Listeriolysin O: a phagosome-specific lysin

Functional dissection of Toxoplasma gondii perforin-like protein 1 reveals a dual domain mode of membrane binding for cytolysis and parasite egress

The recently discovered role of a perforin-like protein (PLP1) for rapid host cell egress by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii expanded the functional diversity of pore-forming proteins. Whereas PLP1 was found to be necessary for rapid egress and pathogenesis, the sufficiency for and mechanism of membrane attack were yet unknown. Here we further dissected the PLP1 knock-out phenotype, the mechanism of PLP1 pore formation, and the role of each domain by genetic complementation. We found that PLP1 is sufficient for membrane disruption and has a conserved mechanism of pore formation through target membrane binding and oligomerization to form large, multimeric membrane-embedded complexes. The highly conserved, central MACPF domain and the β-sheet-rich C-terminal domain were required for activity. Loss of the unique N-terminal extension reduced lytic activity and led to a delay in rapid egress, but did not significantly decrease virulence, suggesting that small amounts of lytic activity are sufficient for pathogenesis. We found that both N- and C-terminal domains have membrane binding activity, with the C-terminal domain being critical for function. This dual mode of membrane association may promote PLP1 activity and parasite egress in the diverse cell types in which this parasite replicates.

Bacterial infections and ceramide

Ceramide is released from sphingomyelin primarily by the activity of acid, neutral, or alkaline sphingomyelinases or is synthesized de novo. Several bacteria, viruses, and even parasites infect mammalian cells by exploiting the acid sphingomyelinase or the neutral sphingomyelinase-ceramide system, or both. Sphingomyelinases and ceramide have been shown to be crucially involved in the internalization of pathogens, the induction of apoptosis in infected cells, the intracellular activation of signaling pathways, and the release of cytokines. The diverse functions of ceramide in infections suggest that the sphingomyelinase-ceramide system is a key player in the host response to many pathogens.

Modulation of translation and induction of autophagy by bacterial exoproducts

Autophagy is a catabolic process of paramount importance for cellular homeostasis during starvation. Generally, autophagy and translation are inversely regulated. Many kinds of stress lead to attenuation of translation via phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor alpha (eIF2α). This response is conserved from yeast to man and can be either protective or detrimental depending on strength and duration of stress, and additional factors. During starvation or viral infection, phosphorylation of eIF2α is required for induction of autophagy. As exemplified here by α-hemolysin, a small pore-forming toxin (PFT) of Staphylococcus aureus and (S)-3-oxo-C12-homoserine lactone [(S)-3-oxo-C12-HSL], a quorum-sensing hormone of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, bacterial exoproducts may also impact translation and autophagy. Thereby, PFT and (S)-3-oxo-C12-HSL act differentially. Damage of the plasma membrane by PFT causes efflux of potassium, which leads to amino acid starvation and energy loss. This triggers amino acid-sensitive eIF2α-kinase GCN2, as well as energy sensor AMPK, and deactivates mTORC1. The output of this response, that is, transient metabolic reprogramming is an essential part of a defense program which enables cells to survive attack by a pore-forming agent. Thus, nutrient/energy sensors serve as sentinels of plasma membrane integrity. In contrast to PFT, (S)-3-oxo-C12-HSL does not cause acute loss of ATP or activation of GCN2, but also triggers phosphorylation of eIF2α and inhibits translation. This response appears not to depend on efflux of potassium and requires eIF2α-kinase PKR. Like α-toxin, (S)-3-oxo-C12-HSL increases lipidation of LC3 and accumulation of autophagosomes in cells. Apart from directly affecting host-cell viability, bacterial exoproducts might galvanize bystander cells to prepare for close combat with microbial offenders or inadvertently accommodate some of them.

Erythrocytes as a novel delivery vehicle for biologics: from enzymes to nucleic acid-based therapeutics

Biological drugs are among the most exciting drugs of the future, offering better treatment options for patients than ever before but they need an appropriate delivery vehicle. Carrier erythrocytes are one of the most promising drug-delivery systems. Application of erythrocytes as containers for various drugs minimizes toxicity, decreasing the risk of side effects and pathologic immune reactions against encapsulated agents as well as improving their efficacy, leading to better patient compliance. This review discusses the rationale for the use of erythrocytes as a vehicle for biopharmaceuticals and summarizes the categories of these new encapsulable compounds that are currently under investigation. The authors' intent is to describe the development of this delivery system to give the reader an overview of the remarkable potential of erythrocytes as naturally designed carriers and their versatility in the field of biologics for the treatment of various pathological conditions.

Membrane damage during Listeria monocytogenes infection triggers a caspase-7 dependent cytoprotective response

The cysteine protease caspase-7 has an established role in the execution of apoptotic cell death, but recent findings also suggest involvement of caspase-7 during the host response to microbial infection. Caspase-7 can be cleaved by the inflammatory caspase, caspase-1, and has been implicated in processing and activation of microbial virulence factors. Thus, caspase-7 function during microbial infection may be complex, and its role in infection and immunity has yet to be fully elucidated. Here we demonstrate that caspase-7 is cleaved during cytosolic infection with the intracellular bacterial pathogen, Listeria monocytogenes. Cleavage of caspase-7 during L. monocytogenes infection did not require caspase-1 or key adaptors of the primary pathways of innate immune signaling in this infection, ASC, RIP2 and MyD88. Caspase-7 protected infected macrophages against plasma membrane damage attributable to the bacterial pore-forming toxin Listeriolysin O (LLO). LLO-mediated membrane damage could itself trigger caspase-7 cleavage, independently of infection or overt cell death. We also detected caspase-7 cleavage upon treatment with other bacterial pore-forming toxins, but not in response to detergents. Taken together, our results support a model where cleavage of caspase-7 is a consequence of toxin-mediated membrane damage, a common occurrence during infection. We propose that host activation of caspase-7 in response to pore formation represents an adaptive mechanism by which host cells can protect membrane integrity during infection.

Bacillus anthracis factors for phagosomal escape

The mechanism of phagosome escape by intracellular pathogens is an important step in the infectious cycle. During the establishment of anthrax, Bacillus anthracis undergoes a transient intracellular phase in which spores are engulfed by local phagocytes. Spores germinate inside phagosomes and grow to vegetative bacilli, which emerge from their resident intracellular compartments, replicate and eventually exit from the plasma membrane. During germination, B. anthracis secretes multiple factors that can help its resistance to the phagocytes. Here the possible role of B. anthracis toxins, phospholipases, antioxidant enzymes and capsules in the phagosomal escape and survival, is analyzed and compared with that of factors of other microbial pathogens involved in the same type of process.

Allosteric mutants show that PrfA activation is dispensable for vacuole escape but required for efficient spread and Listeria survival in vivo

The transcriptional regulator PrfA controls key virulence determinants of the facultative intracellular pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. PrfA-dependent gene expression is strongly induced within host cells. While the basis of this activation is unknown, the structural homology of PrfA with the cAMP receptor protein (Crp) and the finding of constitutively activated PrfA* mutants suggests it may involve ligand-induced allostery. Here, we report the identification of a solvent-accessible cavity within the PrfA N-terminal domain that may accommodate an activating ligand. The pocket occupies a similar position to the cAMP binding site in Crp but lacks the cyclic nucleotide-anchoring motif and has its entrance on the opposite side of the β-barrel. Site-directed mutations in this pocket impaired intracellular PrfA-dependent gene activation without causing extensive structural/functional alterations to PrfA. Two substitutions, L48F and Y63W, almost completely abolished intracellular virulence gene induction and thus displayed the expected phenotype for allosteric activation-deficient PrfA mutations. Neither PrfA(allo) substitution affected vacuole escape and initial intracellular growth of L. monocytogenes in epithelial cells and macrophages but caused defective cell-to-cell spread and strong attenuation in mice. Our data support the hypothesis that PrfA is allosterically activated during intracellular infection and identify the probable binding site for the effector ligand. They also indicate that PrfA allosteric activation is not required for early intracellular survival but is essential for full Listeria virulence and colonization of host tissues.

Activation of type III interferon genes by pathogenic bacteria in infected epithelial cells and mouse placenta

Bacterial infections trigger the expression of type I and II interferon genes but little is known about their effect on type III interferon (IFN-λ) genes, whose products play important roles in epithelial innate immunity against viruses. Here, we studied the expression of IFN-λ genes in cultured human epithelial cells infected with different pathogenic bacteria and in the mouse placenta infected with Listeria monocytogenes. We first showed that in intestinal LoVo cells, induction of IFN-λ genes by L. monocytogenes required bacterial entry and increased further during the bacterial intracellular phase of infection. Other Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Enterococcus faecalis, also induced IFN-λ genes when internalized by LoVo cells. In contrast, Gram-negative bacteria Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Shigella flexneri and Chlamydia trachomatis did not substantially induce IFN-λ. We also found that IFN-λ genes were up-regulated in A549 lung epithelial cells infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and in HepG2 hepatocytes and BeWo trophoblastic cells infected with L. monocytogenes. In a humanized mouse line permissive to fetoplacental listeriosis, IFN-λ2/λ3 mRNA levels were enhanced in placentas infected with L. monocytogenes. In addition, the feto-placental tissue was responsive to IFN-λ2. Together, these results suggest that IFN-λ may be an important modulator of the immune response to Gram-positive intracellular bacteria in epithelial tissues.

Listeriolysin O: the Swiss army knife of Listeria

Listeriolysin O (LLO) is a toxin produced by Listeria monocytogenes, an opportunistic bacterial pathogen responsible for the disease listeriosis. This disease starts with the ingestion of contaminated foods and mainly affects immunocompromised individuals, newborns, and pregnant women. In the laboratory, L. monocytogenes is used as a model organism to study processes such as cell invasion, intracellular survival, and cell-to-cell spreading, as this Gram-positive bacterium has evolved elaborate molecular strategies to subvert host cell functions. LLO is a major virulence factor originally shown to be crucial for bacterial escape from the internalization vacuole after entry into cells. However, recent studies are revisiting the role of LLO during infection and are revealing new insights into the action of LLO, in particular before bacterial entry. These latest findings along with their impact on the infectious process will be discussed.

Listeriolysin O suppresses phospholipase C-mediated activation of the microbicidal NADPH oxidase to promote Listeria monocytogenes infection

The intracellular bacterial pathogen Listeria monocytogenes produces phospholipases C (PI-PLC and PC-PLC) and the pore-forming cytolysin listeriolysin O (LLO) to escape the phagosome and replicate within the host cytosol. We found that PLCs can also activate the phagocyte NADPH oxidase during L. monocytogenes infection, a response that would adversely affect pathogen survival. However, secretion of LLO inhibits the NADPH oxidase by preventing its localization to phagosomes. LLO-deficient bacteria can be complemented by perfringolysin O, a related cytolysin, suggesting that other pathogens may also use pore-forming cytolysins to inhibit the NADPH oxidase. Our studies demonstrate that while the PLCs induce antimicrobial NADPH oxidase activity, this effect is alleviated by the pore-forming activity of LLO. Therefore, the combined activities of PLCs and LLO on membrane lysis and the inhibitory effects of LLO on NADPH oxidase activity allow L. monocytogenes to efficiently escape the phagosome while avoiding the microbicidal respiratory burst.

Killed but metabolically active vaccines

Beginning in the 20th century and continuing into the new millennia, vaccines against numerous diseases have had an unquestioned principal role of both enhancing the quality of life and increasing life expectancy (Rappuoli R, Mandl CW, Black S, De Gregorio E: Vaccines for the twenty-first century society. Nat Rev Immunol 2011, 11:865-872). Despite this success and the development of sophisticated new vaccine technologies, there remain multiple infectious diseases including tuberculosis, malaria and AIDS that await an effective prophylactic vaccine. In addition, there have been recent clinical successes among individuals with cancer using vaccine treatment strategies-so-called therapeutic vaccines-that stimulate tumor specific immunity and increase survival (Kantoff PW, Higano CS, Shore ND, Berger ER, Small EJ, Penson DF, Redfern CH, Ferrari AC, Dreicer R, Sims RB, et al.: Sipuleucel-T immunotherapy for castration-resistant prostate cancer. New Engl J Med 2010, 363:411-422). Here we summarize a new class of vaccines termed Killed But Metabolically Active (KBMA). KBMA vaccines are whole pathogenic or attenuated organisms killed through photochemical inactivation and cannot cause disease, yet retain sufficient metabolic activity to initiate a potent immune response. KBMA vaccines have two broad applications. First, recombinant KBMA vaccines encoding selected antigens relevant to infectious disease or cancer can be used to elicit a desired immune response. In the second application, KBMA vaccines can be derived from attenuated forms of a targeted pathogen, allowing for the presentation of the entire antigenic repertoire to the immune system, of particular importance when the correlates of protection are unknown.

Intracellular Staphylococcus aureus: live-in and let die

Staphylococcus aureus uses a plethora of virulence factors to accommodate a diversity of niches in its human host. Aside from the classical manifestations of S. aureus-induced diseases, the pathogen also invades and survives within mammalian host cells.The survival strategies of the pathogen are as diverse as strains or host cell types used. S. aureus is able to replicate in the phagosome or freely in the cytoplasm of its host cells. It escapes the phagosome of professional and non-professional phagocytes, subverts autophagy, induces cell death mechanisms such as apoptosis and pyronecrosis, and even can induce anti-apoptotic programs in phagocytes. The focus of this review is to present a guide to recent research outlining the variety of intracellular fates of S. aureus.

Development of a single-gene, signature-tag-based approach in combination with alanine mutagenesis to identify listeriolysin O residues critical for the in vivo survival of Listeria monocytogenes

Listeriolysin O (LLO) is a pore-forming toxin of the cholesterol-dependent cytolysin (CDC) family and a primary virulence factor of the intracellular pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. LLO mediates rupture of phagosomal membranes, thereby releasing bacteria into the growth-permissive host cell cytosol. Several unique features of LLO allow its activity to be precisely regulated in order to facilitate phagosomal escape, intracellular growth, and cell-to-cell spread. To improve our understanding of the multifaceted contribution of LLO to the pathogenesis of L. monocytogenes, we developed a screen that combined saturation mutagenesis and signature tags, termed in vivo analysis by saturation mutagenesis and signature tags (IVASS). We generated a library of LLO mutant strains, each harboring a single amino acid substitution and a signature tag, by using the previously described pPL2 integration vector. The signature tags acted as molecular barcodes, enabling high-throughput, parallel analysis of 40 mutants in a single animal and identification of attenuated mutants by negative selection. Using the IVASS technique we were able to screen over 90% of the 505 amino acids present in LLO and identified 60 attenuated mutants. Of these, 39 LLO residues were previously uncharacterized and potentially revealed novel functions of the toxin during infection. The mutants that were subsequently analyzed in vivo each conferred a 2- to 4-orders of magnitude loss in virulence compared to wild type, thereby validating the screening methods. Phenotypic analysis of the LLO mutant library using common in vitro techniques suggested that the functional contributions of some residues could only have been revealed through in vivo analysis.

Multiple leptospiral sphingomyelinases (or are there?)

Culture supernatants of leptospiral pathogens have long been known to haemolyse erythrocytes. This property is due, at least in part, to sphingomyelinase activity. Indeed, genome sequencing reveals that pathogenic Leptospira species are richly endowed with sphingomyelinase homologues: five genes have been annotated to encode sphingomyelinases in Leptospira interrogans. Such redundancy suggests that this class of genes is likely to benefit leptospiral pathogens in their interactions with the mammalian host. Surprisingly, sequence comparison with bacterial sphingomyelinases for which the crystal structures are known reveals that only one of the leptospiral homologues has the active site amino acid residues required for enzymic activity. Based on studies of other bacterial toxins, we propose that leptospiral sphingomyelinase homologues, irrespective of their catalytic activity, may possess additional molecular functions that benefit the spirochaete. Potential secretion pathways and roles in pathogenesis are discussed, including nutrient acquisition, dissemination, haemorrhage and immune evasion. Although leptospiral sphingomyelinase-like proteins are best known for their cytolytic properties, we believe that a better understanding of their biological role requires the examination of their sublytic properties as well.

Activation of the unfolded protein response by Listeria monocytogenes

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) responds to perturbation of homeostasis with stress. To maintain ER function, a signalling-circuitry has evolved which, when engaged, attempts to reduce a surplus of unfolded proteins by triggering the unfolded protein response (UPR). Several studies have implicated UPR in viral infections, neurodegenerative disorders and metabolic diseases but UPR has not yet been widely linked to bacterial infections. Here we demonstrate that the facultative intracellular pathogen Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) induces ER expansion and UPR prior to host cell entry. Lm activated protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK) evidenced by the phosphorylation of the α-subunit of eukaryotic translation initiation factor-2 (eIF2α), inositol-requiring protein-1 (IRE1) as shown by detection of spliced X-box binding protein-1 (XBP1) and activating transcription factor-6 (ATF6) as demonstrated by depletion of its inactive form. A mutant LmΔhly strain that did not produce listeriolysin (LLO) lacked the UPR response. Conversely purified LLO activated UPR. Sustained infection with Lm resulted in apoptosis. Induction of ER stress by thapsigargin or tunicamycin reduced intracellular bacterial number. Our findings suggest that UPR plays an important role in the cell autonomous defence responses to bacterial infection.

Listeriolysin o is strongly immunogenic independently of its cytotoxic activity

The presentation of microbial protein antigens by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules is essential for the development of acquired immunity to infections. However, most biochemical studies of antigen processing and presentation deal with a few relatively inert non-microbial model antigens. The bacterial pore-forming toxin listeriolysin O (LLO) is paradoxical in that it is cytotoxic at nanomolar concentrations as well as being the source of dominant CD4 and CD8 T cell epitopes following infection with Listeria monocytogenes. Here, we examined the relationship of LLO toxicity to its antigenicity and immunogenicity. LLO offered to antigen presenting cells (APC) as a soluble protein, was presented to CD4 T cells at picomolar to femtomolar concentrations- doses 3000–7000-fold lower than free peptide. This presentation required a dose of LLO below the cytotoxic level. Mutations of two key tryptophan residues reduced LLO toxicity by 10–100-fold but had no effect on its presentation to CD4 T cells. Thus there was a clear dissociation between the cytotoxic properties of LLO and its very high antigenicity. Presentation of LLO to CD8 T cells was not as robust as that seen in CD4 T cells, but still occurred in the nanomolar range. APC rapidly bound and internalized LLO, then disrupted endosomal compartments within 4 hours of treatment, allowing endosomal contents to access the cytosol. LLO was also immunogenic after in vivo administration into mice. Our results demonstrate the strength of LLO as an immunogen to both CD4 and CD8 T cells.

Engagement of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein M with listeriolysin O induces type I interferon expression and restricts Listeria monocytogenes growth in host cells

Listeriolysin O (LLO) is a key virulence factor secreted by the Gram-positive, facultative intracellular pathogen Listeria monocytogenes (LM). Its role in host cell response is still not very clear. Using pull-down assay, mass spectrometry analysis and immunoprecipitation approaches, we found that LLO interacted with heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein M (hnRNPM), a member of RNA splicing complex apparatus, and the binding domain of LLO for hnRNP M was located between amino acids 26 and 176. Knockdown of hnRNP M inhibited LLO-induced activation of IFN-α, IFN-β and AP-1 promoters and enhanced LM growth in host cells. Thus, engagement of hnRNP M with LLO induces type I interferon expression and restricts LM growth in host cells, suggesting a critical role of hnRNP M in LLO-induced immune responses in host cells. These findings will contribute to further understandings of the molecular mechanisms underlying the host defense against LM infection.

Mechanisms and immunological effects of apoptosis caused by Listeria monocytogenes

Infection with Listeria monocytogenes shows an early stage of lymphocyte apoptosis. This is an obligatory stage the extent of which depends on infective dose. Lymphocyte apoptosis occurs early and is rapidly superseded, yet it has a strong biological consequence. The immunological effect of lymphocyte apoptosis following infection is increased susceptibility to L. monocytogenes infection due, in part, to upregulation of IL-10 on macrophages and DC. Lymphocyte apoptosis is dependent on bacterial expression of the pore-forming toxin listeriolysin O (LLO). Also, purified LLO can lead to the induction of death pathways similar to infection, demonstrating that it is a killer agent generated by L. monocytogenes. Signaling through the type I interferon receptor potentiates cell death induced by the bacteria or LLO. Infection with L. monocytogenes also causes death of phagocytic cells, the nature and significance of which is not clear at present. Infection with L. monocytogenes is a tractable model to examine pathogen-induced cell death pathways and their possible immunological consequences in multiple cell types following infection.

Innate immune pathways triggered by Listeria monocytogenes and their role in the induction of cell-mediated immunity

Acquired cell-mediated immunity to Listeria monocytogenes is induced by infection with live, replicating bacteria that grow in the host cell cytosol, whereas killed bacteria, or those trapped in a phagosome, fail to induce protective immunity. In this chapter, we focus on how L. monocytogenes is sensed by the innate immune system, with the presumption that innate immunity affects the development of acquired immunity. Infection by L. monocytogenes induces three innate immune pathways: an MyD88-dependent pathway emanating from a phagosome leading to expression of inflammatory cytokines; a STING/IRF3-dependent pathway emanating from the cytosol leading to the expression of IFN-β and coregulated genes; and very low levels of a Caspase-1-dependent, AIM2-dependent inflammasome pathway resulting in proteolytic activation and secretion of IL-1β and IL-18 and pyroptotic cell death. Using a combination of genetics and biochemistry, we identified the listerial ligand that activates the STING/IRF3 pathway as secreted cyclic diadenosine monophosphate, a newly discovered conserved bacterial signaling molecule. We also identified L. monocytogenes mutants that caused robust inflammasome activation due to bacteriolysis in the cytosol, release of DNA, and activation of the AIM2 inflammasome. A strain was constructed that ectopically expressed and secreted a fusion protein containing Legionella pneumophila flagellin that robustly activated the Nlrc4-dependent inflammasome and was highly attenuated in mice, also in an Nlrc4-dependent manner. Surprisingly, this strain was a poor inducer of adaptive immunity, suggesting that inflammasome activation is not necessary to induce cell-mediated immunity and may even be detrimental under some conditions. To the best of our knowledge, no single innate immune pathway is necessary to mount a robust acquired immune response to L. monocytogenes infection.

Virulence factors that modulate the cell biology of Listeria infection and the host response

The Gram-positive bacterial pathogen Listeria monocytogenes has become one of the best studied models in infection biology. This review will update our knowledge of Listeria virulence factors and highlight their role during the Listeria infection process.

Illuminating the landscape of host-pathogen interactions with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes

Listeria monocytogenes has, in 25 y, become a model in infection biology. Through the analysis of both its saprophytic life and infectious process, new concepts in microbiology, cell biology, and pathogenesis have been discovered. This review will update our knowledge on this intracellular pathogen and highlight the most recent breakthroughs. Promising areas of investigation such as the increasingly recognized relevance for the infectious process, of RNA-mediated regulations in the bacterium, and the role of bacterially controlled posttranslational and epigenetic modifications in the host will also be discussed.

The pore-forming toxin listeriolysin O mediates a novel entry pathway of L. monocytogenes into human hepatocytes

Intracellular pathogens have evolved diverse strategies to invade and survive within host cells. Among the most studied facultative intracellular pathogens, Listeria monocytogenes is known to express two invasins-InlA and InlB-that induce bacterial internalization into nonphagocytic cells. The pore-forming toxin listeriolysin O (LLO) facilitates bacterial escape from the internalization vesicle into the cytoplasm, where bacteria divide and undergo cell-to-cell spreading via actin-based motility. In the present study we demonstrate that in addition to InlA and InlB, LLO is required for efficient internalization of L. monocytogenes into human hepatocytes (HepG2). Surprisingly, LLO is an invasion factor sufficient to induce the internalization of noninvasive Listeria innocua or polystyrene beads into host cells in a dose-dependent fashion and at the concentrations produced by L. monocytogenes. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying LLO-induced bacterial entry, we constructed novel LLO derivatives locked at different stages of the toxin assembly on host membranes. We found that LLO-induced bacterial or bead entry only occurs upon LLO pore formation. Scanning electron and fluorescence microscopy studies show that LLO-coated beads stimulate the formation of membrane extensions that ingest the beads into an early endosomal compartment. This LLO-induced internalization pathway is dynamin-and F-actin-dependent, and clathrin-independent. Interestingly, further linking pore formation to bacteria/bead uptake, LLO induces F-actin polymerization in a tyrosine kinase-and pore-dependent fashion. In conclusion, we demonstrate for the first time that a bacterial pathogen perforates the host cell plasma membrane as a strategy to activate the endocytic machinery and gain entry into the host cell.

Bacteria modulate the CD8+ T cell epitope repertoire of host cytosol-exposed proteins to manipulate the host immune response

The main adaptive immune response to bacteria is mediated by B cells and CD4+ T-cells. However, some bacterial proteins reach the cytosol of host cells and are exposed to the host CD8+ T-cells response. Both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria can translocate proteins to the cytosol through type III and IV secretion and ESX-1 systems, respectively. The translocated proteins are often essential for the bacterium survival. Once injected, these proteins can be degraded and presented on MHC-I molecules to CD8+ T-cells. The CD8+ T-cells, in turn, can induce cell death and destroy the bacteria's habitat. In viruses, escape mutations arise to avoid this detection. The accumulation of escape mutations in bacteria has never been systematically studied. We show for the first time that such mutations are systematically present in most bacteria tested. We combine multiple bioinformatic algorithms to compute CD8+ T-cell epitope libraries of bacteria with secretion systems that translocate proteins to the host cytosol. In all bacteria tested, proteins not translocated to the cytosol show no escape mutations in their CD8+ T-cell epitopes. However, proteins translocated to the cytosol show clear escape mutations and have low epitope densities for most tested HLA alleles. The low epitope densities suggest that bacteria, like viruses, are evolutionarily selected to ensure their survival in the presence of CD8+ T-cells. In contrast with most other translocated proteins examined, Pseudomonas aeruginosa's ExoU, which ultimately induces host cell death, was found to have high epitope density. This finding suggests a novel mechanism for the manipulation of CD8+ T-cells by pathogens. The ExoU effector may have evolved to maintain high epitope density enabling it to efficiently induce CD8+ T-cell mediated cell death. These results were tested using multiple epitope prediction algorithms, and were found to be consistent for most proteins tested.

Streptolysin S-like virulence factors: the continuing sagA

Streptolysin S (SLS) is a potent cytolytic toxin and virulence factor that is produced by nearly all Streptococcus pyogenes strains. Despite a 100-year history of research on this toxin, it has only recently been established that SLS is just one of an extended family of post-translationally modified virulence factors (the SLS-like peptides) that are produced by some streptococci and other Gram-positive pathogens, such as Listeria monocytogenes and Clostridium botulinum. In this Review, we describe the identification, genetics, biochemistry and various functions of SLS. We also discuss the shared features of the virulence-associated SLS-like peptides, as well as their place within the rapidly expanding family of thiazole/oxazole-modified microcins (TOMMs).

An in silico DNA vaccine against Listeria monocytogenes

Listeria monocytogenes causes listeriosis with mortality rate >20%. Listeriolysin-O (LLO), a pore-forming hemolysin, belongs to the family of cholesterol-dependent toxins (CDTX) and plays roles in the pathogenicity. In this study bioinformatic analyses were carried out on LLO sequence as a major immunodominant listerial antigen toward designing a DNA vaccine stimulating cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs). Mouse and human constructs were designed based on predicted T cell epitopes and MHC class I binders, which were then tandemly fused together. LLO-derived construct codons and a variety of critical gene expression efficiency parameters were optimized. Post-translational modifications such as glycosylation, phosphorylation were analysed. The constructs corresponded to LLO sequences of L. monocytogenes in BLAST search. Neither human nor mouse construct was allergen. Secretory pathway was location of the human construct that enhances immune induction and contribute to the efficacy of the vaccine candidate. mRNAs from optimized DNA sequences of both human and mouse constructs are more stable than the native and are suitable for initiation of translation. The constructs contain several sites for phosphorylation that could improve its degradation and subsequent entry into the MHC class I pathway. Addition of GPI anchor, myristoylation and ubiquitin signals or proline (P), glutamic acid (E), serine (S), threonine (T) (PEST)-like motifs at the N-terminal of constructs increase efficacy of the DNA vaccine. Close physical contact between the favorable immunogen and the suitable CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG ODN) promotes immune response. Vectors for checking the expression of constructs in mammalian cells and for harboring the foreign genes as DNA vaccine are suggested.

Mutations of the Listeria monocytogenes peptidoglycan N-deacetylase and O-acetylase result in enhanced lysozyme sensitivity, bacteriolysis, and hyperinduction of innate immune pathways

Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive intracellular pathogen that is naturally resistant to lysozyme. Recently, it was shown that peptidoglycan modification by N-deacetylation or O-acetylation confers resistance to lysozyme in various Gram-positive bacteria, including L. monocytogenes. L. monocytogenes peptidoglycan is deacetylated by the action of N-acetylglucosamine deacetylase (Pgd) and acetylated by O-acetylmuramic acid transferase (Oat). We characterized Pgd(-), Oat(-), and double mutants to determine the specific role of L. monocytogenes peptidoglycan acetylation in conferring lysozyme sensitivity during infection of macrophages and mice. Pgd(-) and Pgd(-) Oat(-) double mutants were attenuated approximately 2 and 3.5 logs, respectively, in vivo. In bone-marrow derived macrophages, the mutants demonstrated intracellular growth defects and increased induction of cytokine transcriptional responses that emanated from a phagosome and the cytosol. Lysozyme-sensitive mutants underwent bacteriolysis in the macrophage cytosol, resulting in AIM2-dependent pyroptosis. Each of the in vitro phenotypes was rescued upon infection of LysM(-) macrophages. The addition of extracellular lysozyme to LysM(-) macrophages restored cytokine induction, host cell death, and L. monocytogenes growth inhibition. This surprising observation suggests that extracellular lysozyme can access the macrophage cytosol and act on intracellular lysozyme-sensitive bacteria.

Apicomplexan perforin-like proteins

Numerous perforin-like proteins are encoded in the genomes of apicomplexan parasites, where they are expressed in various life-cycle stages and play critical roles in pathogenesis and lifecycle progression. These ApiPLPs are characterized by the presence of a MACPF domain, responsible for pore-formation in target membranes in a number of systems, including many bacterial pathogens and effector cells of the immune response. ApiPLP MACPF domains maintain the critical structural elements but are often present in new and intriguing domain arrangements. Recent work in Toxoplasma and Plasmodium has shown that ApiPLPs are important for breaching membranes during parasite egress and cell traversal. Here we present an overview of this important protein family from a structural, functional and phylogenetic perspective across the Apicomplexa.

Intercellular communication via the endo-lysosomal system: translocation of granzymes through membrane barriers

Cytotoxic lymphocytes (CLs) are responsible for the clearance of virally infected or neoplastic cells. CLs possess specialised lysosome-related organelles called granules which contain the granzyme family of serine proteases and perforin. Granzymes may induce apoptosis in the target cell when delivered by the pore forming protein, perforin. Here we follow the perforin-granzyme pathway from synthesis and storage in the granule, to exocytosis and finally delivery into the target cell. This review focuses on the controversial subject of perforin-mediated translocation of granzymes into the target cell cytoplasm. It remains unclear whether this occurs at the cell surface with granzymes moving through a perforin pore in the plasma membrane, or if it involves internalisation of perforin and granzymes and subsequent release from an endocytic compartment. The latter mechanism would represent an example of cross talk between the endo-lysosomal pathways of individual cells. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Proteolysis 50 years after the discovery of lysosome.

Detection of prokaryotic mRNA signifies microbial viability and promotes immunity

Live vaccines have long been known to trigger far more vigorous immune responses than their killed counterparts. This has been attributed to the ability of live microorganisms to replicate and express specialized virulence factors that facilitate invasion and infection of their hosts. However, protective immunization can often be achieved with a single injection of live, but not dead, attenuated microorganisms stripped of their virulence factors. Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), which are detected by the immune system, are present in both live and killed vaccines, indicating that certain poorly characterized aspects of live microorganisms, not incorporated in dead vaccines, are particularly effective at inducing protective immunity. Here we show that the mammalian innate immune system can directly sense microbial viability through detection of a special class of viability-associated PAMPs (vita-PAMPs). We identify prokaryotic messenger RNA as a vita-PAMP present only in viable bacteria, the recognition of which elicits a unique innate response and a robust adaptive antibody response. Notably, the innate response evoked by viability and prokaryotic mRNA was thus far considered to be reserved for pathogenic bacteria, but we show that even non-pathogenic bacteria in sterile tissues can trigger similar responses, provided that they are alive. Thus, the immune system actively gauges the infectious risk by searching PAMPs for signatures of microbial life and thus infectivity. Detection of vita-PAMPs triggers a state of alert not warranted for dead bacteria. Vaccine formulations that incorporate vita-PAMPs could thus combine the superior protection of live vaccines with the safety of dead vaccines.

Functional analysis of the Listeria monocytogenes secretion chaperone PrsA2 and its multiple contributions to bacterial virulence

As an organism that has evolved to live in environments ranging from soil to the cytosol of mammalian cells, Listeria monocytogenes must regulate the secretion and activity of protein products that promote survival within these habitats. The post-translocation chaperone PrsA2 has been adapted to assist in the folding and activity of L. monocytogenes secreted proteins required for bacterial replication within host cells. Here we present the first structure/function investigation of the contributions of PrsA2 to protein secretion and activity as well as to bacterial virulence. Domain swap experiments with the closely related L. monocytogenes PrsA1 protein combined with targeted mutagenesis indicate distinct functional roles for the PrsA2 peptidyl-prolyl isomerase (PPIase) and the N- and C-terminal domains in pathogenesis. In contrast to other PrsA-like proteins described thus far in the literature, an absolute in vivo requirement for PrsA2 PPIase activity is evident in mouse infection models. This work illustrates the diversity of function associated with L. monocytogenes PrsA2 that serves to promote bacterial life within the infected host.

Propionibacterium acnes CAMP factor and host acid sphingomyelinase contribute to bacterial virulence: potential targets for inflammatory acne treatment

Background

In the progression of acne vulgaris, the disruption of follicular epithelia by an over-growth of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) permits the bacteria to spread and become in contact with various skin and immune cells.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We have demonstrated in the present study that the Christie, Atkins, Munch-Peterson (CAMP) factor of P. acnes is a secretory protein with co-hemolytic activity with sphingomyelinase that can confer cytotoxicity to HaCaT keratinocytes and RAW264.7 macrophages. The CAMP factor from bacteria and acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase) from the host cells were simultaneously present in the culture supernatant only when the cells were co-cultured with P. acnes. Either anti-CAMP factor serum or desipramine, a selective ASMase inhibitor, significantly abrogated the P. acnes-induced cell death of HaCaT and RAW264.7 cells. Intradermal injection of ICR mouse ears with live P. acnes induced considerable ear inflammation, macrophage infiltration, and an increase in cellular soluble ASMase. Suppression of ASMase by systemic treatment with desipramine significantly reduced inflammatory reaction induced by intradermal injection with P. acnes, suggesting the contribution of host ASMase in P. acnes-induced inflammatory reaction in vivo. Vaccination of mice with CAMP factor elicited a protective immunity against P. acnes-induced ear inflammation, indicating the involvement of CAMP factor in P. acnes-induced inflammation. Most notably, suppression of both bacterial CAMP factor and host ASMase using vaccination and specific antibody injection, respectively, cooperatively alleviated P. acnes-induced inflammation.

Conclusions/Significance

These findings envision a novel infectious mechanism by which P. acnes CAMP factor may hijack host ASMase to amplify bacterial virulence to degrade and invade host cells. This work has identified both CAMP factor and ASMase as potential molecular targets for the development of drugs and vaccines against acne vulgaris.

K+ efflux is required for histone H3 dephosphorylation by Listeria monocytogenes listeriolysin O and other pore-forming toxins

Chromatin modification triggered by bacteria is a newly described mechanism by which pathogens impact host transcription. Listeria monocytogenes dephosphorylates histone H3 through the action of listeriolysin O (LLO); however, the underlying mechanism is unknown. Here we show that an unrelated pore-forming toxin, Aeromonas aerolysin, also provokes H3 dephosphorylation (dePH3). As reported for aerolysin, we show that LLO and related toxins induce a pore-dependent K(+) efflux and that this efflux is the signal required for dePH3. In addition, LLO-induced K(+) efflux activates caspase-1. However, we demonstrate that dePH3 is unlinked to this activation. Therefore, our study unveils K(+) efflux as an important signal leading to two independent events critical for infection, inflammasome activation and histone modification.

Subversion of host cell signaling by Orientia tsutsugamushi

Progress has been made in deciphering the mechanisms on Orientia tsutsugamushi-host interaction. The genome sequencing, microarray and proteomic analyses of this ancient bacterium have provided a wealth of new information. This paper reviews the general characteristics of O. tsutsugamushi and recent developments especially in signaling events involved in the bacteria--host interaction.

The role of natural killer cells in the defense against Listeria monocytogenes lessons from a rat model

Ly49 receptors in rodents, like killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors in humans, regulate natural killer (NK) cell activity. Although inhibitory Ly49 receptors clearly recognize classical major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) molecules, the role for the activating Ly49 receptors has been less well understood. Here, we discuss recent data from a rat model for listeriosis. Rats depleted of NK cells, or more specifically the Ly49 receptor-bearing cells, showed increased bacterial loads in their spleen. Athymic nude rats with no functional T cells but increased numbers of Ly49-expressing NK cells were more resistant to infection, indicating a central role of NK cells in early immune defense against Listeria in this species. Listeria infection of macrophages or enteric epithelial cells led to upregulation of MHC-I, including nonclassical (Ib) molecules not regularly recognized by T cells. We have shown that activating Ly49 receptors are more efficiently stimulated when binding to upregulated class Ib antigens on infected cells. From this we postulate that activating Ly49 receptors may have a sentinel function in the early immune response against Listeria in detecting diseased cells 'flagged' by increased MHC-Ib expression.

Invasive extravillous trophoblasts restrict intracellular growth and spread of Listeria monocytogenes

Listeria monocytogenes is a facultative intracellular bacterial pathogen that can infect the placenta, a chimeric organ made of maternal and fetal cells. Extravillous trophoblasts (EVT) are specialized fetal cells that invade the uterine implantation site, where they come into direct contact with maternal cells. We have shown previously that EVT are the preferred site of initial placental infection. In this report, we infected primary human EVT with L. monocytogenes. EVT eliminated ∼80% of intracellular bacteria over 24-hours. Bacteria were unable to escape into the cytoplasm and remained confined to vacuolar compartments that became acidified and co-localized with LAMP1, consistent with bacterial degradation in lysosomes. In human placental organ cultures bacterial vacuolar escape rates differed between specific trophoblast subpopulations. The most invasive EVT—those that would be in direct contact with maternal cells in vivo—had lower escape rates than trophoblasts that were surrounded by fetal cells and tissues. Our results suggest that EVT present a bottleneck in the spread of L. monocytogenes from mother to fetus by inhibiting vacuolar escape, and thus intracellular bacterial growth. However, if L. monocytogenes is able to spread beyond EVT it can find a more hospitable environment. Our results elucidate a novel aspect of the maternal-fetal barrier.

Infection of the placenta and fetus is an important cause of pregnancy complications and fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Listeria monocytogenes is an intracellular bacterial pathogen that causes pregnancy-related infections in humans. The pathogenesis of listeriosis during pregnancy is poorly understood. We have previously shown that transmission of L. monocytogenes from maternal cells and tissues to fetal cells occurs in the uterine implantation site, and that a small subpopulation of specialized fetal cells called extravillous trophoblasts are the preferred initial site of infection. Here we use primary human placental organ and cell culture systems to characterize the intracellular fate of L. monocytogenes in extravillous trophoblasts. We found that these cells entrap bacteria in vacuolar compartments where they are degraded and therefore reduce bacterial dissemination into deeper structures of the placenta. Our study provides new insights into the nature of the maternal-fetal barrier. Extravillous trophoblasts that are accessible to infection with intracellular pathogens from infected maternal cells have host defense mechanisms that constitute a bottleneck in maternal-fetal transmission.

Nondominant CD8 T cells are active players in the vaccine-induced antitumor immune response

We previously reported that CD8(+) T cells are directed predominantly toward the immunodominant Her-2/neu (neu) epitope RNEU(420-429) in nontolerized FVB/N but not tolerized HER-2/neu (neu-N) mice. In this study, we screened overlapping peptides of the entire neu protein and identified six new epitopes recognized by vaccine-induced neu-N-derived T cells. Evaluation of individual nondominant responses by tetramer staining and IFN-γ secretion demonstrate that this repertoire is peripherally tolerized. To address the role that the complete CD8(+) T cell repertoire plays in vaccine-induced antitumor immunity, we created a whole-cell vaccine-expressing neu cDNA that has been mutated at the RNEU(420-429) anchor residue, thereby abrogating activation of immunodominant epitope responses. Studies comparing the mutated and nonmutated vaccines indicate that nondominant CD8(+) T cells can induce antitumor immunity when combined with regulatory T cell-depleting agents in both neu-N and FVB/N mice. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that the neu-directed T cell repertoire is not intrinsically incapable of eradicating tumors. Rather, they are suppressed by mechanisms of peripheral tolerance. Thus, these studies provide new insights into the function of the complete T cell repertoire directed toward a clinically relevant tumor Ag in tumor-bearing hosts.

Listeria monocytogenes transiently alters mitochondrial dynamics during infection

Mitochondria are essential and highly dynamic organelles, constantly undergoing fusion and fission. We analyzed mitochondrial dynamics during infection with the human bacterial pathogen Listeria monocytogenes and show that this infection profoundly alters mitochondrial dynamics by causing transient mitochondrial network fragmentation. Mitochondrial fragmentation is specific to pathogenic Listeria monocytogenes, and it is not observed with the nonpathogenic Listeria innocua species or several other intracellular pathogens. Strikingly, the efficiency of Listeria infection is affected in cells where either mitochondrial fusion or fission has been altered by siRNA treatment, highlighting the relevance of mitochondrial dynamics for Listeria infection. We identified the secreted pore-forming toxin listeriolysin O as the bacterial factor mainly responsible for mitochondrial network disruption and mitochondrial function modulation. Together, our results suggest that the transient shutdown of mitochondrial function and dynamics represents a strategy used by Listeria at the onset of infection to interfere with cellular physiology.

The N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea-induced Goldenticket mouse mutant reveals an essential function of Sting in the in vivo interferon response to Listeria monocytogenes and cyclic dinucleotides

Type I interferons (IFNs) are central regulators of the innate and adaptive immune responses to viral and bacterial infections. Type I IFNs are induced upon cytosolic detection of microbial nucleic acids, including DNA, RNA, and the bacterial second messenger cyclic-di-GMP (c-di-GMP). In addition, a recent study demonstrated that the intracellular bacterial pathogen Listeria monocytogenes stimulates a type I IFN response due to cytosolic detection of bacterially secreted c-di-AMP. The transmembrane signaling adaptor Sting (Tmem173, Mita, Mpys, Eris) has recently been implicated in the induction of type I IFNs in response to cytosolic DNA and/or RNA. However, the role of Sting in response to purified cyclic dinucleotides or during in vivo L. monocytogenes infection has not been addressed. In order to identify genes important in the innate immune response, we have been conducting a forward genetic mutagenesis screen in C57BL/6 mice using the mutagen N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU). Here we describe a novel mutant mouse strain, Goldenticket (Gt), that fails to produce type I IFNs upon L. monocytogenes infection. By genetic mapping and complementation experiments, we found that Gt mice harbor a single nucleotide variant (T596A) of Sting that functions as a null allele and fails to produce detectable protein. Analysis of macrophages isolated from Gt mice revealed that Sting is absolutely required for the type I interferon response to both c-di-GMP and c-di-AMP. Additionally, Sting is required for the response to c-di-GMP and L. monocytogenes in vivo. Our results provide new functions for Sting in the innate interferon response to pathogens.

Listeria monocytogenes exploits cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) to escape the phagosome

Virulence of the intracellular pathogen Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria) requires escape from the phagosome into the host cytosol, where the bacteria replicate. Phagosomal escape is a multistep process characterized by perforation, which is dependent on the pore-forming toxin listeriolysin O (LLO), followed by rupture. The contribution of host factors to Listeria phagosomal escape is incompletely defined. Here we show that the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) facilitates Listeria cytosolic entry. CFTR inhibition or mutation suppressed Listeria vacuolar escape in culture, and inhibition of CFTR in wild-type mice before oral inoculation of Listeria markedly decreased systemic infection. We provide evidence that high chloride concentrations may facilitate Listeria vacuolar escape by enhancing LLO oligomerization and lytic activity. We propose that CFTR transiently increases phagosomal chloride concentration after infection, potentiating LLO pore formation and vacuole lysis. Our studies suggest that Listeria exploits mechanisms of cellular ion homeostasis to escape the phagosome and emphasize host ion-channel function as a key parameter of bacterial virulence.

The Listeria monocytogenes InlC protein interferes with innate immune responses by targeting the I{kappa}B kinase subunit IKK{alpha}

Listeria monocytogenes is an intracellular pathogen responsible for severe foodborne infections. It can replicate in both phagocytic and nonphagocytic mammalian cells. The infectious process at the cellular level has been studied extensively, but how the bacterium overcomes early host innate immune responses remains largely unknown. Here we show that InlC, a member of the internalin family, is secreted intracellularly and directly interacts with IKKα, a subunit of the IκB kinase complex critical for the phosphorylation of IκB and activation of NF-κB, the major regulator of innate immune responses. Infection experiments with WT Listeria or the inlC-deletion mutant and transfection of cells with InlC reveal that InlC expression impairs phosphorylation and consequently delays IκB degradation normally induced by TNF-α, a classical NF-κB stimulator. Moreover, infection of RAW 264.7 macrophages by the inlC mutant leads to increased production of proinflammatory cytokines compared with that obtained with the WT. Finally, in a peritonitis mouse model, we show that infection with the inlC mutant induces increased production of chemokines and increased recruitment of neutrophils in the peritoneal cavity compared with infection with WT. Together, these results demonstrate that InlC, by interacting with IKKα, dampens the host innate response induced by Listeria during the infection process.

Listeria monocytogenes PrsA2 is required for virulence factor secretion and bacterial viability within the host cell cytosol

In the course of establishing its replication niche within the cytosol of infected host cells, the facultative intracellular bacterial pathogen Listeria monocytogenes must efficiently regulate the secretion and activity of multiple virulence factors. L. monocytogenes encodes two predicted posttranslocation secretion chaperones, PrsA1 and PrsA2, and evidence suggests that PrsA2 has been specifically adapted for bacterial pathogenesis. PrsA-like chaperones have been identified in a number of Gram-positive bacteria, where they are reported to function at the bacterial membrane-cell wall interface to assist in the folding of proteins translocated across the membrane; in some cases, these proteins have been found to be essential for bacterial viability. In this study, the contributions of PrsA2 and PrsA1 to L. monocytogenes growth and protein secretion were investigated in vitro and in vivo. Neither PrsA2 nor PrsA1 was found to be essential for L. monocytogenes growth in broth culture; however, optimal bacterial viability was found to be dependent upon PrsA2 for L. monocytogenes located within the cytosol of host cells. Proteomic analyses of prsA2 mutant strains in the presence of a mutationally activated allele of the virulence regulator PrfA revealed a critical requirement for PrsA2 activity under conditions of PrfA activation, an event which normally takes place within the host cell cytosol. Despite a high degree of amino acid similarity, no detectable degree of functional overlap was observed between PrsA2 and PrsA1. Our results indicate a critical requirement for PrsA2 under conditions relevant to host cell infection.

Complementation of Listeria monocytogenes null mutants with selected Listeria seeligeri virulence genes suggests functional adaptation of Hly and PrfA and considerable diversification of prfA regulation in L. seeligeri

While Listeria seeligeri and L. monocytogenes contain the main Listeria virulence gene cluster, only L. monocytogenes is considered an intracellular pathogen. Initial evolutionary analyses showed that the virulence genes prfA, hly, and plcA are conserved in L. seeligeri, with specific Hly and PrfA amino acid residues showing evidence for positive selection in L. seeligeri. Our data also show that temperature-dependent transcript patterns for prfA, which encodes a transcriptional regulator of virulence genes, differed between L. monocytogenes and L. seeligeri. To further investigate the divergence of virulence gene function and regulation, L. seeligeri prfA (prfA(LS)), hly (hly(LS)), and plcA (plcA(LS)), as well as prfA(LS) constructs with different prfA promoter regions, were introduced into appropriate L. monocytogenes null mutants. Only when prfA(LS) was under the control of the L. monocytogenes prfA promoters (P1- and P2prfA) (P1P2(LM) prfA(LS)) was prfA(LS) able to fully complement the Delta prfA(LM) deletion. hly(LS) introduced into an L. monocytogenes background under its native promoter showed transcript levels similar to those of hly(LM) and was able to partially restore L. monocytogenes wild-type-level hemolysis and intracellular growth, even though Hly(LM) and Hly(LS) showed distinct patterns of cell- and supernatant-associated hemolytic activities. Our data indicate that (i) regulation of prfA expression differs between L. monocytogenes and L. seeligeri, although hly transcription is temperature dependent in both species, and (ii) PrfA and Hly functions are largely, but not fully, conserved between L. seeligeri and L. monocytogenes. Virulence gene homologues and their expression thus appear to have adapted to distinct but possibly related functions in these two species.