1
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Ouyang W, Xie T, Fang H, Frucht DM. Development of a New Cell-Based AP-1 Gene Reporter Potency Assay for Anti-Anthrax Toxin Therapeutics. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:528. [PMID: 37755954 PMCID: PMC10538138 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15090528] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Anthrax toxin is a critical virulence factor of Bacillus anthracis. The toxin comprises protective antigen (PA) and two enzymatic moieties, edema factor (EF) and lethal factor (LF), forming bipartite lethal toxin (LT) and edema toxin (ET). PA binds cellular surface receptors and is required for intracellular translocation of the enzymatic moieties. For this reason, anti-PA antibodies have been developed as therapeutics for prophylaxis and treatment of human anthrax infection. Assays described publicly for the control of anti-PA antibody potency quantify inhibition of LT-mediated cell death or the ET-induced increase in c-AMP levels. These assays do not fully reflect and/or capture the pathological functions of anthrax toxin in humans. Herein, we report the development of a cell-based gene reporter potency assay for anti-PA antibodies based on the rapid LT-induced degradation of c-Jun protein, a pathogenic effect that occurs in human cells. This new assay was developed by transducing Hepa1c1c7 cells with an AP-1 reporter lentiviral construct and has been qualified for specificity, accuracy, repeatability, intermediate precision, and linearity. This assay not only serves as a bioassay for LT activity, but has applications for characterization and quality control of anti-PA therapeutic antibodies or other products that target the AP-1 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiming Ouyang
- Division of Biotechnology Review and Research II, Office of Biotechnology Products, Office of Pharmaceutical Quality, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA; (T.X.); (H.F.)
| | | | | | - David M. Frucht
- Division of Biotechnology Review and Research II, Office of Biotechnology Products, Office of Pharmaceutical Quality, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA; (T.X.); (H.F.)
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2
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Keestra-Gounder AM, Nagao PE. Inflammasome activation by Gram-positive bacteria: Mechanisms of activation and regulation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1075834. [PMID: 36761775 PMCID: PMC9902775 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1075834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The inflammasomes are intracellular multimeric protein complexes consisting of an innate immune sensor, the adapter protein ASC and the inflammatory caspases-1 and/or -11 and are important for the host defense against pathogens. Activaton of the receptor leads to formation of the inflammasomes and subsequent processing and activation of caspase-1 that cleaves the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. Active caspase-1, and in some instances caspase-11, cleaves gasdermin D that translocates to the cell membrane where it forms pores resulting in the cell death program called pyroptosis. Inflammasomes can detect a range of microbial ligands through direct interaction or indirectly through diverse cellular processes including changes in ion fluxes, production of reactive oxygen species and disruption of various host cell functions. In this review, we will focus on the NLRP3, NLRP6, NLRC4 and AIM2 inflammasomes and how they are activated and regulated during infections with Gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp. and Listeria monocytogenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Marijke Keestra-Gounder
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Prescilla Emy Nagao
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Physiology of Streptococci, Institute of Biology Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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3
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Tsang MSM, Hou T, Chan BCL, Wong CK. Immunological Roles of NLR in Allergic Diseases and Its Underlying Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1507. [PMID: 33546184 PMCID: PMC7913164 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Our understanding on the immunological roles of pathogen recognition in innate immunity has vastly increased over the past 20 years. Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptors (NLR) are cytosolic pattern recognition receptors (PRR) that are responsible for sensing microbial motifs and endogenous damage signals in mammalian cytosol for immune surveillance and host defense. The accumulating discoveries on these NLR sensors in allergic diseases suggest that the pathogenesis of allergic diseases may not be confined to the adaptive immune response. Therapy targeting NLR in murine models also shields light on its potential in the treatment of allergies in man. In this review, we herein summarize the recent understanding of the role of NLR sensors and their molecular mechanisms involved in allergic inflammation, including atopic dermatitis and allergic asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda Sin-Man Tsang
- Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (M.S.-M.T.); (T.H.)
- State Key Laboratory of Research on Bioactivities and Clinical Applications of Medicinal Plants, Institute of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China;
| | - Tianheng Hou
- Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (M.S.-M.T.); (T.H.)
| | - Ben Chung-Lap Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Research on Bioactivities and Clinical Applications of Medicinal Plants, Institute of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China;
| | - Chun Kwok Wong
- Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (M.S.-M.T.); (T.H.)
- State Key Laboratory of Research on Bioactivities and Clinical Applications of Medicinal Plants, Institute of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China;
- Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin R & D Centre for Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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4
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Lu X, Ru Y, Chu C, Lv Y, Gao Y, Jia Z, Huang Y, Zhang Y, Zhao S. Lentivirus-mediated IL-10-expressing Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells promote corneal allograft survival via upregulating lncRNA 003946 in a rat model of corneal allograft rejection. Theranostics 2020; 10:8446-8467. [PMID: 32724480 PMCID: PMC7381730 DOI: 10.7150/thno.31711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Corneal transplantation is an effective treatment to corneal blindness. However, the immune rejection imperils corneal allograft survival. An interventional modality is urgently needed to inhibit immune rejection and promote allograft survival. In our previous study, subconjunctival injections of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) into a rat model of corneal allograft rejection extended allograft survival for 2 d. In this study, we sought to generate IL-10-overexpressing BM-MSCs, aiming to boost the survival-promoting effects of BM-MSCs on corneal allografts and explore the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying augmented protection. Methods: A population of IL-10-overexpressing BM-MSCs (designated as IL-10-BM-MSCs) were generated by lentivirus transduction and FACS purification. The self-renewal, multi-differentiation, and immunoinhibitory capabilities of IL-10-BM-MSCs were examined by conventional assays. The IL-10-BM-MSCs were subconjunctivally injected into the model of corneal allograft rejection, and the allografts were monitored on a daily basis. The expression profiling of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in the allografts was revealed by RNA sequencing and verified by quantitative real-time PCR. The infiltrating immune cell type predominantly upregulating the lncRNA expression was identified by RNAscope in situ hybridization. The function of the upregulated lncRNA was proved by loss- and gain-of-function experiments both in vivo and in vitro. Results: The IL-10-BM-MSCs possessed an enhanced immunoinhibitory capability and unabated self-renewal and multi-differentiation potentials as compared to plain BM-MSCs. The subconjunctivally injected IL-10-BM-MSCs reduced immune cell infiltration and doubled allograft survival time (20 d) as compared to IL-10 protein or plain BM-MSCs in the corneal allograft rejection model. Further, IL-10-BM-MSCs significantly upregulated lncRNA 003946 expression in CD68+ macrophages infiltrating corneal allografts. Silencing and overexpressing lncRNA 003946 in macrophage cultures abolished and mimicked the IL-10-BM-MSCs' suppressing effects on the macrophages' antigen presentation, respectively. In parallel, knocking down and overexpressing the lncRNA in vivo abrogated and simulated the survival-promoting effects of IL-10-BM-MSCs on corneal allografts, respectively. Conclusion: The remarkable protective effects of IL-10-BM-MSCs support further developing them into an effective interventional modality against corneal allograft rejection. IL-10-BM-MSCs promote corneal allograft survival mainly through upregulating a novel lncRNA expression in graft-infiltrating CD68+ macrophages. LncRNA, for the first time, is integrated into an IL-10-BM-MSC-driven immunomodulatory axis against the immune rejection to corneal allograft.
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Liu J, Zuo Z, Sastalla I, Liu C, Jang JY, Sekine Y, Li Y, Pirooznia M, Leppla SH, Finkel T, Liu S. Sequential CRISPR-Based Screens Identify LITAF and CDIP1 as the Bacillus cereus Hemolysin BL Toxin Host Receptors. Cell Host Microbe 2020; 28:402-410.e5. [PMID: 32544461 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2020.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria and their toxins are associated with significant human morbidity and mortality. While a few bacterial toxins are well characterized, the mechanism of action for most toxins has not been elucidated, thereby limiting therapeutic advances. One such example is the highly potent pore-forming toxin, hemolysin BL (HBL), produced by the gram-positive pathogen Bacillus cereus. However, how HBL exerts its effects and whether it requires any host factors is unknown. Here, we describe an unbiased genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screen that identified LPS-induced TNF-α factor (LITAF) as the HBL receptor. Using LITAF-deficient cells, a second, subsequent whole-genome CRISPR-Cas9 screen identified the LITAF-like protein CDIP1 as a second, alternative receptor. We generated LITAF-deficient mice, which exhibit marked resistance to lethal HBL challenges. This work outlines and validates an approach to use iterative genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screens to identify the complement of host factors exploited by bacterial toxins to exert their myriad biological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- Aging Institute of University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA; Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Zehua Zuo
- Aging Institute of University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Inka Sastalla
- Microbial Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Chengyu Liu
- Transgenic Core Facility, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ji Yong Jang
- Aging Institute of University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Yusuke Sekine
- Aging Institute of University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Yuesheng Li
- DNA Sequencing and Genomics Core Facility, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mehdi Pirooznia
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Core Facility, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Stephen H Leppla
- Microbial Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Toren Finkel
- Aging Institute of University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA; Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Shihui Liu
- Aging Institute of University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA.
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Tupik JD, Nagai-Singer MA, Allen IC. To protect or adversely affect? The dichotomous role of the NLRP1 inflammasome in human disease. Mol Aspects Med 2020; 76:100858. [PMID: 32359693 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2020.100858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
NLRP1 is an inflammasome forming pattern recognition receptor (PRR). When activated by pathogen- and damage- associated molecular patterns (PAMPS/DAMPS), NLRP1 inflammasome formation leads to inflammation through the production of proinflammatory cytokines IL-18 and IL-1β. As with other inflammasome forming NLR family members, NLRP1 also regulates cell death processes, termed pyroptosis. The domain structure of NLRP1 differs between mice and humans, making it possible for the function of the inflammasome to differ between species and adds complexity to the study of this NLR family member. In humans, mutations in both coding and non-coding regions of the NLRP1 gene are linked to a variety of diseases. Likewise, interruption of NLRP1 inhibitors or changes in the prevalence of NLRP1 activators can also impact disease pathobiology. Adding to its complexity, the NLRP1 inflammasome plays a dichotomous role in human diseases, functioning to either attenuate or augment miscellaneous biological processes in a tissue specific manner. For example, NLRP1 plays a protective role in the gastrointestinal tract by modulating the microbiome composition; however, it augments neurological disorders, cardio-pulmonary diseases, and cancer through promoting inflammation. Thus, it is critical that the role of NLRP1 in each of these disease processes be robustly defined. In this review, we summarize the current research landscape to provide a better understanding of the mechanisms associated with NLRP1 function and dysfunction in human disease pathobiology. We propose that a better understanding of these mechanisms will ultimately result in improved insight into immune system dysfunction and therapeutic strategies targeting inflammasome function in multiple human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juselyn D Tupik
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Margaret A Nagai-Singer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Irving C Allen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA; Department of Basic Science Education, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, USA.
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7
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Fox D, Mathur A, Xue Y, Liu Y, Tan WH, Feng S, Pandey A, Ngo C, Hayward JA, Atmosukarto II, Price JD, Johnson MD, Jessberger N, Robertson AAB, Burgio G, Tscharke DC, Fox EM, Leyton DL, Kaakoush NO, Märtlbauer E, Leppla SH, Man SM. Bacillus cereus non-haemolytic enterotoxin activates the NLRP3 inflammasome. Nat Commun 2020; 11:760. [PMID: 32029733 PMCID: PMC7005308 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14534-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammasomes are important for host defence against pathogens and homeostasis with commensal microbes. Here, we show non-haemolytic enterotoxin (NHE) from the neglected human foodborne pathogen Bacillus cereus is an activator of the NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis. NHE is a non-redundant toxin to haemolysin BL (HBL) despite having a similar mechanism of action. Via a putative transmembrane region, subunit C of NHE initiates binding to the plasma membrane, leading to the recruitment of subunit B and subunit A, thus forming a tripartite lytic pore that is permissive to efflux of potassium. NHE mediates killing of cells from multiple lineages and hosts, highlighting a versatile functional repertoire in different host species. These data indicate that NHE and HBL operate synergistically to induce inflammation and show that multiple virulence factors from the same pathogen with conserved function and mechanism of action can be exploited for sensing by a single inflammasome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Fox
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Anukriti Mathur
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Yansong Xue
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Yunqi Liu
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Wei Hong Tan
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Shouya Feng
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Abhimanu Pandey
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Chinh Ngo
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Jenni A Hayward
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Ines I Atmosukarto
- Lipotek Pty Ltd. The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Jason D Price
- Lipotek Pty Ltd. The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Matthew D Johnson
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Nadja Jessberger
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Avril A B Robertson
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Gaetan Burgio
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - David C Tscharke
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Edward M Fox
- Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Denisse L Leyton
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.,Medical School, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Nadeem O Kaakoush
- School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Erwin Märtlbauer
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Stephen H Leppla
- Microbial Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Si Ming Man
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.
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8
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Vrentas CE, Boggiatto PM, Olsen SC, Leppla SH, Moayeri M. Characterization of the NLRP1 inflammasome response in bovine species. Innate Immun 2019; 26:301-311. [PMID: 31711335 PMCID: PMC7251794 DOI: 10.1177/1753425919886649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammasomes act as sensors of infection or damage to initiate immune responses.
While extensively studied in rodents, understanding of livestock inflammasomes
is limited. The NLRP1 inflammasome sensor in rodents is activated by
Toxoplasma gondii, Bacillus anthracis
lethal toxin (LT), and potentially other zoonotic pathogens. LT activates NLRP1
by N-terminal proteolysis, inducing macrophage pyroptosis and a pro-inflammatory
cytokine response. In contrast, NLRP1 in macrophages from humans and certain
rodent strains is resistant to LT cleavage, and pyroptosis is not induced.
Evolution of NLRP1 sequences towards those leading to pyroptosis is of interest
in understanding innate immune responses in different hosts. We characterized
NLRP1 in cattle (Bos taurus) and American bison (Bison
bison). Bovine NLRP1 is not cleaved by LT, and cattle and bison
macrophages do not undergo toxin-induced pyroptosis. Additionally, we found a
predicted Nlrp1 splicing isoform in cattle macrophages lacking
the N-terminal domain. Resistance to LT in bovine and human NLRP1 correlates
with evolutionary sequence similarity to rodents. Consistent with LT-resistant
rodents, bovine macrophages undergo a slower non-pyroptotic death in the
presence of LPS and LT. Overall, our findings support the model that NLRP1
activation by LT requires N-terminal cleavage, and provide novel information on
mechanisms underlying immune response diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine E Vrentas
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Unit, National Animal Disease
Center, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Ames,
USA
- Catherine E Vrentas, Infectious Bacterial
Diseases Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, US
Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA 50010, USA.
| | - Paola M Boggiatto
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Unit, National Animal Disease
Center, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Ames,
USA
| | - Steven C Olsen
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Unit, National Animal Disease
Center, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Ames,
USA
| | - Stephen H Leppla
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy
and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Mahtab Moayeri
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy
and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
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9
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Ehling-Schulz M, Lereclus D, Koehler TM. The Bacillus cereus Group: Bacillus Species with Pathogenic Potential. Microbiol Spectr 2019; 7:10.1128/microbiolspec.gpp3-0032-2018. [PMID: 31111815 PMCID: PMC6530592 DOI: 10.1128/microbiolspec.gpp3-0032-2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 235] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Bacillus cereus group includes several Bacillus species with closely related phylogeny. The most well-studied members of the group, B. anthracis, B. cereus, and B. thuringiensis, are known for their pathogenic potential. Here, we present the historical rationale for speciation and discuss shared and unique features of these bacteria. Aspects of cell morphology and physiology, and genome sequence similarity and gene synteny support close evolutionary relationships for these three species. For many strains, distinct differences in virulence factor synthesis provide facile means for species assignment. B. anthracis is the causative agent of anthrax. Some B. cereus strains are commonly recognized as food poisoning agents, but strains can also cause localized wound and eye infections as well as systemic disease. Certain B. thuringiensis strains are entomopathogens and have been commercialized for use as biopesticides, while some strains have been reported to cause infection in immunocompromised individuals. In this article we compare and contrast B. anthracis, B. cereus, and B. thuringiensis, including ecology, cell structure and development, virulence attributes, gene regulation and genetic exchange systems, and experimental models of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Ehling-Schulz
- Institute of Microbiology, Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Didier Lereclus
- Micalis Institute, INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Theresa M Koehler
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center - Houston, Houston, TX 77030
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10
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Song L, Pei L, Yao S, Wu Y, Shang Y. NLRP3 Inflammasome in Neurological Diseases, from Functions to Therapies. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:63. [PMID: 28337127 PMCID: PMC5343070 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 305] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation has been identified as a causative factor of multiple neurological diseases. The nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-, leucine-rich repeat- and pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, a subcellular multiprotein complex that is abundantly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS), can sense and be activated by a wide range of exogenous and endogenous stimuli such as microbes, aggregated and misfolded proteins, and adenosine triphosphate, which results in activation of caspase-1. Activated caspase-1 subsequently leads to the processing of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediates rapid cell death. IL-1β and IL-18 drive inflammatory responses through diverse downstream signaling pathways, leading to neuronal damage. Thus, the NLRP3 inflammasome is considered a key contributor to the development of neuroinflammation. In this review article, we briefly discuss the structure and activation the NLRP3 inflammasome and address the involvement of the NLRP3 inflammasome in several neurological disorders, such as brain infection, acute brain injury and neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, we review a series of promising therapeutic approaches that target the NLRP3 inflammasome signaling including anti-IL-1 therapy, small molecule NLRP3 inhibitors and other compounds, however, these approaches are still experimental in neurological diseases. At present, it is plausible to generate cell-specific conditional NLRP3 knockout (KO) mice via the Cre system to investigate the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome, which may be instrumental in the development of novel pharmacologic investigations for neuroinflammation-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limin Song
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Pei
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan, China
| | - Shanglong Yao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan, China
| | - You Shang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan, China
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11
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Suryanarayana N, Verma M, Thavachelvam K, Saxena N, Mankere B, Tuteja U, Hmuaka V. Generation of a novel chimeric PALFn antigen of Bacillus anthracis and its immunological characterization in mouse model. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2016; 100:8439-51. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-016-7684-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Revised: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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12
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Soluble Expression and Characterization of Biologically Active Bacillus anthracis Protective Antigen in Escherichia coli. Mol Biol Int 2016; 2016:4732791. [PMID: 26966576 PMCID: PMC4761392 DOI: 10.1155/2016/4732791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis secretory protein protective antigen (PA) is primary candidate for subunit vaccine against anthrax. Attempts to obtain large quantity of PA from Escherichia coli expression system often result in the formation of insoluble inclusion bodies. Therefore, it is always better to produce recombinant proteins in a soluble form. In the present study, we have obtained biologically active recombinant PA in small scale E. coli shake culture system using three different expression constructs. The PA gene was cloned in expression vectors bearing trc, T5, and T7 promoters and transformed into their respective E. coli hosts. The growth conditions were optimized to obtain maximum expression of PA in soluble form. The expression construct PA-pET32c in DE3-pLysS E. coli host resulted in a maximum production of soluble PA (15 mg L(-1)) compared to other combinations. Purified PA was subjected to trypsin digestion and binding assay with lethal factor to confirm the protein's functionality. Biological activity was confirmed by cytotoxicity assay on J774.1 cells. Balb/c mice were immunized with PA and the immunogenicity was tested by ELISA and toxin neutralization assay. This study highlights the expression of soluble and biologically active recombinant PA in larger quantity using simpler E. coli production platform.
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Greaney AJ, Leppla SH, Moayeri M. Bacterial Exotoxins and the Inflammasome. Front Immunol 2015; 6:570. [PMID: 26617605 PMCID: PMC4639612 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The inflammasomes are intracellular protein complexes that play an important role in innate immune sensing. Activation of inflammasomes leads to activation of caspase-1 and maturation and secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18. In certain myeloid cells, this activation can also lead to an inflammatory cell death (pyroptosis). Inflammasome sensor proteins have evolved to detect a range of microbial ligands and bacterial exotoxins either through direct interaction or by detection of host cell changes elicited by these effectors. Bacterial exotoxins activate the inflammasomes through diverse processes, including direct sensor cleavage, modulation of ion fluxes through plasma membrane pore formation, and perturbation of various host cell functions. In this review, we summarize the findings on some of the bacterial exotoxins that activate the inflammasomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison J Greaney
- Microbial Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD , USA
| | - Stephen H Leppla
- Microbial Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD , USA
| | - Mahtab Moayeri
- Microbial Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD , USA
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14
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Distinct regions of NLRP1B are required to respond to anthrax lethal toxin and metabolic inhibition. Infect Immun 2014; 82:3697-703. [PMID: 24935976 DOI: 10.1128/iai.02167-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pattern recognition receptors monitor for signs of infection or cellular dysfunction and respond to these events by initiating an immune response. NLRP1B is a receptor that upon activation recruits multiple copies of procaspase-1, which promotes cytokine processing and a proinflammatory form of cell death termed pyroptosis. NLRP1B detects anthrax lethal toxin when the toxin cleaves an amino-terminal fragment from the protein. In addition, NLRP1B is activated when cells are deprived of glucose or treated with metabolic inhibitors, but the mechanism by which the resulting reduction in cytosolic ATP is sensed by NLRP1B is unknown. Here, we addressed whether these two activating signals of NLRP1B converge on a common sensing system. We show that an NLRP1B mutant lacking the amino-terminal region exhibits some spontaneous activity and fails to be further activated by lethal toxin. This mutant was still activated in cells depleted of ATP, however, indicating that the amino-terminal region is not the sole sensing domain of NLRP1B. Mutagenesis of the leucine-rich repeat domain of NLRP1B provided evidence that this domain is involved in autoinhibition of the receptor, but none of the mutants tested was specifically defective at sensing activating signals. Comparison of two alleles of NLRP1B that differed in their response to metabolic inhibitors, but not to lethal toxin, led to the finding that a repeated sequence in the function to find domain (FIIND) that arose from exon duplication facilitated detection of ATP depletion. These results suggest that distinct regions of NLRP1B detect activating signals.
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15
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Liu S, Moayeri M, Leppla SH. Anthrax lethal and edema toxins in anthrax pathogenesis. Trends Microbiol 2014; 22:317-25. [PMID: 24684968 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2014.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2013] [Revised: 02/23/2014] [Accepted: 02/26/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The pathophysiological effects resulting from many bacterial diseases are caused by exotoxins released by the bacteria. Bacillus anthracis, a spore-forming bacterium, is such a pathogen, causing anthrax through a combination of bacterial infection and toxemia. B. anthracis causes natural infection in humans and animals and has been a top bioterrorism concern since the 2001 anthrax attacks in the USA. The exotoxins secreted by B. anthracis use capillary morphogenesis protein 2 (CMG2) as the major toxin receptor and play essential roles in pathogenesis during the entire course of the disease. This review focuses on the activities of anthrax toxins and their roles in initial and late stages of anthrax infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihui Liu
- Microbial Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Mahtab Moayeri
- Microbial Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Stephen H Leppla
- Microbial Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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16
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Cirelli KM, Gorfu G, Hassan MA, Printz M, Crown D, Leppla SH, Grigg ME, Saeij JPJ, Moayeri M. Inflammasome sensor NLRP1 controls rat macrophage susceptibility to Toxoplasma gondii. PLoS Pathog 2014; 10:e1003927. [PMID: 24626226 PMCID: PMC3953412 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1003927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2013] [Accepted: 12/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite that infects a wide range of warm-blooded species. Rats vary in their susceptibility to this parasite. The Toxo1 locus conferring Toxoplasma resistance in rats was previously mapped to a region of chromosome 10 containing Nlrp1. This gene encodes an inflammasome sensor controlling macrophage sensitivity to anthrax lethal toxin (LT) induced rapid cell death (pyroptosis). We show here that rat strain differences in Toxoplasma infected macrophage sensitivity to pyroptosis, IL-1β/IL-18 processing, and inhibition of parasite proliferation are perfectly correlated with NLRP1 sequence, while inversely correlated with sensitivity to anthrax LT-induced cell death. Using recombinant inbred rats, SNP analyses and whole transcriptome gene expression studies, we narrowed the candidate genes for control of Toxoplasma-mediated rat macrophage pyroptosis to four genes, one of which was Nlrp1. Knockdown of Nlrp1 in pyroptosis-sensitive macrophages resulted in higher parasite replication and protection from cell death. Reciprocally, overexpression of the NLRP1 variant from Toxoplasma-sensitive macrophages in pyroptosis-resistant cells led to sensitization of these resistant macrophages. Our findings reveal Toxoplasma as a novel activator of the NLRP1 inflammasome in rat macrophages. Inflammasomes are multiprotein complexes that are a major component of the innate immune system. They contain “sensor” proteins that are responsible for detecting various microbial and environmental danger signals and function by activating caspase-1, an enzyme that mediates cleavage and release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-1β and IL-18. Toxoplasma gondii is a highly successful protozoan parasite capable of infecting a wide range of host species that have variable levels of resistance. Rat strains have been previously shown to vary in their susceptibility to this parasite. We report here that rat macrophages from different inbred strains also vary in sensitivity to Toxoplasma induced lysis. We find that NLRP1, an inflammasome sensor whose only known agonist is anthrax LT, is also activated by Toxoplasma infection. In rats there is a perfect correlation between NLRP1 sequence and macrophage sensitivity to Toxoplasma-induced rapid cell death, inhibition of parasite proliferation, and IL-1β/IL-18 processing. Nlrp1 genes from sensitive rat macrophages can confer sensitivity to this rapid cell death when expressed in Toxoplasma resistant rat macrophages. Our findings suggest Toxoplasma is a new activator of the NLRP1 inflammasome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly M. Cirelli
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Biology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Gezahegn Gorfu
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Musa A. Hassan
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Biology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Morton Printz
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Devorah Crown
- Microbial Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Stephen H. Leppla
- Microbial Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Michael E. Grigg
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MEG); (JPJS); (MM)
| | - Jeroen P. J. Saeij
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Biology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MEG); (JPJS); (MM)
| | - Mahtab Moayeri
- Microbial Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MEG); (JPJS); (MM)
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17
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Wolpaw AJ, Stockwell BR. Multidimensional profiling in the investigation of small-molecule-induced cell death. Methods Enzymol 2014; 545:265-302. [PMID: 25065894 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-801430-1.00011-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Numerous morphological variations of cell death have been described. These processes depend on a complex and overlapping cellular signaling network, making molecular definition of the pathways challenging. This review describes one solution to this problem for small-molecule-induced death, the creation of high-dimensionality profiles for compounds that can be used to define and compare pathways. Such profiles have been assembled from gene expression measurements, protein quantification, chemical-genetic interactions, chemical combination interactions, cancer cell line sensitivity profiling, quantitative imaging, and modulatory profiling. We discuss the advantages and limitations of these techniques in the study of cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Wolpaw
- Residency Program in Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Brent R Stockwell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, USA; Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Columbia University, New York, USA.
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18
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Williams JD, Khan AR, Cardinale SC, Butler MM, Bowlin TL, Peet NP. Small molecule inhibitors of anthrax lethal factor toxin. Bioorg Med Chem 2013; 22:419-34. [PMID: 24290062 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2013.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2013] [Revised: 10/29/2013] [Accepted: 11/05/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
This manuscript describes the preparation of new small molecule inhibitors of Bacillus anthracis lethal factor. Our starting point was the symmetrical, bis-quinolinyl compound 1 (NSC 12155). Optimization of one half of this molecule led to new LF inhibitors that were desymmetrized to afford more drug-like compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Williams
- Microbiotix, Inc., Department of Medicinal Chemistry, One Innovation Drive, Worcester, MA 01605, United States; Microbiotix, Inc., Department of Molecular Biology, One Innovation Drive, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
| | - Atiyya R Khan
- Microbiotix, Inc., Department of Medicinal Chemistry, One Innovation Drive, Worcester, MA 01605, United States; Microbiotix, Inc., Department of Molecular Biology, One Innovation Drive, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
| | - Steven C Cardinale
- Microbiotix, Inc., Department of Medicinal Chemistry, One Innovation Drive, Worcester, MA 01605, United States; Microbiotix, Inc., Department of Molecular Biology, One Innovation Drive, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
| | - Michelle M Butler
- Microbiotix, Inc., Department of Medicinal Chemistry, One Innovation Drive, Worcester, MA 01605, United States; Microbiotix, Inc., Department of Molecular Biology, One Innovation Drive, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
| | - Terry L Bowlin
- Microbiotix, Inc., Department of Medicinal Chemistry, One Innovation Drive, Worcester, MA 01605, United States; Microbiotix, Inc., Department of Molecular Biology, One Innovation Drive, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
| | - Norton P Peet
- Microbiotix, Inc., Department of Medicinal Chemistry, One Innovation Drive, Worcester, MA 01605, United States; Microbiotix, Inc., Department of Molecular Biology, One Innovation Drive, Worcester, MA 01605, United States.
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19
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Leysath CE, Phillips DD, Crown D, Fattah RJ, Moayeri M, Leppla SH. Anthrax edema factor toxicity is strongly mediated by the N-end rule. PLoS One 2013; 8:e74474. [PMID: 24015319 PMCID: PMC3755998 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0074474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2013] [Accepted: 07/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthrax edema factor (EF) is a calmodulin-dependent adenylate cyclase that converts adenosine triphosphate (ATP) into 3’–5’-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), contributing to the establishment of Bacillus anthracis infections and the resulting pathophysiology. We show that EF adenylate cyclase toxin activity is strongly mediated by the N-end rule, and thus is dependent on the identity of the N-terminal amino acid. EF variants having different N-terminal residues varied by more than 100-fold in potency in cultured cells and mice. EF variants having unfavorable, destabilizing N-terminal residues showed much greater activity in cells when the E1 ubiquitin ligase was inactivated or when proteasome inhibitors were present. Taken together, these results show that EF is uniquely affected by ubiquitination and/or proteasomal degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clinton E. Leysath
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Damilola D. Phillips
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Devorah Crown
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Rasem J. Fattah
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Mahtab Moayeri
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Stephen H. Leppla
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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20
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Sun B, Wang X, Ji Z, Li R, Xia T. NLRP3 inflammasome activation induced by engineered nanomaterials. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2013; 9:1595-607. [PMID: 23180683 PMCID: PMC4056676 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201201962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2012] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) continue to attract significant attention because they have novel physicochemical properties that can improve the functions of products that will benefit human lives. However, the physicochemical properties that make ENMs attractive could interact with biological systems and induce cascades of events that cause toxicological effects. Recently, there have been more studies suggesting inflammasome activation may play an important role in ENM-induced biological responses. Inflammasomes are a family of multiprotein complexes that are increasingly recognized as major mediators of the host immune system. Among these, NLRP3 inflammasome is the most studied that could directly interact with ENMs to generate inflammatory responses. In this review, the ENM physicochemical properties are linked to NLRP3 inflammasome activation. An understanding of the mechanisms of ENM-NLRP3 inflammasome interactions will provide us with strategies for safer nanomaterial design and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingbing Sun
- Division of NanoMedicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Xiang Wang
- Division of NanoMedicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Zhaoxia Ji
- Division of NanoMedicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Ruibin Li
- Division of NanoMedicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Tian Xia
- Division of NanoMedicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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21
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von Moltke J, Ayres JS, Kofoed EM, Chavarría-Smith J, Vance RE. Recognition of bacteria by inflammasomes. Annu Rev Immunol 2012; 31:73-106. [PMID: 23215645 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-immunol-032712-095944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 322] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Inflammasomes are cytosolic multiprotein complexes that assemble in response to a variety of infectious and noxious insults. Inflammasomes play a critical role in the initiation of innate immune responses, primarily by serving as platforms for the activation of inflammatory caspase proteases. One such caspase, CASPASE-1 (CASP1), initiates innate immune responses by cleaving pro-IL-1β and pro-IL-18, leading to their activation and release. CASP1 and another inflammatory caspase termed CASP11 can also initiate a rapid and inflammatory form of cell death termed pyroptosis. Several distinct inflammasomes have been described, each of which contains a unique sensor protein of the NLR (nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich repeat-containing) superfamily or the PYHIN (PYRIN and HIN-200 domain-containing) superfamily. Here we describe the surprisingly diverse mechanisms by which NLR/PYHIN proteins sense bacteria and initiate innate immune responses. We conclude that inflammasomes represent a highly adaptable scaffold ideally suited for detecting and initiating rapid innate responses to diverse and rapidly evolving bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob von Moltke
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, Division of Immunology and Pathogenesis, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
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22
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Hellmich KA, Levinsohn JL, Fattah R, Newman ZL, Maier N, Sastalla I, Liu S, Leppla SH, Moayeri M. Anthrax lethal factor cleaves mouse nlrp1b in both toxin-sensitive and toxin-resistant macrophages. PLoS One 2012; 7:e49741. [PMID: 23152930 PMCID: PMC3495862 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0049741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2012] [Accepted: 10/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthrax lethal factor (LF) is the protease component of anthrax lethal toxin (LT). LT induces pyroptosis in macrophages of certain inbred mouse and rat strains, while macrophages from other inbred strains are resistant to the toxin. In rats, the sensitivity of macrophages to toxin-induced cell death is determined by the presence of an LF cleavage sequence in the inflammasome sensor Nlrp1. LF cleaves rat Nlrp1 of toxin-sensitive macrophages, activating caspase-1 and inducing cell death. Toxin-resistant macrophages, however, express Nlrp1 proteins which do not harbor the LF cleavage site. We report here that mouse Nlrp1b proteins are also cleaved by LF. In contrast to the situation in rats, sensitivity and resistance of Balb/cJ and NOD/LtJ macrophages does not correlate to the susceptibility of their Nlrp1b proteins to cleavage by LF, as both proteins are cleaved. Two LF cleavage sites, at residues 38 and 44, were identified in mouse Nlrp1b. Our results suggest that the resistance of NOD/LtJ macrophages to LT, and the inability of the Nlrp1b protein expressed in these cells to be activated by the toxin are likely due to polymorphisms other than those at the LF cleavage sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina A Hellmich
- Microbial Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
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23
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Anthrax lethal toxin and the induction of CD4 T cell immunity. Toxins (Basel) 2012; 4:878-99. [PMID: 23162703 PMCID: PMC3496994 DOI: 10.3390/toxins4100878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2012] [Revised: 10/08/2012] [Accepted: 10/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis secretes exotoxins which act through several mechanisms including those that can subvert adaptive immunity with respect both to antigen presenting cell and T cell function. The combination of Protective Antigen (PA) and Lethal Factor (LF) forming Lethal Toxin (LT), acts within host cells to down-regulate the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascade. Until recently the MAPK kinases were the only known substrate for LT; over the past few years it has become evident that LT also cleaves Nlrp1, leading to inflammasome activation and macrophage death. The predicted downstream consequences of subverting these important cellular pathways are impaired antigen presentation and adaptive immunity. In contrast to this, recent work has indicated that robust memory T cell responses to B. anthracis antigens can be identified following natural anthrax infection. We discuss how LT affects the adaptive immune response and specifically the identification of B. anthracis epitopes that are both immunogenic and protective with the potential for inclusion in protein sub-unit based vaccines.
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24
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Artenstein AW, Opal SM. Novel approaches to the treatment of systemic anthrax. Clin Infect Dis 2012; 54:1148-61. [PMID: 22438345 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cis017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthrax continues to generate concern as an agent of bioterrorism and as a natural cause of sporadic disease outbreaks. Despite the use of appropriate antimicrobial agents and advanced supportive care, the mortality associated with the systemic disease remains high. This is primarily due to the pathogenic exotoxins produced by Bacillus anthracis as well as other virulence factors of the organism. For this reason, new therapeutic strategies that target events in the pathogenesis of anthrax and may potentially augment antimicrobials are being investigated. These include anti-toxin approaches, such as passive immune-based therapies; non-antimicrobial drugs with activity against anthrax toxin components; and agents that inhibit binding, processing, or assembly of toxins. Adjunct therapies that target spore germination or downstream events in anthrax intoxication are also under investigation. In combination, these modalities may enhance the management of systemic anthrax.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew W Artenstein
- Center for Biodefense and Emerging Pathogens, Department of Medicine, Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, Pawtucket, and The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02860, USA
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25
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Moayeri M, Sastalla I, Leppla SH. Anthrax and the inflammasome. Microbes Infect 2012; 14:392-400. [PMID: 22207185 PMCID: PMC3322314 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2011.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2011] [Revised: 12/07/2011] [Accepted: 12/08/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Anthrax lethal toxin (LT), a major virulence determinant of anthrax disease, induces vascular collapse in mice and rats. LT activates the Nlrp1 inflammasome in macrophages and dendritic cells, resulting in caspase-1 activation, IL-1β and IL-18 maturation and a rapid cell death (pyroptosis). This review presents the current understanding of LT-induced activation of Nlrp1 in cells and its consequences for toxin-mediated effects in rodent toxin and spore challenge models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahtab Moayeri
- Laboratory of Bacterial Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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26
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Anthrax lethal factor cleavage of Nlrp1 is required for activation of the inflammasome. PLoS Pathog 2012; 8:e1002638. [PMID: 22479187 PMCID: PMC3315489 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1002638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 241] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2012] [Accepted: 02/24/2012] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
NOD-like receptor (NLR) proteins (Nlrps) are cytosolic sensors responsible for detection of pathogen and danger-associated molecular patterns through unknown mechanisms. Their activation in response to a wide range of intracellular danger signals leads to formation of the inflammasome, caspase-1 activation, rapid programmed cell death (pyroptosis) and maturation of IL-1β and IL-18. Anthrax lethal toxin (LT) induces the caspase-1-dependent pyroptosis of mouse and rat macrophages isolated from certain inbred rodent strains through activation of the NOD-like receptor (NLR) Nlrp1 inflammasome. Here we show that LT cleaves rat Nlrp1 and this cleavage is required for toxin-induced inflammasome activation, IL-1 β release, and macrophage pyroptosis. These results identify both a previously unrecognized mechanism of activation of an NLR and a new, physiologically relevant protein substrate of LT. Anthrax lethal toxin (LT) is a protease which can induce rapid death of macrophages accompanied by activation and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The previously identified cellular substrates for this toxin have not been shown to play a role in this rapid cell death. This report identifies a new substrate for LT, and demonstrates that its cleavage by the toxin is required for macrophage death. The substrate, Nlrp1, is a member of a large family of intracellular sensors of danger. These sensors, once activated, form a multiprotein complex called the inflammasome and are essential to the host innate immune response. The mechanism of activation for these sensors is not known. The demonstration of cleavage-mediated activation of Nlrp1 in this study represents the first report on a direct biochemical mechanism for inflammasome activation.
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27
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Development of an in vitro potency assay for anti-anthrax lethal toxin neutralizing antibodies. Toxins (Basel) 2012; 4:28-41. [PMID: 22347621 PMCID: PMC3277096 DOI: 10.3390/toxins4010028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2011] [Revised: 12/23/2011] [Accepted: 01/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Lethal toxin (LT) of Bacillus anthracis reduces the production of a number of inflammatory mediators, including transcription factors, chemokines and cytokines in various human cell lines, leading to down-regulation of the host inflammatory response. Previously we showed that the reduction of interleukin-8 (IL-8) is a sensitive marker of LT-mediated intoxication in human neutrophil-like NB-4 cells and that IL-8 levels are restored to normality when therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAb) with toxin-neutralising (TN) activity are added. We used this information to develop cell-based assays that examine the effects of TN therapeutic mAbs designed to treat LT intoxication and here we extend these findings. We present an in vitro assay based on human endothelial cell line HUVEC jr2, which measures the TN activity of therapeutic anti-LT mAbs using IL-8 as a marker for intoxication. HUVEC jr2 cells have the advantage over NB-4 cells that they are adherent, do not require a differentiation step and can be used in a microtitre plate format and therefore can facilitate high throughput analysis. This human cell-based assay provides a valid alternative to the mouse macrophage assay as it is a more biologically relevant model of the effects of toxin-neutralising antibodies in human infection.
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Sellers RS, Clifford CB, Treuting PM, Brayton C. Immunological variation between inbred laboratory mouse strains: points to consider in phenotyping genetically immunomodified mice. Vet Pathol 2011; 49:32-43. [PMID: 22135019 DOI: 10.1177/0300985811429314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Inbred laboratory mouse strains are highly divergent in their immune response patterns as a result of genetic mutations and polymorphisms. The generation of genetically engineered mice (GEM) has, in the past, used embryonic stem (ES) cells for gene targeting from various 129 substrains followed by backcrossing into more fecund mouse strains. Although common inbred mice are considered "immune competent," many have variations in their immune system-some of which have been described-that may affect the phenotype. Recognition of these immune variations among commonly used inbred mouse strains is essential for the accurate interpretation of expected phenotypes or those that may arise unexpectedly. In GEM developed to study specific components of the immune system, accurate evaluation of immune responses must take into consideration not only the gene of interest but also how the background strain and microbial milieu contribute to the manifestation of findings in these mice. This article discusses points to consider regarding immunological differences between the common inbred laboratory mouse strains, particularly in their use as background strains in GEM.
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Affiliation(s)
- R S Sellers
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1301 Morris Park Ave, Room 158, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
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Auranofin protects against anthrax lethal toxin-induced activation of the Nlrp1b inflammasome. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2010; 55:1028-35. [PMID: 21149629 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00772-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Anthrax lethal toxin (LT) is the major virulence factor for Bacillus anthracis. The lethal factor (LF) component of this bipartite toxin is a protease which, when transported into the cellular cytoplasm, cleaves mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) family proteins and induces rapid toxicity in mouse macrophages through activation of the Nlrp1b inflammasome. A high-throughput screen was performed to identify synergistic LT-inhibitory drug combinations from within a library of approved drugs and molecular probes. From this screen we discovered that auranofin, an organogold compound with anti-inflammatory activity, strongly inhibited LT-mediated toxicity in mouse macrophages. Auranofin did not inhibit toxin transport into cells or MEK cleavage but inhibited both LT-mediated caspase-1 activation and caspase-1 catalytic activity. Thus, auranofin inhibited LT-mediated toxicity by preventing activation of the Nlrp1b inflammasome and the downstream actions that occur in response to the toxin. Idebenone, an analog of coenzyme Q, synergized with auranofin to increase its protective effect. We found that idebenone functions as an inhibitor of voltage-gated potassium channels and thus likely mediates synergy through inhibition of the potassium fluxes which have been shown to be required for Nlrp1b inflammasome activation.
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