into and expressed in HeLa cells. Transfected GBS-PGK disrupted the actin cytoskeleton resulting in a compact or ovoid shaped HeLa cell rather than a typical epithelioid appearance. In conclusion, we have shown GBS-PGK binds to plasminogen and actin. We have also shown that GBS-PGK can be released from the bacterial cell and that transfected GBS-PGK can alter the epithelial cell cytoskeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler J Boone
- The Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, The University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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115
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Contribution of lethal toxin and edema toxin to the pathogenesis of anthrax meningitis. Infect Immun 2011; 79:2510-8. [PMID: 21518787 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00006-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis is a Gram-positive spore-forming bacterium that causes anthrax disease in humans and animals. Systemic infection is characterized by septicemia, toxemia, and meningitis, the main neurological complication associated with high mortality. We have shown previously that B. anthracis Sterne is capable of blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration, establishing the classic signs of meningitis, and that infection is dependent on the expression of both major anthrax toxins, lethal toxin (LT) and edema toxin (ET). Here we further investigate the contribution of the individual toxins to BBB disruption using isogenic toxin mutants deficient in lethal factor, ΔLF, and edema factor, ΔEF. Acute infection with B. anthracis Sterne and the ΔLF mutant resulted in disruption of human brain microvascular endothelial cell (hBMEC) monolayer integrity and tight junction protein zona occludens-1, while the result for cells infected with the ΔEF mutant was similar to that for the noninfected control. A significant decrease in bacterial invasion of BBB endothelium in vitro was observed during infection with the ΔLF strain, suggesting a prominent role for LT in promoting BBB interaction. Further, treatment of hBMECs with purified LT or chemicals that mimic LT action on host signaling pathways rescued the hypoinvasive phenotype of the ΔLF mutant and resulted in increased bacterial uptake. We also observed that toxin expression reduced bacterial intracellular survival by inducing the bulk degradative autophagy pathway in host cells. Finally, in a murine model of anthrax meningitis, mice infected with the ΔLF mutant exhibited no mortality, brain bacterial load, or evidence of meningitis compared to mice infected with the parental or ΔEF strains.
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116
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Kavitha D, Niranjali S. Inhibition of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli adhesion on host epithelial cells by Holarrhena antidysenterica (L.) WALL. Phytother Res 2011; 23:1229-36. [PMID: 19441013 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.2520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial adhesion is the first step in the sequence of events leading to infection. Previous data are available on the effect of Holarrhena antidysenterica on antidiarrhoeal and antibacterial action, but there is little information on the mechanism of action of the various aspects of EPEC-induced diarrhoea, namely adherence and translocation of the effector molecule to intestinal epithelial cells. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of alkaloids of Holarrhena antidysenterica (AHA) on interference in the mechanism of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) adhesion on host epithelial cells (INT 407 and HEp2). To determine the impact of AHA on epithelial cells, cytotoxicity (LDH), adherence, apoptotic and ultrastructural studies were performed. To analyse the effect of AHA on EPEC secreted proteins, especially EspD, INT 407 monolayers were infected with EPEC and AHA-treated EPEC, followed by immunoblotting, probed with anti EspD antisera. The maximum percentage of LDH leakage was reduced in AHA-treated EPEC (400 microg/mL) in both cell lines. Reduced bacterial adherence was observed under light microscopy and altered apoptotic changes were visualized using propidium iodide staining in conjunction with fluorescence microscopy, in both cell lines infected with AHA-treated EPEC and these results were confirmed with transmission electron microscope images. The suppression of type III secretory proteins (TTSPs), EspD ( approximately 40 kDa), was detected in INT 407 cells infected with AHA-treated EPEC. In conclusion, AHA reduces initial bacterial adhesion to intact epithelial cells and it may exert an antiadherence effect against the pathogenesis of EPEC in host epithelial cells. Thus, the investigations provide a rational basis for the treatment of EPEC-mediated diarrhoea with AHA.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Kavitha
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Madras, Guindy campus, Chennai, India.
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117
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Reiss A, Braun JS, Jäger K, Freyer D, Laube G, Bührer C, Felderhoff-Müser U, Stadelmann C, Nizet V, Weber JR. Bacterial pore-forming cytolysins induce neuronal damage in a rat model of neonatal meningitis. J Infect Dis 2010; 203:393-400. [PMID: 21186256 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiq047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Group B Streptococcus (GBS) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) are leading causes of bacterial meningitis in neonates and children. Each pathogen produces a pore-forming cytolytic toxin, β-hemolysin/cytolysin (β-h/c) by GBS and pneumolysin by SP. The aim of this study was to understand the role of these pore-forming cytotoxins, in particular of the GBS β-h/c, as potential neurotoxins in experimental neonatal meningitis. METHODS Meningitis was induced in 7- and 11-day-old rats by intracisternal injection of wild type (WT) GBS or SP and compared with isogenic β-h/c- or pneumolysin-deficient mutants, or a double mutant of SP deficient in pneumolysin and hydrogen peroxide production. RESULTS GBS β-h/c and SP pneumolysin contributed to neuronal damage, worsened clinical outcome and weight loss, but had no influence on the early kinetics of leukocyte influx and bacterial growth in the cerebrospinal fluid. In vitro, β-h/c-induced neuronal apoptosis occurred independently of caspase-activation and was not preventable by the broad spectrum caspase-inhibitor z-VAD-fmk. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that both cytolytic toxins, the GBS β-h/c and SP pneumolysin, contribute to neuronal damage in meningitis and extend the concept of a key role for bacterial pore-forming cytolysins in the pathogenesis and sequelae of neonatal meningitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Reiss
- Department of Neonatology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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118
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Nagata E, de Toledo A, Oho T. Invasion of human aortic endothelial cells by oral viridans group streptococci and induction of inflammatory cytokine production. Mol Oral Microbiol 2010; 26:78-88. [PMID: 21214874 DOI: 10.1111/j.2041-1014.2010.00597.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Oral viridans group streptococci are the major commensal bacteria of the supragingival oral biofilm and have been detected in human atheromatous plaque. Atherosclerosis involves an ongoing inflammatory response, reportedly involving chronic infection caused by multiple pathogens. The aim of this study was to examine the invasion of human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) by oral viridans group streptococci and the subsequent cytokine production by viable invaded HAECs. The invasion of HAECs by bacteria was examined using antibiotic protection assays and was visualized by confocal scanning laser microscopy. The inhibitory effects of catalase and cytochalasin D on the invasion of HAECs were also examined. The production of cytokines by invaded or infected HAECs was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and a real-time polymerase chain reaction method was used to evaluate the expression of cytokine messenger RNA. The oral streptococci tested were capable of invading HAECs. The number of invasive bacteria increased with the length of the co-culture period. After a certain co-culture period, some organisms were cytotoxic to the HAECs. Catalase and cytochalasin D inhibited the invasion of HAECs by the organism. HAECs invaded by Streptococcus mutans Xc, Streptococcus gordonii DL1 (Challis), Streptococcus gordonii ATCC 10558 and Streptococcus salivarius ATCC 13419 produced more cytokine(s) (interleukin-6, interleukin-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1) than non-invaded HAECs. The HAECs invaded by S. mutans Xc produced the largest amounts of cytokines, and the messenger RNA expression of cytokines by invaded HAECs increased markedly compared with that by non-invaded HAECs. These results suggest that oral streptococci may participate in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Nagata
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
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119
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Real-time impedance analysis of host cell response to meningococcal infection. J Microbiol Methods 2010; 84:101-8. [PMID: 21078346 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2010.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2010] [Revised: 10/28/2010] [Accepted: 11/07/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Measuring cell proliferation and cell death during bacterial infection involves performing end-point assays that represent the response at a single time point. A new technology from Roche Applied Science and ACEA Biosciences allows continuous monitoring of cells in real-time using specialized cell culture microplates containing micro-electrodes. The xCELLigence system enables continuous measurement and quantification of cell adhesion, proliferation, spreading, cell death and detachment, thus creating a picture of cell function during bacterial infection. Furthermore, lag and log phases can be determined to estimate optimal times to infect cells. In this study we used this system to provide valuable insights into cell function in response to several virulence factors of the meningitis causing pathogen Neisseria meningitidis, including the lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the polysaccharide capsule and the outer membrane protein Opc. We observed that prolonged time of infection with pathogenic Neisseria strains led to morphological changes including cell rounding and loss of cell-cell contact, thus resulting in changed electrical impedance as monitored in real-time. Furthermore, cell function in response to 14 strains of apathogenic Neisseria spp. (N. lactamica and N. mucosa) was analyzed. In contrast, infection with apathogenic N. lactamica isolates did not change electrical impedance monitored for 48 h. Together our data show that this system can be used as a rapid monitoring tool for cellular function in response to bacterial infection and combines high data acquisition rates with ease of handling.
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120
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Banerjee A, Van Sorge NM, Sheen TR, Uchiyama S, Mitchell TJ, Doran KS. Activation of brain endothelium by pneumococcal neuraminidase NanA promotes bacterial internalization. Cell Microbiol 2010; 12:1576-88. [PMID: 20557315 DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-5822.2010.01490.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Streptococcus pneumoniae (SPN), the leading cause of meningitis in children and adults worldwide, is associated with an overwhelming host inflammatory response and subsequent brain injury. Here we examine the global response of the blood-brain barrier to SPN infection and the role of neuraminidase A (NanA), an SPN surface anchored protein recently described to promote central nervous system tropism. Microarray analysis of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hBMEC) during infection with SPN or an isogenic NanA-deficient (ΔnanA) mutant revealed differentially activated genes, including neutrophil chemoattractants IL-8, CXCL-1, CXCL-2. Studies using bacterial mutants, purified recombinant NanA proteins and in vivo neutrophil chemotaxis assays indicated that pneumococcal NanA is necessary and sufficient to activate host chemokine expression and neutrophil recruitment during infection. Chemokine induction was mapped to the NanA N-terminal lectin-binding domain with a limited contribution of the sialidase catalytic activity, and was not dependent on the invasive capability of the organism. Furthermore, pretreatment of hBMEC with recombinant NanA protein significantly increased bacterial invasion, suggesting that NanA-mediated activation of hBMEC is a prerequisite for efficient SPN invasion. These findings were corroborated in an acute murine infection model where we observed less inflammatory infiltrate and decreased chemokine expression following infection with the ΔnanA mutant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirban Banerjee
- Department of Biology, Center for Microbial Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
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121
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Lembo A, Gurney MA, Burnside K, Banerjee A, de los Reyes M, Connelly JE, Lin WJ, Jewell KA, Vo A, Renken CW, Doran KS, Rajagopal L. Regulation of CovR expression in Group B Streptococcus impacts blood-brain barrier penetration. Mol Microbiol 2010; 77:431-43. [PMID: 20497331 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.2010.07215.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is an important cause of invasive infections in humans. The pathogen encodes a number of virulence factors including the pluripotent beta-haemolysin/cytolysin (beta-H/C). As GBS has the disposition of both a commensal organism and an invasive pathogen, it is important for the organism to appropriately regulate beta-H/C and other virulence factors in response to the environment. GBS can repress transcription of beta-H/C using the two-component system, CovR/CovS. Recently, we described that the serine/threonine kinase Stk1 can phosphorylate CovR at threonine 65 to relieve repression of beta-H/C. In this study, we show that infection with CovR-deficient GBS strains resulted in increased sepsis. Although CovR-deficient GBS showed decreased ability to invade the brain endothelium in vitro, they were more proficient in induction of permeability and pro-inflammatory signalling pathways in brain endothelium and penetration of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in vivo. Microarray analysis revealed that CovR positively regulates its own expression and regulates the expression of 153 genes. Collectively, our results suggest that the positive feedback loop which regulates CovR transcription modulates host cell interaction and immune defence and may facilitate the transition of GBS from a commensal organism to a virulent meningeal pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Lembo
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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122
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Sheen TR, Ebrahimi CM, Hiemstra IH, Barlow SB, Peschel A, Doran KS. Penetration of the blood-brain barrier by Staphylococcus aureus: contribution of membrane-anchored lipoteichoic acid. J Mol Med (Berl) 2010; 88:633-9. [PMID: 20419283 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-010-0630-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2010] [Revised: 03/19/2010] [Accepted: 03/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most prevalent organisms responsible for nosocomial infections, and cases of community-acquired S. aureus infection have continued to increase despite widespread preventative measures. Pathologies attributed to S. aureus infection are diverse; ranging from dermal lesions to bacteremia, abscesses, and endocarditis. Reported cases of S. aureus-associated meningitis and brain abscesses have also increased in recent years, however, the precise mechanism whereby S. aureus leave the bloodstream and gain access to the central nervous system (CNS) are not known. Here we demonstrate for the first time that S. aureus efficiently adheres to and invades human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hBMEC), the single-cell layer which constitutes the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The addition of cytochalasin D, an actin microfilament aggregation inhibitor, strongly reduced bacterial invasion, suggesting an active hBMEC process is required for efficient staphylococcal uptake. Furthermore, mice injected with S. aureus exhibited significant levels of brain bacterial counts and histopathologic evidence of meningeal inflammation and brain abscess formation, indicating that S. aureus was able to breech the BBB in an experimental model of hematogenous meningitis. We found that a YpfP-deficient mutant, defective in lipoteichoic acid (LTA) membrane anchoring, exhibited a decreased ability to invade hBMEC and correlated to a reduced risk for the development of meningitis in vivo. Our results demonstrate that LTA-mediated penetration of the BBB may be a primary step in the pathogenesis of staphylococcal CNS disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamsin R Sheen
- Department of Biology and Center for Microbial Sciences, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
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123
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Wu T, Yuan F, Chang H, Zhang L, Chen G, Tan C, Chen H, Bei W. Identification of a novel angiogenin inhibitor 1 and its association with hyaluronidase of Streptococcus suis serotype 2. Microb Pathog 2010; 49:32-7. [PMID: 20307645 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2010.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2008] [Revised: 03/03/2010] [Accepted: 03/04/2010] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
To characterize the role of hyaluronidase (Hyl) of Streptococcus suis serotype 2 (S. suis 2), the hylA gene that encodes Hyl was cloned, expressed and purified. A murine brain cDNA library was used to screen for interacting proteins of Hyl. Employing the yeast two-hybrid system, a novel murine ribonuclease, angiogenin inhibitor 1 (AI1), which shares 93% homology with porcine AI1, was shown to interact with Hyl in yeast. Through co-immunoprecipitation assays, the interaction between AI1 and Hyl was further confirmed. Transcription and translation products of the identified cDNA were detected in both normal cells and S. suis 2-infected cells. AI1 was found to localize mainly in the cytoplasm of 293T cells. These results suggested that the identified protein AI1 might be involved in the pathogenesis of meningitis through interaction with Hyl of S. suis 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wu
- Division of Animal Pathogens, State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, PR China
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124
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Abstract
Bacterial meningitis continues to be an important cause of mortality and morbidity in neonates and children throughout the world. The introduction of the protein conjugate vaccines against Haemophilus influenzae type b, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Neisseria meningitidis has changed the epidemiology of bacterial meningitis. Suspected bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency and needs empirical antimicrobial treatment without delay, but recognition of pathogens with increasing resistance to antimicrobial drugs is an important factor in the selection of empirical antimicrobial regimens. At present, strategies to prevent and treat bacterial meningitis are compromised by incomplete understanding of the pathogenesis. Further research on meningitis pathogenesis is thus needed. This Review summarises information on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, new diagnostic methods, empirical antimicrobial regimens, and adjunctive treatment of acute bacterial meningitis in infants and children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwang Sik Kim
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
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125
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Pulzova L, Bhide MR, Andrej K. Pathogen translocation across the blood-brain barrier. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 57:203-13. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-695x.2009.00594.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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126
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Acanthamoeba affects the integrity of human brain microvascular endothelial cells and degrades the tight junction proteins. Int J Parasitol 2009; 39:1611-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2009.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2009] [Revised: 06/11/2009] [Accepted: 06/12/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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127
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Penetration of the blood-brain barrier by Bacillus anthracis requires the pXO1-encoded BslA protein. J Bacteriol 2009; 191:7165-73. [PMID: 19820089 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00903-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthrax is a zoonotic disease caused by the gram-positive spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Human infection occurs after the ingestion, inhalation, or cutaneous inoculation of B. anthracis spores. The subsequent progression of the disease is largely mediated by two native virulence plasmids, pXO1 and pXO2, and is characterized by septicemia, toxemia, and meningitis. In order to produce meningitis, blood-borne bacteria must interact with and breach the blood-brain barrier (BBB) that is composed of a specialized layer of brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMEC). We have recently shown that B. anthracis Sterne is capable of penetrating the BBB in vitro and in vivo, establishing the classic signs of meningitis; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying the central nervous system (CNS) tropism are not known. Here, we show that attachment to and invasion of human BMEC by B. anthracis Sterne is mediated by the pXO1 plasmid and an encoded envelope factor, BslA. The results of studies using complementation analysis, recombinant BslA protein, and heterologous expression demonstrate that BslA is both necessary and sufficient to promote adherence to brain endothelium. Furthermore, mice injected with the BslA-deficient strain exhibited a significant decrease in the frequency of brain infection compared to mice injected with the parental strain. In addition, BslA contributed to BBB breakdown by disrupting tight junction protein ZO-1. Our results identify the pXO1-encoded BslA adhesin as a critical mediator of CNS entry and offer new insights into the pathogenesis of anthrax meningitis.
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128
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Uchiyama S, Carlin AF, Khosravi A, Weiman S, Banerjee A, Quach D, Hightower G, Mitchell TJ, Doran KS, Nizet V. The surface-anchored NanA protein promotes pneumococcal brain endothelial cell invasion. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 206:1845-52. [PMID: 19687228 PMCID: PMC2737157 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20090386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In humans, Streptococcus pneumoniae (SPN) is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis, a disease with high attributable mortality and frequent permanent neurological sequelae. The molecular mechanisms underlying the central nervous system tropism of SPN are incompletely understood, but include a primary interaction of the pathogen with the blood–brain barrier (BBB) endothelium. All SPN strains possess a gene encoding the surface-anchored sialidase (neuraminidase) NanA, which cleaves sialic acid on host cells and proteins. Here, we use an isogenic SPN NanA-deficient mutant and heterologous expression of the protein to show that NanA is both necessary and sufficient to promote SPN adherence to and invasion of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hBMECs). NanA-mediated hBMEC invasion depends only partially on sialidase activity, whereas the N-terminal lectinlike domain of the protein plays a critical role. NanA promotes SPN–BBB interaction in a murine infection model, identifying the protein as proximal mediator of CNS entry by the pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Uchiyama
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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129
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van Sorge NM, Quach D, Gurney MA, Sullam PM, Nizet V, Doran KS. The group B streptococcal serine-rich repeat 1 glycoprotein mediates penetration of the blood-brain barrier. J Infect Dis 2009; 199:1479-87. [PMID: 19392623 DOI: 10.1086/598217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in newborn infants. Because GBS is able to invade, survive, and cross the blood-brain barrier, we sought to identify surface-expressed virulence factors that contribute to blood-brain barrier penetration and the pathogenesis of meningitis. METHODS Targeted deletion and insertional mutants were generated in different GBS clinical isolates. Wild-type and mutant bacteria were analyzed for their capacity to adhere to and invade human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hBMECs) and to penetrate the blood-brain barrier using our model of hematogenous meningitis. RESULTS Analysis of a GBS (serotype V) clinical isolate revealed the presence of a surface-anchored serine-rich protein, previously designated serine-rich repeat 1 (Srr-1). GBS Srr-1 is a glycosylated protein with high molecular weight. Deletion of srr1 in NCTC 10/84 resulted in a significant decrease in adherence to and invasion of hBMECs. Additional mutants in other GBS serotypes commonly associated with meningitis showed a similar decrease in hBMEC invasion, compared with parental strains. Finally, in mice, wild-type GBS penetrated the blood-brain barrier and established meningitis more frequently than did the Deltasrr1 mutant strain. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that GBS Srr glycoproteins play an important role in crossing the blood-brain barrier and in the development of streptococcal meningitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina M van Sorge
- Department of Pediatrics and 2Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
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130
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Zhang K, Zhao WD, Li Q, Fang WG, Zhu L, Shang DS, Chen YH. Tentative identification of glycerol dehydrogenase as Escherichia coli K1 virulence factor cglD and its involvement in the pathogenesis of experimental neonatal meningitis. Med Microbiol Immunol 2009; 198:195-204. [PMID: 19597841 DOI: 10.1007/s00430-009-0119-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2009] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the most common gram-negative organism causing meningitis during the neonatal period. The mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of E. coli meningitis remains unclear. We previously identified a pathogenicity island GimA (genetic island of meningitic E. coli containing ibeA) from the genomic DNA library of E. coli K1, which may contribute to the E. coli invasion of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). CglD is one of the genes in GimA, and its function remains unknown. In order to characterize the role of cglD in the E. coli meningitis, an isogenic in-frame cglD deletion mutant of E. coli K1 was generated. The results showed that the median lethal dose of the cglD deletion mutant strain was significant higher than that of parent E. coli K1 strain, and the cglD deletion in E. coli K1 prolonged survival of the neonatal rats in experimental meningitis. However, deletion of cglD has no effect on the penetration of E. coli K1 through BBB in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, our results showed that deletion of cglD in E. coli K1 attenuated cerebrospinal fluid changes, meningeal thickening, and neutrophil infiltration in the cerebral cortex in the neonatal rats with experimental meningitis. Additional results showed that the role of CglD in neonatal meningitis may be associated with its activity of glycerol dehydrogenase. Taken together, our study suggested that CglD is a virulence factor of E. coli K1 contributed to the development of neonatal meningitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Zhang
- Department of Developmental Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health of China, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
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131
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Characteristics of novel insect defensin-based membrane-disrupting trypanocidal peptides. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2009; 73:1520-6. [PMID: 19584534 DOI: 10.1271/bbb.90004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic D- and L-amino acid type cationic 9-mer peptides (all sequences were synthesized as D- or L-amino acids) derived from the active sites of insect defensins were tested for their ability to modify the growth of blood-stream form African trypanosomes in vitro. One of them, the D-type peptide A (RLYLRIGRR-NH(2)), irreversibly suppressed proliferation of the Trypanosoma brucei brucei GUTat3.1 parasite. The presence of negatively charged phosphatidylserine on the surface of the parasites was demonstrated, suggesting electrostatic interaction between the peptide and the phospholipids. Furthermore, this peptide was found to alter trypanosome membrane-potentials significantly, an effect apparently due to the removal of the parasite's plasma membrane. The potential toxic effects of D-peptide A on mammalian cells was assessed using human brain microvascular endothelial cells. Only minor effects were found when the endothelial cells were exposed for 16 h to peptide concentrations of less than 200 microM. These findings suggest that insect defensin-based peptides represent a potentially new class of membrane-disrupting trypanocidal drugs.
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132
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Sendi P, Johansson L, Dahesh S, Van-Sorge NM, Darenberg J, Norgren M, Sjölin J, Nizet V, Norrby-Teglund A. Bacterial phenotype variants in group B streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Emerg Infect Dis 2009; 15:223-32. [PMID: 19193266 PMCID: PMC2657631 DOI: 10.3201/eid1502.080990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Variants with markedly different expression of virulence factors can arise in invasive infection in humans. We conducted genetic and functional analyses of isolates from a patient with group B streptococcal (GBS) necrotizing fasciitis and toxic shock syndrome. Tissue cultures simultaneously showed colonies with high hemolysis (HH) and low hemolysis (LH). Conversely, the HH and LH variants exhibited low capsule (LC) and high capsule (HC) expression, respectively. Molecular analysis demonstrated that the 2 GBS variants were of the same clonal origin. Genetic analysis found a 3-bp deletion in the covR gene of the HH/LC variant. Functionally, this isolate was associated with an increased growth rate in vitro and with higher interleukin-8 induction. However, in whole blood, opsonophagocytic and intracellular killing assays, the LH/HC phenotype demonstrated higher resistance to host phagocytic killing. In a murine model, LH/HC resulted in higher levels of bacteremia and increased host mortality rate. These findings demonstrate differences in GBS isolates of the same clonal origin but varying phenotypes.
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133
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OmpA is the critical component for Escherichia coli invasion-induced astrocyte activation. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2009; 68:677-90. [PMID: 19458541 DOI: 10.1097/nen.0b013e3181a77d1e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Escherichia coli is the major Gram-negative bacterial pathogen in neonatal meningitis. Outer membrane protein A (OmpA) is a conserved major protein in the E. coli outer membrane and is involved in several host-cell interactions. To characterize the role of OmpA in the invasion of astrocytes by E. coli, we investigated OmpA-positive and OmpA-negative E. coli strains. Outer membrane protein A E44, E105, and E109 strains adhered to and invaded C6 glioma cells 10- to 15-fold more efficiently than OmpA-negative strains. Actin rearrangement, protein tyrosine kinase, and phosphoinositide 3-kinase activation were required for OmpA-mediated invasion by E. coli. In vitro infection of C6 cells and intracerebral injection into mice of the E44 strain induced expression of the astrocyte differentiation marker glial fibrillary acidic protein and the inflammatory mediators cyclooxygenase 2 and nitric oxide synthase 2. After intracerebral infection with E44, all C57BL/6 mice died within 36hours, whereas 80% of mice injected with E44 premixed with recombinant OmpA protein survived. Astrocyte activation and neutrophil infiltration were reduced in brain tissue sections in the mice given OmpA. Taken together, these data suggest that OmpA-mediated invasion plays an important role in the early stage of E.coli-induced brain damage, and that it may have therapeutic use in E. coli meningitis.
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134
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Rajagopal L. Understanding the regulation of Group B Streptococcal virulence factors. Future Microbiol 2009; 4:201-21. [PMID: 19257847 DOI: 10.2217/17460913.4.2.201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial infections remain a significant threat to the health of newborns and adults. Group B Streptococci (GBS) are Gram-positive bacteria that are common asymptomatic colonizers of healthy adults. However, this opportunistic organism can also subvert suboptimal host defenses to cause severe invasive disease and tissue damage. The increasing emergence of antibiotic-resistant GBS raises more concerns for sustained measures in treatment of the disease. A number of factors that are important for virulence of GBS have been identified. This review summarizes the functions of some well-characterized virulence factors, with an emphasis on how GBS regulates their expression. Regulatory and signaling molecules are attractive drug targets in the treatment of bacterial infections. Consequently, understanding signaling responses of GBS is essential for elucidation of pathogenesis of GBS infection and for the identification of novel therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmi Rajagopal
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University of Washington & Seattle Children's Hospital Research Institute, 1900 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101-91304, USA.
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135
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Tenenbaum T, Papandreou T, Gellrich D, Friedrichs U, Seibt A, Adam R, Wewer C, Galla HJ, Schwerk C, Schroten H. Polar bacterial invasion and translocation ofStreptococcus suisacross the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrierin vitro. Cell Microbiol 2009; 11:323-36. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-5822.2008.01255.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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136
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The CiaR response regulator in group B Streptococcus promotes intracellular survival and resistance to innate immune defenses. J Bacteriol 2008; 191:2023-32. [PMID: 19114476 DOI: 10.1128/jb.01216-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is major cause of invasive disease in newborn infants and the leading cause of neonatal meningitis. To gain access to the central nervous system (CNS), GBS must not only subvert host defenses in the bloodstream but also invade and survive within brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMEC), the principal cell layer composing the blood-brain barrier (BBB). While several GBS determinants that contribute to the invasion of BMEC have been identified, little is known about the GBS factors that are required for intracellular survival and ultimate disease progression. In this study we sought to identify these factors by screening a random GBS mutant library in an in vitro survival assay. One mutant was identified which contained a disruption in a two-component regulatory system homologous to CiaR/CiaH, which is present in other streptococcal pathogens. Deletion of the putative response regulator, ciaR, in GBS resulted in a significant decrease in intracellular survival within neutrophils, murine macrophages, and human BMEC, which was linked to increased susceptibility to killing by antimicrobial peptides, lysozyme, and reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, competition experiments with mice showed that wild-type GBS had a significant survival advantage over the GBS DeltaciaR mutant in the bloodstream and brain. Microarray analysis comparing gene expression between wild-type and DeltaciaR mutant GBS bacteria revealed several CiaR-regulated genes that may contribute to stress tolerance and the subversion of host defenses by GBS. Our results identify the GBS CiaR response regulator as a crucial factor in GBS intracellular survival and invasive disease pathogenesis.
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137
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Smith MW, Gumbleton M. Endocytosis at the blood–brain barrier: From basic understanding to drug delivery strategies. J Drug Target 2008; 14:191-214. [PMID: 16777679 DOI: 10.1080/10611860600650086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) protects the central nervous system (CNS) from potentially harmful xenobiotics and endogenous molecules. Anatomically, it comprises the brain microvasculature whose functionality is nevertheless influenced by associated astrocyte, pericyte and neuronal cells. The highly restrictive paracellular pathway within brain microvasculature restricts significant CNS penetration to only those drugs whose physicochemical properties afford ready penetration into hydrophobic cell membranes or are capable of exploiting endogenous active transport processes such as solute carriers or endocytosis pathways. Endocytosis at the BBB is an essential pathway by which the brain obtains its nutrients and affords communication with the periphery. The development of strategies to exploit these endocytic pathways for the purposes of drug delivery to the CNS is still an immature field although some impressive results have been documented with the targeting of particular receptors. This current article initially provides an overview of general endocytosis processes and pathways showing evidence of their functional existence within the BBB. Subsequent sections provide, in an entity-specific manner, comprehensive reviews on BBB transport investigations of endocytosis involving: transferrin and the targeting of the transferrin receptor; hormones; cytokines; cell penetrating peptides; microorganisms and toxins, and nanoparticles aimed at more effectively delivering drugs to the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew W Smith
- Pharmaceutical Cell Biology, Welsh School of Pharmacy, Cardiff University, Redwood Building, Cardiff CF10 3XF, UK
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138
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Recent advances in understanding the molecular basis of group B Streptococcus virulence. Expert Rev Mol Med 2008; 10:e27. [PMID: 18803886 DOI: 10.1017/s1462399408000811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Group B Streptococcus commonly colonises healthy adults without symptoms, yet under certain circumstances displays the ability to invade host tissues, evade immune detection and cause serious invasive disease. Consequently, Group B Streptococcus remains a leading cause of neonatal pneumonia, sepsis and meningitis. Here we review recent information on the bacterial factors and mechanisms that direct host-pathogen interactions involved in the pathogenesis of Group B Streptococcus infection. New research on host signalling and inflammatory responses to Group B Streptococcus infection is summarised. An understanding of the complex interplay between Group B Streptococcus and host provides valuable insight into pathogen evolution and highlights molecular targets for therapeutic intervention.
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139
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Esgleas M, Li Y, Hancock MA, Harel J, Dubreuil JD, Gottschalk M. Isolation and characterization of α-enolase, a novel fibronectin-binding protein from Streptococcus suis. Microbiology (Reading) 2008; 154:2668-2679. [DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.2008/017145-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Esgleas
- Groupe de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses du Porc (GREMIP) and Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie Porcine (CRIP), Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Yuanyi Li
- Groupe de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses du Porc (GREMIP) and Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie Porcine (CRIP), Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Mark A. Hancock
- Sheldon Biotechnology Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Josée Harel
- Groupe de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses du Porc (GREMIP) and Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie Porcine (CRIP), Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - J. Daniel Dubreuil
- Groupe de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses du Porc (GREMIP) and Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie Porcine (CRIP), Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Marcelo Gottschalk
- Groupe de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses du Porc (GREMIP) and Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie Porcine (CRIP), Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
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140
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van Sorge NM, Ebrahimi CM, McGillivray SM, Quach D, Sabet M, Guiney DG, Doran KS. Anthrax toxins inhibit neutrophil signaling pathways in brain endothelium and contribute to the pathogenesis of meningitis. PLoS One 2008; 3:e2964. [PMID: 18698416 PMCID: PMC2493037 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0002964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2008] [Accepted: 07/22/2008] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anthrax meningitis is the main neurological complication of systemic infection with Bacillus anthracis approaching 100% mortality. The presence of bacilli in brain autopsies indicates that vegetative bacteria are able to breach the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The BBB represents not only a physical barrier but has been shown to play an active role in initiating a specific innate immune response that recruits neutrophils to the site of infection. Currently, the basic pathogenic mechanisms by which B. anthracis penetrates the BBB and causes anthrax meningitis are poorly understood. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Using an in vitro BBB model, we show for the first time that B. anthracis efficiently invades human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hBMEC), the single cell layer that comprises the BBB. Furthermore, transcriptional profiling of hBMEC during infection with B. anthracis revealed downregulation of 270 (87%) genes, specifically key neutrophil chemoattractants IL-8, CXCL1 (Gro alpha) and CXCL2 (Gro beta), thereby strongly contrasting hBMEC responses observed with other meningeal pathogens. Further studies using specific anthrax toxin-mutants, quantitative RT-PCR, ELISA and in vivo assays indicated that anthrax toxins actively suppress chemokine production and neutrophil recruitment during infection, allowing unrestricted proliferation and dissemination of the bacteria. Finally, mice challenged with B. anthracis Sterne, but not the toxin-deficient strain, developed meningitis. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE These results suggest a significant role for anthrax toxins in thwarting the BBB innate defense response promoting penetration of bacteria into the central nervous system. Furthermore, establishment of a mouse model for anthrax meningitis will aid in our understanding of disease pathogenesis and development of more effective treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina M. van Sorge
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Celia M. Ebrahimi
- Department of Biology and Center for Microbial Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Shauna M. McGillivray
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Darin Quach
- Department of Biology and Center for Microbial Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Mojgan Sabet
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Donald G. Guiney
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Kelly S. Doran
- Department of Biology and Center for Microbial Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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141
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Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) infections continue to be an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Microbial invasion and traversal of the blood-brain barrier is a prerequisite for CNS infections. Pathogens can cross the blood-brain barrier transcellularly, paracellularly and/or in infected phagocytes (the so-called Trojan-horse mechanism). Consequently, pathogens can cause blood-brain barrier dysfunction, including increased permeability, pleocytosis and encephalopathy. A more complete understanding of the microbial-host interactions that are involved in microbial traversal of the blood-brain barrier and the associated barrier dysfunction should help to develop new strategies to prevent CNS infections.
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142
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Kaplan A, Chung K, Kocak H, Bertolotto C, Uh A, Hobel CJ, Simmons CF, Doran K, Liu GY, Equils O. Group B streptococcus induces trophoblast death. Microb Pathog 2008; 45:231-5. [PMID: 18599257 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2008.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2007] [Revised: 05/12/2008] [Accepted: 05/23/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Group B streptococcus (GBS) is one of the leading causes of neonatal infection; however the molecular mechanisms involved are not clearly known. Here we used high and low hemolytic GBS isolates and mutant GBS that lacks beta-hemolysin expression and showed that GBS infection or exposure to GBS hemolysin extract induces primary human trophoblast, placental fibroblast and JEG3 trophoblast cell line death, and that GBS-induced trophoblast death was beta-hemolysin dependent. The fibroblasts and trophoblasts provide an innate immune barrier between fetal and maternal circulation in the placenta. These data suggest that GBS may disrupt this barrier to invade fetal circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Kaplan
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
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143
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Hensler ME, Miyamoto S, Nizet V. Group B streptococcal beta-hemolysin/cytolysin directly impairs cardiomyocyte viability and function. PLoS One 2008; 3:e2446. [PMID: 18560574 PMCID: PMC2409074 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0002446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2008] [Accepted: 05/09/2008] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a leading cause of neonatal sepsis where myocardial dysfunction is an important contributor to poor outcome. Here we study the effects of the GBS pore-forming β-hemolysin/cytolysin (Bh/c) exotoxin on cardiomyocyte viability, contractility, and calcium transients. Methodology/Principal Findings HL-1 cardiomyocytes exposed to intact wild-type (WT) or isogenic Δβh/c mutant GBS, or to cell-free extracts from either strain, were assessed for viability by trypan blue exclusion and for apoptosis by TUNEL staining. Functionality of exposed cardiomyocytes was analyzed by visual quantitation of the rate and extent of contractility. Mitochondrial membrane polarization was measured in TMRE-loaded cells exposed to GBS βh/c. Effects of GBS βh/c on calcium transients were studied in fura-2AM-loaded primary rat ventricular cardiomyocytes. Exposure of HL-1 cardiomyocytes to either WT GBS or βh/c extracts significantly reduced both rate and extent of contractility and later induced necrotic and apoptotic cell death. No effects on cardiomyocyte viability or function were observed after treatment with Δβh/c mutant bacteria or extracts. The βh/c toxin was associated with complete and rapid loss of detectable calcium transients in primary neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes and induced a loss of mitochondrial membrane polarization. These effects on viability and function were abrogated by the βh/c inhibitor, dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC). Conclusions/Significance Our data show a rapid loss of cardiomyocyte viability and function induced by GBS βh/c, and these deleterious effects are inhibited by DPPC, a normal constituent of human pulmonary surfactant.. These findings have clinical implications for the cardiac dysfunction observed in neonatal GBS infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E. Hensler
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Shigeki Miyamoto
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Victor Nizet
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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144
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Outer membrane protein A expression in Enterobacter sakazakii is required to induce microtubule condensation in human brain microvascular endothelial cells for invasion. Microb Pathog 2008; 45:181-91. [PMID: 18606523 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2008.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2008] [Revised: 05/19/2008] [Accepted: 05/23/2008] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Enterobacter sakazakii (ES) causes neonatal meningitis and necrotizing enterocolitis with case-fatality rates among infected infants ranging from 40 to 80%. Very little is known about the mechanisms by which these organisms cause disease. Here, we demonstrate that ES invades human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC) with higher frequency when compared with epithelial cells and endothelial cells from different origins. The entry of ES into HBMEC requires the expression of outer membrane protein A (OmpA), as the OmpA-deletion mutant was sevenfold less invasive than the wild type ES and the bacterium does not multiply inside HBMEC. Anti-OmpA antibodies generated against the OmpA of Escherichia coli K1, which also recognize the OmpA of ES, did not prevent the invasion of ES in HBMEC. ES invasion depends on microtubule condensation in HBMEC and is independent of actin filament reorganization. Both PI3-kinase and PKC-alpha were activated during ES entry into HBMEC between 15 min and 30 min of infection. Concomitantly, overexpression of dominant negative forms of PI3-kinase and PKC-alpha significantly inhibited the invasion of ES into HBMEC. In summary, ES invasion of HBMEC is dependent on the expression of OmpA similar to that of E. coli K1; however, the epitopes involved in the interaction with HBMEC appears to be different.
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145
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Burnham CAD, Shokoples SE, Tyrrell GJ. Invasion of HeLa cells by group B streptococcus requires the phosphoinositide-3-kinase signalling pathway and modulates phosphorylation of host-cell Akt and glycogen synthase kinase-3. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2008; 153:4240-4252. [PMID: 18048937 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.2007/008417-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The group B streptococcus (GBS) is an opportunistic bacterial pathogen with the ability to cause invasive disease. While the ability of GBS to invade a number of host-cell types has been clearly demonstrated, the invasion process is not well understood at the molecular level. What has been well established is that modulation of host-cell actin microfilaments is essential for GBS invasion to occur. Phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K) is a key regulator of the cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells. Our goal in this investigation was to explore the role of the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway in epithelial cell invasion by GBS. The epithelial cell invasion process was mimicked using the HeLa 229 cell-culture model. Treating HeLa cells with chemical inhibitors of PI3K, Akt or Ras prior to bacterial infection inhibited GBS invasion but not attachment; treatment with 30 microM LY294002 (PI3K inhibitor) reduced GBS invasion by 75%, 20 microM L-6-hydroxymethyl-chiro-inositol 2-(R)-2-O-methyl-3-O-octadecylcarbonate (ICIO) (Akt inhibitor) reduced GBS invasion by 50%, and 10 microM manumycin A (Ras inhibitor) inhibited GBS invasion by 90%. Genetic inactivation of the p85alpha or p110alpha PI3K subunits in HeLa cells also reduced GBS invasion by 55 and 30%, respectively. Western blot analysis revealed that phosphorylation of host-cell Akt and glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) occurs in response to GBS infection, and that this is mediated upstream by PI3K. Infection of HeLa cells with GBS triggers pro-survival signalling and protects the HeLa cells from camptothecin-induced caspase-3 cleavage. The results from this investigation show that GBS both requires and activates the PI3K/Akt host-cell signalling pathway during invasion of epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carey-Ann D Burnham
- The Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, The University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Sandra E Shokoples
- The National Centre for Streptococcus, The Provincial Laboratory for Public Health (Microbiology), Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Gregory J Tyrrell
- The Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,The National Centre for Streptococcus, The Provincial Laboratory for Public Health (Microbiology), Edmonton, AB, Canada.,The Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, The University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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146
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Sendi P, Johansson L, Norrby-Teglund A. Invasive Group B Streptococcal Disease in Non-pregnant Adults. Infection 2008; 36:100-11. [DOI: 10.1007/s15010-007-7251-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2007] [Accepted: 09/19/2007] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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147
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Lehnardt S, Wennekamp J, Freyer D, Liedtke C, Krueger C, Nitsch R, Bechmann I, Weber JR, Henneke P. TLR2 and caspase-8 are essential for group B Streptococcus-induced apoptosis in microglia. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2007; 179:6134-43. [PMID: 17947688 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.179.9.6134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Microglia, the resident innate immune cells of the CNS, detect invading pathogens via various receptors, including the TLR. Microglia are involved in a number of neurodegenerative diseases in which their activation may be detrimental to neurons. It is largely unknown how this potentially deleterious action can be countered on a cellular level. We previously found that the interaction of TLR2 with group B Streptococcus (GBS), the most important pathogen in neonatal bacterial meningitis, activates microglia that in turn generate neurotoxic NO. We report in this study that GBS not only activates microglia, but also induces apoptosis in these cells via TLR2 and the TLR-adaptor molecule MyD88. Soluble toxic mediators, such as NO, are not responsible for this form of cell death. Instead, interaction of GBS with TLR2 results in formation and activation of caspase-8, a process that involves the transcription factor family Ets. Whereas caspase-8 plays an essential role in GBS-induced microglial apoptosis, caspase-3 is dispensable in this context. We suggest that TLR2- and caspase-8-mediated microglial apoptosis constitutes an autoregulatory mechanism that limits GBS-induced overactivation of the innate immune system in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seija Lehnardt
- Center for Anatomy, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Charité-Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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148
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Lowe BA, Miller JD, Neely MN. Analysis of the polysaccharide capsule of the systemic pathogen Streptococcus iniae and its implications in virulence. Infect Immun 2006; 75:1255-64. [PMID: 17194809 PMCID: PMC1828557 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01484-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic pathogens have developed numerous strategies for evading the defenses of the host, permitting dissemination and multiplication in various tissues. One means of survival in the host, particularly in the bloodstream, has been attributed to the ability to avoid phagocytosis via capsular polysaccharide. To further define the virulence capacity of Streptococcus iniae, a zoonotic pathogen with the ability to cause severe systemic disease in both fish and humans, we performed an analysis of the capsule locus. The initial analysis included cloning and sequencing of the capsule synthesis operon, which revealed an approximately 21-kb region that is highly homologous to capsule operons of other streptococci. A genetic comparison of S. iniae virulent strain 9117 and commensal strain 9066 revealed that the commensal strain does not have the central region of the capsule operon composed of several important capsule synthesis genes. Four 9117 insertion or deletion mutants with mutations in the beginning, middle, or end of the capsule locus were analyzed to determine their capsule production and virulence. Virulence profiles were analyzed for each mutant using three separate criteria, which demonstrated the attenuation of each mutant in several tissue environments. These analyses also provided insight into the different responses of the host to each mutant strain compared to a wild-type infection. Our results demonstrate that capsule is not required for all host environments, while excess capsule is also not optimal, suggesting that for an "ideal" systemic infection, capsule production is most likely regulated while the bacterium is in different environments of the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth A Lowe
- Wayne State School of Medicine, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, 540 E. Canfield, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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149
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Teng CH, Xie Y, Shin S, Di Cello F, Paul-Satyaseela M, Cai M, Kim KS. Effects of ompA deletion on expression of type 1 fimbriae in Escherichia coli K1 strain RS218 and on the association of E. coli with human brain microvascular endothelial cells. Infect Immun 2006; 74:5609-16. [PMID: 16988236 PMCID: PMC1594875 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00321-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously shown that outer membrane protein A (OmpA) and type 1 fimbriae are the bacterial determinants involved in Escherichia coli K1 binding to human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC), which constitute the blood-brain barrier. In investigating the role of OmpA in E. coli K1 binding to HBMEC, we showed for the first time that ompA deletion decreased the expression of type 1 fimbriae in E. coli K1. Decreased expression of type 1 fimbriae in the ompA deletion mutant was largely the result of driving the fim promoter toward the type 1 fimbrial phase-OFF orientation. mRNA levels of fimB and fimE were found to be decreased with the OmpA mutant compared to the parent strain. Of interest, the ompA deletion further decreased the abilities of E. coli K1 to bind to and invade HBMEC under the conditions of fixing type 1 fimbria expression in the phase-ON or phase-OFF status. These findings suggest that the decreased ability of the OmpA mutant to interact with HBMEC is not entirely due to its decreased type 1 fimbrial expression and that OmpA and type 1 fimbriae facilitate the interaction of E. coli K1 with HBMEC at least in an additive manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Hao Teng
- Division of Clinical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan, Taiwan
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150
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Schubert-Unkmeir A, Sokolova O, Panzner U, Eigenthaler M, Frosch M. Gene expression pattern in human brain endothelial cells in response to Neisseria meningitidis. Infect Immun 2006; 75:899-914. [PMID: 17130252 PMCID: PMC1828482 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01508-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
To extend our knowledge of target proteins in endothelial cells infected with the meningitis-causing pathogen Neisseria meningitidis, we characterized the interaction between the bacterial and human brain microvascular endothelial cell (HBMEC) monolayers. By use of human cDNA microarrays, transcriptional analysis revealed distinct responses to 4 and 8 h of infection. We also addressed the question of whether the major virulence factor of meningococci, i.e., the capsule, influences the host cell response. Of the 1,493 (at 4 h postinfection) and 1,246 (at 8 h postinfection) genes with altered expression upon bacterial contact, about 49.4% and 45%, respectively, depended on capsule expression. In particular, we identified an increase of expression for genes encoding proteins involved in bacterial adhesion and invasion. High levels of apoptosis-related gene (bad, bak, asp, and immediate-early response gene 1) expression could also be detected in infected cells. Further analyses confirmed that HBMECs displayed several hallmarks of apoptosis in response to N. meningitidis infection, namely, phosphatidylserine translocation and activation of caspase 3 and AMP-activated protein kinase alpha. Moreover, several differentially regulated genes not previously known to respond to meningococcal infection were identified. Of these, genes encoding cell adhesion proteins (CD44, CD98, and CD99), genes involved in downstream signaling of integrins (integrin-linked kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1, and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 10) as well as negative regulators of these pathways (dual-specificity phosphatases 1, 5, and 14 and G protein pathway suppressor 2), and genes involved in cytoskeleton reorganization (those encoding Arp2/3, p34-arc, actinin alpha 1, vasodilatator-stimulated protein, and Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein) were the most prominent. This global transcriptional analysis creates a new platform for further molecular and cellular analysis of the interaction between N. meningitidis and target cells.
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