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Heilig L, Natasha F, Trinks N, Aimanianda V, Wong SSW, Fontaine T, Terpitz U, Strobel L, Le Mauff F, Sheppard DC, Schäuble S, Kurzai O, Hünniger K, Weiss E, Vargas M, Howell PL, Panagiotou G, Wurster S, Einsele H, Loeffler J. CD56-mediated activation of human natural killer cells is triggered by Aspergillus fumigatus galactosaminogalactan. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012315. [PMID: 38889192 PMCID: PMC11216564 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Invasive aspergillosis causes significant morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Natural killer (NK) cells are pivotal for antifungal defense. Thus far, CD56 is the only known pathogen recognition receptor on NK cells triggering potent antifungal activity against Aspergillus fumigatus. However, the underlying cellular mechanisms and the fungal ligand of CD56 have remained unknown. Using purified cell wall components, biochemical treatments, and ger mutants with altered cell wall composition, we herein found that CD56 interacts with the A. fumigatus cell wall carbohydrate galactosaminogalactan (GAG). This interaction induced NK-cell activation, degranulation, and secretion of immune-enhancing chemokines and cytotoxic effectors. Supernatants from GAG-stimulated NK cells elicited antifungal activity and enhanced antifungal effector responses of polymorphonuclear cells. In conclusion, we identified A. fumigatus GAG as a ligand of CD56 on human primary NK cells, stimulating potent antifungal effector responses and activating other immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Heilig
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Fariha Natasha
- Department of Biotechnology & Biophysics Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Nora Trinks
- Department of Biotechnology & Biophysics Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Vishukumar Aimanianda
- Department of Mycology, Immunobiology of Aspergillus, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Sarah Sze Wah Wong
- Department of Mycology, Immunobiology of Aspergillus, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Thierry Fontaine
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAE, USC2019, Fungal Biology and Pathogenicity laboratory, Paris, France
| | - Ulrich Terpitz
- Department of Biotechnology & Biophysics Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Lea Strobel
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - François Le Mauff
- Infectious Disease in Global Health Program, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
- McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity, Montreal, Canada
| | - Donald C. Sheppard
- Infectious Disease in Global Health Program, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
- McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Sascha Schäuble
- Department of Microbiome Dynamics, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology–Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Oliver Kurzai
- Institute for Hygiene und Microbiology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
- National Reference Center for Invasive Fungal Infections, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology–Hans-Knöll-Institute Jena, Germany
| | - Kerstin Hünniger
- Institute for Hygiene und Microbiology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Esther Weiss
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Mario Vargas
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - P. Lynne Howell
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Gianni Panagiotou
- Department of Microbiome Dynamics, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology–Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Sebastian Wurster
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Hermann Einsele
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Juergen Loeffler
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
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Gu L, Lin J, Wang Q, Meng F, Niu G, Lin H, Chi M, Feng Z, Zheng H, Li D, Zhao G, Li C. Mesoporous zinc oxide-based drug delivery system offers an antifungal and immunoregulatory strategy for treating keratitis. J Control Release 2024; 368:483-497. [PMID: 38458571 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Fungal keratitis is a refractory eye disease that is prone to causing blindness. Fungal virulence and inflammatory responses are two major factors that accelerate the course of fungal keratitis. However, the current antifungal drugs used for treatment usually possess transient residence time on the ocular surface and low bioavailability deficiencies, which limit their therapeutic efficacy. In this work, natamycin (NATA)-loaded mesoporous zinc oxide (Meso-ZnO) was synthesized for treating Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis with excellent drug-loading and sustained drug release capacities. In addition to being a carrier for drug delivery, Meso-ZnO could restrict fungal growth in a concentration-dependent manner, and the transcriptome analysis of fungal hyphae indicated that it inhibited the mycotoxin biosynthesis, oxidoreductase activity and fungal cell wall formation. Meso-ZnO also promoted cell migration and exhibited anti-inflammatory role during fungal infection by promoting the activation of autophagy. In mouse models of fungal keratitis, Meso-ZnO/NATA greatly reduced corneal fungal survival, alleviated tissue inflammatory damage, and reduced neutrophils accumulation and cytokines expression. This study suggests that Meso-ZnO/NATA can be a novel and effective treatment strategy for fungal keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingwen Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Jing Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Fanyue Meng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Geng Niu
- School of Science, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266520, PR China
| | - Hao Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Menghui Chi
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Zhuhui Feng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Hengrui Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Daohao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bio-fibers and Eco-textiles, Institute of Marine Biobased Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, PR China.
| | - Guiqiu Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, PR China.
| | - Cui Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, PR China.
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3
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Dabholkar A, Pandit S, Devkota R, Dhingra S, Lorber S, Puel O, Calvo AM. Role of the osaA Gene in Aspergillus fumigatus Development, Secondary Metabolism and Virulence. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:103. [PMID: 38392775 PMCID: PMC10890407 DOI: 10.3390/jof10020103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is the leading cause of aspergillosis, associated with high mortality rates, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. In search of novel genetic targets against aspergillosis, we studied the WOPR transcription factor OsaA. The deletion of the osaA gene resulted in colony growth reduction. Conidiation is also influenced by osaA; both osaA deletion and overexpression resulted in a decrease in spore production. Wild-type expression levels of osaA are necessary for the expression of the conidiation regulatory genes brlA, abaA, and wetA. In addition, osaA is necessary for normal cell wall integrity. Furthermore, the deletion of osaA resulted in a reduction in the ability of A. fumigatus to adhere to surfaces, decreased thermotolerance, as well as increased sensitivity to oxidative stress. Metabolomics analysis indicated that osaA deletion or overexpression led to alterations in the production of multiple secondary metabolites, including gliotoxin. This was accompanied by changes in the expression of genes in the corresponding secondary metabolite gene clusters. These effects could be, at least in part, due to the observed reduction in the expression levels of the veA and laeA global regulators when the osaA locus was altered. Importantly, our study shows that osaA is indispensable for virulence in both neutropenic and corticosteroid-immunosuppressed mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apoorva Dabholkar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA
| | - Sandesh Pandit
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA
| | - Ritu Devkota
- Department of Biological Sciences and Eukaryotic Pathogen Innovation Center, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Sourabh Dhingra
- Department of Biological Sciences and Eukaryotic Pathogen Innovation Center, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Sophie Lorber
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, 31027 Toulouse, France
| | - Olivier Puel
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, 31027 Toulouse, France
| | - Ana M Calvo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA
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Illek B, Fischer H, Machen TE, Hari G, Clemons KV, Sass G, Ferreira JAG, Stevens DA. Protective role of CFTR during fungal infection of cystic fibrosis bronchial epithelial cells with Aspergillus fumigatus. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1196581. [PMID: 37680748 PMCID: PMC10482090 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1196581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung infection with the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) is a common complication in cystic fibrosis (CF) and is associated with loss of pulmonary function. We established a fungal epithelial co-culture model to examine the impact of Af infection on CF bronchial epithelial barrier function using Af strains 10AF and AF293-GFP, and the CFBE41o- cell line homozygous for the F508del mutation with (CF+CFTR) and without (CF) normal CFTR expression. Following exposure of the epithelial surface to Af conidia, formation of germlings (early stages of fungal growth) was detected after 9-12 hours and hyphae (mature fungal growth) after 12-24 hours. During fungal morphogenesis, bronchial epithelial cells showed signs of damage including rounding, and partial detachment after 24 hours. Fluorescently labeled conidia were internalized after 6 hours and more internalized conidia were observed in CF compared to CF+CFTR cells. Infection of the apical surface with 10AF conidia, germlings, or hyphae was performed to determine growth stage-specific effects on tight junction protein zona occludens protein 1 (ZO-1) expression and transepithelial electrical resistance (TER). In response to infection with conidia or germlings, epithelial barrier function degraded time-dependently (based on ZO-1 immunofluorescence and TER) with a delayed onset in CF+CFTR cell monolayers and required viable fungi and apical application. Infection with hyphae caused an earlier onset and faster rate of decline in TER compared to conidia and germlings. Gliotoxin, a major Af virulence factor, caused a rapid decline in TER and induced a transient chloride secretory response in CF+CFTR but not CF cells. Our findings suggest growth and internalization of Af result in deleterious effects on bronchial epithelial barrier function that occurred more rapidly in the absence of CFTR. Bronchial epithelial barrier breakdown was time-dependent and morphotype-specific and mimicked by acute administration of gliotoxin. Our study also suggests a protective role for CFTR by turning on CFTR-dependent chloride transport in response to gliotoxin, a mechanism that will support mucociliary clearance, and could delay the loss of epithelial integrity during fungal development in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beate Illek
- UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, CA, United States
| | - Horst Fischer
- UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, CA, United States
| | - Terry E. Machen
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Gopika Hari
- UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, CA, United States
| | - Karl V. Clemons
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, CA, United States
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University Medical School, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Gabriele Sass
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, CA, United States
| | - Jose A. G. Ferreira
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, CA, United States
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University Medical School, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - David A. Stevens
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, CA, United States
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University Medical School, Stanford, CA, United States
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Schiefermeier-Mach N, Heinrich L, Lechner L, Perkhofer S. Regulation of Surfactant Protein Gene Expression by Aspergillus fumigatus in NCl-H441 Cells. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11041011. [PMID: 37110432 PMCID: PMC10143823 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11041011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that causes serious lung diseases in immunocompromised patients. The lung surfactant produced by alveolar type II and Clara cells in the lungs is an important line of defense against A. fumigatus. The surfactant consists of phospholipids and surfactant proteins (SP-A, SP-B, SP-C and SP-D). The binding to SP-A and SP-D proteins leads to the agglutination and neutralization of lung pathogens as well as the modulation of immune responses. SP-B and SP-C proteins are essential for surfactant metabolism and can modulate the local immune response; however, the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. We investigated changes in the SP gene expression in human lung NCI-H441 cells infected with conidia or treated with culture filtrates obtained from A. fumigatus. To further identify fungal cell wall components that may affect the expression of SP genes, we examined the effect of different A. fumigatus mutant strains, including dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN)-melanin-deficient ΔpksP, galactomannan (GM)-deficient Δugm1 and galactosaminogalactan (GAG)-deficient Δgt4bc strains. Our results show that the tested strains alter the mRNA expression of SP, with the most prominent and consistent downregulation of the lung-specific SP-C. Our findings also suggest that secondary metabolites rather than the membrane composition of conidia/hyphae inhibit SP-C mRNA expression in NCI-H441 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Schiefermeier-Mach
- Research and Innovation Unit, Health University of Applied Sciences Tyrol/FH Gesundheit Tirol, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Lea Heinrich
- Research and Innovation Unit, Health University of Applied Sciences Tyrol/FH Gesundheit Tirol, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Lukas Lechner
- Research and Innovation Unit, Health University of Applied Sciences Tyrol/FH Gesundheit Tirol, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Susanne Perkhofer
- Research and Innovation Unit, Health University of Applied Sciences Tyrol/FH Gesundheit Tirol, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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Wang Y, Yin M, Gu L, Yi W, Lin J, Zhang L, Wang Q, Qi Y, Diao W, Chi M, Zheng H, Li C, Zhao G. The therapeutic role and mechanism of 4-Methoxycinnamic acid in fungal keratitis. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 116:109782. [PMID: 36731151 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Fungal keratitis is an infectious vision-threatening disease that has a poor prognosis, and the clinical therapeutic drugs have multiple limitations, such as epithelial toxicity and low bioavailability. Therefore, new antifungal treatment strategies must be developed. 4-Methoxycinnamic acid (MCA) is a widely occurring natural phenolic acid that has been proven to have multiple effects, such as antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and inhibiting cancer. In this research, we explored the effects and underlying mechanisms of MCA on A. fumigatus keratitis and the antifungal effects of the combination of MCA and natamycin (NATA) on A. fumigatus. We found that MCA exerts antifungal effects by inhibiting the synthesis of the fungal cell wall, changing the permeability of fungal cell membranes. Moreover, the MCA-NATA combination exhibited synergy for A. fumigatus. In addition, MCA exerted an anti-inflammatory effect by downregulating the inflammatory factors (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and iNOS) in C57BL/6 mice and RAW264.7 cells. The anti-inflammatory mechanism of MCA was associated with the Mincle signal pathway. In summary, MCA acts as a potential therapeutic drug for fungal keratitis and a potential antifungal sensitizer for natamycin. MCA inhibits fungal cell wall synthesis, destroys the permeability of fungal cell membranes, and mediates the anti-inflammatory, immune response of the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, NO. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266000, China
| | - Min Yin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, NO. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266000, China
| | - Lingwen Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, NO. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266000, China
| | - Wendan Yi
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, NO. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266000, China
| | - Jing Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, NO. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266000, China
| | - Lina Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, NO. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266000, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, NO. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266000, China
| | - Yinghe Qi
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, NO. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266000, China
| | - Weilin Diao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, NO. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266000, China
| | - Menghui Chi
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, NO. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266000, China
| | - Hengrui Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, NO. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266000, China
| | - Cui Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, NO. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266000, China.
| | - Guiqiu Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, NO. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266000, China.
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7
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Samalova M, Flamant P, Beau R, Bromley M, Moya-Nilges M, Fontaine T, Latgé JP, Mouyna I. The New GPI-Anchored Protein, SwgA, Is Involved in Nitrogen Metabolism in the Pathogenic Filamentous Fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:256. [PMID: 36836370 PMCID: PMC9960506 DOI: 10.3390/jof9020256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
GPI-anchored proteins display very diverse biological (biochemical and immunological) functions. An in silico analysis has revealed that the genome of Aspergillus fumigatus contains 86 genes coding for putative GPI-anchored proteins (GPI-APs). Past research has demonstrated the involvement of GPI-APs in cell wall remodeling, virulence, and adhesion. We analyzed a new GPI-anchored protein called SwgA. We showed that this protein is mainly present in the Clavati of Aspergillus and is absent from yeasts and other molds. The protein, localized in the membrane of A. fumigatus, is involved in germination, growth, and morphogenesis, and is associated with nitrogen metabolism and thermosensitivity. swgA is controlled by the nitrogen regulator AreA. This current study indicates that GPI-APs have more general functions in fungal metabolism than cell wall biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marketa Samalova
- Unité des Aspergillus, Département de Mycologie Institut Pasteur, 25-28 rue du Docteur Roux, CEDEX 15, 75724 Paris, France
| | - Patricia Flamant
- Unité des Aspergillus, Département de Mycologie Institut Pasteur, 25-28 rue du Docteur Roux, CEDEX 15, 75724 Paris, France
| | - Rémi Beau
- Unité des Aspergillus, Département de Mycologie Institut Pasteur, 25-28 rue du Docteur Roux, CEDEX 15, 75724 Paris, France
| | - Mike Bromley
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, CTF Building, Grafton Street, Manchester M13 9NT, UK
| | - Maryse Moya-Nilges
- Unité Technologie et Service Bioimagerie Ultrastructurale (UTechS UBI), Institut Pasteur, 28 rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Thierry Fontaine
- Unité des Aspergillus, Département de Mycologie Institut Pasteur, 25-28 rue du Docteur Roux, CEDEX 15, 75724 Paris, France
| | - Jean-Paul Latgé
- Unité des Aspergillus, Département de Mycologie Institut Pasteur, 25-28 rue du Docteur Roux, CEDEX 15, 75724 Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Mouyna
- Unité des Aspergillus, Département de Mycologie Institut Pasteur, 25-28 rue du Docteur Roux, CEDEX 15, 75724 Paris, France
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8
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Characterization of Pseudogymnoascus destructans conidial adherence to extracellular matrix: Association with fungal secreted proteases and identification of candidate extracellular matrix binding proteins. Microb Pathog 2023; 174:105895. [PMID: 36423748 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Pseudogymnoascus destructans is the etiological agent of white-nose syndrome (WNS), a fungal skin infection of hibernating bats. Pathophysiology of the disease involves disruption of bat metabolism and hibernation patterns, which subsequently causes premature emergence and mortality. However, information on the mechanism(s) and virulence factors of P. destructans infection is minimally known. Typically, fungal adherence to host cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) is the critical first step of the infection. It allows pathogenic fungi to establish colonization and provides an entry for invasion in host tissues. In this study, we characterized P. destructans conidial adherence to laminin and fibronectin. We found that P. destructans conidia adhered to laminin and fibronectin in a dose-dependent, time-dependent and saturable manner. We also observed changes in the gene expression of secreted proteases, in response to ECM exposure. However, the interaction between fungal conidia and ECM was not specific, nor was it facilitated by enzymatic activity of secreted proteases. We therefore further investigated other P. destructans proteins that recognized ECM and found glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and elongation factor 1-alpha among the candidate proteins. Our results demonstrate that P. destructans may use conidial surface proteins to recognize laminin and fibronectin and facilitate conidial adhesion to ECM. In addition, other non-specific interactions may contribute to the conidial adherence to ECM. However, the ECM binding protein candidates identified in this study highlight additional potential fungal virulence factors worth investigating in the P. destructans mechanism of infection in future studies.
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9
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Yi W, Gu L, Wang Y, Lin J, Zhang L, Wang Q, Diao W, Qi Y, Chi M, Yin M, Li C, Zhao G. Benzyl isothiocyanate improves the prognosis of Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis by reducing fungal load and inhibiting Mincle signal pathway. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1119568. [PMID: 36876115 PMCID: PMC9978348 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1119568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis is a potential blinding disease associated with A. fumigatus invasion and excessive inflammatory response. Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) is a secondary metabolite with broad antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity extracted from cruciferous species. However, the role of BITC in A. fumigatus keratitis has not been discovered yet. This study aims to explore the antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of BITC in A. fumigatus keratitis. Our results provided evidences that BITC exerted antifungal effects against A. fumigatus by damaging cell membranes, mitochondria, adhesion, and biofilms in a concentration-dependent manner. In vivo, fungal load and inflammatory response including inflammatory cell infiltration and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression were reduced in BITC-treated A. fumigatus keratitis. Additionally, BITC significantly decreased Mincle, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 expression in RAW264.7 cells that stimulated by A. fumigatus or Mincle ligand trehalose-6,6-dibehenate. In summary, BITC possessed fungicidal activities and could improve the prognosis of A. fumigatus keratitis by reducing fungal load and inhibiting the inflammatory response mediated by Mincle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendan Yi
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Lingwen Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yuwei Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jing Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Lina Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Weilin Diao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yinghe Qi
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Menghui Chi
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Min Yin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Cui Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Guiqiu Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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10
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Liu S, Le Mauff F, Sheppard DC, Zhang S. Filamentous fungal biofilms: Conserved and unique aspects of extracellular matrix composition, mechanisms of drug resistance and regulatory networks in Aspergillus fumigatus. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2022; 8:83. [PMID: 36261442 PMCID: PMC9581972 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-022-00347-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The filamentous fungus Aspergillus fumigatus is an ubiquitous mold that can cause invasive pulmonary infections in immunocompromised patients. Within the lung, A. fumigatus forms biofilms that can enhance resistance to antifungals and immune defenses, highlighting the importance of defining the mechanisms underlying biofilm development and associated emergent properties. A. fumigatus biofilms display a morphology and architecture that is distinct from bacterial and yeast biofilms. Moreover, A. fumigatus biofilms display unique characteristics in the composition of their extracellular matrix (ECM) and the regulatory networks governing biofilm formation. This review will discuss our current understanding of the form and function of A. fumigatus biofilms, including the unique components of ECM matrix, potential drug resistance mechanisms, the regulatory networks governing A. fumigatus biofilm formation, and potential therapeutics targeting these structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Francois Le Mauff
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Infectious Disease and Immunity in Global Health, Research Institute of McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada.,McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Donald C Sheppard
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada. .,Infectious Disease and Immunity in Global Health, Research Institute of McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada. .,McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Shizhu Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China.
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11
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Lian X, Scott-Thomas A, Lewis JG, Bhatia M, Chambers ST. A Novel Monoclonal Antibody 1D2 That Broadly Inhibits Clinically Important Aspergillus Species. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8090960. [PMID: 36135685 PMCID: PMC9502797 DOI: 10.3390/jof8090960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous airborne fungus, is the predominant cause (>90%) of invasive aspergillosis (IA) in immunosuppressed patients and has a high mortality. New approaches to prevention and treatment are needed because of the poor efficacy, toxicity and side effects of the current anti-Aspergillus drugs on patients. Thus, we aim to explore a new avenue to combat Aspergillus infection by using a novel monoclonal antibody (mAb) 1D2 against a glycoprotein on the cell wall of Aspergillus. The ability of this mAb to inhibit attachment, germination, and growth of Aspergillus conidia and hyphae in vitro were examined. A dose-dependent growth inhibition of Aspergillus conidia in the presence of mAb 1D2 was found. The mAb 1D2 inhibited attachment of Aspergillus conidia to an untreated slide surface and fibronectin-treated surface compared to an unrelated mAb 6B10. When conidia were exposed to 1D2 concomitantly with inoculation into culture media, the mAb prevented the swelling and germination of conidia. This inhibitory ability of 1D2 was less apparent if it was added two hours after inoculation. Damage to hyphae was also observed when 1D2 was added to Aspergillus hyphae that had been incubated in media overnight. These in vitro results indicate that mAb 1D2 broadly inhibits clinically important Aspergillus species and has a promising therapeutic effect both as prophylaxis to inhibit an Aspergillus infection as well as a treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xihua Lian
- Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Second Clinical Medical School, Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou 362000, China
| | - Amy Scott-Thomas
- Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
| | - John G. Lewis
- Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
- Canterbury Health Laboratories, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
| | - Madhav Bhatia
- Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
| | - Stephen T. Chambers
- Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +64-3-364-0649
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12
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Rahman S, van Rhijn N, Papastamoulis P, Thomson DD, Carter Z, Fortune-Grant R, Rattray M, Bromley MJ, Bignell E. Distinct Cohorts of Aspergillus fumigatus Transcription Factors Are Required for Epithelial Damage Occurring via Contact- or Soluble Effector-Mediated Mechanisms. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:907519. [PMID: 35982778 PMCID: PMC9379863 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.907519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Damage to the lung epithelium is a unifying feature of disease caused by the saprophytic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. However, the mechanistic basis and the regulatory control of such damage is poorly characterized. Previous studies have identified A. fumigatus mediated pathogenesis as occurring at early (≤ 16 hours) or late (>16 hours) phases of the fungal interaction with epithelial cells, and respectively involve direct contact with the host cell or the action of soluble factors produced by mature fungal hyphae. Both early and late phases of epithelial damage have been shown to be subject to genetic regulation by the pH-responsive transcription factor PacC. This study sought to determine whether other transcriptional regulators play a role in modulating epithelial damage. In particular, whether the early and late phases of epithelial damage are governed by same or distinct regulators. Furthermore, whether processes such as spore uptake and hyphal adhesion, that have previously been documented to promote epithelial damage, are governed by the same cohorts of epithelial regulators. Using 479 strains from the recently constructed library of A. fumigatus transcription factor null mutants, two high-throughput screens assessing epithelial cell detachment and epithelial cell lysis were conducted. A total of 17 transcription factor mutants were found to exhibit reproducible deficits in epithelial damage causation. Of these, 10 mutants were defective in causing early phase damage via epithelial detachment and 8 mutants were defective in causing late phase damage via epithelial lysis. Remarkably only one transcription factor, PacC, was required for causation of both phases of epithelial damage. The 17 mutants exhibited varied and often unique phenotypic profiles with respect to fitness, epithelial adhesion, cell wall defects, and rates of spore uptake by epithelial cells. Strikingly, 9 out of 10 mutants deficient in causing early phase damage also exhibited reduced rates of hyphal extension, and culture supernatants of 7 out of 8 mutants deficient in late phase damage were significantly less cytotoxic. Our study delivers the first high-level overview of A. fumigatus regulatory genes governing lung epithelial damage, suggesting highly coordinated genetic orchestration of host-damaging activities that govern epithelial damage in both space and time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayema Rahman
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Norman van Rhijn
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Darren D Thomson
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Zorana Carter
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Rachael Fortune-Grant
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Magnus Rattray
- Division of Informatics, School of Heath Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Michael John Bromley
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Elaine Bignell
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
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13
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Yin M, Li C, Zhang L, Zhang L, Lin J, Jiang N, Wang Q, Xu Q, Zheng H, Gu L, Jia Y, Yu B, Zhao G. Mechanism of antifungal activity and therapeutic action of β-ionone on Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis via suppressing LOX1 and JNK/p38 MAPK activation. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 110:108992. [PMID: 35810488 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the anti-inflammatory and antifungal role of β-ionone (BI) in fungal keratitis (FK). METHODS In vitro antifungal activity of BI against Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) was evaluated by using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), crystal violet staining, biofilm biomass measurement, propidium iodide uptake test, and adherence assay. And RT-PCR was carried out to measure the levels of RodA, RodB, Rho, FKs, CshA-D, RlmA, Cyp51A-B and Cdr1B. Network pharmacology analysis was applied to predict the relationship between BI and FK. Cell Count Kit-8 (CCK8) assay was utilized to detect the cytotoxicity of BI to RAW264.7 and immortalized human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs). The underlying mechanism of BI at regulating the level of inflammatory factors in FK was assessed by RT-PCR, ELISA and Western blot in vitro and in vivo. The therapeutic effect of BI has investigated in A. fumigatus keratitis by employing the clinical score, pathological examination, plate count, immunofluorescence and myeloperoxidase (MPO) assay. We also used the slit-lamp microscopy, clinical scores, and HE staining to assess the effect of natamycin compared with BI treatment in vivo. RESULTS BI suppressed the growth of A. fumigatus and had a significant effect on A. fumigatus biofilms and membrane permeability. RT-PCR demonstrated that exposure of A. fumigatus to BI inhibited the expression of genes that function in hydrophobin (RodA, RodB), cell wall integrity (Rho, FKs, CshA-D, RlmA), azole susceptibility (Cyp51A-B, Cdr1B). Network pharmacology showed that the effects of BI in FK implicate with C-type lectin receptor signaling pathway. In vivo, after A. fumigatus infection, BI treatment markedly reduced the severity of FK by decreasing clinical score, neutrophil recruitment, and fungal load. And BI treatment also obviously reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines, Lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor (LOX-1), phosphorylation of p38MAPK and p-JNK versus the DMSO-treated group. BI and natamycin both significantly increased corneal transparency and decreased inflammatory cell recruitment in the FK in the mice model. CONCLUSION These results indicated that BI had fungicidal activities against A. fumigatus. It also ameliorated FK in mice by reducing inflammation, which was regulated by LOX-1, p-p38MAPK and p-JNK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Yin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Cui Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China.
| | - Leyuan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Lina Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Jing Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Qain Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Qiang Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Hengrui Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Lingwen Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yiyi Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Bing Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Guiqiu Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China.
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14
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Lian X, Scott-Thomas A, Lewis JG, Bhatia M, MacPherson SA, Zeng Y, Chambers ST. Monoclonal Antibodies and Invasive Aspergillosis: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105563. [PMID: 35628374 PMCID: PMC9146623 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a life-threatening fungal disease that causes high morbidity and mortality in immunosuppressed patients. Early and accurate diagnosis and treatment of IA remain challenging. Given the broad range of non-specific clinical symptoms and the shortcomings of current diagnostic techniques, most patients are either diagnosed as “possible” or “probable” cases but not “proven”. Moreover, because of the lack of sensitive and specific tests, many high-risk patients receive an empirical therapy or a prolonged treatment of high-priced antifungal agents, leading to unnecessary adverse effects and a high risk of drug resistance. More precise diagnostic techniques alongside a targeted antifungal treatment are fundamental requirements for reducing the morbidity and mortality of IA. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with high specificity in targeting the corresponding antigen(s) may have the potential to improve diagnostic tests and form the basis for novel IA treatments. This review summarizes the up-to-date application of mAb-based approaches in assisting IA diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xihua Lian
- Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand; (X.L.); (A.S.-T.); (J.G.L.); (M.B.); (S.A.M.)
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Second Clinical Medical School of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou 362000, China
| | - Amy Scott-Thomas
- Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand; (X.L.); (A.S.-T.); (J.G.L.); (M.B.); (S.A.M.)
| | - John G. Lewis
- Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand; (X.L.); (A.S.-T.); (J.G.L.); (M.B.); (S.A.M.)
- Steroid and Immunobiochemistry Laboratory, Canterbury Health Laboratories, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
| | - Madhav Bhatia
- Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand; (X.L.); (A.S.-T.); (J.G.L.); (M.B.); (S.A.M.)
| | - Sean A. MacPherson
- Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand; (X.L.); (A.S.-T.); (J.G.L.); (M.B.); (S.A.M.)
- Haematology Department, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
| | - Yiming Zeng
- Department of Internal Medicine (Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine), The Second Clinical Medical School of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou 362000, China;
| | - Stephen T. Chambers
- Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand; (X.L.); (A.S.-T.); (J.G.L.); (M.B.); (S.A.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +64-3-364-0649
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15
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Vasselli JG, Shaw BD. Fungal spore attachment to substrata. FUNGAL BIOL REV 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbr.2022.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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16
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Namvar S, Labram B, Rowley J, Herrick S. Aspergillus fumigatus-Host Interactions Mediating Airway Wall Remodelling in Asthma. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8020159. [PMID: 35205913 PMCID: PMC8879933 DOI: 10.3390/jof8020159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic heterogeneous respiratory condition that is mainly associated with sensitivity to airborne agents such as pollen, dust mite products and fungi. Key pathological features include increased airway inflammation and airway wall remodelling. In particular, goblet cell hyperplasia, combined with excess mucus secretion, impairs clearance of the inhaled foreign material. Furthermore, structural changes such as subepithelial fibrosis and increased smooth muscle hypertrophy collectively contribute to deteriorating airway function and possibility of exacerbations. Current pharmacological therapies focused on airway wall remodelling are limited, and as such, are an area of unmet clinical need. Sensitisation to the fungus, Aspergillus fumigatus, is associated with enhanced asthma severity, bronchiectasis, and hospitalisation. How Aspergillus fumigatus may drive airway structural changes is unclear, although recent evidence points to a central role of the airway epithelium. This review provides an overview of the airway pathology in patients with asthma and fungal sensitisation, summarises proposed airway epithelial cell-fungal interactions and discusses the initiation of a tissue remodelling response. Related findings from in vivo animal models are included given the limited analysis of airway pathology in patients. Lastly, an important role for Aspergillus fumigatus-derived proteases in triggering a cascade of damage-repair events through upregulation of airway epithelial-derived factors is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Namvar
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester and Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (B.L.); (J.R.)
- School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Salford M5 4WT, UK
- Correspondence: (S.N.); (S.H.)
| | - Briony Labram
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester and Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (B.L.); (J.R.)
| | - Jessica Rowley
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester and Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (B.L.); (J.R.)
| | - Sarah Herrick
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester and Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (B.L.); (J.R.)
- Correspondence: (S.N.); (S.H.)
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17
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Salazar F, Bignell E, Brown GD, Cook PC, Warris A. Pathogenesis of Respiratory Viral and Fungal Coinfections. Clin Microbiol Rev 2022; 35:e0009421. [PMID: 34788127 PMCID: PMC8597983 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00094-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals suffering from severe viral respiratory tract infections have recently emerged as "at risk" groups for developing invasive fungal infections. Influenza virus is one of the most common causes of acute lower respiratory tract infections worldwide. Fungal infections complicating influenza pneumonia are associated with increased disease severity and mortality, with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis being the most common manifestation. Strikingly, similar observations have been made during the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The copathogenesis of respiratory viral and fungal coinfections is complex and involves a dynamic interplay between the host immune defenses and the virulence of the microbes involved that often results in failure to return to homeostasis. In this review, we discuss the main mechanisms underlying susceptibility to invasive fungal disease following respiratory viral infections. A comprehensive understanding of these interactions will aid the development of therapeutic modalities against newly identified targets to prevent and treat these emerging coinfections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabián Salazar
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Elaine Bignell
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Gordon D. Brown
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Peter C. Cook
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Adilia Warris
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
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18
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Subroto E, van Neer J, Valdes I, de Cock H. Growth of Aspergillus fumigatus in Biofilms in Comparison to Candida albicans. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:48. [PMID: 35049988 PMCID: PMC8779434 DOI: 10.3390/jof8010048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilm formation during infections with the opportunistic pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus can be very problematic in clinical settings, since it provides the fungal cells with a protective environment. Resistance against drug treatments, immune recognition as well as adaptation to the host environment allows fungal survival in the host. The exact molecular mechanisms behind most processes in the formation of biofilms are unclear. In general, the formation of biofilms can be categorized roughly in a few stages; adhesion, conidial germination and development of hyphae, biofilm maturation and cell dispersion. Fungi in biofilms can adapt to the in-host environment. These adaptations can occur on a level of phenotypic plasticity via gene regulation. However, also more substantial genetic changes of the genome can result in increased resistance and adaptation in the host, enhancing the survival chances of fungi in biofilms. Most research has focused on the development of biofilms. However, to tackle developing microbial resistance and adaptation in biofilms, more insight in mechanisms behind genetic adaptations is required to predict which defense mechanisms can be expected. This can be helpful in the development of novel and more targeted antifungal treatments to combat fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hans de Cock
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands; (E.S.); (J.v.N.); (I.V.)
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19
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Ouyang H, Zhang Y, Zhou H, Ma Y, Li R, Yang J, Wang X, Jin C. Deficiency of GPI Glycan Modification by Ethanolamine Phosphate Results in Increased Adhesion and Immune Resistance of Aspergillus fumigatus. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:780959. [PMID: 34956933 PMCID: PMC8695850 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.780959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins play important roles in maintaining the function of the cell wall and participating in pathogenic processes. The addition and removal of phosphoethanolamine (EtN-P) on the second mannose residue in the GPI anchor are vital for maturation and sorting of GPI-anchored proteins. Previously, we have shown that deletion of the gpi7, the gene that encodes an EtN-P transferase responsible for the addition of EtN-P to the second mannose residue of the GPI anchor, leads to the mislocalization of GPI-anchored proteins, abnormal polarity, reduced conidiation, and fast germination in Aspergillus fumigatus. In this report, the adherence and virulence of the A. fumigatus gpi7 deletion mutant were further investigated. The germinating conidia of the mutant exhibited an increased adhesion and a higher exposure of cell wall polysaccharides. Although the virulence was not affected, an increased adherence and a stronger inflammation response of the mutant were documented in an immunocompromised mouse model. An in vitro assay confirmed that the Δgpi7 mutant induced a stronger immune response and was more resistant to killing. Our findings, for the first time, demonstrate that in A. fumigatus, GPI anchoring is required for proper organization of the conidial cell wall. The lack of Gpi7 leads to fast germination, stronger immune response, and resistance to macrophage killing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haomiao Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Research Center for Medical Mycology, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis on Dermatoses, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yubo Ma
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Research Center for Medical Mycology, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis on Dermatoses, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ruoyu Li
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Research Center for Medical Mycology, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis on Dermatoses, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jinghua Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaowen Wang
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Research Center for Medical Mycology, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis on Dermatoses, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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20
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Kumari A, Tripathi AH, Gautam P, Gahtori R, Pande A, Singh Y, Madan T, Upadhyay SK. Adhesins in the virulence of opportunistic fungal pathogens of human. Mycology 2021; 12:296-324. [PMID: 34900383 PMCID: PMC8654403 DOI: 10.1080/21501203.2021.1934176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillosis, candidiasis, and cryptococcosis are the most common cause of mycoses-related disease and death among immune-compromised patients. Adhesins are cell-surface exposed proteins or glycoproteins of pathogens that bind to the extracellular matrix (ECM) constituents or mucosal epithelial surfaces of the host cells. The forces of interaction between fungal adhesins and host tissues are accompanied by ligand binding, hydrophobic interactions and protein-protein aggregation. Adherence is the primary and critical step involved in the pathogenesis; however, there is limited information on fungal adhesins compared to that on the bacterial adhesins. Except a few studies based on screening of proteome for adhesin identification, majority are based on characterization of individual adhesins. Recently, based on their characteristic signatures, many putative novel fungal adhesins have been predicted using bioinformatics algorithms. Some of these novel adhesin candidates have been validated by in-vitro studies; though, most of them are yet to be characterised experimentally. Morphotype specific adhesin expression as well as tissue tropism are the crucial determinants for a successful adhesion process. This review presents a comprehensive overview of various studies on fungal adhesins and discusses the targetability of the adhesins and adherence phenomenon, for combating the fungal infection in a preventive or therapeutic mode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrita Kumari
- Department of Biotechnology, Sir J.C. Bose Technical campus, Kumaun University, Nainital, India
| | - Ankita H Tripathi
- Department of Biotechnology, Sir J.C. Bose Technical campus, Kumaun University, Nainital, India
| | - Poonam Gautam
- ICMR-National Institute of Pathology, New Delhi, India
| | - Rekha Gahtori
- Department of Biotechnology, Sir J.C. Bose Technical campus, Kumaun University, Nainital, India
| | - Amit Pande
- Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research (DCFR), Nainital, India
| | - Yogendra Singh
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Taruna Madan
- ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (NIRRH), Mumbai, India
| | - Santosh K Upadhyay
- Department of Biotechnology, Sir J.C. Bose Technical campus, Kumaun University, Nainital, India
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21
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Briard B, Fontaine T, Kanneganti TD, Gow NA, Papon N. Fungal cell wall components modulate our immune system. Cell Surf 2021; 7:100067. [PMID: 34825116 PMCID: PMC8603304 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcsw.2021.100067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections remain highly problematic for human health. Collectively, they account for more than 1 million deaths a year in addition to more than 100 million mucosal infections and 1 billion skin infections. To be able to make progress it is important to understand the pathobiology of fungal interactions with the immune system. Here, we highlight new advancements pointing out the pivotal role of fungal cell wall components (β-glucan, mannan, galactosaminogalactan and melanin) in modulating host immunity and discuss how these open new opportunities for the development of immunomodulatory strategies to combat deadly fungal infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Briard
- INSERM, Centre d'Etude des Pathologies Respiratoires (CEPR), UMR 1100, Université de Tours, Faculté de Médecine de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Thierry Fontaine
- Unité de Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | | | - Neil A.R. Gow
- The Aberdeen Fungal Group, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Nicolas Papon
- Univ Angers, Univ Brest, GEIHP, SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France
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22
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Role of Protein Glycosylation in Interactions of Medically Relevant Fungi with the Host. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7100875. [PMID: 34682296 PMCID: PMC8541085 DOI: 10.3390/jof7100875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein glycosylation is a highly conserved post-translational modification among organisms. It plays fundamental roles in many biological processes, ranging from protein trafficking and cell adhesion to host–pathogen interactions. According to the amino acid side chain atoms to which glycans are linked, protein glycosylation can be divided into two major categories: N-glycosylation and O-glycosylation. However, there are other types of modifications such as the addition of GPI to the C-terminal end of the protein. Besides the importance of glycoproteins in biological functions, they are a major component of the fungal cell wall and plasma membrane and contribute to pathogenicity, virulence, and recognition by the host immunity. Given that this structure is absent in host mammalian cells, it stands as an attractive target for developing selective compounds for the treatment of fungal infections. This review focuses on describing the relationship between protein glycosylation and the host–immune interaction in medically relevant fungal species.
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23
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Mu R, Zhang Y, Yan L, Liao Z, Yang Y, Su H, Dong L, Wang C. A "Bridge-Building" Glycan Scaffold Mimicking Microbial Invasion for In Situ Endothelialization. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2103490. [PMID: 34476850 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202103490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The globally high prevalence of peripheral artery diseases poses a pressing need for biomaterials grafts to rebuild vasculature. When implanted, they should promote endothelial cells (ECs) adhesion both profoundly and selectively-but the latter expectation remains unfulfilled. Here, this work is inspired by fungi that invade blood vessels via the "bridge" of galectins that, secreted by ECs, can simultaneously bind carbohydrates on fungal surface and integrin receptors on ECs. A glucomannan decanoate (GMDE) substrate mimicking fungal carbohydrates that highly and preferentially supports ECs adhesion while rejecting several other cell types is designed. Electrospun GMDE scaffolds efficiently sequester endogenous galectin-1-which bridges ECs to the scaffolds as it functions in fungal invasions-and promote blood perfusion in a murine limb ischemic model. Meanwhile, the application of GMDE requires no exogenous pro-angiogenic agents and causes no organ toxicity or adverse inflammation in mice, highlighting its high safety of potential translation. This glycan material, uniquely mimicking a microbial action and harnessing a secreted protein as a "bridge," represents an effective, safe, and different strategy for ischemic vascular therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoyu Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Yuhan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Lingli Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Zhencheng Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Yushun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Huanxing Su
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Lei Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Chunming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
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24
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Sharma A, Kumar D, Dahiya K, Hawthorne S, Jha SK, Jha NK, Nand P, Girgis S, Raj S, Srivastava R, Goswami VK, Gregoriou Y, El-Zahaby SA, Ojha S, Dureja H, Gupta G, Singh S, Chellappan DK, Dua K. Advances in pulmonary drug delivery targeting microbial biofilms in respiratory diseases. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2021; 16:1905-1923. [PMID: 34348474 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2021-0057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing burden of respiratory diseases caused by microbial infections poses an immense threat to global health. This review focuses on the various types of biofilms that affect the respiratory system and cause pulmonary infections, specifically bacterial biofilms. The article also sheds light on the current strategies employed for the treatment of such pulmonary infection-causing biofilms. The potential of nanocarriers as an effective treatment modality for pulmonary infections is discussed, along with the challenges faced during treatment and the measures that may be implemented to overcome these. Understanding the primary approaches of treatment against biofilm infection and applications of drug-delivery systems that employ nanoparticle-based approaches in the disruption of biofilms are of utmost interest which may guide scientists to explore the vistas of biofilm research while determining suitable treatment modalities for pulmonary respiratory infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankur Sharma
- Department of Life Science, School of Basic Science & Research (SBSR), Sharda University, Greater Noida, 201310, India
| | - Dhruv Kumar
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine & Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University, Uttar Pradesh, Sec-125, Noida, 201313, India
| | - Kajal Dahiya
- Department of Life Science, School of Basic Science & Research (SBSR), Sharda University, Greater Noida, 201310, India
| | - Susan Hawthorne
- School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry, BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Saurabh Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology (SET), Sharda University, Greater Noida, 201310, India
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology (SET), Sharda University, Greater Noida, 201310, India
| | - Parma Nand
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology (SET), Sharda University, Greater Noida, 201310, India
| | - Samuel Girgis
- School of Pharmacy, University of Sunderland, Chester Road, Sunderland, SR1 3SD, UK
| | - Sibi Raj
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine & Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University, Uttar Pradesh, Sec-125, Noida, 201313, India
| | - Rashi Srivastava
- Institute of Engineering & Technology, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226021, India
| | - Vineet Kumar Goswami
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Basic & Applied Sciences, G.D. Goenka University, Education City, Sohna Road, Gurugram, Haryana, 122103, India
| | - Yiota Gregoriou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pure & Applied Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Sally A El-Zahaby
- Department of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Technology, Pharos University in Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Shreesh Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, PO Box-17666, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UAE
| | - Harish Dureja
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, 124001, India
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jaipur National University, Jagatpura, Jaipur, 302017, India
| | - Sachin Singh
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, 144001, India
| | - Dinesh Kumar Chellappan
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University (IMU), Kuala Lumpur, 57000, Malaysia
| | - Kamal Dua
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
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25
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Sharma A, Kumar D, Dahiya K, Hawthorne S, Jha SK, Jha NK, Nand P, Girgis S, Raj S, Srivastava R, Goswami VK, Gregoriou Y, El-Zahaby SA, Ojha S, Dureja H, Gupta G, Singh S, Chellappan DK, Dua K. Advances in pulmonary drug delivery targeting microbial biofilms in respiratory diseases. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2021. [DOI: https://doi.org/10.2217/nnm-2021-0057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing burden of respiratory diseases caused by microbial infections poses an immense threat to global health. This review focuses on the various types of biofilms that affect the respiratory system and cause pulmonary infections, specifically bacterial biofilms. The article also sheds light on the current strategies employed for the treatment of such pulmonary infection-causing biofilms. The potential of nanocarriers as an effective treatment modality for pulmonary infections is discussed, along with the challenges faced during treatment and the measures that may be implemented to overcome these. Understanding the primary approaches of treatment against biofilm infection and applications of drug-delivery systems that employ nanoparticle-based approaches in the disruption of biofilms are of utmost interest which may guide scientists to explore the vistas of biofilm research while determining suitable treatment modalities for pulmonary respiratory infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankur Sharma
- Department of Life Science, School of Basic Science & Research (SBSR), Sharda University, Greater Noida, 201310, India
| | - Dhruv Kumar
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine & Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University, Uttar Pradesh, Sec-125, Noida, 201313, India
| | - Kajal Dahiya
- Department of Life Science, School of Basic Science & Research (SBSR), Sharda University, Greater Noida, 201310, India
| | - Susan Hawthorne
- School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry, BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Saurabh Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology (SET), Sharda University, Greater Noida, 201310, India
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology (SET), Sharda University, Greater Noida, 201310, India
| | - Parma Nand
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology (SET), Sharda University, Greater Noida, 201310, India
| | - Samuel Girgis
- School of Pharmacy, University of Sunderland, Chester Road, Sunderland, SR1 3SD, UK
| | - Sibi Raj
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine & Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University, Uttar Pradesh, Sec-125, Noida, 201313, India
| | - Rashi Srivastava
- Institute of Engineering & Technology, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226021, India
| | - Vineet Kumar Goswami
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Basic & Applied Sciences, G.D. Goenka University, Education City, Sohna Road, Gurugram, Haryana, 122103, India
| | - Yiota Gregoriou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pure & Applied Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Sally A El-Zahaby
- Department of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Technology, Pharos University in Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Shreesh Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, PO Box-17666, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UAE
| | - Harish Dureja
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, 124001, India
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jaipur National University, Jagatpura, Jaipur, 302017, India
| | - Sachin Singh
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, 144001, India
| | - Dinesh Kumar Chellappan
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University (IMU), Kuala Lumpur, 57000, Malaysia
| | - Kamal Dua
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
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26
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Roudbary M, Vahedi-Shahandashti R, Santos ALSD, Roudbar Mohammadi S, Aslani P, Lass-Flörl C, Rodrigues CF. Biofilm formation in clinically relevant filamentous fungi: a therapeutic challenge. Crit Rev Microbiol 2021; 48:197-221. [PMID: 34358430 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2021.1950121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Biofilms are highly-organized microbial communities attached to a biotic or an abiotic surface, surrounded by an extracellular matrix secreted by the biofilm-forming cells. The majority of fungal pathogens contribute to biofilm formation within tissues or biomedical devices, leading to serious and persistent infections. The clinical significance of biofilms relies on the increased resistance to conventional antifungal therapies and suppression of the host immune system, which leads to invasive and recurrent fungal infections. While different features of yeast biofilms are well-described in the literature, the structural and molecular basis of biofilm formation of clinically related filamentous fungi has not been fully addressed. This review aimed to address biofilm formation in clinically relevant filamentous fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Roudbary
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - André Luis Souza Dos Santos
- Department of General Microbiology, Microbiology Institute Paulo de Góes, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Brazil
| | | | - Peyman Aslani
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Cornelia Lass-Flörl
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Célia F Rodrigues
- LEPABE-Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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27
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Tits J, Cammue BPA, Thevissen K. Combination Therapy to Treat Fungal Biofilm-Based Infections. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228873. [PMID: 33238622 PMCID: PMC7700406 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
An increasing number of people is affected by fungal biofilm-based infections, which are resistant to the majority of currently-used antifungal drugs. Such infections are often caused by species from the genera Candida, Aspergillus or Cryptococcus. Only a few antifungal drugs, including echinocandins and liposomal formulations of amphotericin B, are available to treat such biofilm-based fungal infections. This review discusses combination therapy as a novel antibiofilm strategy. More specifically, in vitro methods to discover new antibiofilm combinations will be discussed. Furthermore, an overview of the main modes of action of promising antibiofilm combination treatments will be provided as this knowledge may facilitate the optimization of existing antibiofilm combinations or the development of new ones with a similar mode of action.
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28
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Sun W, Liu L, Yu Y, Yu B, Liang C, Ying H, Liu D, Chen Y. Biofilm-Related, Time-Series Transcriptome and Genome Sequencing in Xylanase-Producing Aspergillus niger SJ1. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:19737-19746. [PMID: 32803069 PMCID: PMC7424707 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c02501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we found that biofilm formation is a critical factor affecting the activity of Aspergillus niger SJ1 xylanase. Xylanase activity increased 8.8% from 1046.88 to 1147.74 U/mL during A. niger SJ1 immobilized fermentation with biofilm formation. Therefore, we carried out the work of genomic analysis and biofilm-related time-series transcriptome analysis of A. niger SJ1 for better understanding of the ability of A. niger SJ to produce xylanase and biofilm formation. Genome annotation results revealed a complete biofilm polysaccharide component synthesis pathway in A. niger SJ1 and five proteins regarding xylanase synthesis. In addition, results of transcriptome analysis revealed that the genes involved in the synthesis of cell wall polysaccharides and amino acid anabolism were highly expressed in the biofilm. Furthermore, the expression levels of major genes in the gluconeogenesis pathway and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway were examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjun Sun
- National
Engineering Research Center for Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology
and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing
Tech University, Nanjing 210000, China
- State
Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College
of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Li Liu
- National
Engineering Research Center for Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology
and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing
Tech University, Nanjing 210000, China
- State
Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College
of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Ying Yu
- National
Engineering Research Center for Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology
and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing
Tech University, Nanjing 210000, China
- State
Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College
of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Bin Yu
- National
Engineering Research Center for Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology
and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing
Tech University, Nanjing 210000, China
- State
Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College
of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Caice Liang
- National
Engineering Research Center for Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology
and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing
Tech University, Nanjing 210000, China
- State
Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College
of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Hanjie Ying
- National
Engineering Research Center for Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology
and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing
Tech University, Nanjing 210000, China
- State
Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College
of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210000, China
- School
of Chemical Engineering and Energy, Zhengzhou
University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Dong Liu
- National
Engineering Research Center for Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology
and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing
Tech University, Nanjing 210000, China
- State
Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College
of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210000, China
- School
of Chemical Engineering and Energy, Zhengzhou
University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yong Chen
- National
Engineering Research Center for Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology
and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing
Tech University, Nanjing 210000, China
- State
Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College
of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210000, China
- . Phone: +86 25 86990001. Fax: +86 25 58139389
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29
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Parente R, Doni A, Bottazzi B, Garlanda C, Inforzato A. The complement system in Aspergillus fumigatus infections and its crosstalk with pentraxins. FEBS Lett 2020; 594:2480-2501. [PMID: 31994174 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Aspergillosis is a life-threatening infection mostly affecting immunocompromised individuals and primarily caused by the saprophytic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. At the host-pathogen interface, both cellular and humoral components of the innate immune system are increasingly acknowledged as essential players in the recognition and disposal of this opportunistic mold. Fundamental hereof is the contribution of the complement system, which deploys all three activation pathways in the battle against A. fumigatus, and functionally cooperates with other soluble pattern recognition molecules, including pentraxins. In particular, preclinical and clinical observations point to the long pentraxin PTX3 as a nonredundant and complement-dependent effector with protective functions against A. fumigatus. Based on past and current literature, here we discuss how the complement participates in the immune response to this fungal pathogen, and illustrate its crosstalk with the pentraxins, with a focus on PTX3. Emphasis is placed on the molecular mechanisms underlying such processes, the genetic evidence from human epidemiology, and the translational potential of the currently available knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Parente
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Humanitas Clinical and Research Institute - IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Doni
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Humanitas Clinical and Research Institute - IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Bottazzi
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Humanitas Clinical and Research Institute - IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia Garlanda
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Humanitas Clinical and Research Institute - IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Inforzato
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Humanitas Clinical and Research Institute - IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
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30
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31
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew G. Blango
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (HKI), Jena, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Olaf Kniemeyer
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (HKI), Jena, Germany
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Institute for Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Axel A. Brakhage
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (HKI), Jena, Germany
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Institute for Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
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32
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Le Mauff F, Bamford NC, Alnabelseya N, Zhang Y, Baker P, Robinson H, Codée JDC, Howell PL, Sheppard DC. Molecular mechanism of Aspergillus fumigatus biofilm disruption by fungal and bacterial glycoside hydrolases. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:10760-10772. [PMID: 31167793 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.008511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
During infection, the fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus forms biofilms that enhance its resistance to antimicrobials and host defenses. An integral component of the biofilm matrix is galactosaminogalactan (GAG), a cationic polymer of α-1,4-linked galactose and partially deacetylated N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc). Recent studies have shown that recombinant hydrolase domains from Sph3, an A. fumigatus glycoside hydrolase involved in GAG synthesis, and PelA, a multifunctional protein from Pseudomonas aeruginosa involved in Pel polysaccharide biosynthesis, can degrade GAG, disrupt A. fumigatus biofilms, and attenuate fungal virulence in a mouse model of invasive aspergillosis. The molecular mechanisms by which these enzymes disrupt biofilms have not been defined. We hypothesized that the hydrolase domains of Sph3 and PelA (Sph3h and PelAh, respectively) share structural and functional similarities given their ability to degrade GAG and disrupt A. fumigatus biofilms. MALDI-TOF enzymatic fingerprinting and NMR experiments revealed that both proteins are retaining endo-α-1,4-N-acetylgalactosaminidases with a minimal substrate size of seven residues. The crystal structure of PelAh was solved to 1.54 Å and structure alignment to Sph3h revealed that the enzymes share similar catalytic site residues. However, differences in the substrate-binding clefts result in distinct enzyme-substrate interactions. PelAh hydrolyzed partially deacetylated substrates better than Sph3h, a finding that agrees well with PelAh's highly electronegative binding cleft versus the neutral surface present in Sph3h Our insight into PelAh's structure and function necessitate the creation of a new glycoside hydrolase family, GH166, whose structural and mechanistic features, along with those of GH135 (Sph3), are reported here.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Le Mauff
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, H3A 2B4 Quebec, Canada,; Infectious Disease and Immunity in Global Health, Research Institute of McGill University Health Center, Montreal, H4A 3J1 Quebec, Canada,; McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity, Montreal, H3A 1Y2 Quebec, Canada
| | - Natalie C Bamford
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, M5G 1X8 Ontario, Canada,; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 1A8 Ontario, Canada
| | - Noor Alnabelseya
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, M5G 1X8 Ontario, Canada,; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 1A8 Ontario, Canada
| | - Yongzhen Zhang
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, 2300RA Leiden, The Netherlands, and
| | - Perrin Baker
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, M5G 1X8 Ontario, Canada
| | - Howard Robinson
- Photon Science Division, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973-5000
| | - Jeroen D C Codée
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, 2300RA Leiden, The Netherlands, and
| | - P Lynne Howell
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, M5G 1X8 Ontario, Canada,; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 1A8 Ontario, Canada,.
| | - Donald C Sheppard
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, H3A 2B4 Quebec, Canada,; Infectious Disease and Immunity in Global Health, Research Institute of McGill University Health Center, Montreal, H4A 3J1 Quebec, Canada,; McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity, Montreal, H3A 1Y2 Quebec, Canada,.
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33
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Gago S, Denning DW, Bowyer P. Pathophysiological aspects of Aspergillus colonization in disease. Med Mycol 2019; 57:S219-S227. [PMID: 30239804 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myy076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus colonization of the lower respiratory airways is common in normal people, and of little clinical significance. However, in some patients, colonization is associated with severe disease including poorly controlled asthma, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) with sputum plugs, worse lung function in chronic obstructive pulmonary aspergillosis (COPD), invasive aspergillosis, and active infection in patients with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA). Therefore, understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms of fungal colonization in disease is essential to develop strategies to avert or minimise disease. Aspergillus cell components promoting fungal adherence to the host surface, extracellular matrix, or basal lamina are indispensable for pathogen persistence. However, our understanding of individual differences in clearance of A. fumigatus from the lung in susceptible patients is close to zero.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Gago
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, University of Manchester, CTF Building, 46 Grafton, Street, Manchester M13 9NT, United Kingdom
| | - David W Denning
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, University of Manchester, CTF Building, 46 Grafton, Street, Manchester M13 9NT, United Kingdom.,National Aspergillosis Centre, University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Bowyer
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, University of Manchester, CTF Building, 46 Grafton, Street, Manchester M13 9NT, United Kingdom
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34
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Speth C, Rambach G, Lass-Flörl C, Howell PL, Sheppard DC. Galactosaminogalactan (GAG) and its multiple roles in Aspergillus pathogenesis. Virulence 2019; 10:976-983. [PMID: 30667338 PMCID: PMC8647848 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2019.1568174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus spp and particularly the species Aspergillus fumigatus are the causative agents of invasive aspergillosis, a progressive necrotizing pneumonia that occurs in immunocompromised patients. The limited efficacy of currently available antifungals has led to interest in a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of invasive aspergillosis in order to identify new therapeutic targets for this devastating disease. The Aspergillus exopolysaccharide galactosaminogalactan (GAG) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of experimental invasive aspergillosis. The present review article summarizes our current understanding of GAG composition and synthesis and the molecular mechanisms whereby GAG promotes virulence. Promising directions for future research and the prospect of GAG as both a therapy and therapeutic target are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia Speth
- Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Invasive Fungal Infections, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Günter Rambach
- Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Invasive Fungal Infections, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Cornelia Lass-Flörl
- Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Invasive Fungal Infections, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - P Lynne Howell
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Donald C Sheppard
- Departments of Medicine and of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, Canada.,Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Canada
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35
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Toor A, Culibrk L, Singhera GK, Moon KM, Prudova A, Foster LJ, Moore MM, Dorscheid DR, Tebbutt SJ. Transcriptomic and proteomic host response to Aspergillus fumigatus conidia in an air-liquid interface model of human bronchial epithelium. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0209652. [PMID: 30589860 PMCID: PMC6307744 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) is a wide-spread fungus that is a potent allergen in hypersensitive individuals but also an opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised patients. It reproduces asexually by releasing airborne conidiospores (conidia). Upon inhalation, fungal conidia are capable of reaching the airway epithelial cells (AECs) in bronchial and alveolar tissues. Previous studies have predominantly used submerged monolayer cultures for studying this host-pathogen interaction; however, these cultures do not recapitulate the mucocililary differentiation phenotype of the in vivo epithelium in the respiratory tract. Thus, the aim of this study was to use well-differentiated primary human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) grown at the air-liquid interface (ALI) to determine their transcriptomic and proteomic responses following interaction with A. fumigatus conidia. We visualized conidial interaction with HBECs using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and applied NanoString nCounter and shotgun proteomics to assess gene expression changes in the human cells upon interaction with A. fumigatus conidia. Western blot analysis was used to assess the expression of top three differentially expressed proteins, CALR, SET and NUCB2. CLSM showed that, unlike submerged monolayer cultures, well-differentiated ALI cultures of primary HBECs were estimated to internalize less than 1% of bound conidia. Nevertheless, transcriptomic and proteomic analyses revealed numerous differentially expressed host genes; these were enriched for pathways including apoptosis/autophagy, translation, unfolded protein response and cell cycle (up-regulated); complement and coagulation pathways, iron homeostasis, nonsense mediated decay and rRNA binding (down-regulated). CALR and SET were confirmed to be up-regulated in ALI cultures of primary HBECs upon exposure to A. fumigatus via western blot analysis. Therefore, using transcriptomics and proteomics approaches, ALI models recapitulating the bronchial epithelial barrier in the conductive zone of the respiratory tract can provide novel insights to the molecular response of bronchial epithelial cells upon exposure to A. fumigatus conidia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amreen Toor
- Experimental Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, University of British Columbia and St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Luka Culibrk
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, University of British Columbia and St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Gurpreet K. Singhera
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, University of British Columbia and St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Kyung-Mee Moon
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Anna Prudova
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Leonard J. Foster
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Margo M. Moore
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - Delbert R. Dorscheid
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, University of British Columbia and St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Respiratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Scott J. Tebbutt
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, University of British Columbia and St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Respiratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Prevention of Organ Failure (PROOF) Centre of Excellence, Vancouver, Canada
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36
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Kadry AA, El-Ganiny AM, Mosbah RA, Kaminskyj SGW. Deletion of Aspergillus nidulans GDP-mannose transporters affects hyphal morphometry, cell wall architecture, spore surface character, cell adhesion, and biofilm formation. Med Mycol 2018; 56:621-630. [PMID: 29420778 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myx082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic human fungal infections are increasingly common. Aspergillus species cause most of the airborne fungal infections. Life-threatening invasive aspergillosis was formerly found only in immune-suppressed patients, but recently some strains of A. fumigatus have become primary pathogens. Many fungal cell wall components are absent from mammalian systems, so they are potential drug targets. Cell-wall-targeting drugs such as echinocandins are used clinically, although echinocandin-resistant strains were discovered shortly after their introduction. Currently there are no fully effective anti-fungal drugs. Fungal cell wall glycoconjugates modulate human immune responses, as well as fungal cell adhesion, biofilm formation, and drug resistance. Guanosine diphosphate (GDP) mannose transporters (GMTs) transfer GDP-mannose from the cytosol to the Golgi lumen prior to mannosylation. Aspergillus nidulans GMTs are encoded by gmtA and gmtB. Here we elucidate the roles of A. nidulans GMTs. Strains engineered to lack either or both GMTs were assessed for hyphal and colonial morphology, cell wall ultrastructure, antifungal susceptibility, spore hydrophobicity, adherence and biofilm formation. The gmt-deleted strains had smaller colonies with reduced sporulation and with thicker hyphal walls. The gmtA deficient spores had reduced hydrophobicity and were less adherent and less able to form biofilms in vitro. Thus, gmtA not only participates in maintaining the cell wall integrity but also plays an important role in biofilm establishment and adherence of A. nidulans. These findings suggested that GMTs have roles in A. nidulans growth and cell-cell interaction and could be a potential target for new antifungals that target virulence determinants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf A Kadry
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Amira M El-Ganiny
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Rasha A Mosbah
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt.,Zagazig University Hospitals, Zagazig, Egypt
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37
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Lehot V, Brissonnet Y, Dussouy C, Brument S, Cabanettes A, Gillon E, Deniaud D, Varrot A, Le Pape P, Gouin SG. Multivalent Fucosides with Nanomolar Affinity for the
Aspergillus fumigatus
Lectin FleA Prevent Spore Adhesion to Pneumocytes. Chemistry 2018; 24:19243-19249. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.201803602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Victor Lehot
- LUNAM UniversitéCEISAMUMR CNRS 6230UFR des Sciences et des Techniques 2 rue de la Houssinière, BP 92208 44322 Nantes Cedex 3 France
| | - Yoan Brissonnet
- LUNAM UniversitéCEISAMUMR CNRS 6230UFR des Sciences et des Techniques 2 rue de la Houssinière, BP 92208 44322 Nantes Cedex 3 France
| | - Christophe Dussouy
- LUNAM UniversitéCEISAMUMR CNRS 6230UFR des Sciences et des Techniques 2 rue de la Houssinière, BP 92208 44322 Nantes Cedex 3 France
| | - Sami Brument
- LUNAM UniversitéCEISAMUMR CNRS 6230UFR des Sciences et des Techniques 2 rue de la Houssinière, BP 92208 44322 Nantes Cedex 3 France
| | | | - Emilie Gillon
- Univ. Grenoble ALpesCNRS, CERMAV 38000 Grenoble France
| | - David Deniaud
- LUNAM UniversitéCEISAMUMR CNRS 6230UFR des Sciences et des Techniques 2 rue de la Houssinière, BP 92208 44322 Nantes Cedex 3 France
| | | | - Patrice Le Pape
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-MycologieInstitut de Biologie, CHU Nantes Nantes France
| | - Sébastien G. Gouin
- LUNAM UniversitéCEISAMUMR CNRS 6230UFR des Sciences et des Techniques 2 rue de la Houssinière, BP 92208 44322 Nantes Cedex 3 France
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38
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Richard N, Marti L, Varrot A, Guillot L, Guitard J, Hennequin C, Imberty A, Corvol H, Chignard M, Balloy V. Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells Inhibit Aspergillus fumigatus Germination of Extracellular Conidia via FleA Recognition. Sci Rep 2018; 8:15699. [PMID: 30356167 PMCID: PMC6200801 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-33902-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is an environmental filamentous fungus that may act as an opportunistic pathogen causing a variety of diseases, including asthma or allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, and infection, ranging from asymptomatic colonization to invasive pulmonary form, especially in immunocompromised patients. This fungus is characterized by different morphotypes including conidia which are the infective propagules able to germinate into hyphae. Due to their small size (2–3 µm), conidia released in the air can reach the lower respiratory tract. The objective of this study was to characterize the interactions between conidia and bronchial epithelial cells. To this end, we studied the role of bronchial epithelial cells, i.e., the BEAS-2B cell line and human primary cells, in conidial germination of a laboratory strain and three clinical strains of A. fumigatus. Microscopic observations and galactomannan measurements demonstrated that contact between epithelial cells and conidia leads to the inhibition of conidia germination. We demonstrated that this fungistatic process is not associated with the release of any soluble components nor internalization by the epithelial cells. We highlight that this antifungal process involves the phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway on the host cellular side and the lectin FleA on the fungal side. Collectively, our results show that bronchial epithelial cells attenuate fungal virulence by inhibiting germination of extracellular conidia, thus preventing the morphological change from conidia to filaments, which is responsible for tissue invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Richard
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ. Paris 06, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine Paris, Paris, France
| | - Léa Marti
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ. Paris 06, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine Paris, Paris, France
| | - Annabelle Varrot
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CERMAV, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Loïc Guillot
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ. Paris 06, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine Paris, Paris, France
| | - Juliette Guitard
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ. Paris 06, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine Paris, Paris, France.,Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital St Antoine, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Hennequin
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ. Paris 06, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine Paris, Paris, France.,Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital St Antoine, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Anne Imberty
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CERMAV, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Harriet Corvol
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ. Paris 06, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine Paris, Paris, France.,Pneumologie Pédiatrique, AP-HP, Hôpital Trousseau, Paris, France
| | - Michel Chignard
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ. Paris 06, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine Paris, Paris, France
| | - Viviane Balloy
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ. Paris 06, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine Paris, Paris, France.
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39
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Gago S, Overton NLD, Ben-Ghazzi N, Novak-Frazer L, Read ND, Denning DW, Bowyer P. Lung colonization by Aspergillus fumigatus is controlled by ZNF77. Nat Commun 2018; 9:3835. [PMID: 30237437 PMCID: PMC6147781 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06148-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a critical pathogen of humans. Exposure to A. fumigatus conidia occurs frequently but is normally cleared from the respiratory airways. In contrast, individuals with respiratory diseases are often highly colonized by fungi. Here, we use genome-edited epithelial cells to show that the genetic variant rs35699176 in ZNF77 causes loss of integrity of the bronchial epithelium and increases levels of extracellular matrix proteins. These changes promote A. fumigatus conidial adhesion, germination and growth. RNA-seq and LC/MS-MS analysis reveal rs35699176 upregulates vesicle trafficking leading to an increment of adhesion proteins. These changes make cells carrying rs35699176 more receptive to A. fumigatus in the early stages of infection. Moreover, patients with fungal asthma carrying rs35699176+/- have higher A. fumigatus loads in their respiratory airway. Our results indicate ZNF77 as a key controller of Aspergillus colonization and suggest its utility as a risk-marker for patient stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Gago
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, University of Manchester, CTF Building, 46 Grafton Street, Manchester, M13 9NT, UK
| | - Nicola L D Overton
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, University of Manchester, CTF Building, 46 Grafton Street, Manchester, M13 9NT, UK.,Clinical & Experimental Pharmacology Group, CRUK Manchester Institute, University of Manchester, Manchester, M20 4GJ, UK
| | - Nagwa Ben-Ghazzi
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, University of Manchester, CTF Building, 46 Grafton Street, Manchester, M13 9NT, UK
| | - Lilyann Novak-Frazer
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester and University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, M23 9LT, UK.,Mycology Reference Centre, ECMM Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, M23 9LT, UK
| | - Nick D Read
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, University of Manchester, CTF Building, 46 Grafton Street, Manchester, M13 9NT, UK
| | - David W Denning
- National Aspergillosis Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, M23 9LT, UK
| | - Paul Bowyer
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, University of Manchester, CTF Building, 46 Grafton Street, Manchester, M13 9NT, UK.
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40
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Feldman MB, Vyas JM, Mansour MK. It takes a village: Phagocytes play a central role in fungal immunity. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2018; 89:16-23. [PMID: 29727727 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2018.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Phagocytosis is an essential step in the innate immune response to invasive fungal infections. This process is carried out by a proverbial "village" of professional phagocytic cells, which have evolved efficient machinery to recognize and ingest pathogens, namely macrophages, neutrophils and dendritic cells. These innate immune cells drive early cytokine production, fungicidal activity, antigen presentation and activation of the adaptive immune system. Despite the development of antifungal agents with potent activity, the biological activity of professional phagocytic innate immune cells has proven indispensable in protecting a host from invasive fungal infections. Additionally, an emerging body of evidence suggests non-professional phagocytes, such as airway epithelial cells, carry out phagocytosis and may play a critical role in the elimination of fungal pathogens. Here, we review recent advances of phagocytosis by both professional and non-professional phagocytes in response to fungal pathogens, with a focus on invasive aspergillosis as a model disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael B Feldman
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jatin M Vyas
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114 USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Michael K Mansour
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114 USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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41
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Takahashi-Nakaguchi A, Hagiwara D, Takahashi H, Sakai K, Toyotome T, Watanabe A, Kamei K, Gonoi T. [Investigation of Virulence Factors by "Omics" Approaches]. Med Mycol J 2018; 59:J35-J40. [PMID: 29848910 DOI: 10.3314/mmj.18.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is the predominant fungal pathogen responsible for life-threatening systemic infections in humans. Recently developed high-throughput whole genome sequencing (WGS) and RNA-Seq technologies have proven to be powerful tools for systematically investigating pathogenic organisms. In this review, we present new virulence factors obtained through our "omics" researches on A. fumigatus. We first sequenced genomes of A. fumigatus stains isolated from one infected patient at different time points, and made an important finding that although the genome (microsatellites) type of the infected strain remained unchanged, the strain exhibited several genetic changes, including acquiring therapeutic drug resistance, during patient treatment for 1.5 years. Of the various presentations of aspergillosis, pulmonary aspergilloma (PA) is one of the most common forms of A. fumigatus infection, where fungus balls are composed of fungal hyphae, inflammatory cells, fibrin, mucus, and tissue debris. Chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis (CNPA), also known as semi-invasive or invasive aspergillosis, is locally invasive and predominantly seen in patients with mild immunodeficiency or with a chronic lung disease. We compared genomes of strains individually isolated from eight PA and eight CNPA patients in Japan, and found that the PA and CNPA strains show indiscernible genetic and ancestral backgrounds as far as genomic SNPs of the strains are concerned. The main route of infections caused by A. fumigatus is via inhalation of conidia. Inhaled conidia rapidly adhere to pulmonary epithelial cells. Nevertheless, little is known of the molecular mechanism of adherence in A. fumigatus resting conidia. We assumed corresponding adhesion molecules were highly expressed in high-adhesion conidia during conidia maturation, and exhaustively searched adhesion molecules by comparing gene expression levels in high- and low-adherence strains using the RNA-Seq technique. We found several factors involved in conidial adhesion and suggest that composite actions of these molecules have roles in conidial adhesion to human pulmonary epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kanae Sakai
- Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University
| | | | | | | | - Tohru Gonoi
- Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University
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42
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Brandão IDSL, Oliveira-Moraes HMDS, Souza Motta CMD, Oliveira NTD, Magalhães OMC. Elastin increases biofilm and extracellular matrix production of Aspergillus fumigatus. Braz J Microbiol 2018; 49:675-682. [PMID: 29452851 PMCID: PMC6066782 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjm.2017.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Revised: 09/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is an opportunistic saprobe fungus that accounts for 90% of cases of pulmonary aspergillosis in immunosuppressed patients and is known for its angiotropism. When it reaches the respiratory tract, A. fumigatus interacts with structural components and blood vessels of the lungs, such as elastin. To understand the effect of this structural component, we examined the effect of elastin on the production and development of the biofilm of A. fumigatus. In RPMI containing 10 mg/mL of elastin, a significant increase (absorbance p < 0.0001; dry weight p < 0.0001) in the production of biofilm was observed in comparison to when RPMI was used alone, reaching a maximum growth of 18.8 mg (dry weight) of biofilm in 72 h. In addition, elastin stimulates the production (p = 0.0042) of extracellular matrix (ECM) and decreases (p = 0.005) the hydrophobicity during the development of the biofilm. These results suggest that elastin plays an important role in the growth of A. fumigatus and that it participates in the formation of thick biofilm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ildnay de Souza Lima Brandão
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Micologia, Cidade Universitária, PE, Brazil
| | | | - Cristina Maria de Souza Motta
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Micologia, Pernambuco, PE, Brazil
| | - Neiva Tinti de Oliveira
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Micologia, Pernambuco, PE, Brazil
| | - Oliane Maria Correia Magalhães
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Micologia, Cidade Universitária, PE, Brazil.
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Abstract
Microbial biofilms can colonize medical devices and human tissues, and their role in microbial pathogenesis is now well established. Not only are biofilms ubiquitous in natural and human-made environments, but they are also estimated to be associated with approximately two-thirds of nosocomial infections. This multicellular aggregated form of microbial growth confers a remarkable resistance to killing by antimicrobials and host defenses, leading biofilms to cause a wide range of subacute or chronic infections that are difficult to eradicate. We have gained tremendous knowledge on the molecular, genetic, microbiological, and biophysical processes involved in biofilm formation. These insights now shape our understanding, diagnosis, and management of many infectious diseases and direct the development of novel antimicrobial therapies that target biofilms. Bacterial and fungal biofilms play an important role in a range of diseases in pulmonary and critical care medicine, most importantly catheter-associated infections, ventilator-associated pneumonia, chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in cystic fibrosis lung disease, and Aspergillus fumigatus pulmonary infections.
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44
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Nagraj AK, Gokhale D. Bacterial Biofilm Degradation Using Extracellular Enzymes Produced by <i>Penicillium janthinellum</i> EU2D-21 under Submerged Fermentation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.4236/aim.2018.89046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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45
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Takahashi-Nakaguchi A, Sakai K, Takahashi H, Hagiwara D, Toyotome T, Chibana H, Watanabe A, Yaguchi T, Yamaguchi M, Kamei K, Gonoi T. Aspergillus fumigatus adhesion factors in dormant conidia revealed through comparative phenotypic and transcriptomic analyses. Cell Microbiol 2017; 20. [PMID: 29113011 PMCID: PMC5838799 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Revised: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is an important fungal pathogen of humans. Inhaled conidia of A. fumigatus adhere to pulmonary epithelial cells, causing opportunistic infection. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism of the adherence of resting conidia. Fungal molecules adhesive to host cells are presumed to be displayed on the conidial surface during conidial formation as a result of changes in gene expression. Therefore, we exhaustively searched for adhesion molecules by comparing the phenotypes and the gene expression profiles of A. fumigatus strains that have conidia showing either high or low adherence to human pulmonary A549 cells. Morphological observation suggested that strains that produce conidia of reduced size, hydrophobicity, or number show decreased adherence to A549 cells. K-means cluster analyses of gene expression revealed 31 genes that were differentially expressed in the high-adherence strains during conidial formation. We knocked out three of these genes and showed that the conidia of AFUA_4G01030 (encoding a hypothetical protein) and AFUA_4G08805 (encoding a haemolysin-like protein) knockout strains had significantly reduced adherence to host cells. Furthermore, the conidia of these knockout strains had lower hydrophobicity and fewer surface spikes compared to the control strain. We suggest that the selectively expressed gene products, including those we identified experimentally, have composite synergistic roles in the adhesion of conidia to pulmonary epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kanae Sakai
- Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hiroki Takahashi
- Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Daisuke Hagiwara
- Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | | | - Hiroji Chibana
- Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Akira Watanabe
- Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Takashi Yaguchi
- Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | | | - Katsuhiko Kamei
- Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Tohru Gonoi
- Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
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46
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Zhang S, Chen Y, Ma Z, Chen Q, Ostapska H, Gravelat FN, Lu L, Sheppard DC. PtaB, a lim-domain binding protein in Aspergillus fumigatus regulates biofilm formation and conidiation through distinct pathways. Cell Microbiol 2017; 20. [PMID: 29114981 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Revised: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The exopolysaccharide galactosaminogalactan (GAG) plays an important role in mediating adhesion, biofilm formation, and virulence in the pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. The developmental modifiers MedA, StuA, and SomA regulate GAG biosynthesis, but the mechanisms underlying this regulation are poorly understood. PtaB is a lim-domain binding protein that interacts with the transcription factor SomA and is required for normal conidiation and biofilm formation. Disruption of ptaB resulted in impaired GAG production and conidiation in association with a markedly reduced expression of GAG biosynthetic genes (uge3 and agd3), developmental regulators (medA and stuA), and genes involved in the core conidiation pathway. Overexpression of medA and dual overexpression of uge3 and agd3 in the ΔptaB mutant increased biofilm formation but not conidiation, whereas overexpression of core conidiation genes rescued conidiation but not biofilm formation. Overexpression of stuA modestly increased both conidiation and biofilm formation. Analysis of ptaB truncation mutants revealed that overexpression of the lim-domain binding region restored conidiation but not biofilm formation, suggesting that ptaB may govern these processes by interacting with different partners. These studies establish that PtaB governs GAG biosynthesis at the level of substrate availability and polymer deacetylation and that PtaB-mediated biofilm formation and conidiation are largely independent pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shizhu Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China.,Departments of Medicine and of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.,Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Yuan Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhihua Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiuyi Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hanna Ostapska
- Departments of Medicine and of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.,Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Fabrice N Gravelat
- Departments of Medicine and of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.,Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Ling Lu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Donald C Sheppard
- Departments of Medicine and of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.,Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
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47
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Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is an environmental filamentous fungus that can cause life-threatening disease in immunocompromised individuals. The interactions between A. fumigatus and the host environment are dynamic and complex. The host immune system needs to recognize the distinct morphological forms of A. fumigatus to control fungal growth and prevent tissue invasion, whereas the fungus requires nutrients and needs to adapt to the hostile environment by escaping immune recognition and counteracting host responses. Understanding these highly dynamic interactions is necessary to fully understand the pathogenesis of aspergillosis and to facilitate the design of new therapeutics to overcome the morbidity and mortality caused by A. fumigatus. In this Review, we describe how A. fumigatus adapts to environmental change, the mechanisms of host defence, and our current knowledge of the interplay between the host immune response and the fungus.
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Immune Recognition of Fungal Polysaccharides. J Fungi (Basel) 2017; 3:jof3030047. [PMID: 29371564 PMCID: PMC5715945 DOI: 10.3390/jof3030047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of fungal infections has dramatically increased in recent years, in large part due to increased use of immunosuppressive medications, as well as aggressive medical and surgical interventions that compromise natural skin and mucosal barriers. There are relatively few currently licensed antifungal drugs, and rising resistance to these agents has led to interest in the development of novel preventative and therapeutic strategies targeting these devastating infections. One approach to combat fungal infections is to augment the host immune response towards these organisms. The polysaccharide-rich cell wall is the initial point of contact between fungi and the host immune system, and therefore, represents an important target for immunotherapeutic approaches. This review highlights the advances made in our understanding of the mechanisms by which the immune system recognizes and interacts with exopolysaccharides produced by four of the most common fungal pathogens: Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Histoplasma capsulatum. Work to date suggests that inner cell wall polysaccharides that play an important structural role are the most conserved across diverse members of the fungal kingdom, and elicit the strongest innate immune responses. The immune system senses these carbohydrates through receptors, such as lectins and complement proteins. In contrast, a greater diversity of polysaccharides is found within the outer cell walls of pathogenic fungi. These glycans play an important role in immune evasion, and can even induce anti-inflammatory host responses. Further study of the complex interactions between the host immune system and the fungal polysaccharides will be necessary to develop more effective therapeutic strategies, as well as to explore the use of immunosuppressive polysaccharides as therapeutic agents to modulate inflammation.
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Cuenot S, Bouvrée A, Bouchara JP. Nanoscale Mapping of Multiple Lectins on Cell Surfaces by Single-Molecule Force Spectroscopy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 1:e1700050. [PMID: 32646172 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.201700050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Molecular recognition events driven by protein-carbohydrate interactions play fundamental roles in various physiological and pathological processes in living organisms, including cohesion inside tissues, innate immune response, cancer cell metastasis, and infections. Unlike widely investigated carbohydrates, detailed knowledge of both the spatial organization of specific lectins and their identification on cell surfaces remains an essential prerequisite for the understanding of pathogen adhesion to host tissues and subsequent infection prevention. In this study, the spatially resolved localization, identification, and quantification of multiple carbohydrate-binding sites are directly revealed on the surface of fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. Nanoscale reconstructed mapping from several recognition maps, corresponding each to a unique specific interaction probed by single-molecule force spectroscopy, shows the distribution of carbohydrate-binding sites on the pathogen surface. The identified binding sites are then blocked with the appropriate carbohydrate, attesting the possibility to control lectin-mediated host-pathogen interactions. Germination markedly affects both the spatial distribution of carbohydrate-binding sites, mostly expressed at the apex of hyphae, and the identity of the predominant ones, which depend on the location on germ tubes. These insights clearly open exciting avenues in nanomedicine to control host-pathogen interactions with the development of vaccines or inhibitory drugs that preferentially target the identified carbohydrate-binding sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Cuenot
- Institut des Matériaux Jean Rouxel (IMN), Université de Nantes, CNRS, 2, Rue de la Houssinière, BP 32229, 44322, Nantes Cedex 3, France
| | - Audrey Bouvrée
- Institut des Matériaux Jean Rouxel (IMN), Université de Nantes, CNRS, 2, Rue de la Houssinière, BP 32229, 44322, Nantes Cedex 3, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Bouchara
- Groupe d'Etude des Interactions Hôte-Pathogène (GEIHP, EA 3142), UNIV Angers, UNIV Brest, Université Bretagne-Loire, 4 rue Larrey, 49933, Angers cedex 9, France.,Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Institut de Biologie en Santé, 4 rue Larrey, 49933, Angers cedex 9, France
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50
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Abstract
Galactosaminogalactan and Pel are cationic heteropolysaccharides produced by the opportunistic pathogens Aspergillus fumigatus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, respectively. These exopolysaccharides both contain 1,4-linked N-acetyl-d-galactosamine and play an important role in biofilm formation by these organisms. Proteins containing glycoside hydrolase domains have recently been identified within the biosynthetic pathway of each exopolysaccharide. Recombinant hydrolase domains from these proteins (Sph3h from A. fumigatus and PelAh from P. aeruginosa) were found to degrade their respective polysaccharides in vitro. We therefore hypothesized that these glycoside hydrolases could exhibit antibiofilm activity and, further, given the chemical similarity between galactosaminogalactan and Pel, that they might display cross-species activity. Treatment of A. fumigatus with Sph3h disrupted A. fumigatus biofilms with an EC50 of 0.4 nM. PelAh treatment also disrupted preformed A. fumigatus biofilms with EC50 values similar to those obtained for Sph3h In contrast, Sph3h was unable to disrupt P. aeruginosa Pel-based biofilms, despite being able to bind to the exopolysaccharide. Treatment of A. fumigatus hyphae with either Sph3h or PelAh significantly enhanced the activity of the antifungals posaconazole, amphotericin B, and caspofungin, likely through increasing antifungal penetration of hyphae. Both enzymes were noncytotoxic and protected A549 pulmonary epithelial cells from A. fumigatus-induced cell damage for up to 24 h. Intratracheal administration of Sph3h was well tolerated and reduced pulmonary fungal burden in a neutropenic mouse model of invasive aspergillosis. These findings suggest that glycoside hydrolases can exhibit activity against diverse microorganisms and may be useful as therapeutic agents by degrading biofilms and attenuating virulence.
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