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Toxic Shock Syndromes. INFECTIOUS DISEASES IN CRITICAL CARE 2007. [PMCID: PMC7121343 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-540-34406-3_25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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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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Broudy TB, Pancholi V, Fischetti VA. The in vitro interaction of Streptococcus pyogenes with human pharyngeal cells induces a phage-encoded extracellular DNase. Infect Immun 2002; 70:2805-11. [PMID: 12010966 PMCID: PMC127989 DOI: 10.1128/iai.70.6.2805-2811.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2001] [Revised: 12/18/2001] [Accepted: 02/28/2002] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The role lysogenic bacteriophage play in the pathogenesis of the host bacterium is poorly understood. In a previous study, we found that streptococcal coculture with human pharyngeal cells resulted in the induction of lysogenic bacteriophage as well as the phage-associated streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin C (SpeC). In this study, we have determined that in addition to SpeC induction, a number of other streptococcal proteins are also released by the bacteria during coculture with pharyngeal cells. Among these, we identified and characterized a novel 27-kDa secreted protein. Sequence analysis of this novel protein demonstrated it to be encoded by the same lysogenic bacteriophage which harbors speC. Protein sequence analysis revealed varied homologies with several streptococcal DNases. Further biochemical characterization of the recombinantly expressed protein verified it to be a divalent cation-dependent streptococcal phage-encoded DNase (Spd1). Although functionally distinct, SpeC and Spd1 are associated by a number of parameters, including genetic proximity and transcriptional regulation. Finally, we speculate on the induction of phage-encoded DNase (Spd1) enhancing the fitness of both bacteria and phage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas B Broudy
- Department of Bacterial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10021, USA.
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Abstract
Many newly described or "re-emerging" infectious diseases may present to the dermatologist, often with potentially life-threatening implications. Prompt recognition and early intervention can greatly diminish the morbidity and mortality associated with these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Manders
- Division of Dermatology, University of Medicine and Dentistry, New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School at Camden, Camden, New Jersey, USA.
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Miller AA, Engleberg NC, DiRita VJ. Repression of virulence genes by phosphorylation-dependent oligomerization of CsrR at target promoters in S. pyogenes. Mol Microbiol 2001; 40:976-90. [PMID: 11401704 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2958.2001.02441.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
csrRS encodes a two-component regulatory system that represses the transcription of a number of virulence factors in Streptococcus pyogenes, including the hyaluronic acid capsule and pyrogenic exotoxin B. CsrRS-regulated virulence factors have diverse functions during pathogenesis and are differentially expressed throughout growth. This suggests that multiple signals induce CsrRS-mediated gene regulation, or that regulated genes respond differently to CsrR, or both. As a first step in dissecting the csrRS signal transduction pathway, we determined the mechanism by which CsrR mediates the repression of its target promoters. We found that phosphorylated CsrR binds directly to all but one of the promoters of its regulated genes, with different affinities. Phosphorylation of CsrR enhances both oligomerization and DNA binding. We defined the binding site of CsrR at each of the regulated promoters using DNase I and hydroxyl radical footprinting. Based on these results, we propose a model for differential regulation by CsrRS.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Miller
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine, 5641 Medical Science II, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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6
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Gerlach D, Schmidt KH, Fleischer B. Basic streptococcal superantigens (SPEX/SMEZ or SPEC) are responsible for the mitogenic activity of the so-called mitogenic factor (MF). FEMS IMMUNOLOGY AND MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY 2001; 30:209-16. [PMID: 11335140 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-695x.2001.tb01572.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The mitogenic factor (MF) of group A streptococci has been reported to be a superantigen stimulating human T cells carrying Vbeta2, 4 and 8 and has been designated streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin F (SPEF). MF was also shown to possess DNase activity. Here we have purified MF from culture supernatants of different Streptococcus pyogenes strains. Surprisingly, the MF preparations from different strains showed different Vbeta specificities depending on the expression of SPEC or SMEZ3 by the producing strain. Their mitogenic activity decreased upon further purification. In addition, the mitogenic activity could be only neutralized by antibodies against the basic streptococcal superantigens SPEC or SPEX (SMEZ3) but not by antibodies against MF itself although the latter were able to neutralize completely the DNase activity of MF. We found that streptodornase type B (SDB) was expressed in two molecular forms (SDBI and SDBII), differing only by one additional N-terminal arginine at SDBI. MF was found identical to the enzyme SDBII but is devoid of superantigenic properties and should no longer be called a superantigen or a pyrogenic exotoxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Gerlach
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Institute for Medical Microbiology, Semmelweisstr, 4, D-07743 Jena, Germany.
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7
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McCormick JK, Pragman AA, Stolpa JC, Leung DY, Schlievert PM. Functional characterization of streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin J, a novel superantigen. Infect Immun 2001; 69:1381-8. [PMID: 11179302 PMCID: PMC98031 DOI: 10.1128/iai.69.3.1381-1388.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) is a highly lethal, acute-onset illness that is a subset of invasive streptococcal disease. The majority of clinical STSS cases have been associated with the pyrogenic toxin superantigens (PTSAgs) streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin A or C (SPE A or C), although cases have been reported that are not associated with either of these exotoxins. Recent genome sequencing projects have revealed a number of open reading frames that potentially encode proteins with similarity to SPEs A and C and to other PTSAgs. Here, we describe the cloning, expression, purification, and functional characterization of a novel exotoxin termed streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin J (SPE J). Purified recombinant SPE J (rSPE J) expressed from Escherichia coli stimulated the expansion of both rabbit splenocytes and human peripheral blood lymphocytes, preferentially expanded human T cells displaying Vbeta2, -3, -12, -14, and -17 on their T-cell receptors, and was active at concentrations as low as 5 x 10(-6) microg/ml. Furthermore, rSPE J induced fevers in rabbits and was lethal in two models of STSS. Biochemically, SPE J had a predicted molecular weight of 24,444 and an isoelectric point of 7.7 and lacked the ability to form the cystine loop structure characteristic of many PTSAgs. SPE J shared 19.6, 47.1, 38.8, 18.1, 19.6, and 24.4% identity with SPEs A, C, G, and H, streptococcal superantigen, and streptococcal mitogenic exotoxin Z-2, respectively, and was immunologically cross-reactive with SPE C. The characterization of a seventh functional streptococcal PTSAg raises important questions relating to the evolution of the streptococcal superantigens.
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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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8
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Gerlach D, Fleischer B, Wagner M, Schmidt K, Vettermann S, Reichardt W. Purification and biochemical characterization of a basic superantigen (SPEX/SMEZ3) from Streptococcus pyogenes. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2000; 188:153-63. [PMID: 10913699 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6968.2000.tb09187.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
A potent basic superantigen (designated streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin X, SPEX/SMEZ3) was purified to homogeneity from culture supernatants of a Streptococcus pyogenes scarlatina strain of type 12 (genotype speA(-), speC(-)) and characterized. Sequence alignments revealed SPEX to be an allele of the streptococcal mitogens type Z (SMEZ). The N-terminal amino acid sequence of SPEX was found with LEVDNNSLLR to be identical to the recently described acidic superantigen SMEZ. Although SPEX/SMEZ genes were present in all of the streptococcal strains tested, a toxin production could only be detected in a small number of strains. The produced toxin concentration in the culture supernatants of positive strains differed between 0 and 20 ng ml(-1). The purified SPEX stimulated human T-lymphocytes with Vbeta8 specificity at extremely low concentrations (lower than 100 pg ml(-1)).
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Affiliation(s)
- D Gerlach
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Semmelweisstr, Jena, Germany.
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Matsumoto M, Ishikawa N, Saito M, Shibayama K, Horii T, Sato K, Ohta M. Streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin F (SpeF) causes permeabilization of lung blood vessels. Infect Immun 1999; 67:4307-11. [PMID: 10456867 PMCID: PMC96745 DOI: 10.1128/iai.67.9.4307-4311.1999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute respiration distress syndrome (ARDS) is a typical complication in toxic shock-like syndrome (TSLS) caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. An isolated perfused rat lung model was used to identify the causative agent of ARDS in TSLS in this study. Some crude preparations separated from the culture supernatants of S. pyogenes isolates caused rapid increases in the weight of perfused lungs, indicating vascular permeabilization. Six samples from M type 1 and 3 isolates from TSLS and pharyngitis patients showed strong permeabilization activity, whereas preparations from isolates of other M types (although the number of isolates examined was limited) were negative. The active substance was purified to a single band by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis using various columns, and the N-terminal amino acid sequence was determined. The resultant sequence of eight amino acids was identical to SpeF (mitogenic factor). Moreover, the vascular permeabilization activity of the purified band was abolished with anti-SpeF antiserum prepared by immunizing with the purified SpeF. This activity was also neutralized by the antiserum prepared by immunizing with a synthetic peptide derived from the published SpeF sequence. These results suggested that streptococcal SpeF is a major cause of permeabilization of lung blood vessels and sufficient for the pathogenesis of ARDS under the conditions of TSLS caused by S. pyogenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Matsumoto
- Department of Bacteriology, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan
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Federle MJ, McIver KS, Scott JR. A response regulator that represses transcription of several virulence operons in the group A streptococcus. J Bacteriol 1999; 181:3649-57. [PMID: 10368137 PMCID: PMC93840 DOI: 10.1128/jb.181.12.3649-3657.1999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 234] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A search for homologs of the Bacillus subtilis PhoP response regulator in the group A streptococcus (GAS) genome revealed three good candidates. Inactivation of one of these, recently identified as csrR (J. C. Levin and M. R. Wessels, Mol. Microbiol. 30:209-219, 1998), caused the strain to produce mucoid colonies and to increase transcription of hasA, the first gene in the operon for capsule synthesis. We report here that a nonpolar insertion in this gene also increased transcription of ska (encoding streptokinase), sagA (streptolysin S), and speMF (mitogenic factor) but did not affect transcription of slo (streptolysin O), mga (multiple gene regulator of GAS), emm (M protein), scpA (complement C5a peptidase), or speB or speC (pyrogenic exotoxins B and C). The amounts of streptokinase, streptolysin S, and capsule paralleled the levels of transcription of their genes in all cases. Because CsrR represses genes unrelated to those for capsule synthesis, and because CsrA-CsrB is a global regulatory system in Escherichia coli whose mechanism is unrelated to that of these genes in GAS, the locus has been renamed covR, for "control of virulence genes" in GAS. Transcription of the covR operon was also increased in the nonpolar insertion mutant, indicating that CovR represses its own synthesis as well. All phenotypes of the covR nonpolar insertion mutant were complemented by the covR gene on a plasmid. CovR acts on operons expressed both in exponential and in stationary phase, demonstrating that the CovR-CovS pathway is separate from growth phase-dependent regulation in GAS. Therefore, CovR is the first multiple-gene repressor of virulence factors described for this important human pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Federle
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
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Abstract
After several decades of seemingly decreasing virulence, streptococcal and staphylococcal infections have reemerged as a major source of morbidity and mortality. Within the past 2 decades, not only have well-established diseases such as rheumatic fever begun to reappear. but also many new entities, such as toxic shock syndrome, streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, recurrent toxin-mediated perineal erythema, and recalcitrant erythematous desquamating disorder have been described. Central to the renewed importance of these bacteria has been the production of circulating toxins, which often function as superantigens in causing the clinical manifestations, morbidity and mortality associated with these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Manders
- Department of Medicine, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey--Robert Wood Johnson Medical School at Camden, USA
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12
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Degnan BA, Palmer JM, Robson T, Jones CE, Fischer M, Glanville M, Mellor GD, Diamond AG, Kehoe MA, Goodacre JA. Inhibition of human peripheral blood mononuclear cell proliferation by Streptococcus pyogenes cell extract is associated with arginine deiminase activity. Infect Immun 1998; 66:3050-8. [PMID: 9632565 PMCID: PMC108312 DOI: 10.1128/iai.66.7.3050-3058.1998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus) cell extracts (CE) have a remarkably powerful and dose-dependent inhibitory effect on antigen, superantigen, or mitogen-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) proliferation in vitro. Purification of the inhibitory component present in S. pyogenes type M5 (Manfredo strain) CE by anion-exchange chromatography followed by gel filtration chromatography showed that the inhibitor had an approximate native molecular mass of 100 kDa. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of purified inhibitory fractions followed by silver staining gave a single band with an approximate molecular mass of 47 kDa, indicating that the inhibitor is composed of two identical subunits. NH2-terminal sequencing of the protein revealed that it was identical to the previously characterized streptococcal acid glycoprotein (SAGP); this protein possesses between 31.5 and 39.0% amino acid identity with arginine deiminase (AD) from Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma arginini, Pseudomonas putida, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. AD enzyme activity was present in unfractionated CE prepared from a range of streptococcal strains, and partially purified inhibitory fractions of Manfredo CE also had high levels of activity. The inhibitory effect of Manfredo CE was overcome by the addition of L-arginine to proliferation assays in which human PBMC were stimulated with phytohemagglutinin. We conclude that SAGP, or its homolog, possesses AD activity and that the potent inhibition of proliferation of human T cells by streptococcal CE is due to activity of this enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- B A Degnan
- School of Clinical Medical Sciences (Rheumatology), Immunological and Virological Sciences, The Medical School, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
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Morita A, Imada Y, Igarashi H, Yutsudo T. Serologic evidence that streptococcal superantigens are not involved in the pathogenesis of Kawasaki disease. Microbiol Immunol 1998; 41:895-900. [PMID: 9444333 DOI: 10.1111/j.1348-0421.1997.tb01947.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute multisystem vasculitis of unknown etiology and is associated with marked activation of T cells and monocyte macrophages, leading to the assumption that superantigens are involved in its pathogenesis. To determine if an association exists between streptococcal superantigens and KD, we examined serum antibody responses to superantigens in sera from 50 paired acute and convalescent KD patients using purified recombinant streptococcal superantigens, such as SPEA, SPEC, SSA and MF. We found a very low frequency of detection of anti-superantigen antibodies by ELISA and no marked IgG seroconversion to each superantigen, indicating the absence of a serological relationship between toxin-producing streptococcal infection and the onset of KD.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Morita
- Diagnostic Science Department, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan
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Kamezawa Y, Nakahara T, Nakano S, Abe Y, Nozaki-Renard J, Isono T. Streptococcal mitogenic exotoxin Z, a novel acidic superantigenic toxin produced by a T1 strain of Streptococcus pyogenes. Infect Immun 1997; 65:3828-33. [PMID: 9284159 PMCID: PMC175546 DOI: 10.1128/iai.65.9.3828-3833.1997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes T1 was previously found to produce an acidic mitogenic exotoxin, designated A beta, antigenically distinct from erythrogenic toxin type A (ETA) of strains T1 and NY5. Following chemical analysis and biological characterization, we have renamed this toxin streptococcal mitogenic exotoxin Z (SMEZ). Physicochemical separation of SMEZ from ETA was successfully performed on a hydrophobic chromatograph. The isoelectric point was pH 5.3, and the molecular size was estimated to be 28 kDa. These values were similar to those of ETA, but the amino acid composition and the NH2-terminal sequence of SMEZ were distinct from those of any mitogenic exotoxins hitherto described. Its mitogenic activity was found to be more potent than that of ETA in rabbit lymphocyte cultures. A specific antiserum raised against SMEZ did not cross-react with ETA, ETB, or ETC in the neutralization tests of mitogenic and erythrogenic activities. Its superantigenic nature was evident from the reverse transcriptase PCR findings of the T-cell receptor Vbeta profiles of rabbit lymphocytes stimulated in vitro. The Vbeta 8 subfamily was unique to SMEZ, while the Vbeta 2 and 6 subfamilies were found to be common among lymphocytes stimulated with ETA, ETB, ETC, or SMEZ. The results from this study provide an additional example of the diversity that exists among mitogenic or superantigenic exotoxins of streptococcal origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Kamezawa
- Department of Microbiology, Saitama College of Health, Urawa, Japan
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Iwasaki M, Igarashi H, Yutsudo T. Mitogenic factor secreted by Streptococcus pyogenes is a heat-stable nuclease requiring His122 for activity. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 1997; 143 ( Pt 7):2449-2455. [PMID: 9245825 DOI: 10.1099/00221287-143-7-2449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The gene encoding a mitogenic factor, termed MF, was cloned from Streptococcus pyogenes and the recombinant MF was overexpressed in Escherichia coli. Both the natural and recombinant MF had heat-resistant nuclease activity. The nuclease activity of MF was characterized using the recombinant protein. MF showed endonuclease activity, digesting ssDNA, dsDNA and tRNA. The optimal pH for the DNase activity of MF was 9.5. The DNase activity was enhanced approximately tenfold by the simultaneous presence of two divalent cations, Mg2+ and Ca2+, compared to either alone and was inhibited by EDTA or NaCl. The heat stability of MF was biphasic; the DNase activity was heat-stable from 0 to 50 degrees C over 80 degrees C but very unstable at around 60 degrees C. DNA digested by MF possessed 5'-phosphorylated and 3'-hydroxylated termini, identical to those obtained by digestion of DNA by pancreatic deoxyribonuclease I. A mutant clone revealed that His122 was a residue essential to the nuclease activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Iwasaki
- Shionogi Institute for Medical Science, 2-5-1 Mishima, Settsu, Osaka 566, Japan
| | - Hisanaga Igarashi
- Shionogi Institute for Medical Science, 2-5-1 Mishima, Settsu, Osaka 566, Japan
| | - Takashi Yutsudo
- Discovery Research laboratory I, Shionogi & Co., Ltd, 3-1-1 Futaba-cho, Toyonaka-shi, Osaka 561, Japan
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Musser JM. Streptococcal superantigen, mitogenic factor, and pyrogenic exotoxin B expressed by Streptococcus pyogenes. Structure and function. Prep Biochem Biotechnol 1997; 27:143-72. [PMID: 9292924 DOI: 10.1080/10826069708000074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J M Musser
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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17
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Degnan BA, Kehoe MA, Goodacre JA. Analysis of human T cell responses to group A streptococci using fractionated Streptococcus pyogenes proteins. FEMS IMMUNOLOGY AND MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY 1997; 17:161-70. [PMID: 9093837 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-695x.1997.tb01009.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Cell extract and spent culture supernatant proteins from Streptococcus pyogenes Manfredo strain (type M5) were each separated to give 22 narrow range molecular weight fractions by blot-elution from SDS-polyacrylamide gels. Eluted samples and unfractionated proteins were screened for T cell stimulatory activity using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy adults in proliferation assays. Responses were measured in 4- and 7d cultures. Responses to a wide range of cell extract proteins were revealed by fractionation, the degree of response to each fraction varying between donors. Unfractionated culture supernatant proteins elicited proliferative responses by PBMC from all individuals examined. Responses to culture supernatant fractions containing 25-33 kDa proteins could be attributed to known superantigens. Furthermore, samples from culture supernatants containing higher molecular weight fractions (> 45 kDa) elicited responses in 50% of donors in 7d cultures, suggesting that these fractions contained common recall antigens. The efficacy of using electroeluted samples to identify T lymphocyte stimulatory proteins was confirmed by demonstrating that a known superantigen of S. pyogenes Manfredo strain, streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin C (SPEC), could be fractionated successfully using this method and its activity recovered. Our results show that human T cell responses to group A streptococci involve a remarkably wide range of both cell-associated and released streptococcal proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- B A Degnan
- School of Clinical Medical Sciences (Rheumatology), Medical School, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Toyosaki T, Yoshioka T, Tsuruta Y, Yutsudo T, Iwasaki M, Suzuki R. Definition of the mitogenic factor (MF) as a novel streptococcal superantigen that is different from streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins A, B, and C. Eur J Immunol 1996; 26:2693-701. [PMID: 8921957 DOI: 10.1002/eji.1830261122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Human T cell activation by recombinant mitogenic factor (rMF) was investigated in comparison with that by recombinant streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins (rSPE) A, B, and C. Recombinant MF, rSPEA, and rSPEC were mitogenic for peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), whereas rSPEB was not. Recombinant MF required only HLA-DR for the stimulation of PBMC, as determined using monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to HLA class II molecules and the mouse L cells transfected with HLA class II molecules. Recombinant SPEA and rSPEC required HLA-DR or HLA-DQ molecule. Recombinant MF selectively stimulated V beta 2, V beta 7, V beta 8, V beta 18 and V beta 21-bearing T cells, whereas rSPEA and rSPEC activated V beta 2 and V beta 6-bearing T cells as evaluated by the quantitative T cell receptor (TCR) analytical method. No clonality was observed in the nucleotide sequences of complementarity determining region 3 of TCR V beta in T cells responding to rMF. The profiles of cytokine production by PBMC in response to rMF, rSPEA, and rSPEC were quite similar. In summary, these results demonstrate that both HLA class II molecules and the TCR V beta required for rMF-mediated T cell activation are distinct from those required for rSPEA or rSPEC-mediated activation. Therefore, the MF is a novel streptococcal super-antigen which is different from SPEA, SPEB, and SPEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Toyosaki
- Research Unit, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan
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Ozegowski JH, Wollweber L, Vettermann S, Muller PJ, Gunther E, Kohler W. Kinetics and regulation of erythrogenic toxins type A and C during growth of Streptococcus pyogenes. ZENTRALBLATT FUR BAKTERIOLOGIE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY 1996; 283:271-85. [PMID: 8861865 DOI: 10.1016/s0934-8840(96)80061-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The production of erythrogenic toxins type A (ETA) and C (ETC) is described as a function of growth kinetics. Group A streptococcal strains C 203 S and NY 5 were cultivated in yeast-peptone extract, Todd-Hewitt medium and a synthetic medium. Two main growth phases occurred during growth: a first logarithmic phase and a second linear phase. These phases were separated by a short stationary interphase caused by limitation of the amino acids L-serine and L-leucine. Maximum production of ETC was observed during the logarithmic phase, it was correlated to a high level of viable cells. ETA was produced mainly during the short stationary interphase. The production of ETC is regulated by L-isoleucine. A stagnation or reduction of the concentration of viable cells was observed during the interphase. The phosphate limitation caused during streptococcal growth induced expression of the extracellular protein phosphatase and surprisingly, of a serine proteinase activity. The association between these results and the pathogenicity of streptococci is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J H Ozegowski
- Institut fur Experimentelle Mikrobiologie der Friedrich-Schiller-Universitat Jena, Germany
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Abstract
The recent discovery of the mode of interaction between a group of microbial proteins known as superantigens and the immune system has opened a wide area of investigation into the possible role of these molecules in human diseases. Superantigens produced by certain viruses and bacteria, including Mycoplasma species, are either secreted or membrane-bound proteins. A unique feature of these proteins is that they can interact simultaneously with distinct receptors on different types of cells, resulting in enhanced cell-cell interaction and triggering a series of biochemical reactions that can lead to excessive cell proliferation and the release of inflammatory cytokines. However, although superantigens share many features, they can have very different biological effects that are potentiated by host genetic and environmental factors. This review focuses on a group of secreted pyrogenic toxins that belong to the superantigen family and highlights some of their structural-functional features and their roles in diseases such as toxic shock and autoimmunity. Deciphering the biological activities of the various superantigens and understanding their role in the pathogenesis of microbial infections and their sequelae will enable us to devise means by which we can intervene with their activity and/or manipulate them to our advantage.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kotb
- Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee, Memphis, USA
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Gerlach D, Günther E, Köhler W, Vettermann S, Fleischer B, Schmidt KH. Isolation and characterization of a Mitogen characteristic of Group A streptococci (Streptococcus pyogenes). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1995. [DOI: 10.1016/s0934-8840(11)80798-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Yutsudo T, Okumura K, Iwasaki M, Hara A, Kamitani S, Minamide W, Igarashi H, Hinuma Y. The gene encoding a new mitogenic factor in a Streptococcus pyogenes strain is distributed only in group A streptococci. Infect Immun 1994; 62:4000-4. [PMID: 8063419 PMCID: PMC303059 DOI: 10.1128/iai.62.9.4000-4004.1994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
We recently cloned a gene encoding a new mitogenic factor (MF) from Streptococcus pyogenes NY-5. In the present study, we determined the distribution of this MF gene (mf) by PCR based upon its sequence. Of 371 streptococcal group A strains isolated from clinical specimens, 370 (99.7%) were positive for mf. The strain that was negative for the MF gene was also negative for the streptolysin O gene (slo). Some streptococcal strains belonging to groups C and G were negative for mf but positive for slo. Group B strains were negative for both. Furthermore, we examined the presence of mf in 54 strains belonging to 28 families and found mf only in group A streptococci. These results indicate that mf is distributed specifically in group A streptococci and the presence of mf in clinical samples strongly suggests infection with group A streptococci.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Yutsudo
- Shionogi Institute for Medical Science, Osaka, Japan
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Ozegowski JH, Wollweber L, Schmidt KH, Vettermann S, Reichardt W, Köhler W. Streptococcal erythrogenic toxin type C is not a phosphorylated protein. Description of two different purification procedures and investigation of its phosphorylation state. FEMS IMMUNOLOGY AND MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY 1994; 9:65-76. [PMID: 7920465 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-695x.1994.tb00475.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Erythrogenic toxin type C (ETC) from different streptococcal group A strains was successively purified by absorption on phenylsepharose, acidic dialysis of the eluate at 40% saturated ammonium sulphate solution, CM-Sepharose chromatography, finally by immunoaffinity chromatography on monoclonal antibodies. Second, after growing of bacteria in the presence of [32P]orthophosphate to phosphorylate ETC, the ETC was purified with phenylsepharose following immunoaffinity chromatography. The occurrence of phosphoamino acids in the purified ETC was investigated by an immunoassay. No phosphoamino acids could be detected in the ETC molecule. Also after radiolabelling with 32P it was not possible to demonstrate a radioactive signal. The treatment with alkaline phosphatase has no influence on the mitogenicity or position of ETC in isoelectric focusing. The results obtained led to the conclusion that in contrast to the literature, ETC is not a phosphorylated protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- J H Ozegowski
- Institut für Experimentelle Mikrobiologie der Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Jena, FRG
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Gerlach D, Reichardt W, Fleischer B, Schmidt KH. Separation of mitogenic and pyrogenic activities from so-called erythrogenic toxin type B (Streptococcal proteinase). ZENTRALBLATT FUR BAKTERIOLOGIE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY 1994; 280:507-14. [PMID: 8061411 DOI: 10.1016/s0934-8840(11)80510-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
It is well-established that three types of erythrogenic toxins (ETA, ETB, ETC) are produced by Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococci) strains. Culture filtrate concentrates from Streptococcus pyogenes strains T19P (T19, ETA+, ETB+, ETC-), 27337 (T12, B3264, ETA-, ETB+, ETC+), 27252 (T4, ETA-, ETB+, ETC+) and 27195 (T8, ETA-, ETB+, ETC-) were analyzed by preparative isoelectric focusing. These concentrates and the purified erythrogenic toxin type B (ETB) isolated by ion exchange chromatography had mitogenic and pyrogenic activity. Now, it has been found that the mitogenic activity and the pyrogenic activity of this ETB can be separated by preparative isoelectric focusing in Sephadex gels. This means that ETB is not a superantigen as described in literature. The mitogenic and biological activity is caused by traces of ETA (strain T19P), ETC (strains 27252 and 27337) and/or by unknown mitogen(s) (MX, strain 27195) which preferentially stimulate V beta 8+ T cells. The differentiation between ETA (stimulating V beta 12+ but not V beta 8+ or V beta 2+), ETC (stimulating V beta 2+ but not V beta 8+), and MX (stimulating V beta 8+) was done using established leukemic cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Gerlach
- University of Jena, Institute of Experimental Microbiology, Germany
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Okumura K, Hara A, Tanaka T, Nishiguchi I, Minamide W, Igarashi H, Yutsudo T. Cloning and sequencing the streptolysin O genes of group C and group G streptococci. DNA SEQUENCE : THE JOURNAL OF DNA SEQUENCING AND MAPPING 1994; 4:325-8. [PMID: 7803818 DOI: 10.3109/10425179409020859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
On the basis of the known streptolysin O (SLO) genomic sequence of Streptococcus pyogenes group A, we identified the SLO genes in some strains of group C and group G streptococci by the polymerase chain reaction procedure (PCR). The entire open reading frame region of these genes was cloned and analyzed. Their nucleotide sequence data showed that the defined SLO genes in group C and group G are almost identical to that of group A.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Okumura
- Shionogi Institute for Medical Science, Osaka, Japan
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Iwasaki M, Igarashi H, Hinuma Y, Yutsudo T. Cloning, characterization and overexpression of a Streptococcus pyogenes gene encoding a new type of mitogenic factor. FEBS Lett 1993; 331:187-92. [PMID: 8405402 DOI: 10.1016/0014-5793(93)80323-m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
A new type of mitogenic factor, termed MF, has been found in the culture supernatant of Streptococcus pyogenes and its N-terminal amino acid sequence has been determined. On the basis of this sequence, an S. pyogenes gene encoding MF was cloned and its nucleotide sequence was determined. The MF gene includes a long, open reading frame with 813 nucleotides capable of encoding the MF precursor protein with 271 amino acids. Removal of the putative 43 residues as a signal peptide results in the mature MF protein with 228 amino acids. The molecular mass of the mature MF is calculated as 25,363 which is consistent with the previously determined value of 25,370 for MF secreted from S. pyogenes. Neither nucleotide nor amino acid sequence homology was found between the mature MF and other streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins, such as SPE A, SPE B and SPE C. The mature MF was recombinantly overexpressed as a fusion protein with glutathione S-transferase in Escherichia coli. The recombinant protein showed mitogenic activity in rabbit peripheral blood lymphocytes and immunoreactivity with the rabbit antiserum raised against the secreted MF from S. pyogenes. These data indicate that a unique gene encoding MF was cloned from S. pyogenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Iwasaki
- Shionogi Institute for Medical Science, Osaka, Japan
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