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Gonçalves SM, Pereira I, Feys S, Cunha C, Chamilos G, Hoenigl M, Wauters J, van de Veerdonk FL, Carvalho A. Integrating genetic and immune factors to uncover pathogenetic mechanisms of viral-associated pulmonary aspergillosis. mBio 2024; 15:e0198223. [PMID: 38651925 PMCID: PMC11237550 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01982-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is a severe fungal infection primarily affecting immunocompromised patients. Individuals with severe viral infections have recently been identified as vulnerable to developing invasive fungal infections. Both influenza-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (IAPA) and COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) are linked to high mortality rates, emphasizing the urgent need for an improved understanding of disease pathogenesis to unveil new molecular targets with diagnostic and therapeutic potential. The recent establishment of animal models replicating the co-infection context has offered crucial insights into the mechanisms that underlie susceptibility to disease. However, the development and progression of human viral-fungal co-infections exhibit a significant degree of interindividual variability, even among patients with similar clinical conditions. This observation implies a significant role for host genetics, but information regarding the genetic basis for viral-fungal co-infections is currently limited. In this review, we discuss how genetic factors known to affect either antiviral or antifungal immunity could potentially reveal pathogenetic mechanisms that predispose to IAPA or CAPA and influence the overall disease course. These insights are anticipated to foster further research in both pre-clinical models and human patients, aiming to elucidate the complex pathophysiology of viral-associated pulmonary aspergillosis and contributing to the identification of new diagnostic and therapeutic targets to improve the management of these co-infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel M Gonçalves
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Inês Pereira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Simon Feys
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, Department of General Internal Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Cristina Cunha
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Georgios Chamilos
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Martin Hoenigl
- Division of Infectious Diseases, ECMM Excellence Center for Medical Mycology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed, Graz, Austria
| | - Joost Wauters
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, Department of General Internal Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frank L van de Veerdonk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Agostinho Carvalho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
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2
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Liu T, Guo Y, Liao Y, Liu J. Mechanism-guided fine-tuned microbiome potentiates anti-tumor immunity in HCC. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1333864. [PMID: 38169837 PMCID: PMC10758498 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1333864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Microbiome, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, plays a crucial role in shaping distal and proximal anti-tumor immunity. Mounting evidence showed that commensal microbiome critically modulates immunophenotyping of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a leading cause of cancer-related death. However, their role in anti-tumor surveillance of HCC is still poorly understood. Herein, we spotlighted growing interests in how the microbiome influences the progression and immunotherapeutic responses of HCC via changing local tumor microenvironment (TME) upon translocating to the sites of HCC through different "cell-type niches". Moreover, we summarized not only the associations but also the deep insight into the mechanisms of how the extrinsic microbiomes interplay with hosts to shape immune surveillance and regulate TME and immunotherapeutic responses. Collectively, we provided a rationale for a mechanism-guided fine-tuned microbiome to be neoadjuvant immunotherapy in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ya Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanxia Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinping Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
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3
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Hatinguais R, Kay M, Salazar F, Conn DP, Williams DL, Cook PC, Willment JA, Brown GD. Development of Negative Controls for Fc-C-Type Lectin Receptor Probes. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0113523. [PMID: 37158741 PMCID: PMC10269840 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01135-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Fc-C-type lectin receptor (Fc-CTLRs) probes are soluble chimeric proteins constituted of the extracellular domain of a CTLR fused with the constant fraction (Fc) of the human IgG. These probes are useful tools to study the interaction of CTLRs with their ligands, with applications similar to those of antibodies, often in combination with widely available fluorescent antibodies targeting the Fc fragment (anti-hFc). In particular, Fc-Dectin-1 has been extensively used to study the accessibility of β-glucans at the surface of pathogenic fungi. However, there is no universal negative control for Fc-CTLRs, making the distinction of specific versus nonspecific binding difficult. We describe here 2 negative controls for Fc-CTLRs: a Fc-control constituting of only the Fc portion, and a Fc-Dectin-1 mutant predicted to be unable to bind β-glucans. Using these new probes, we found that while Fc-CTLRs exhibit virtually no nonspecific binding to Candida albicans yeasts, Aspergillus fumigatus resting spores strongly bind Fc-CTLRs in a nonspecific manner. Nevertheless, using the controls we describe here, we were able to demonstrate that A. fumigatus spores expose a low amount of β-glucan. Our data highlight the necessity of appropriate negative controls for experiments involving Fc-CTLRs probes. IMPORTANCE While Fc-CTLRs probes are useful tools to study the interaction of CTLRs with ligands, their use is limited by the lack of appropriate negative controls in assays involving fungi and potentially other pathogens. We have developed and characterized 2 negative controls for Fc-CTLRs assays: Fc-control and a Fc-Dectin-1 mutant. In this manuscript, we characterize the use of these negative controls with zymosan, a β-glucan containing particle, and 2 human pathogenic fungi, Candida albicans yeasts and Aspergillus fumigatus conidia. We show that A. fumigatus conidia nonspecifically bind Fc-CTLRs probes, demonstrating the need for appropriate negative controls in such assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rémi Hatinguais
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Madalaine Kay
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Fabián Salazar
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel P. Conn
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - David L. Williams
- Department of Surgery, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, Center for Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - Peter C. Cook
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Janet A. Willment
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Gordon D. Brown
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
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4
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Antunes D, Gonçalves SM, Matzaraki V, Rodrigues CS, Gonçales RA, Rocha J, Sáiz J, Marques A, Torrado E, Silvestre R, Rodrigues F, van de Veerdonk FL, Barbas C, Netea MG, Kumar V, Cunha C, Carvalho A. Glutamine Metabolism Supports the Functional Activity of Immune Cells against Aspergillus fumigatus. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0225622. [PMID: 36475892 PMCID: PMC9927096 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02256-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The reprogramming of cellular metabolism of immune cells is an essential process in the regulation of antifungal immune responses. In particular, glucose metabolism has been shown to be required for protective immunity against infection with Aspergillus fumigatus. However, given the intricate cross talk between multiple metabolic networks and signals, it is likely that cellular metabolic pathways other than glycolysis are also relevant during fungal infection. In this study, we demonstrate that glutamine metabolism is required for the activation of macrophage effector functions against A. fumigatus. Glutamine metabolism was found to be upregulated early after fungal infection and glutamine depletion or the pharmacological inhibition of enzymes involved in its metabolism impaired phagocytosis and the production of both proinflammatory and T-cell-derived cytokines. In an in vivo model, inhibition of glutaminase increased susceptibility to experimental aspergillosis, as revealed by the increased fungal burden and inflammatory pathology, and the defective cytokine production in the lungs. Moreover, genetic variants in glutamine metabolism genes were found to regulate cytokine production in response to A. fumigatus stimulation. Taken together, our results demonstrate that glutamine metabolism represents an important component of the immunometabolic response of macrophages against A. fumigatus both in vitro and in vivo. IMPORTANCE The fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus can cause severe and life-threatening forms of infection in immunocompromised patients. The reprogramming of cellular metabolism is essential for innate immune cells to mount effective antifungal responses. In this study, we report the pivotal contribution of glutaminolysis to the host defense against A. fumigatus. Glutamine metabolism was essential both in vitro as well as in in vivo models of infection, and genetic variants in human glutamine metabolism genes regulated cytokine production in response to fungal stimulation. This work highlights the relevance of glutaminolysis to the pathogenesis of aspergillosis and supports a role for interindividual genetic variation influencing glutamine metabolism in susceptibility to infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Antunes
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Samuel M. Gonçalves
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Vasiliki Matzaraki
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Cláudia S. Rodrigues
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Relber A. Gonçales
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Joana Rocha
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Jorge Sáiz
- Centro de Metabolómica y Bioanálisis (CEMBIO), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo CEU, CEU Universities, Madrid, Spain
| | - António Marques
- Serviço de Imuno-Hemoterapia, Hospital de Braga, Braga, Portugal
| | - Egídio Torrado
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Silvestre
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Fernando Rodrigues
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Frank L. van de Veerdonk
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Coral Barbas
- Centro de Metabolómica y Bioanálisis (CEMBIO), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo CEU, CEU Universities, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mihai G. Netea
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department for Immunology and Metabolism, Life and Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES), University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Cristina Cunha
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Agostinho Carvalho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
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5
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Onyishi CU, May RC. Human immune polymorphisms associated with the risk of cryptococcal disease. Immunology 2021; 165:143-157. [PMID: 34716931 PMCID: PMC9426616 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that can cause lethal cryptococcal meningitis in immunocompromised individuals such as those with HIV/AIDS. In addition, cryptococcal infections occasionally arise in immunocompetent individuals or those with previously undiagnosed immunodeficiencies. The course of cryptococcosis is highly variable in both patient groups, and there is rapidly growing evidence that genetic polymorphisms may have a significant impact on the trajectory of disease. Here, we review what is currently known about the nature of these polymorphisms and their impact on host response to C. neoformans infection. Thus far, polymorphisms in Fc gamma receptors, mannose‐binding lectin, Dectin‐2, Toll‐like receptors and macrophage colony‐stimulating factor have been associated with susceptibility to cryptococcal disease. Notably, however, in some cases the impact of these polymorphisms depends on the genetic background of the population; for example, the FCGR3A 158 F/V polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of cryptococcal disease in both HIV‐positive and HIV‐negative white populations, but not in Han Chinese patients. In most cases, the precise mechanism by which the identified polymorphisms influence disease progression remains unclear, although impaired fungal recognition and phagocytosis by innate immune cells appears to play a major role. Finally, we highlight outstanding questions in the field and emphasize the need for future research to include more diverse populations in their genetic association studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinaemerem U Onyishi
- Institute of Microbiology & Infection, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Robin C May
- Institute of Microbiology & Infection, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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6
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Challenges and Opportunities in Understanding Genetics of Fungal Diseases: Towards a Functional Genomics Approach. Infect Immun 2021; 89:e0000521. [PMID: 34031131 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00005-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and human pathogens have long been recognized as one of the main sources of evolutionary pressure, resulting in a high variable genetic background in immune-related genes. The study of the genetic contribution to infectious diseases has undergone tremendous advances over the last decades. Here, focusing on genetic predisposition to fungal diseases, we provide an overview of the available approaches for studying human genetic susceptibility to infections, reviewing current methodological and practical limitations. We describe how the classical methods available, such as family-based studies and candidate gene studies, have contributed to the discovery of crucial susceptibility factors for fungal infections. We will also discuss the contribution of novel unbiased approaches to the field, highlighting their success but also their limitations for the fungal immunology field. Finally, we show how a systems genomics approach can overcome those limitations and can lead to efficient prioritization and identification of genes and pathways with a critical role in susceptibility to fungal diseases. This knowledge will help to stratify at-risk patient groups and, subsequently, develop early appropriate prophylactic and treatment strategies.
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7
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Hérivaux A, Willis JR, Mercier T, Lagrou K, Gonçalves SM, Gonçales RA, Maertens J, Carvalho A, Gabaldón T, Cunha C. Lung microbiota predict invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and its outcome in immunocompromised patients. Thorax 2021; 77:283-291. [PMID: 34172558 PMCID: PMC8867272 DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2020-216179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Rationale Recent studies have revealed that the lung microbiota of critically ill patients is altered and predicts clinical outcomes. The incidence of invasive fungal infections, namely, invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA), in immunocompromised patients is increasing, but the clinical significance of variations in lung bacterial communities is unknown. Objectives To define the contribution of the lung microbiota to the development and course of IPA. Methods and measurements We performed an observational cohort study to characterise the lung microbiota in 104 immunocompromised patients using bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing on bronchoalveolar lavage samples sampled on clinical suspicion of infection. Associations between lung dysbiosis in IPA and pulmonary immunity were evaluated by quantifying alveolar cytokines and chemokines and immune cells. The contribution of microbial signatures to patient outcome was assessed by estimating overall survival. Main results Patients diagnosed with IPA displayed a decreased alpha diversity, driven by a markedly increased abundance of the Staphylococcus, Escherichia, Paraclostridium and Finegoldia genera and a decreased proportion of the Prevotella and Veillonella genera. The overall composition of the lung microbiome was influenced by the neutrophil counts and associated with differential levels of alveolar cytokines. Importantly, the degree of bacterial diversity at the onset of IPA predicted the survival of infected patients. Conclusions Our results reveal the lung microbiota as an understudied source of clinical variation in patients at risk of IPA and highlight its potential as a diagnostic and therapeutic target in the context of respiratory fungal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaïs Hérivaux
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Jesse R Willis
- Barcelona Supercomputing Centre (BSC-CNS), Barcelona, Spain.,Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Toine Mercier
- Department of Hematology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katrien Lagrou
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Clinical Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Samuel M Gonçalves
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Relber A Gonçales
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Johan Maertens
- Department of Hematology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Agostinho Carvalho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Toni Gabaldón
- Barcelona Supercomputing Centre (BSC-CNS), Barcelona, Spain .,Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Cunha
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal .,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
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8
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Genetic Variation in PFKFB3 Impairs Antifungal Immunometabolic Responses and Predisposes to Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis. mBio 2021; 12:e0036921. [PMID: 34044589 PMCID: PMC8263003 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00369-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of immune cells in response to fungal infection involves the reprogramming of their cellular metabolism to support antimicrobial effector functions. Although metabolic pathways such as glycolysis are known to represent critical regulatory nodes in antifungal immunity, it remains undetermined whether these are differentially regulated at the interindividual level. In this study, we identify a key role for 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3) in the immunometabolic responses to Aspergillus fumigatus. A genetic association study performed in 439 recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and corresponding donors revealed that the donor, but not recipient, rs646564 variant in the PFKFB3 gene increased the risk of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) after transplantation. The risk genotype impaired the expression of PFKFB3 by human macrophages in response to fungal infection, which was correlated with a defective activation of glycolysis and the ensuing antifungal effector functions. In patients with IPA, the risk genotype was associated with lower concentrations of cytokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples. Collectively, these findings demonstrate the important contribution of genetic variation in PFKFB3 to the risk of IPA in patients undergoing HSCT and support its inclusion in prognostic tools to predict the risk of fungal infection in this clinical setting. IMPORTANCE The fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus can cause severe and life-threatening forms of infection in immunocompromised patients. Activation of glycolysis is essential for innate immune cells to mount effective antifungal responses. In this study, we report the contribution of genetic variation in the key glycolytic activator 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3) to the risk of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The PFKFB3 genotype associated with increased risk of infection was correlated with an impairment of the antifungal effector functions of macrophages in vitro and in patients with IPA. This work highlights the clinical relevance of genetic variation in PFKFB3 to the risk of IPA and supports its integration in risk stratification and preemptive measures for patients at high risk of IPA.
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9
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Recent Advances and Novel Approaches in Laboratory-Based Diagnostic Mycology. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7010041. [PMID: 33440757 PMCID: PMC7827937 DOI: 10.3390/jof7010041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
What was once just culture and microscopy the field of diagnostic mycology has significantly advanced in recent years and continues to incorporate novel assays and strategies to meet the changes in clinical demand. The emergence of widespread resistance to antifungal therapy has led to the development of a range of molecular tests that target mutations associated with phenotypic resistance, to complement classical susceptibility testing and initial applications of next-generation sequencing are being described. Lateral flow assays provide rapid results, with simplicity allowing the test to be performed outside specialist centres, potentially as point-of-care tests. Mycology has responded positively to an ever-diversifying patient population by rapidly identifying risk and developing diagnostic strategies to improve patient management. Nowadays, the diagnostic repertoire of the mycology laboratory employs classical, molecular and serological tests and should be keen to embrace diagnostic advancements that can improve diagnosis in this notoriously difficult field.
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10
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Bruno M, Dewi IM, Matzaraki V, ter Horst R, Pekmezovic M, Rösler B, Groh L, Röring RJ, Kumar V, Li Y, Carvalho A, Netea MG, Latgé JP, Gresnigt MS, van de Veerdonk FL. Comparative host transcriptome in response to pathogenic fungi identifies common and species-specific transcriptional antifungal host response pathways. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2020; 19:647-663. [PMID: 33510868 PMCID: PMC7817431 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2020.12.036] [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: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Candidiasis, aspergillosis, and mucormycosis cause the majority of nosocomial fungal infections in immunocompromised patients. Using an unbiased transcriptional profiling in PBMCs exposed to the fungal species causing these infections, we found a core host response in healthy individuals that may govern effective fungal clearance: it consists of 156 transcripts, involving canonical and non-canonical immune pathways. Systematic investigation of key steps in antifungal host defense revealed fungal-specific signatures. As previously demonstrated, Candida albicans induced type I and Type II interferon-related pathways. In contrast, central pattern recognition receptor, reactive oxygen species production, and host glycolytic pathways were down-regulated in response to Rhizopus oryzae, which was associated with an ER-stress response. TLR5 was identified to be uniquely regulated by Aspergillus fumigatus and to control cytokine release in response to this fungus. In conclusion, our data reveals the transcriptional profiles induced by C. albicans, A. fumigatus, and R. oryzae, and describes both the common and specific antifungal host responses that could be exploited for novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariolina Bruno
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Intan M.W. Dewi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Vicky Matzaraki
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rob ter Horst
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marina Pekmezovic
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Berenice Rösler
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Laszlo Groh
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rutger J. Röring
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Centre for Individualised Infection Medicine (CiiM) and TWINCORE, Joint Ventures between the Helmholtz-Centre for Infection Research (HZI) and the Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Agostinho Carvalho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Mihai G. Netea
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department for Genomics & Immunoregulation, Life and Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES), University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Mark S. Gresnigt
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Junior Research Group Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Frank L. van de Veerdonk
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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11
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Antunes D, Cunha C, Carvalho A. Genetic Regulation of the Host-Fungus Interaction in the Pathogenesis of Aspergillosis. CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s12281-019-00344-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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12
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De Angelis M, Scagnolari C, Oliva A, Cavallari EN, Celani L, Santinelli L, Innocenti GP, Borrazzo C, Ceccarelli G, Vullo V, d'Ettorre G. Short-Term Probiotic Administration Increases Fecal-Anti Candida Activity in Healthy Subjects. Microorganisms 2019; 7:E162. [PMID: 31163660 PMCID: PMC6616593 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7060162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Candida albicans' ability to evade host immune responses represents a serious threat for vulnerable patients. OBJECTIVES To investigate if (1) feces from healthy subjects exert anti-Candida activity; (2) fecal anti-Candida activity is modified by probiotic administration and (3) different probiotic differently modulate anti-Candida activity. PATIENTS AND METHODS Feces from healthy donors were analyzed before and after seven days of dietary supplementation with two different probiotic formulations (VSL#3®; Vivomixx®). Candida albicans was cultured with decreasing concentrations of diluted feces, obtained before and after the treatment period. The relationship between anti-Candida activity of feces, interferon-α, anti-interferon-α antibodies and the expression of MxA, ISG15 and IFNAR1 was also evaluated. RESULTS Feces obtained prior to probiotic intake and feces collected after supplementation with VSL#3® did not affect Candida albicans growth. On the contrary, a 3log10 inhibition of Candida development was observed after Vivomixx® intake. Interferon-α played a role in the inhibition of Candida growth. CONCLUSION Fecal anti-Candida activity was not observed prior to probiotic supplementation. Seven days of administration of Vivomixx® increased fecal anti-Candida activity, the same effect was not observed after intake of VSL#3®. The probiotic-induced anti-Candida activity seems to be related to an increased local production and release of interferon-α. Clinical trials are needed to determine if a short pretreatment with specific probiotic formulations may increase anti-Candida defenses in patients at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano De Angelis
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome-Sapienza, Rome 00185, Italy.
| | - Carolina Scagnolari
- Department of Experimental Medicine- Virology section, University of Rome-Sapienza, Rome 00185, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Oliva
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome-Sapienza, Rome 00185, Italy.
| | - Eugenio Nelson Cavallari
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome-Sapienza, Rome 00185, Italy.
| | - Luigi Celani
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome-Sapienza, Rome 00185, Italy.
| | - Letizia Santinelli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome-Sapienza, Rome 00185, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Pietro Innocenti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome-Sapienza, Rome 00185, Italy.
| | - Cristian Borrazzo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome-Sapienza, Rome 00185, Italy.
| | - Giancarlo Ceccarelli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome-Sapienza, Rome 00185, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Vullo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome-Sapienza, Rome 00185, Italy.
| | - Gabriella d'Ettorre
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome-Sapienza, Rome 00185, Italy.
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13
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Campos CF, Leite L, Pereira P, Vaz CP, Branca R, Campilho F, Freitas F, Ligeiro D, Marques A, Torrado E, Silvestre R, Lacerda JF, Campos A, Cunha C, Carvalho A. PTX3 Polymorphisms Influence Cytomegalovirus Reactivation After Stem-Cell Transplantation. Front Immunol 2019; 10:88. [PMID: 30766534 PMCID: PMC6365436 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Reactivation of latent human cytomegalovirus (CMV) in patients undergoing allogeneic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) predisposes to several clinical complications and is therefore a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Although pentraxin-3 (PTX3) has been previously described to bind both human and murine CMV and mediate several host antiviral mechanisms, whether genetic variation in the PTX3 locus influences the risk of CMV infection is currently unknown. Methods: To dissect the contribution of genetic variation within PTX3 to the development of CMV infection, we analyzed described loss-of-function variants at the PTX3 locus in 394 recipients of HSCT and their corresponding donors and assessed the associated risk of CMV reactivation. Results: We report that the donor, but not recipient, h2/h2 haplotype in PTX3 increased the risk of CMV reactivation after 24 months following transplantation, with a significant effect on survival. Among recipients with h2/h2 donors, CMV seropositive patients as well as those receiving grafts from unrelated donors, regardless of the CMV serostatus, were more prone to develop viral reactivation after transplantation. Most importantly, the h2/h2 haplotype was demonstrated to display an influence toward risk of CMV reactivation comparable to that conferred by the unrelated status of the donor alone. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate the important contribution of genetic variation in donor PTX3 to the risk of CMV reactivation in patients undergoing HSCT, highlighting a promising prognostic value of donor PTX3 to predict risk of CMV reactivation in this clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cláudia F Campos
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Luís Leite
- Serviço de Transplantação de Medula Óssea, Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paulo Pereira
- Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carlos Pinho Vaz
- Serviço de Transplantação de Medula Óssea, Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rosa Branca
- Serviço de Transplantação de Medula Óssea, Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Fernando Campilho
- Serviço de Transplantação de Medula Óssea, Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Fátima Freitas
- Instituto Português do Sangue e Transplantação, IP, Porto, Portugal
| | - Dário Ligeiro
- Instituto Português do Sangue e Transplantação, IP, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - António Marques
- Serviço de Imuno-Hemoterapia, Hospital de Braga, Braga, Portugal
| | - Egídio Torrado
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Silvestre
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - João F Lacerda
- Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Lisbon, Portugal.,Serviço de Hematologia e Transplantação de Medula, Hospital de Santa Maria, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - António Campos
- Serviço de Transplantação de Medula Óssea, Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Cunha
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Agostinho Carvalho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
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14
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Ugajin M, Kani H. A case of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis during treatment for acute exacerbation of interstitial lung disease. Infect Dis Rep 2018; 10:7785. [PMID: 30662692 PMCID: PMC6315312 DOI: 10.4081/idr.2018.7785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Prolonged immunosuppressive therapy is a risk factor for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. We report a case of a 79-yearold man who underwent immunosuppressive therapy with methylprednisolone and cyclosporine for an acute exacerbation of interstitial lung disease. Ten days after initiation of immunosuppressive therapy, the patient reported night sweats and purulent sputum, and chest computed tomography scan revealed consolidation. He was diagnosed with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, and required vasopressor support with oxygen therapy. After the administration of voriconazole and the modulation of immunosuppressive therapy, his condition improved. Short-term immunosuppressive therapy can also induce invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hisanori Kani
- Thoracic Surgery, Nagoya Tokushukai General Hospital, Japan
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