1
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Berry SC, Triplett OA, Yu LR, Hart ME, Jackson LS, Tolleson WH. Microcalorimetric Investigations of Reversible Staphylococcal Enterotoxin Unfolding. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14080554. [PMID: 36006217 PMCID: PMC9414061 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14080554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcal food poisoning (SFP) is a common food-borne illness often associated with contamination during food handling. The genes for Staphylococcal enterotoxin (SE) isoforms SEA and SEB are frequently detected in human nasal Staphylococcus aureus isolates and these toxins are commonly associated with SFP. Past studies described the resistance of preformed SE proteins to heat inactivation and their reactivation upon cooling in foods. Full thermodynamic analyses for these processes have not been reported, however. The thermal stabilities of SEA, SEB, and SEH and reversibility of unfolding in simple buffers were investigated at pH 4.5 and pH 6.8 using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). SEA and SEB unfolding was irreversible at pH 6.8 and at least partially reversible at pH 4.5 while SEH unfolding was irreversible at pH 4.5 and reversible at pH 6.8. Additional studies showed maximum refolding for SEB at pH 3.5–4.0 and diminished refolding at pH 4.5 with increasing ionic strength. SE-stimulated secretion of interferon-gamma by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells was used to assess residual SE biological activity following heat treatments using conditions matching those used for DSC studies. The biological activities of SEB and SEH exhibited greater resistance to heat inactivation than that of SEA. The residual activities of heat-treated SEB and SEH were measurable but diminished further in the presence of reconstituted nonfat dry milk adjusted to pH 4.5 or pH 6.8. To different extents, the pH and ionic strengths typical for foods influenced the thermal stabilities of SEA, SEB, and SEH and their potentials to renature spontaneously after heat treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan C. Berry
- National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, 3900 NCTR Road, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - Odbert A. Triplett
- National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, 3900 NCTR Road, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - Li-Rong Yu
- National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, 3900 NCTR Road, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - Mark E. Hart
- National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, 3900 NCTR Road, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - Lauren S. Jackson
- Division of Food Processing Science & Technology, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, US Food and Drug Administration, 6502 S. Archer Rd., Bedford Park, IL 60501, USA
| | - William H. Tolleson
- National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, 3900 NCTR Road, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +1870-543-7645
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2
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Uzunҫayır S, Vera‐Rodriguez A, Regenthal P, Åbacka H, Emanuelsson C, Bahl CD, Lindkvist‐Petersson K. Analyses of the complex formation of staphylococcal enterotoxin A and the human gp130 cytokine receptor. FEBS Lett 2022; 596:910-923. [DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sibel Uzunҫayır
- Department of Experimental Medical Science Lund University BMC C13 22 184 Lund Sweden
| | - Arturo Vera‐Rodriguez
- Institute for Protein Innovation Boston USA
- Division of Hematology‐Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital Harvard Medical School Boston USA
| | - Paulina Regenthal
- Department of Experimental Medical Science Lund University BMC C13 22 184 Lund Sweden
| | - Hannah Åbacka
- Department of Experimental Medical Science Lund University BMC C13 22 184 Lund Sweden
| | - Cecilia Emanuelsson
- Department of Chemistry Division for Biochemistry and Structural Biology Lund University Lund Sweden
| | - Christopher D. Bahl
- Institute for Protein Innovation Boston USA
- Division of Hematology‐Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital Harvard Medical School Boston USA
| | - Karin Lindkvist‐Petersson
- Department of Experimental Medical Science Lund University BMC C13 22 184 Lund Sweden
- LINXS ‐ Lund Institute of Advanced Neutron and X‐ray Science Scheelevägen 19 SE‐223 70 Lund Sweden
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3
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Hashemzadeh MS, Tapeh BE, Mirhosseini SA. The Role of Bacterial Superantigens in the Immune Response: From Biology to Cancer Treatment. CURRENT CANCER THERAPY REVIEWS 2021. [DOI: 10.2174/1573394716666200812150402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Aims:
Encouraging results have been indicated preclinically and in patients using the
bacterial superantigen. This review article intends to summarize the role of the superantigens that
have been recently used in the treatment of cancer. In addition, the vector systems, including lentiviral
vectors, adeno-associated vector systems and retroviral vectors that are increasingly being
used in basic and applied research, were discussed. Most importantly, the new CRISPR technique
has also been discussed in this literature review.
Discussion:
More successful therapies can be achieved by manipulating bacterial vector systems
through incorporating genes related to the superantigens and cytokines. The products of SAg and
cytokine genes contribute to the strong stimulation of the immune system against tumor cells. They
bind to MHC II molecules as well as the V beta regions of TCR and lead to the production of IL2
and other cytokines, the activation of antigen-presenting cells and T lymphocytes. Additionally, superantigens
can be used to eradicate tumor cells. Better results in cancer treatment can be achieved
by transferring superantigen genes and subsequent strong immune stimulation along with other cancer
immunotherapy agents.
Conclusion:
Superantigens induce the proliferation of T lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells
by binding to MHCII molecules and V beta regions in T cell receptors. Therefore, the presentation
of tumor cell antigens is increased. Additionally, the production of important cytokines by T cells
and APCs contributes to the stimulation of immune response against tumor cells. The manipulation
of bacterial vector systems through incorporating genesrelated to SAgs and other immune response
factors is a good strategy for the immune system stimulating and eradicating tumor cells along with
other immunotherapy agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad S. Hashemzadeh
- Nanobiotechnology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behnam E.G. Tapeh
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed A. Mirhosseini
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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4
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Noli Truant S, De Marzi MC, Sarratea MB, Antonoglou MB, Meo AP, Iannantuono López LV, Fernández Lynch MJ, Todone M, Malchiodi EL, Fernández MM. egc Superantigens Impair Monocytes/Macrophages Inducing Cell Death and Inefficient Activation. Front Immunol 2020; 10:3008. [PMID: 32010128 PMCID: PMC6974467 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.03008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial superantigens (SAgs) are enterotoxins that bind to MHC-II and TCR molecules, activating as much as 20% of the T cell population and promoting a cytokine storm which enhances susceptibility to endotoxic shock, causing immunosuppression, and hindering the immune response against bacterial infection. Since monocytes/macrophages are one of the first cells SAgs find in infected host and considering the effect these cells have on directing the immune response, here, we investigated the effect of four non-classical SAgs of the staphylococcal egc operon, namely, SEG, SEI, SEO, and SEM on monocytic-macrophagic cells, in the absence of T cells. We also analyzed the molecular targets on APCs which could mediate SAg effects. We found that egc SAgs depleted the pool of innate immune effector cells and induced an inefficient activation of monocytic-macrophagic cells, driving the immune response to an impaired proinflammatory profile, which could be mediated directly or indirectly by interactions with MHC class II. In addition, performing surface plasmon resonance assays, we demonstrated that non-classical SAgs bind the gp130 molecule, which is also present in the monocytic cell surface, among other cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Noli Truant
- Cátedra de Inmunología, Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología, Biotecnología y Genética, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral "Prof. Ricardo A. Margni" (IDEHU), UBA-CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mauricio C De Marzi
- Cátedra de Inmunología, Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología, Biotecnología y Genética, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral "Prof. Ricardo A. Margni" (IDEHU), UBA-CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Nacional de Luján, Luján, Argentina.,Instituto de Ecología y Desarrollo Sustentable (INEDES), UNLU-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Luján, Luján, Argentina
| | - María B Sarratea
- Cátedra de Inmunología, Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología, Biotecnología y Genética, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral "Prof. Ricardo A. Margni" (IDEHU), UBA-CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María B Antonoglou
- Cátedra de Inmunología, Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología, Biotecnología y Genética, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral "Prof. Ricardo A. Margni" (IDEHU), UBA-CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana P Meo
- Hospital Dr. J. M. Ramos Mejía, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laura V Iannantuono López
- Cátedra de Inmunología, Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología, Biotecnología y Genética, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral "Prof. Ricardo A. Margni" (IDEHU), UBA-CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María J Fernández Lynch
- Cátedra de Inmunología, Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología, Biotecnología y Genética, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral "Prof. Ricardo A. Margni" (IDEHU), UBA-CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcos Todone
- Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral "Prof. Ricardo A. Margni" (IDEHU), UBA-CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Nacional de Luján, Luján, Argentina.,Instituto de Ecología y Desarrollo Sustentable (INEDES), UNLU-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Luján, Luján, Argentina
| | - Emilio L Malchiodi
- Cátedra de Inmunología, Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología, Biotecnología y Genética, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral "Prof. Ricardo A. Margni" (IDEHU), UBA-CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marisa M Fernández
- Cátedra de Inmunología, Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología, Biotecnología y Genética, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral "Prof. Ricardo A. Margni" (IDEHU), UBA-CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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5
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Suzuki Y. Current Studies of Staphylococcal Food Poisoning. Food Hygiene and Safety Science (Shokuhin Eiseigaku Zasshi) 2019; 60:27-37. [DOI: 10.3358/shokueishi.60.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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6
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Benkerroum N. Staphylococcal enterotoxins and enterotoxin-like toxins with special reference to dairy products: An overview. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2017; 58:1943-1970. [DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2017.1289149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Noreddine Benkerroum
- Department of Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Macdonald-Stewart Building, McGill University, Macdonald Campus, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Canada
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7
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Regenthal P, Hansen JS, André I, Lindkvist-Petersson K. Thermal stability and structural changes in bacterial toxins responsible for food poisoning. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0172445. [PMID: 28207867 PMCID: PMC5313198 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0172445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) are secreted by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and are the most common causative agent in staphylococcal food poisoning. The staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) has been associated with large staphylococcal food poisoning outbreaks, but newer identified SEs, like staphylococcal enterotoxin H (SEH) has recently been shown to be present at similar levels as SEA in food poisoning outbreaks. Thus, we set out to investigate the thermo-stability of the three-dimensional structures of SEA, SEH and staphylococcal enterotoxin E (SEE), since heat inactivation is a common method to inactivate toxins during food processing. Interestingly, the investigated toxins behaved distinctly different upon heating. SEA and SEE were more stable at slightly acidic pH values, while SEH adopted an extremely stable structure at neutral pH, with almost no effects on secondary structural elements upon heating to 95°C, and with reversible formation of tertiary structure upon subsequent cooling to room temperature. Taken together, the data suggests that the family of staphylococcal enterotoxins have different ability to withstand heat, and thus the exact profile of heat inactivation for all SEs causing food poisoning needs to be considered to improve food safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Regenthal
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, BMC, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jesper S Hansen
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, BMC, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ingemar André
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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8
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Rödström KEJ, Regenthal P, Lindkvist-Petersson K. Structure of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin E in Complex with TCR Defines the Role of TCR Loop Positioning in Superantigen Recognition. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0131988. [PMID: 26147596 PMCID: PMC4492778 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
T cells are crucial players in cell-mediated immunity. The specificity of their receptor, the T cell receptor (TCR), is central for the immune system to distinguish foreign from host antigens. Superantigens are bacterial toxins capable of inducing a toxic immune response by cross-linking the TCR and the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II and circumventing the antigen specificity. Here, we present the structure of staphylococcal enterotoxin E (SEE) in complex with a human T cell receptor, as well as the unligated T cell receptor structure. There are clear structural changes in the TCR loops upon superantigen binding. In particular, the HV4 loop moves to circumvent steric clashes upon complex formation. In addition, a predicted ternary model of SEE in complex with both TCR and MHC class II displays intermolecular contacts between the TCR α-chain and the MHC, suggesting that the TCR α-chain is of importance for complex formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin E. J. Rödström
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, BMC C13, 22 184, Lund, Sweden
| | - Paulina Regenthal
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, BMC C13, 22 184, Lund, Sweden
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9
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Kang H, Deng H, Shen M, He X, Xia Y, Li Y, Liang Z, Wang H, Huang J. Superantigenicity analysis of staphylococcal enterotoxins SElK and SElQ in a mouse model. RSC Adv 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c4ra16649c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) are superantigenic toxins secreted byStaphylococcus aureusthat is involved in causing food poisoning and human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongzhi Kang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology
- Tianjin University
- Tianjin
- China
| | - Hui Deng
- School of Life Sciences
- Tianjin University
- Tianjin
- China
| | - Menglu Shen
- School of Life Sciences
- Tianjin University
- Tianjin
- China
| | - Xianzhi He
- School of Life Sciences
- Tianjin University
- Tianjin
- China
| | - Yihe Xia
- School of Life Sciences
- Tianjin University
- Tianjin
- China
| | - Yi Li
- School of Life Sciences
- Tianjin University
- Tianjin
- China
| | - Zhixuan Liang
- Tianjin Center of Animal Disease Preventive and Control
- Tianjin
- China
| | - Hongjun Wang
- Tianjin Center of Animal Disease Preventive and Control
- Tianjin
- China
| | - Jinhai Huang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology
- Tianjin University
- Tianjin
- China
- School of Life Sciences
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10
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Hennekinne JA, De Buyser ML, Dragacci S. Staphylococcus aureus and its food poisoning toxins: characterization and outbreak investigation. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2011; 36:815-36. [PMID: 22091892 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6976.2011.00311.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 542] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2010] [Revised: 09/15/2011] [Accepted: 10/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcal food poisoning (SFP) is one of the most common food-borne diseases and results from the ingestion of staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) preformed in food by enterotoxigenic strains of Staphylococcus aureus. To date, more than 20 SEs have been described: SEA to SElV. All of them have superantigenic activity whereas half of them have been proved to be emetic, representing a potential hazard for consumers. This review, divided into four parts, will focus on the following: (1) the worldwide story of SFP outbreaks, (2) the characteristics and behaviour of S. aureus in food environment, (3) the toxinogenic conditions and characteristics of SEs, and (4) SFP outbreaks including symptomatology, occurrence in the European Union and currently available methods used to characterize staphylococcal outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques-Antoine Hennekinne
- French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (Anses), Food Safety Laboratory of Maisons-Alfort, European Union Reference Laboratory for Coagulase Positive Staphylococci, Maisons-Alfort, France.
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11
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The structure of superantigen complexed with TCR and MHC reveals novel insights into superantigenic T cell activation. Nat Commun 2010; 1:119. [PMID: 21081917 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms1117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2010] [Accepted: 10/18/2010] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Superantigens (SAgs) are bacterial toxins that interact with immunoreceptors, T cell receptor (TCR) and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II, conventionally through the variable β-domain of TCR (TCRVβ). They induce a massive release of cytokines, which can lead to diseases such as food poisoning and toxic shock syndrome. In this study, we report the X-ray structure of the ternary complex between staphylococcal enterotoxin H (SEH) and its human receptors, MHC class II and TCR. The structure demonstrates that SEH predominantly interacts with the variable α-domain of TCR (TCRVα), which is supported by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses. Furthermore, there is no contact between MHC and TCR upon complex formation. Structural analyses suggest that the major contact points to TCRVα are conserved among other bacterial SAgs. Consequently, a new dimension of SAg biology emerges, suggesting that in addition to the conventional interactions with the TCRVβ domain, SAgs can also activate T cells through the TCRVα domain.
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12
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The systemic and pulmonary immune response to staphylococcal enterotoxins. Toxins (Basel) 2010; 2:1898-912. [PMID: 22069664 PMCID: PMC3153275 DOI: 10.3390/toxins2071898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2010] [Accepted: 07/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In response to environmental cues the human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus synthesizes and releases proteinaceous enterotoxins. These enterotoxins are natural etiologic entities of severe food poisoning, toxic shock syndrome, and acute diseases. Staphylococcal enterotoxins are currently listed as Category B Bioterrorism Agents by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. They are associated with respiratory illnesses, and may contribute to exacerbation of pulmonary disease. This likely stems from the ability of Staphylococcal enterotoxins to elicit powerful episodes of T cell stimulation resulting in release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Here, we discuss the role of the immune system and potential mechanisms of disease initiation and progression.
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13
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Argudín MÁ, Mendoza MC, Rodicio MR. Food poisoning and Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins. Toxins (Basel) 2010; 2:1751-73. [PMID: 22069659 PMCID: PMC3153270 DOI: 10.3390/toxins2071751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 617] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2010] [Revised: 06/24/2010] [Accepted: 06/30/2010] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus produces a wide variety of toxins including staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs; SEA to SEE, SEG to SEI, SER to SET) with demonstrated emetic activity, and staphylococcal-like (SEl) proteins, which are not emetic in a primate model (SElL and SElQ) or have yet to be tested (SElJ, SElK, SElM to SElP, SElU, SElU2 and SElV). SEs and SEls have been traditionally subdivided into classical (SEA to SEE) and new (SEG to SElU2) types. All possess superantigenic activity and are encoded by accessory genetic elements, including plasmids, prophages, pathogenicity islands, vSa genomic islands, or by genes located next to the staphylococcal cassette chromosome (SCC) implicated in methicillin resistance. SEs are a major cause of food poisoning, which typically occurs after ingestion of different foods, particularly processed meat and dairy products, contaminated with S. aureus by improper handling and subsequent storage at elevated temperatures. Symptoms are of rapid onset and include nausea and violent vomiting, with or without diarrhea. The illness is usually self-limiting and only occasionally it is severe enough to warrant hospitalization. SEA is the most common cause of staphylococcal food poisoning worldwide, but the involvement of other classical SEs has been also demonstrated. Of the new SE/SEls, only SEH have clearly been associated with food poisoning. However, genes encoding novel SEs as well as SEls with untested emetic activity are widely represented in S. aureus, and their role in pathogenesis may be underestimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Ángeles Argudín
- Department of Functional Biology (Section of Microbiology) and University Institute of Biotechnology of Asturias (IUBA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.
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14
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Saline M, Orekhov V, Lindkvist-Petersson K, Karlsson BG. Backbone resonance assignment of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin H. BIOMOLECULAR NMR ASSIGNMENTS 2010; 4:1-4. [PMID: 19888679 DOI: 10.1007/s12104-009-9193-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2009] [Accepted: 10/08/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The staphylococcal enterotoxin H (SEH; 217 aa, 25 kD) belongs to a family of superantigens that cause a massive immune response upon simultaneous binding to the T cell receptor (TCR) and the major histocompatibility complex class II. The SEH-TCR interaction is weak and amenable to studies using NMR methodology. Essentially, 2 mg of U{(2)H, (13)C,(15)N}-labeled SEH was used for the complete sequential backbone assignment of SEH at 900 MHz. The protein secondary structure inferred from the chemical shift index (C(alpha) and C(beta)) is in very good agreement with the secondary structure elements of the X-ray structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Saline
- Swedish NMR Centre, University of Gothenburg, PO Box 465, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
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15
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Narayan K, Perkins EM, Murphy GE, Dalai SK, Edidin M, Subramaniam S, Sadegh-Nasseri S. Staphylococcal enterotoxin A induces small clusters of HLA-DR1 on B cells. PLoS One 2009; 4:e6188. [PMID: 19587800 PMCID: PMC2705189 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0006188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2009] [Accepted: 05/23/2009] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The superantigen SEA causes non-specific hyperactivation of T and B cells at low concentrations. Studies of mutants or soluble proteins suggest SEA is bivalent for its ligand, MHC class II. However, the interaction between these molecules on intact cells is unknown. On primary mouse B cells expressing the MHC class II allele HLA-DR1, measurements of Förster Resonance Energy Transfer between HLA-DR1 molecules on SEA-treated cells indicated specific clustering, not observed in untreated or monovalent superantigen treated cells. Tomographic visualization and electron microscopy of immunogold-labeled SEA-treated B cells revealed small clusters of surface HLA-DR1 (≤4 gold labels). These results present direct visual evidence of SEA-mediated clustering of MHC class II molecules on treated antigen presenting cells, and provide a new structural approach to addressing problems of this nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kedar Narayan
- Graduate Program in Immunology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Edward M. Perkins
- Department of Biology and Integrated Imaging Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Gavin E. Murphy
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Sarat K. Dalai
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Michael Edidin
- Department of Biology and Integrated Imaging Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Sriram Subramaniam
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Scheherazade Sadegh-Nasseri
- Graduate Program in Immunology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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16
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Zemla A, Geisbrecht B, Smith J, Lam M, Kirkpatrick B, Wagner M, Slezak T, Zhou CE. STRALCP--structure alignment-based clustering of proteins. Nucleic Acids Res 2007; 35:e150. [PMID: 18039711 PMCID: PMC2190701 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkm1049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein structural annotation and classification is an important and challenging problem in bioinformatics. Research towards analysis of sequence–structure correspondences is critical for better understanding of a protein's structure, function, and its interaction with other molecules. Clustering of protein domains based on their structural similarities provides valuable information for protein classification schemes. In this article, we attempt to determine whether structure information alone is sufficient to adequately classify protein structures. We present an algorithm that identifies regions of structural similarity within a given set of protein structures, and uses those regions for clustering. In our approach, called STRALCP (STRucture ALignment-based Clustering of Proteins), we generate detailed information about global and local similarities between pairs of protein structures, identify fragments (spans) that are structurally conserved among proteins, and use these spans to group the structures accordingly. We also provide a web server at http://as2ts.llnl.gov/AS2TS/STRALCP/ for selecting protein structures, calculating structurally conserved regions and performing automated clustering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Zemla
- Computing Applications and Research, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550, USA.
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17
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Nashev D, Toshkova K, Bizeva L, Akineden O, Lämmler C, Zschöck M. Distribution of enterotoxin genes among carriage- and infection-associated isolates of Staphylococcus aureus. Lett Appl Microbiol 2007; 45:681-5. [PMID: 17944839 DOI: 10.1111/j.1472-765x.2007.02254.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To compare the distribution of genes encoding classical and newly described enterotoxins among Staphylococcus aureus, associated with carriage and infection. METHODS AND RESULTS Forty-five nasal isolates from carriers and 42 clinical isolates were included. The genes sea to see and seg to sei as well as sem, sen, seo and seu were tested using multiplex and conventional PCR. The most frequently found toxin genes were egc-related genes, in particular the combination seg and sei (n = 55, 63.1%), followed by sen and seu (n = 54, 62.1%), sem (n = 51, 58.6%) and seo (n = 48, 55.2%). Significant differences were found for seg and sei combination (33 of the nasal vs 22 of the infection isolates, P = 0.048) as well as for the genes sem (P = 0.004), sen (P = 0.029) and seo (P = 0.032). Regarding the classical toxin genes no significant differences between the two groups of isolates were found. CONCLUSIONS Significant differences between infection and carriage strains were found only for the egc-related genes, which were more common in the nasal isolates. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY The egc-related enterotoxin genes seem to be more prevalent in carriage- than in infection-associated S. aureus isolates. The possible contribution of egc-related genes in determining the potential for nasal carriage requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Nashev
- National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria.
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18
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Pumphrey N, Vuidepot A, Jakobsen B, Forsberg G, Walse B, Lindkvist-Petersson K. Cutting Edge: Evidence of Direct TCR α-Chain Interaction with Superantigen. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2007; 179:2700-4. [PMID: 17709482 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.179.5.2700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Superantigens are known to activate a large number of T cells. The SAg is presented by MHC class II on the APC and its classical feature is that it recognizes the variable region of the beta-chain of the TCR. In this article, we report, by direct binding studies, that staphylococcal enterotoxin (SE) H (SEH), a bacterial SAg secreted by Staphylococcus aureus, instead recognizes the variable alpha-chain (TRAV27) of TCR. Furthermore, we show that different SAgs (e.g., SEH and SEA) can simultaneously bind to one TCR by binding the alpha-chain and the beta-chain, respectively. Theoretical three-dimensional models of the penta complexes are presented. Hence, these findings open up a new dimension of the biology of the staphylococcal enterotoxins.
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19
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Li H, Zhao Y, Guo Y, VanVranken SJ, Li Z, Eisele L, Mourad W. Mutagenesis, biochemical, and biophysical characterization of Mycoplasma arthritidis-derived mitogen. Mol Immunol 2006; 44:763-73. [PMID: 16753217 PMCID: PMC3923304 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2006.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2006] [Accepted: 04/11/2006] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Mycoplasma arthritidis-derived mitogen (MAM) is a superantigen (SAg) that can activate large fractions of T cells bearing particular TCR Vbeta elements. Here we report the mutagenesis, biochemical and biophysical studies on the dimerization of MAM in solution. Our studies showed that although MAM mainly exists as a monomer in solution, a small percentage of MAM molecules form homodimer at high protein concentration, regardless of the presence of Zn2+. A distinct peak corresponding to a MAM homodimer was detected in the presence of EDTA, using both chemical cross-linking and analytical ultracentrifugation methods. Further mutagenesis studies revealed that single mutation of residues at the interface of the crystallographic dimer of MAM does not significantly affect the dimerization of MAM in solution. Circular dichroism (CD) analysis indicated that addition of Zn2+ does not induce conformational changes of MAM from its apo-state. Thermal denaturation experiments indicated that addition of Zn2+ to MAM solution resulted in a decrease of melting point (Tm), whereas addition of EDTA did not affect the Tm of MAM. These results imply that there is no defined Zn2+-binding site on MAM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmin Li
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Empire State Plaza, PO Box 509, Albany, NY 12201-0509, United States
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, State University of New York, Empire State Plaza, PO Box 509, Albany, NY 12201-0509, United States
- Corresponding author. Tel.: +1 518 486 9154; fax: +1 518 474 7992. (H. Li)
| | - Yiwei Zhao
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Empire State Plaza, PO Box 509, Albany, NY 12201-0509, United States
| | - Yi Guo
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Empire State Plaza, PO Box 509, Albany, NY 12201-0509, United States
| | - Sandra J. VanVranken
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Empire State Plaza, PO Box 509, Albany, NY 12201-0509, United States
| | - Zhong Li
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Empire State Plaza, PO Box 509, Albany, NY 12201-0509, United States
| | - Leslie Eisele
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Empire State Plaza, PO Box 509, Albany, NY 12201-0509, United States
| | - Walid Mourad
- Université de Montreal, CHUM, Campus St-Luc, PEA, 264, Boul. René Lévesque Est, Bureau 313, Montréal, Qué. H2X 1P1, Canada
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20
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De Marzí MC, Fernández MM, Sundberg EJ, Molinero L, Zwirner NW, Llera AS, Mariuzza RA, Malchiodi EL. Cloning, expression and interaction of human T-cell receptors with the bacterial superantigen SSA. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 271:4075-83. [PMID: 15479236 DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-1033.2004.04345.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Superantigens (SAgs) are a class of disease-causing and immunostimulatory proteins of bacterial or viral origin that activate a large number of T-cells through interaction with the Vbeta domain of T-cell receptors (TCRs). In this study, recombinant TCR beta chains were constructed with human variable domains Vbeta5.2, Vbeta1 and Vbeta2.1, expressed as inclusion bodies, refolded and purified. The Streptococcus pyogenes SAg SSA-1 was cloned and expressed as a soluble periplasmic protein. SSA-1 was obtained both as a monomer and a dimer that has an intermolecular disulfide bond. We analyzed the biological activity of the recombinant SAgs by proliferation assays. The results suggest that SSA dimerization occludes the TCR interaction site. Naturally occurring SSA dimerization was also observed in supernatants of S. pyogenes isolates. An SSA mutant [SSA(C26S)] was produced to eliminate the Cys responsible for dimerization. Affinity assays using a resonant biosensor showed that both the mutant and monomeric wild type SSA have affinity for human Vbeta5.2 and Vbeta1 with Kd of 9-11 microm with a fast kass and a moderately fast kdiss. In spite of the reported stimulation of Vbeta2.1 bearing T-cells by SSA, we observed no measurable interaction.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Antigens, Bacterial/chemistry
- Antigens, Bacterial/immunology
- Antigens, Bacterial/metabolism
- Cloning, Molecular
- Dimerization
- Dose-Response Relationship, Immunologic
- Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel
- Gene Expression
- Humans
- Immunoblotting
- Lymphocyte Activation
- Mice
- Models, Molecular
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Protein Binding
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/metabolism
- Recombinant Proteins/genetics
- Recombinant Proteins/immunology
- Recombinant Proteins/metabolism
- Streptococcus pyogenes/immunology
- Superantigens/chemistry
- Superantigens/immunology
- Superantigens/metabolism
- Superantigens/pharmacology
- T-Lymphocytes/cytology
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio C De Marzí
- Cátedra de Inmunología and Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral (IDEHU), CONICET, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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21
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Abstract
Superantigens are a class of highly potent immuno-stimulatory molecules produced by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. These toxins possess the unique ability to interact simultaneously with MHC class II molecules and T-cell receptors, forming a trimolecular complex that induces profound T-cell proliferation. The resultant massive cytokine release causes epithelial damage and leads to capillary leak and hypotension. The staphylococcal superantigens are designated staphylococcal enterotoxins A, B, C (and antigenic variants), D, E, and the recently discovered enterotoxins G to Q, and toxic shock syndrome toxin-1. The streptococcal superantigens include the pyrogenic exotoxins A (and antigenic variants), C, G-J, SMEZ, and SSA. Superantigens are implicated in several diseases including toxic shock syndrome, scarlet fever and food poisoning; and their function appears primarily to debilitate the host sufficiently to permit the causation of disease. Structural studies over the last 10 years have provided a great deal of information regarding the complex interactions of these molecules with their receptors. This, combined with the wealth of new information from genomics initiatives, have shown that, despite their common molecular architecture, superantigens are able to crosslink MHC class II molecules and T-cell receptors by a variety of subtly different ways through the use of various structural regions within each toxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Baker
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
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22
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Abstract
Superantigens (SAGs) cause a massive T-cell proliferation by simultaneously binding to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II on antigen-presenting cells and T-cell receptors (TCRs) on T cells. These T-cell mitogens can cause disease in host, such as food poisoning or toxic shock. The best characterized groups of SAGs are the bacterial SAGs secreted by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. Despite a common overall three-dimensional fold of these SAGs, they have been shown to bind to MHC class II in different ways. Recently, it has also been shown that SAGs have individual preferences in their binding to the TCRs. They can interact with various regions of the variable beta-chain of TCRs and at least one SAG seems to bind to the alpha-chain of TCRs. In this review, different subclasses of SAGs are classified based upon their binding mode to MHC class II, and models of trimolecular complexes of MHC-SAG-TCR molecules are described in order to reveal and understand the complexity of SAG-mediated T-cell activation.
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23
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Affiliation(s)
- T Proft
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland New Zealand
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24
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Langlois MA, El Fakhry Y, Mourad W. Zinc-binding sites in the N terminus of Mycoplasma arthritidis-derived mitogen permit the dimer formation required for high affinity binding to HLA-DR and for T cell activation. J Biol Chem 2003; 278:22309-15. [PMID: 12676930 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m300823200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Zinc-dependent superantigens can be divided into two subfamilies based on how they use zinc ions for interactions with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules. Members of the first subfamily use zinc ions for interactions with histidine 81 on the beta-chain of MHC class II molecules, whereas members of the second subfamily use zinc ions for dimer formation. The zinc-binding motif is located in the C terminus of the molecule in both subfamilies. While our recent studies with Mycoplasma arthritidis-derived mitogen (MAM) have provided the first direct evidence demonstrating the binding to MHC class II molecules in a zinc-dependent manner, it still not known how zinc coordinates the interaction. Data presented here show that the zinc ion is mainly required to induce MAM/MAM dimer formation. Residues in the N terminus of MAM are involved in dimer formation and MHC class II binding, while histidine 14 and aspartic acid 31 of the MAM sequence are the major residues mediating MAM/MAM dimerization. Zinc-induced dimer formation is necessary for MAM binding, MHC class II-induced cell-cell adhesion, and efficient T cell activation. Together these results depict the unique mode of interaction of MAM in comparison with other superantigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc-André Langlois
- Centre de Recherche en Rhumatologie et Immunologie, Centre Hospitalier de l'université Laval, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Quebec G1V 4G2, Canada
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25
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Petersson K, Pettersson H, Skartved NJ, Walse B, Forsberg G. Staphylococcal enterotoxin H induces V alpha-specific expansion of T cells. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2003; 170:4148-54. [PMID: 12682246 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.170.8.4148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Staphylococcal enterotoxin H (SEH) is a bacterial superantigen secreted by Staphylococcus aureus. Superantigens are presented on the MHC class II and activate large amounts of T cells by cross-linking APC and T cells. In this study, RT-PCR was used to show that SEH stimulates human T cells via the Valpha domain of TCR, in particular Valpha10 (TRAV27), while no TCR Vbeta-specific expansion was seen. This is in sharp contrast to all other studied bacterial superantigens, which are highly specific for TCR Vbeta. It was further confirmed by flow cytometry that SEH stimulation does not alter the levels of certain TCR Vbeta. In a functional assay addressing cross-reactivity, Vbeta binding superantigens were found to form one group, whereas SEH has different properties that fit well with Valpha reactivity. As SEH binds on top of MHC class II, an interaction between MHC and TCR upon SEH binding is not likely. This concludes that the specific expansion of TCR Valpha is not due to contacts between MHC and TCR, instead we suggest that SEH directly interacts with the TCR Valpha domain.
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MESH Headings
- Binding, Competitive/immunology
- Cell Communication/immunology
- Cell Line
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic/genetics
- Enterotoxins/metabolism
- Enterotoxins/pharmacology
- Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/immunology
- Gene Expression Regulation/immunology
- Genes, T-Cell Receptor alpha/physiology
- Humans
- Immunoglobulin Variable Region/biosynthesis
- Immunoglobulin Variable Region/genetics
- Lymphocyte Activation/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/biosynthesis
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/genetics
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods
- Staphylococcus aureus/immunology
- Superantigens/metabolism
- Superantigens/pharmacology
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/immunology
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/metabolism
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/microbiology
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26
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Alouf JE, Müller-Alouf H. Staphylococcal and streptococcal superantigens: molecular, biological and clinical aspects. Int J Med Microbiol 2003; 292:429-40. [PMID: 12635926 DOI: 10.1078/1438-4221-00232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Superantigens (SAgs) include a class of certain bacterial and viral proteins exhibiting highly potent lymphocyte-transforming (mitogenic) activity towards human and or other mammalian T lymphocytes. Unlike conventional antigens, SAgs bind to certain regions of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) outside the classical antigen-binding groove and concomitantly bind in their native form to T cells at specific motifs of the variable region of the beta chain (Vbeta) of the T cell receptor (TcR). This interaction triggers the activation (proliferation) of the targeted T lymphocytes and leads to the in vivo or in vitro release of high amounts of various cytokines and other effectors by immune cells. Each SAg interacts specifically with a characteristic set of Vbeta motifs. The review summarizes our current knowledge on S. aureus and S. pyogenes superantigen proteins. The repertoire of the staphylococcal and streptococcal SAgs comprises 24 and 8 proteins, respectively. The staphylococcal SAgs include (i) the classical enterotoxins A, B, C (and antigenic variants), D, E, and the recently discovered enterotoxins G to Q, (ii) toxic shock syndrome toxin-1, (iii) exfoliatins A and B. The streptococcal SAgs include the classical pyrogenic exotoxins A and C and the newly identified pyrogenic toxins, G, H, I, J, SMEZ, and SSA. The structural and genomic aspects of these toxins and their molecular relatedness are described as well as the available 3-D crystal structure of some of them and that of certain of their complexes with MHC class II molecules and the TcR, respectively. The pathophysiological properties and clinical disorders related to these SAgs are reviewed.
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27
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Orwin PM, Leung DYM, Tripp TJ, Bohach GA, Earhart CA, Ohlendorf DH, Schlievert PM. Characterization of a novel staphylococcal enterotoxin-like superantigen, a member of the group V subfamily of pyrogenic toxins. Biochemistry 2002; 41:14033-40. [PMID: 12437361 DOI: 10.1021/bi025977q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is an important human pathogen, causing a variety of diseases. Major virulence factors of this organism include staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) that cause food poisoning and toxic shock syndrome. Our study identified a novel enterotoxin-like protein that is a member of the new subfamily (group V) of pyrogenic toxin superantigens (PTSAgs) and examined its biochemical and immunobiological properties. The gene encoding the SE-like protein is directly 5' of another recently identified PTSAg, SEK. The SE-like protein had a molecular weight of 26000 and an experimentally determined isoelectric point between 7.5 and 8.0. We demonstrated that the PTSAg had many of the biological activities associated with SEs, including superantigenicity, pyrogenicity, and ability to enhance endotoxin shock, but lacked both lethality in rabbits when administered in subcutaneous miniosmotic pumps and emetic activity in monkeys. Recombinant protein stimulated human CD4 and CD8 T cells in a T cell receptor variable region, beta chain (TCRVbeta) specific manner. T cells bearing TCRVbeta 2, 5.1, and 21.3 were significantly stimulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M Orwin
- Department of Microbiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
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28
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Chi YI, Sadler I, Jablonski LM, Callantine SD, Deobald CF, Stauffacher CV, Bohach GA. Zinc-mediated dimerization and its effect on activity and conformation of staphylococcal enterotoxin type C. J Biol Chem 2002; 277:22839-46. [PMID: 11934896 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m201932200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcal enterotoxins are superantigen exotoxins that mediate food poisoning and toxic shock syndrome in humans. Despite their structural and functional similarities, superantigens display subtle differences in biological properties and modes of receptor binding as a result of zinc atoms bound differently in their crystal structures. For example, the crystal structures of the staphylococcal enterotoxins in the type C serogroup (SECs) contain a zinc atom coordinated by one aspartate and two histidine residues from one molecule and another aspartate residue from the next molecule, thus forming a dimer. This type of zinc ligation and zinc-mediated dimerization occurs in several SECs, but not in most other staphylococcal enterotoxin serogroups. This prompted us to investigate the potential importance of zinc in SEC-mediated pathogenesis. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to replace SEC zinc binding ligands with alanine. SEC mutants unable to bind zinc did not have major conformational alterations although they failed to form dimers. Zinc binding was not essential for T cell stimulation, emesis, or lethality although in general the mutants were less pyrogenic. Thus the zinc atom in SECs might represent a non-functional heavy atom in an exotoxin group that has diverged from related bacterial toxins containing crucial zinc atoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-In Chi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA.
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29
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Pettersson H, Forsberg G. Staphylococcal enterotoxin H contrasts closely related enterotoxins in species reactivity. Immunology 2002; 106:71-9. [PMID: 11972634 PMCID: PMC1782703 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2567.2002.01409.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin H (SEH) belongs to the staphylococcal enterotoxin (SE) family of superantigens (SAgs). SEH has structural similarities to other SE; however, its biological properties are less well characterized. SEH binds with high affinity to human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II and exhibits strong mitogenic activity in human T cells, although it was found to be less potent than the related SEA. Surprisingly and in sharp contrast to related SEs, SEH did not possess superantigen activity in murine T cells and T cells from three investigated rat strains. However, SEH bound to a high extent to murine MHC class II expressing cells and when presented by these cells SEH stimulated human T cells to proliferate. Thus, SEH interacts with the murine MHC class II molecule in a functional manner. Notably, SEH had an inhibitory effect on murine SEA response, demonstrating that SEH interferes with the SEA interactions with murine cells. Despite this, murine T cells did not proliferate regardless of whether SEH was presented on human or murine MHC class II expressing cells. Consequently, SEH differs in species reactivity as compared to related SEs and lacks critical properties for T-cell activation in mice. We propose that unlike other SEs, SEH does not interact with murine T cells since it is not recognized by murine T-cell receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Pettersson
- Active Biotech Research AB, and Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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30
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Abstract
Occupational or environmental exposure to metals is believed to affect human health adversely. One mechanism whereby metals can alter health is through modulation of immune homeostasis. Imbalances in immune regulation by metals can lead to inadequate or excessive production of inflammatory cytokines. Alternatively, metals can lead to inappropriate activation of lymphoid subsets involved in acquired immunity to specific antigens. Some resultant pathologies may include chronic inflammatory processes and autoimmune diseases. Metals may change the response repertoire by direct and indirect means by influencing expression of new antigens, new peptides, and/or antigen presentation by modifying the antigen-presenting complex. The differences in metal-induced immune responses between humans and the mechanisms of metal immunomodulation are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Lawrence
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology and Immunology, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany 12201, USA.
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31
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McCormick JK, Yarwood JM, Schlievert PM. Toxic shock syndrome and bacterial superantigens: an update. Annu Rev Microbiol 2002; 55:77-104. [PMID: 11544350 DOI: 10.1146/annurev.micro.55.1.77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 480] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is an acute onset illness characterized by fever, rash formation, and hypotension that can lead to multiple organ failure and lethal shock, as well as desquamation in patients that recover. The disease is caused by bacterial superantigens (SAGs) secreted from Staphylococcus aureus and group A streptococci. SAGs bypass normal antigen presentation by binding to class II major histocompatibility complex molecules on antigen-presenting cells and to specific variable regions on the beta-chain of the T-cell antigen receptor. Through this interaction, SAGs activate T cells at orders of magnitude above antigen-specific activation, resulting in massive cytokine release that is believed to be responsible for the most severe features of TSS. This review focuses on clinical and epidemiological aspects of TSS, as well as important developments in the genetics, biochemistry, immunology, and structural biology of SAGs. From the evolutionary relationships between these important toxins, we propose that there are five distinct groups of SAGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- J K McCormick
- Department of Microbiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA.
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32
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Baker M, Gutman DM, Papageorgiou AC, Collins CM, Acharya KR. Structural features of a zinc binding site in the superantigen strepococcal pyrogenic exotoxin A (SpeA1): implications for MHC class II recognition. Protein Sci 2001; 10:1268-73. [PMID: 11369867 PMCID: PMC2374012 DOI: 10.1110/ps.330101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin A (SpeA) is produced by Streptococcus pyogenes, and has been associated with severe infections such as scarlet fever and Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS). In this study, the crystal structure of SpeA1 (the product of speA allele 1) in the presence of 2.5 mM zinc was determined at 2.8 A resolution. The protein crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group P2(1)2(1)2, with four molecules in the crystallographic asymmetric unit. The final structure has a crystallographic R-factor of 21.4% for 7,031 protein atoms, 143 water molecules, and 4 zinc atoms (one zinc atom per molecule). Four protein ligands-Glu 33, Asp 77, His 106, and His 110-form a zinc binding site that is similar to the one observed in a related superantigen, staphylococcoal enterotoxin C2. Mutant toxin forms substituting Ala for each of the zinc binding residues were generated. The affinity of these mutants for zinc ion confirms the composition of this metal binding site. The implications of zinc binding to SpeA1 for MHC class II recognition are explored using a molecular modeling approach. The results indicate that, despite their common overall architecture, superantigens appear to have multiple ways of complex formation with MHC class II molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Baker
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, United Kingdom
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Proft T, Arcus VL, Handley V, Baker EN, Fraser JD. Immunological and biochemical characterization of streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins I and J (SPE-I and SPE-J) from Streptococcus pyogenes. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2001; 166:6711-9. [PMID: 11359827 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.166.11.6711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Recently, we described the identification of novel streptococcal superantigens (SAgs) by mining the Streptococcus pyogenes M1 genome database at Oklahoma University. Here, we report the cloning, expression, and functional analysis of streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin (SPE)-J and another novel SAg (SPE-I). SPE-I is most closely related to SPE-H and staphylococcal enterotoxin I, whereas SPE-J is most closely related to SPE-C. Recombinant forms of SPE-I and SPE-J were mitogenic for PBL, both reaching half maximum responses at 0.1 pg/ml. Evidence from binding studies and cell aggregation assays using a human B-lymphoblastoid cell line (LG-2) suggests that both toxins exclusively bind to the polymorphic MHC class II beta-chain in a zinc-dependent mode but not to the generic MHC class II alpha-chain. The results from analysis by light scattering indicate that SPE-J exists as a dimer in solution above concentrations of 4.0 mg/ml. Moreover, SPE-J induced a rapid homotypic aggregation of LG-2 cells, suggesting that this toxin might cross-link MHC class II molecules on the cell surface by building tetramers of the type HLA-DRbeta-SPE-J-SPE-J-HLA-DRbeta. SPE-I preferably stimulates T cells bearing the Vbeta18.1 TCR, which is not targeted by any other known SAG: SPE-J almost exclusively stimulates Vbeta2.1 T cells, a Vbeta that is targeted by several other streptococcal SAgs, suggesting a specific role for this T cell subpopulation in immune defense. Despite a primary sequence diversity of 51%, SPE-J is functionally indistinguishable from SPE-C and might play a role in streptococcal disease, which has previously been addressed to SPE-C.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Proft
- Division of Molecular Medicine and School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Petersson K, Håkansson M, Nilsson H, Forsberg G, Svensson L, Liljas A, Walse B. Crystal structure of a superantigen bound to MHC class II displays zinc and peptide dependence. EMBO J 2001; 20:3306-12. [PMID: 11432818 PMCID: PMC125526 DOI: 10.1093/emboj/20.13.3306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The three-dimensional structure of a bacterial superantigen, Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin H (SEH), bound to human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II (HLA-DR1) has been determined by X-ray crystallography to 2.6 A resolution (1HXY). The superantigen binds on top of HLA-DR1 in a completely different way from earlier co-crystallized superantigens from S.aureus. SEH interacts with high affinity through a zinc ion with the beta1 chain of HLA-DR1 and also with the peptide presented by HLA-DR1. The structure suggests that all superantigens interacting with MHC class II in a zinc-dependent manner present the superantigen in a common way. This suggests a new model for ternary complex formation with the T-cell receptor (TCR), in which a contact between the TCR and the MHC class II is unlikely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Petersson
- Molecular Biophysics, Centre for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lund University, PO Box 124, S-221 00 Lund and Active Biotech Research AB, PO Box 724, S-220 07 Lund, Sweden Present address: NovoNordisk A/S, Novo Allé, DK-2880 Bagsvaerd, Denmark Corresponding author e-mail:
| | - Maria Håkansson
- Molecular Biophysics, Centre for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lund University, PO Box 124, S-221 00 Lund and Active Biotech Research AB, PO Box 724, S-220 07 Lund, Sweden Present address: NovoNordisk A/S, Novo Allé, DK-2880 Bagsvaerd, Denmark Corresponding author e-mail:
| | - Helen Nilsson
- Molecular Biophysics, Centre for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lund University, PO Box 124, S-221 00 Lund and Active Biotech Research AB, PO Box 724, S-220 07 Lund, Sweden Present address: NovoNordisk A/S, Novo Allé, DK-2880 Bagsvaerd, Denmark Corresponding author e-mail:
| | - Göran Forsberg
- Molecular Biophysics, Centre for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lund University, PO Box 124, S-221 00 Lund and Active Biotech Research AB, PO Box 724, S-220 07 Lund, Sweden Present address: NovoNordisk A/S, Novo Allé, DK-2880 Bagsvaerd, Denmark Corresponding author e-mail:
| | - L.Anders Svensson
- Molecular Biophysics, Centre for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lund University, PO Box 124, S-221 00 Lund and Active Biotech Research AB, PO Box 724, S-220 07 Lund, Sweden Present address: NovoNordisk A/S, Novo Allé, DK-2880 Bagsvaerd, Denmark Corresponding author e-mail:
| | - Anders Liljas
- Molecular Biophysics, Centre for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lund University, PO Box 124, S-221 00 Lund and Active Biotech Research AB, PO Box 724, S-220 07 Lund, Sweden Present address: NovoNordisk A/S, Novo Allé, DK-2880 Bagsvaerd, Denmark Corresponding author e-mail:
| | - Björn Walse
- Molecular Biophysics, Centre for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lund University, PO Box 124, S-221 00 Lund and Active Biotech Research AB, PO Box 724, S-220 07 Lund, Sweden Present address: NovoNordisk A/S, Novo Allé, DK-2880 Bagsvaerd, Denmark Corresponding author e-mail:
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Metzler DE, Metzler CM, Sauke DJ. Biochemical Defense Mechanisms. Biochemistry 2001. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-012492543-4/50034-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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