1
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Zhang X, Nurxat N, Aili J, Yasen Y, Wang Q, Liu Q. The characteristics of microbiome in the upper respiratory tract of COVID-19 patients. BMC Microbiol 2024; 24:138. [PMID: 38658823 PMCID: PMC11040800 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-024-03281-w] [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: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Co-infection with other pathogens in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients exacerbates disease severity and impacts patient prognosis. Clarifying the exact pathogens co-infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is premise of the precise treatment for COVID-19 patients. METHODS Sputum samples were collected from 17 patients in the COVID-19 positive group and 18 patients in the COVID-19 negative group. DNA extraction was performed to obtain the total DNA. Sequencing analysis using 16S and ITS rRNA gene was carried out to analyze the composition of bacterial and fungal communities. Meanwhile, all the samples were inoculated for culture. RESULTS We did not observe significant differences in bacterial composition between the COVID-19 positive and negative groups. However, a significantly higher abundance of Candida albicans was observed in the upper respiratory tract samples from the COVID-19 positive group compared to the COVID-19 negative group. Moreover, the Candida albicans strains isolated from COVID-19 positive group exhibited impaired secretion of aspartyl proteinases. CONCLUSION COVID-19 positive patients demonstrate a notable increase in the abundance of Candida albicans, along with a decrease in the levels of aspartyl proteinases, indicating the alteration of microbiota composition of upper respiratory tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xilong Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
- College of Health Science and Technology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Nadira Nurxat
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Jueraiti Aili
- College of Health Science and Technology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yakupu Yasen
- College of Health Science and Technology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Qichen Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, China.
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2
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Shao M, Hou M, Li S, Qi W. The Mechanism of IL-17 Regulating Neutrophils Participating in Host Immunity of RVVC Mice. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:3610-3622. [PMID: 37438557 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01291-z] [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: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) are the most common lower genital tract infections in reproductive women. In recent years, the research on its pathogenesis mainly focuses on vaginal local immunity and IL-17 as key factors in adaptive immunity, attracting much attention. However, the role of IL-17 in local immunity in VVC and RVVC is poorly understood. At the same time, neutrophils are considered the most effective way to control and eliminate candidal infection and have a controversial role in VVC and RVVC. In this study, we built a mouse RVVC model. After analyzing the vaginal lavage solution of RVVC mice with an inflammatory factor antibody chip and ELISA, we found that IL-17 may play a protective role in RVVC. The experiment of constructing RVVC mice with different concentrations of IL-17 using halofuginone and comparing the vaginal fungi load and vaginal epithelial damage verified that IL-17 had a protective effect in RVVC. In addition, in vitro and in vivo studies found that IL-17 can promote neutrophil apoptosis and recruit neutrophils in the vagina. The neutrophils in the vagina can secrete IL-17 in an autocrine manner. These two may be why IL-17 plays a protective role in RVVC. In summary, the study suggests that IL-17-mediated regulation of neutrophil function is involved in host immune response to RVVC, which helps us to further understand the potential mechanism of IL-17 in RVVC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingkun Shao
- Department of OB&GYN, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650101, Yunnan, China
| | - Mengyao Hou
- Department of OB&GYN, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong, China
| | - Sainan Li
- Department of OB&GYN, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Wenjin Qi
- Department of OB&GYN, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, China.
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3
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Daud M, Dasari P, Adelfinger M, Langenhorst D, Lother J, Slavkovic-Lukic D, Berges C, Kruhm M, Galler A, Schleussner C, Luther CH, Alberter K, Althammer A, Shaikh H, Pallmann N, Bodem J, El-Mowafy M, Beilhack A, Dittrich M, Topp MS, Zipfel PF, Beyersdorf N. Enolase 1 of Candida albicans binds human CD4 + T cells and modulates naïve and memory responses. Eur J Immunol 2023; 53:e2250284. [PMID: 37503840 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202250284] [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: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
To obtain a better understanding of the biology behind life-threatening fungal infections caused by Candida albicans, we recently conducted an in silico screening for fungal and host protein interaction partners. We report here that the extracellular domain of human CD4 binds to the moonlighting protein enolase 1 (Eno1) of C. albicans as predicted bioinformatically. By using different anti-CD4 monoclonal antibodies, we determined that C. albicans Eno1 (CaEno1) primarily binds to the extracellular domain 3 of CD4. Functionally, we observed that CaEno1 binding to CD4 activated lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (LCK), which was also the case for anti-CD4 monoclonal antibodies tested in parallel. CaEno1 binding to naïve human CD4+ T cells skewed cytokine secretion toward a Th2 profile indicative of poor fungal control. Moreover, CaEno1 inhibited human memory CD4+ T-cell recall responses. Therapeutically, CD4+ T cells transduced with a p41/Crf1-specific T-cell receptor developed for adoptive T-cell therapy were not inhibited by CaEno1 in vitro. Together, the interaction of human CD4+ T cells with CaEno1 modulated host CD4+ T-cell responses in favor of the fungus. Thus, CaEno1 mediates not only immune evasion through its interference with complement regulators but also through the direct modulation of CD4+ T-cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Daud
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Prasad Dasari
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knöll-Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Marion Adelfinger
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Hematology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Daniela Langenhorst
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jasmin Lother
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Hematology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Dragana Slavkovic-Lukic
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Hematology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Carsten Berges
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Hematology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Michaela Kruhm
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Hematology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Karl Alberter
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Anton Althammer
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Haroon Shaikh
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Hematology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Niklas Pallmann
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jochen Bodem
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mohammed El-Mowafy
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Andreas Beilhack
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Hematology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Marcus Dittrich
- Chair of Bioinformatics, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Max S Topp
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Hematology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Peter F Zipfel
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knöll-Institute, Jena, Germany
- Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Niklas Beyersdorf
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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4
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Langenhorst D, Fürst AL, Alberter K, Vilhena C, Dasari P, Daud M, Heilig L, Luther CH, Dittrich M, Reiher N, Wich M, Elmowafy M, Jacobsen ID, Jungnickel B, Zipfel PF, Beyersdorf N. Soluble Enolase 1 of Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus Stimulates Human and Mouse B Cells and Monocytes. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2023; 211:804-815. [PMID: 37436030 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2200318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Because of the growing numbers of immunocompromised patients, the incidence of life-threatening fungal infections caused by Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus is increasing. We have recently identified enolase 1 (Eno1) from A. fumigatus as an immune evasion protein. Eno1 is a fungal moonlighting protein that mediates adhesion and invasion of human cells and also immune evasion through complement inactivation. We now show that soluble Eno1 has immunostimulatory activity. We observed that Eno1 from both C. albicans and A. fumigatus directly binds to the surface of lymphocytes, preferentially human and mouse B cells. Functionally, Eno1 upregulated CD86 expression on B cells and induced proliferation. Although the receptor for fungal Eno1 on B lymphocytes is still unknown, the comparison of B cells from wild-type and MyD88-deficient mice showed that B cell activation by Eno1 required MyD88 signaling. With respect to infection biology, we noted that mouse B cells stimulated by Eno1 secreted IgM and IgG2b. These Igs bound C. albicans hyphae in vitro, suggesting that Eno1-induced Ab secretion might contribute to protection from invasive fungal disease in vivo. Eno1 also triggered the release of proinflammatory cytokines from monocytes, particularly IL-6, which is a potent activator of B cells. Together, our data shed new light on the role of secreted Eno1 in infections with C. albicans and A. fumigatus. Eno1 secretion by these pathogenic microbes appears to be a double-edged sword by supporting fungal pathogenicity while triggering (antifungal) immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Langenhorst
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Anna-Lisa Fürst
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Karl Alberter
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Cláudia Vilhena
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knöll-Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Prasad Dasari
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knöll-Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Muhammad Daud
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Linda Heilig
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Marcus Dittrich
- Chair of Bioinformatics, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nadine Reiher
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knöll-Institute, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Mohammed Elmowafy
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Ilse D Jacobsen
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knöll-Institute, Jena, Germany
- Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Peter F Zipfel
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knöll-Institute, Jena, Germany
- Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Niklas Beyersdorf
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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5
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Wang X, Zhang W, Wu W, Wu S, Young A, Yan Z. Is Candida albicans a contributor to cancer? A critical review based on the current evidence. Microbiol Res 2023; 272:127370. [PMID: 37028206 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2023.127370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
The association between Candida albicans (C. albicans) and cancer has been noticed for decades. Whether C. albicans infection is a complication of cancer status or as a contributor to cancer development remains to be discussed. This review systematically summarized the up-to-date knowledge about associations between C. albicans and various types of cancer, and discussed the role of C. albicans in cancer development. Most of the current clinical and animal evidence support the relationship between C. albicans and oral cancer development. However, there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate the role of C. albicans in other types of cancer. Moreover, this review explored the underlying mechanisms for C. albicans promoting cancer. It was hypothesized that C. albicans may promote cancer progression by producing carcinogenic metabolites, inducing chronic inflammation, remodeling immune microenvironment, activating pro-cancer signals, and synergizing with bacteria.
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6
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Brown AJP. Fungal resilience and host-pathogen interactions: Future perspectives and opportunities. Parasite Immunol 2023; 45:e12946. [PMID: 35962618 PMCID: PMC10078341 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
We are constantly exposed to the threat of fungal infection. The outcome-clearance, commensalism or infection-depends largely on the ability of our innate immune defences to clear infecting fungal cells versus the success of the fungus in mounting compensatory adaptive responses. As each seeks to gain advantage during these skirmishes, the interactions between host and fungal pathogen are complex and dynamic. Nevertheless, simply compromising the physiological robustness of fungal pathogens reduces their ability to evade antifungal immunity, their virulence, and their tolerance against antifungal therapy. In this article I argue that this physiological robustness is based on a 'Resilience Network' which mechanistically links and controls fungal growth, metabolism, stress resistance and drug tolerance. The elasticity of this network probably underlies the phenotypic variability of fungal isolates and the heterogeneity of individual cells within clonal populations. Consequently, I suggest that the definition of the fungal Resilience Network represents an important goal for the future which offers the clear potential to reveal drug targets that compromise drug tolerance and synergise with current antifungal therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alistair J P Brown
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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7
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Zaongo SD, Ouyang J, Isnard S, Zhou X, Harypursat V, Cui H, Routy JP, Chen Y. Candida albicans can foster gut dysbiosis and systemic inflammation during HIV infection. Gut Microbes 2023; 15:2167171. [PMID: 36722096 PMCID: PMC9897780 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2023.2167171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans (C. albicans) is a ubiquitous fungal commensal component of the human microbiota, and under certain circumstances, such as during an immunocompromised state, it may initiate different types of infection. Moreover, C. albicans continuously and reciprocally interacts with the host immune system as well as with other elements of the gut microbiota, thus contributing significantly to both gut homeostasis and host immunity. People living with HIV (PLWH), including those receiving antiretroviral therapy, are characterized by a depletion of CD4 + T-cells and dysbiosis in their gut. C. albicans colonization is frequent in PLWH, causing both a high prevalence and high morbidity. Gut barrier damage and elevated levels of microbial translocation are also fairly common in this population. Herein, we take a closer look at the reciprocity among C. albicans, gut microbiota, HIV, and the host immune system, thus throwing some light on this complex interplay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvere D Zaongo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing, China,Clinical Research Center, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Ouyang
- Clinical Research Center, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing, China
| | - Stéphane Isnard
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada,Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada,Canadian HIV Trials Network, Canadian Institutes for Health Research, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Xin Zhou
- Clinical Research Center, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing, China,Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Vijay Harypursat
- Clinical Research Center, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jean-Pierre Routy
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada,Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada,Division of Hematology, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Yaokai Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing, China,Clinical Research Center, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing, China,CONTACT Yaokai Chen Department of Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing, China
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8
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Ding X, Kambara H, Guo R, Kanneganti A, Acosta-Zaldívar M, Li J, Liu F, Bei T, Qi W, Xie X, Han W, Liu N, Zhang C, Zhang X, Yu H, Zhao L, Ma F, Köhler JR, Luo HR. Inflammasome-mediated GSDMD activation facilitates escape of Candida albicans from macrophages. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6699. [PMID: 34795266 PMCID: PMC8602704 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27034-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is the most common cause of fungal sepsis. Inhibition of inflammasome activity confers resistance to polymicrobial and LPS-induced sepsis; however, inflammasome signaling appears to protect against C. albicans infection, so inflammasome inhibitors are not clinically useful for candidiasis. Here we show disruption of GSDMD, a known inflammasome target and key pyroptotic cell death mediator, paradoxically alleviates candidiasis, improving outcomes and survival of Candida-infected mice. Mechanistically, C. albicans hijacked the canonical inflammasome-GSDMD axis-mediated pyroptosis to promote their escape from macrophages, deploying hyphae and candidalysin, a pore-forming toxin expressed by hyphae. GSDMD inhibition alleviated candidiasis by preventing C. albicans escape from macrophages while maintaining inflammasome-dependent but GSDMD-independent IL-1β production for anti-fungal host defenses. This study demonstrates key functions for GSDMD in Candida's escape from host immunity in vitro and in vivo and suggests that GSDMD may be a potential therapeutic target in C. albicans-induced sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xionghui Ding
- Department of Pathology, Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Enders Research Building, Room 814, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Hiroto Kambara
- Department of Pathology, Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Enders Research Building, Room 814, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Rongxia Guo
- Department of Pathology, Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Enders Research Building, Room 814, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, CAMS Key laboratory for prevention and control of hematological disease treatment related infection, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 288 Nanjing Road, Tianjin, 300020, China
| | - Apurva Kanneganti
- Department of Pathology, Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Enders Research Building, Room 814, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Maikel Acosta-Zaldívar
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jiajia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, CAMS Key laboratory for prevention and control of hematological disease treatment related infection, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 288 Nanjing Road, Tianjin, 300020, China
| | - Fei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, CAMS Key laboratory for prevention and control of hematological disease treatment related infection, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 288 Nanjing Road, Tianjin, 300020, China
| | - Ting Bei
- Department of Pathology, Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Enders Research Building, Room 814, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Wanjun Qi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Xuemei Xie
- Department of Pathology, Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Enders Research Building, Room 814, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Wenli Han
- Department of Pathology, Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Enders Research Building, Room 814, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Ningning Liu
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Cunling Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Enders Research Building, Room 814, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Enders Research Building, Room 814, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Hongbo Yu
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, 1400 VFW Parkway West Roxbury, Boston, MA, 02132, USA
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Li Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Enders Research Building, Room 814, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Fengxia Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, CAMS Key laboratory for prevention and control of hematological disease treatment related infection, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 288 Nanjing Road, Tianjin, 300020, China
| | - Julia R Köhler
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Hongbo R Luo
- Department of Pathology, Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Enders Research Building, Room 814, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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9
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Radionuclide Imaging of Invasive Fungal Disease in Immunocompromised Hosts. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11112057. [PMID: 34829403 PMCID: PMC8620393 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11112057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal disease (IFD) leads to increased mortality, morbidity, and costs of treatment in patients with immunosuppressive conditions. The definitive diagnosis of IFD relies on the isolation of the causative fungal agents through microscopy, culture, or nucleic acid testing in tissue samples obtained from the sites of the disease. Biopsy is not always feasible or safe to be undertaken in immunocompromised hosts at risk of IFD. Noninvasive diagnostic techniques are, therefore, needed for the diagnosis and treatment response assessment of IFD. The available techniques that identify fungal-specific antigens in biological samples for diagnosing IFD have variable sensitivity and specificity. They also have limited utility in response assessment. Imaging has, therefore, been applied for the noninvasive detection of IFD. Morphologic imaging with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most applied technique. These techniques are neither sufficiently sensitive nor specific for the early diagnosis of IFD. Morphologic changes evaluated by CT and MRI occur later in the disease course and during recovery after successful treatment. These modalities may, therefore, not be ideal for early diagnosis and early response to therapy determination. Radionuclide imaging allows for targeting the host response to pathogenic fungi or specific structures of the pathogen itself. This makes radionuclide imaging techniques suitable for the early diagnosis and treatment response assessment of IFD. In this review, we aimed to discuss the interplay of host immunity, immunosuppression, and the occurrence of IFD. We also discuss the currently available radionuclide probes that have been evaluated in preclinical and clinical studies for their ability to detect IFD.
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10
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Pinto G, Minnich SA, Hovde CJ, Oliveira H, Smidt H, Almeida C, Azeredo J. The interactions of bacteriophage Ace and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli during biocontrol. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2021; 97:fiab105. [PMID: 34329454 PMCID: PMC8492476 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiab105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Strictly lytic phages are considered powerful tools for biocontrol of foodborne pathogens. Safety issues needed to be addressed for the biocontrol of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) include: lysogenic conversion, Shiga toxin production through phage induction, and emergence/proliferation of bacteriophage insensitive mutants (BIMs). To address these issues, two new lytic phages, vB_EcoS_Ace (Ace) and vB_EcoM_Shy (Shy), were isolated and characterized for life cycle, genome sequence and annotation, pH stability and efficacy at controlling STEC growth. Ace was efficient in controlling host planktonic cells and did not stimulate the production of the Stx prophage or Shiga toxin. A single dose of phage did not lead to the selection of BIMs. However, when reintroduced, BIMs were detected after 24 h of incubation. The gain of resistance was associated with lower virulence, as a subset of BIMs failed to agglutinate with O157-specific antibody and were more sensitive to human serum complement. BIM's biofilm formation capacity and susceptibility to disinfectants was equal to that of the wild-type strain. Overall, this work demonstrated that phage Ace is a safe biocontrol agent against STEC contamination and that the burden of BIM emergence did not represent a greater risk in environmental persistence and human pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graça Pinto
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- INIAV, IP-National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinary Research, Rua dos Lagidos, Lugar da Madalena, Vairão, Vila do Conde, Portugal
| | - Scott A Minnich
- Animal Veterinary and Food Science, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, 83844-3025 USA
| | - Carolyn J Hovde
- Animal Veterinary and Food Science, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, 83844-3025 USA
| | - Hugo Oliveira
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Hauke Smidt
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Carina Almeida
- INIAV, IP-National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinary Research, Rua dos Lagidos, Lugar da Madalena, Vairão, Vila do Conde, Portugal
| | - Joana Azeredo
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
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11
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Liu Q, Yi W, Jiang S, Song J, Liang P. Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Serve as Key Effector Molecules in the Protection Against Phialophora verrucosa. Mycopathologia 2021; 186:367-375. [PMID: 34013384 PMCID: PMC8249254 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-021-00554-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Phialophora verrucosa (P. verrucosa) is a pathogen that can cause chromoblastomycosis and phaeohyphomycosis. Recent evidence suggests that neutrophils can produce neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) that can protect against invasive pathogens. As such, we herein explored the in vitro functional importance of P. verrucosa-induced NET formation. By assessing the co-localization of neutrophil elastase and DNA, we were able to confirm the formation of classical NETs entrapping P. verrucosa specimens. Sytox Green was then used to stain these NETs following neutrophil infection with P. verrucosa in order to quantify the formation of these extracellular structures. NET formation was induced upon neutrophil exposure to both live, UV-inactivated, and dead P. verrucosa fungi. The ability of these NETs to kill fungal hyphae and conidia was demonstrated through MTT and pouring plate assays, respectively. Overall, our results confirmed that P. verrucosa was able to trigger the production of NETs, suggesting that these extracellular structures may represent an important innate immune effector mechanism controlling physiological responses to P. verrucosa infection, thereby aiding in pathogen control during the acute phases of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wenjuan Yi
- Department of Dermatology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Si Jiang
- Department of Dermatology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jiquan Song
- Department of Dermatology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Pin Liang
- Department of Dermatology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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Abstract
In response to infections, human immune cells release extracellular vesicles (EVs) that carry a situationally adapted cocktail of proteins and nucleic acids, including microRNAs (miRNAs), to coordinate the immune response. In this study, we identified hsa-miR-21-5p and hsa-miR-24-3p as the most common miRNAs in exosomes released by human monocytes in response to the pathogenic fungus Candida albicans. Functional analysis of miRNAs revealed that hsa-miR-24-3p, but not hsa-miR-21-5p, acted across species and kingdoms, entering C. albicans and inducing fungal cell growth by inhibiting translation of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor Sol1. Packaging of hsa-miR-24-3p into monocyte exosomes required binding of fungal soluble β-glucan to complement receptor 3 (CR3) and binding of mannan to Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), resulting in receptor colocalization. Together, our in vitro and in vivo findings reveal a novel cross-species evasion mechanism by which C. albicans exploits a human miRNA to promote fungal growth and survival in the host. IMPORTANCE Over the last decade, communication between immune cells by extracellular vesicle-associated miRNAs has emerged as an important regulator of the coordinated immune response. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the conversation occurring via miRNAs, especially during infection, may provide novel insights into both the host reaction to the microbe as well as the microbial response. This study provides evidence that the pathogenic fungus C. albicans communicates with human monocytes and induces the release of a human miRNA that promotes fungal growth. This mechanism represents an unexpected cross-species interaction and implies that an inhibition of specific miRNAs offers new possibilities for the treatment of human fungal infections.
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13
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Immune defence to invasive fungal infections: A comprehensive review. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 130:110550. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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14
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Wijesinghe GK, Maia FC, de Oliveira TR, de Feiria SNB, Joia F, Barbosa JP, Boni GC, Sardi JDCO, Rosalen PL, Höfling JF. Effect of Cinnamomum verum leaf essential oil on virulence factors of Candida species and determination of the in-vivo toxicity with Galleria mellonella model. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2020; 115:e200349. [PMID: 32997002 PMCID: PMC7523505 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760200349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Essential oils (EO) extracted from Cinnamomum verum has been used as an antimicrobial agents for centuries. The effects of C. verum leaf oil against virulence of microorganisms is not well studied yet. OBJECTIVES This study evaluates the effect of C. verum leaf oil against three virulence factors of Candida albicans, C. tropicalis and C. dubliniensis and its in-vivo toxicity. METHODS Chemical composition of EO was determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using clinical and laboratory standards institute (CLSI) M27-A3 broth microdilution. Effect of EO on initial adhesion was quantified using XTT assay after allowing Candida cells to adhere to the polystyrene surface for 2 h. Biofilm formation of Candida in the presence of EO was quantified using XTT viability assay. Efficacy on reduction of germ tube formation was evaluated using standard protocol. Visualisation of biofilm formation and progression under the EO treatment were done using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Time lapses microscope respectively. In-vivo toxicity of EO was determined using Galleria mellonella larvae. Chlorhexidine digluconate: positive control. RESULTS Eugenol was the main compound of EO. MIC was 1.0 mg/mL. 50% reduction in initial adhesion was achieved by C. albicans, C. tropicalis and C. dubliniensis with 1.0, > 2.0 and 0.34 mg/mL respectively. 0.5 and 1.0 mg/mL significantly inhibit the germ tube formation. MBIC50 for forming biofilms were ≤ 0.35 mg/mL. 1.0 mg/mL prevent biofilm progression of Candida. SEM images exhibited cell wall damages, cellular shrinkages and decreased hyphal formation. No lethal effect was noted with in-vivo experiment model at any concentration tested. CONCLUSION C. verum leaf oil acts against virulence factors of Candida and does not show any toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayan Kanchana Wijesinghe
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba, Área de Microbiologia e Imunologia, Departamento de Diagnóstico Oral, Campinas SP, Brasil
| | - Flávia Camila Maia
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba, Área de Microbiologia e Imunologia, Departamento de Diagnóstico Oral, Campinas SP, Brasil
| | - Thaís Rossini de Oliveira
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba, Área de Microbiologia e Imunologia, Departamento de Diagnóstico Oral, Campinas SP, Brasil
| | - Simone N Busato de Feiria
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba, Área de Microbiologia e Imunologia, Departamento de Diagnóstico Oral, Campinas SP, Brasil
| | - Felipe Joia
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba, Área de Microbiologia e Imunologia, Departamento de Diagnóstico Oral, Campinas SP, Brasil
| | - Janaina Priscila Barbosa
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba, Área de Microbiologia e Imunologia, Departamento de Diagnóstico Oral, Campinas SP, Brasil
| | - Giovana Cláudia Boni
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba, Área de Microbiologia e Imunologia, Departamento de Diagnóstico Oral, Campinas SP, Brasil
| | - Janaina de Cássia Orlandi Sardi
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba, Área de Farmacologia, Anestesiologia e Terapêutica, Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Campinas, SP, Brasil
| | - Pedro Luiz Rosalen
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba, Área de Farmacologia, Anestesiologia e Terapêutica, Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Campinas, SP, Brasil
| | - José Francisco Höfling
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba, Área de Microbiologia e Imunologia, Departamento de Diagnóstico Oral, Campinas SP, Brasil
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15
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Dellière S, Sze Wah Wong S, Aimanianda V. Soluble mediators in anti-fungal immunity. Curr Opin Microbiol 2020; 58:24-31. [PMID: 32604018 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2020.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Although soluble mediators of our innate immune system have a substantial impact on invading microbes, their role against fungal pathogens has been underexplored. Constituting the humoral immunity, soluble mediators comprise the complement system, collectins, acute-phase proteins, antibodies and antimicrobial peptides. These components can prevent fungal infection either by directly interacting with invading microbes, leading to their aggregation (microbistatic), destruction (microbicidal) or linking them to cellular immunity. The composition of soluble-mediator varies with human body-fluids, resulting in different antifungal mechanisms. Moreover, cellular immune system deploys both oxidative and non-oxidative mechanisms to destroy extracellular or internalized fungal pathogens; however, cellular immune activation is mainly influenced as well as regulated by soluble mediators. This review outlines the antifungal mechanism employed, directly or indirectly, by soluble mediators, and in response, the evading strategies of the fungal pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Dellière
- Institut Pasteur, Molecular Mycology Unit, UMR2000, CNRS, Paris, France; Parasitology-Mycoloy Laboratory, Groupe Hospitalier Saint-Louis-Lariboisière-Fernand-Widal, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université de Paris, Paris, France
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16
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Singh DK, Tóth R, Gácser A. Mechanisms of Pathogenic Candida Species to Evade the Host Complement Attack. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:94. [PMID: 32232011 PMCID: PMC7082757 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida species are common colonizers of the human skin, vagina, and the gut. As human commensals, Candida species do not cause any notable damage in healthy individuals; however, in certain conditions they can initiate a wide range of diseases such as chronic disseminated candidiasis, endocarditis, vaginitis, meningitis, and endophthalmitis. The incidence of Candida caused infections has increased worldwide, with mortality rates exceeding 70% in certain patient populations. C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, and C. krusei are responsible for more than 90% of Candida-related infections. Interestingly, the host immune response against these closely related fungi varies. As part of the innate immune system, complement proteins play a crucial role in host defense, protecting the host by lysing pathogens or by increasing their phagocytosis by phagocytes through opsonization. This review summarizes interactions of host complement proteins with pathogenic Candida species, including C. albicans and non-albicans Candida species such as C. parapsilosis. We will also highlight the various ways of complement activation, describe the antifungal effects of complement cascades and explore the mechanisms adopted by members of pathogenic Candida species for evading complement attack.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Renáta Tóth
- Department of Microbiology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Attila Gácser
- Department of Microbiology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.,MTA-SZTE Lendület Mycobiome Research Group, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
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17
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Dasari P, Koleci N, Shopova IA, Wartenberg D, Beyersdorf N, Dietrich S, Sahagún-Ruiz A, Figge MT, Skerka C, Brakhage AA, Zipfel PF. Enolase From Aspergillus fumigatus Is a Moonlighting Protein That Binds the Human Plasma Complement Proteins Factor H, FHL-1, C4BP, and Plasminogen. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2573. [PMID: 31824478 PMCID: PMC6883375 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The opportunistic fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus can cause severe infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Upon infection, A. fumigatus faces the powerful and directly acting immune defense of the human host. The mechanisms on how A. fumigatus evades innate immune attack and complement are still poorly understood. Here, we identify A. fumigatus enolase, AfEno1, which was also characterized as fungal allergen, as a surface ligand for human plasma complement regulators. AfEno1 binds factor H, factor-H-like protein 1 (FHL-1), C4b binding protein (C4BP), and plasminogen. Factor H attaches to AfEno1 via two regions, via short conserved repeats (SCRs) 6-7 and 19-20, and FHL-1 contacts AfEno1 via SCRs 6-7. Both regulators when bound to AfEno1 retain cofactor activity and assist in C3b inactivation. Similarly, the classical pathway regulator C4BP binds to AfEno1 and bound to AfEno1; C4BP assists in C4b inactivation. Plasminogen which binds to AfEno1 via lysine residues is accessible for the tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA), and active plasmin cleaves the chromogenic substrate S2251, degrades fibrinogen, and inactivates C3 and C3b. Plasmin attached to swollen A. fumigatus conidia damages human A549 lung epithelial cells, reduces the cellular metabolic activity, and induces cell retraction, which results in exposure of the extracellular matrix. Thus, A. fumigatus AfEno1 is a moonlighting protein and virulence factor which recruits several human regulators. The attached human regulators allow the fungal pathogen to control complement at the level of C3 and to damage endothelial cell layers and tissue components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasad Dasari
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Naile Koleci
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Iordana A Shopova
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Dirk Wartenberg
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Niklas Beyersdorf
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Dietrich
- Research Group Applied Systems Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Alfredo Sahagún-Ruiz
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Molecular, Departamento de Microbiología e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Marc Thilo Figge
- Research Group Applied Systems Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany.,Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Christine Skerka
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Axel A Brakhage
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany.,Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Peter F Zipfel
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany.,Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
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18
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McDonald CA, Ellison AR, Toledo LF, James TY, Zamudio KR. Gene expression varies within and between enzootic and epizootic lineages of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) in the Americas. Fungal Biol 2019; 124:34-43. [PMID: 31892375 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2019.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
While much research focus is paid to hypervirulent fungal lineages during emerging infectious disease outbreaks, examining enzootic pathogen isolates can be equally fruitful in delineating infection dynamics and determining pathogenesis. The fungal pathogen of amphibians, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), exhibits markedly different patterns of disease in natural populations, where it has caused massive amphibian declines in some regions, yet persists enzootically in others. Here we compare in vitro gene expression profiles of a panel of Bd isolates representing both the enzootic Bd-Brazil lineage, and the more recently diverged, panzootic lineage, Bd-GPL. We document significantly different lineage-specific and intralineage gene expression patterns, with Bd-Brazil upregulating genes with aspartic-type peptidase activity, and Bd-GPL upregulating CBM18 chitin-binding genes, among others. We also find pronounced intralineage variation in membrane integrity and transmembrane transport ability within our Bd-GPL isolates. Finally, we highlight unexpectedly divergent expression profiles in sympatric panzootic isolates, underscoring microgeographic functional variation in a largely clonal lineage. This variation in gene expression likely plays an important role in the relative pathogenesis and host range of Bd-Brazil and Bd-GPL isolates. Together, our results demonstrate that functional genomics approaches can provide information relevant to studies of virulence evolution within the Bd clade.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A McDonald
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA.
| | - A R Ellison
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 2UW, UK
| | - L F Toledo
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - T Y James
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - K R Zamudio
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
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19
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Zhang C, Wang W, Kong Q, Liu F, Chen J, Sang H. Characterization of a Candida albicans isolate from a recurrent cervical lymphadenitis patient. Mycologia 2019; 111:942-952. [PMID: 31622176 DOI: 10.1080/00275514.2019.1666598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans is the most frequently isolated opportunistic fungal pathogen in humans. However, patients with cervical lymphadenitis caused by Candida infection are rarely reported, and few studies have focused on the mechanisms underlying chronic Candida infection. In this study, we isolated a C. albicans strain (JL01) from a recurrent cervical lymphadenitis patient. The clinical isolate was identified by morphological observation and confirmed by DNA sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions. Strain JL01 is resistant to azole antifungal drugs, but sensitive to amphotericin B. The strain is able to adapt to oxidative and osmotic stresses but is defective in filamentous and invasive growth. The strain displays attenuated virulence in a murine systemic infection model. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that JL01 has a distinct gene expression profile compared with C. albicans reference strain SC5314; hundreds of transcripts were significantly dysregulated, including those related to morphogenesis and pathogenesis. Taken together, our clinical, virulence, morphological, and biological analyses suggest that the azole resistance, oxidative and osmotic stress tolerance, invasive defect, hypovirulence, and impaired interaction with the host immune system of strain JL01 may correlate with its ability to cause cervical lymphadenitis in the patient. Our research may contribute to elucidating the mechanism(s) underlying the drug resistance and immune escape of C. albicans in chronic fungal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengzhen Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Wenjuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue-yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Qingtao Kong
- Department of Dermatology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Jiangye Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue-yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Hong Sang
- Department of Dermatology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China
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20
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Chen L, Du S, Qu W, Guo F, Wang G. Biosynthetic potential of culturable bacteria associated with
Apostichopus japonicus. J Appl Microbiol 2019; 127:1686-1697. [DOI: 10.1111/jam.14453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L. Chen
- Department of Bioengineering School of Marine Science and Technology Harbin Institute of Technology Weihai China
| | - S. Du
- Department of Bioengineering School of Marine Science and Technology Harbin Institute of Technology Weihai China
| | - W.‐Y. Qu
- Department of Bioengineering School of Marine Science and Technology Harbin Institute of Technology Weihai China
| | - F.‐R. Guo
- Department of Bioengineering School of Marine Science and Technology Harbin Institute of Technology Weihai China
| | - G.‐Y. Wang
- Department of Bioengineering School of Marine Science and Technology Harbin Institute of Technology Weihai China
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21
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Therapeutic effectiveness of type I interferon in vulvovaginal candidiasis. Microb Pathog 2019; 134:103562. [PMID: 31158491 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2019.103562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) affects approximately 75% of all women of during their reproductive years. Previously, we reported that recombinant human IFN α-2b (rhIFNα-2b) protects vaginal epithelial cells from candidal injury in vitro. In the current study, we examined the effects of rhIFNα-2b (1.25 mg/mL, 10% inhibition concentration) on fungal clearance, immunocompetent cytokine responses, non-B IgG production, and tissue repair in a rat model of VVC. Following rhIFNα-2b treatment, the negative pathogen conversion rate reached 50.0% (3/6). Although rhIFNα-2b exhibited a limited ability to decrease inflammation and injury progression (P > 0.05), the Flameng mitochondrial injury scores were significantly reduced (P < 0.001) compared with those of the Model rats. After rhIFNα-2b treatment, the levels of IFN-γ and epithelial-derived IgG (tested by RP215) in vaginal tissues were significantly increased with those in the Control and Model groups (both P < 0.001), while there were no significant differences in the levels of IL-4 and IL-17 (P > 0.05). This is the first study to address the efficacy of rhIFNα-2b in treating VVC in a rat model, providing a theoretical basis for development of this promising treatment for clinical use.
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22
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Swidergall M. Candida albicans at Host Barrier Sites: Pattern Recognition Receptors and Beyond. Pathogens 2019; 8:E40. [PMID: 30934602 PMCID: PMC6471378 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens8010040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last decades, fungal infections have emerged as a growing threat to human health. Although the human body is at potential risk, various body sites host several commensal fungal species, including Candida albicans. In healthy individuals, C. albicans colonizes different mucosal surfaces without causing harm, while under diverse circumstances the fungus can proliferate and cause disease. In this context, the understanding of host⁻C. albicans interactions in health and during infection may lead to novel therapeutic approaches. Importantly, host cells express pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), which sense conserved fungal structures and orchestrate innate immune responses. Herein, important findings on the topic of the recognition of C. albicans at host barrier sites are discussed. This review briefly summarizes the importance and functions of myeloid PRRs, reviews the fungal recognition and biology of stromal cells, and highlights important C. albicans virulence attributes during site-specific proliferation and invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Swidergall
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA.
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA.
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23
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Hünniger K, Kurzai O. Phagocytes as central players in the defence against invasive fungal infection. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2018; 89:3-15. [PMID: 29601862 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2018.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Fungal pathogens cause severe and life-threatening infections worldwide. The majority of invasive infections occurs in immunocompromised patients and is based on acquired as well as congenital defects of innate and adaptive immune responses. In many cases, these defects affect phagocyte functions. Consequently, professional phagocytes - mainly monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells and polymorphonuclear neutrophilic granulocytes - have been shown to act as central players in initiating and modulating antifungal immune responses as well as elimination of fungal pathogens. In this review we will summarize our current understanding on the role of these professional phagocytes in invasive fungal infection to emphasize two important aspects. (i) Analyses on the interaction between fungi and phagocytes have contributed to significant new insights into phagocyte biology. Important examples for this include the identification of pattern recognition receptors for β-glucan, a major cell wall component of many fungal pathogens, as well as the identification of genetic polymorphisms that determine individual host responses towards invading fungi. (ii) At the same time it was shown that fungal pathogens have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to counteract the attack of professional phagocytes. These mechanisms range from complete mechanical destruction of phagocytes to exquisite adaptation of some fungi to the hostile intracellular environment, enabling them to grow and replicate inside professional phagocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Hünniger
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Germany; Septomics Research Center, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Oliver Kurzai
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Germany; Septomics Research Center, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany.
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24
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Dühring S, Ewald J, Germerodt S, Kaleta C, Dandekar T, Schuster S. Modelling the host-pathogen interactions of macrophages and Candida albicans using Game Theory and dynamic optimization. J R Soc Interface 2018; 14:rsif.2017.0095. [PMID: 28701506 PMCID: PMC5550964 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2017.0095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The release of fungal cells following macrophage phagocytosis, called non-lytic expulsion, is reported for several fungal pathogens. On one hand, non-lytic expulsion may benefit the fungus in escaping the microbicidal environment of the phagosome. On the other hand, the macrophage could profit in terms of avoiding its own lysis and being able to undergo proliferation. To analyse the causes of non-lytic expulsion and the relevance of macrophage proliferation in the macrophage–Candida albicans interaction, we employ Evolutionary Game Theory and dynamic optimization in a sequential manner. We establish a game-theoretical model describing the different strategies of the two players after phagocytosis. Depending on the parameter values, we find four different Nash equilibria and determine the influence of the systems state of the host upon the game. As our Nash equilibria are a direct consequence of the model parameterization, we can depict several biological scenarios. A parameter region, where the host response is robust against the fungal infection, is determined. We further apply dynamic optimization to analyse whether macrophage mitosis is relevant in the host–pathogen interaction of macrophages and C. albicans. For this, we study the population dynamics of the macrophage–C. albicans interactions and the corresponding optimal controls for the macrophages, indicating the best macrophage strategy of switching from proliferation to attacking fungal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sybille Dühring
- Department of Bioinformatics, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Jan Ewald
- Department of Bioinformatics, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Sebastian Germerodt
- Department of Bioinformatics, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Christoph Kaleta
- Research Group Medical Systems Biology, Institute for Experimental Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Thomas Dandekar
- Biocenter, Department of Bioinformatics, Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Schuster
- Department of Bioinformatics, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
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25
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Rapala-Kozik M, Bochenska O, Zajac D, Karkowska-Kuleta J, Gogol M, Zawrotniak M, Kozik A. Extracellular proteinases of Candida species pathogenic yeasts. Mol Oral Microbiol 2018; 33:113-124. [PMID: 29139623 DOI: 10.1111/omi.12206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The increased incidence of severe disseminated infections caused by the opportunistic yeast-like fungi Candida spp. highlights the urgent need for research into the major virulence factors of these pathogens-extracellular aspartic proteinases of the candidapepsin and yapsin families. Classically, these enzymes were considered to be generally destructive factors that damage host tissues and provide nutrients for pathogen propagation. However, in recent decades, novel and more specific functions have been suggested for extracellular candidal proteinases. These include contributions to cell wall maintenance and remodeling, the formation of polymicrobial biofilms, adhesion to external protective barriers of the host, the deregulation of host proteolytic cascades (such as the complement system, blood coagulation and the kallikrein-kinin system), a dysregulated host proteinase-inhibitor balance, the inactivation of host antimicrobial peptides, evasion of immune responses and the induction of inflammatory mediator release from host cells. Only a few of these activities recognized in Candida albicans candidapepsins have been also confirmed in other Candida species, and characterization of Candida glabrata yapsins remains limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Rapala-Kozik
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - O Bochenska
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - D Zajac
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - J Karkowska-Kuleta
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - M Gogol
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland.,Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - M Zawrotniak
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - A Kozik
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
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Irmscher S, Döring N, Halder LD, Jo EAH, Kopka I, Dunker C, Jacobsen ID, Luo S, Slevogt H, Lorkowski S, Beyersdorf N, Zipfel PF, Skerka C. Kallikrein Cleaves C3 and Activates Complement. J Innate Immun 2017; 10:94-105. [PMID: 29237166 DOI: 10.1159/000484257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The human plasma contact system is an immune surveillance system activated by the negatively charged surfaces of bacteria and fungi and includes the kallikrein-kinin, the coagulation, and the fibrinolytic systems. Previous work shows that the contact system also activates complement, and that plasma enzymes like kallikrein, plasmin, thrombin, and FXII are involved in the activation process. Here, we show for the first time that kallikrein cleaves the central complement component C3 directly to yield active components C3b and C3a. The cleavage site within C3 is identical to that recognized by the C3 convertase. Also, kallikrein-generated C3b forms C3 convertases, which trigger the C3 amplification loop. Since kallikrein also cleaves factor B to yield Bb and Ba, kallikrein alone can trigger complement activation. Kallikrein-generated C3 convertases are inhibited by factor H; thus, the kallikrein activation pathway merges with the amplification loop of the alternative pathway. Taken together, these data suggest that activation of the contact system locally enhances complement activation on cell surfaces. The human pathogenic microbe Candida albicans activates the contact system in normal human serum. However, C. albicans immediately recruits factor H to the surface, thereby evading the alternative and likely kallikrein-mediated complement pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Irmscher
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Jena, Germany
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The secreted Candida albicans protein Pra1 disrupts host defense by broadly targeting and blocking complement C3 and C3 activation fragments. Mol Immunol 2017; 93:266-277. [PMID: 28860090 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2017.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans the most frequently isolated clinical fungal pathogen can cause local as well as systemic and life-threatening infections particularly in immune-compromised individuals. A better and more detailed understanding how C. albicans evades human immune attack is therefore needed for identifying fungal immune-evasive proteins and develop new therapies. Here, we identified Pra1, the pH-regulated C. albicans antigen as a hierarchical complement inhibitor that targets C3, the central human complement component. Pra1 cleaved C3 at a unique site and further inhibited effector function of the activation fragments. The newly formed C3a-like peptide lacked the C-terminal arginine residue needed for C3a-receptor binding and activation. Moreover, Pra1 also blocked C3a-like antifungal activity as shown in survival assays, and the C3b-like molecule formed by Pra1 was degraded by the host protease Factor I. Pra1 also bound to C3a and C3b generated by human convertases and blocked their effector functions, like C3a antifungal activity shown by fungal survival, blocked C3a binding to human C3a receptor-expressing HEK cells, activation of Fura2-AM loaded cells, intracellular Ca2+ signaling, IL-8 release, C3b deposition, as well as opsonophagocytosis and killing by human neutrophils. Thus, upon infection C. albicans uses Pra1 to destroy C3 and to disrupt host complement attack. In conclusion, candida Pra1 represents the first fungal C3-cleaving protease identified and functions as a fungal master regulator of innate immunity and as a central fungal immune-escape protein.
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28
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Yan J, Han D, Liu C, Gao Y, Li D, Liu Y, Yang G. Staphylococcus aureus VraX specifically inhibits the classical pathway of complement by binding to C1q. Mol Immunol 2017; 88:38-44. [PMID: 28582645 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2017.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2017] [Revised: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
VraX is a protein secreted by Staphylococcus aureus, an important human pathogen. A dramatic over expression of VraX is observed when S. aureus is exposed to several antimicrobial agents; however, its function remains unclear. Here, we aimed to reveal the function of this protein and the mechanism by which it affects the immune system to enhance the pathogenesis of the bacterium. Our results showed that VraX specifically inhibited the classical pathway of the complement system. In particular, VraX could bind to the C1q protein and block the formation of the C1 complex. Deletion of VraX decreased the pathogenesis of S. aureus. Our findings indicate that over expression of VraX might be a protective response for S. aureus survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yan
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; State key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing, China
| | - Dianpeng Han
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; State key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing, China
| | - Chenghua Liu
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; State key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing, China
| | - Yaping Gao
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; State key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing, China
| | - Di Li
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; State key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; State key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing, China.
| | - Guang Yang
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; State key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing, China.
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29
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Pedro Z, Benjamín R, Marcela M, Haroldo M, Patricio G, Ociel M. Biological and antioxidant activity of Gunnera tinctoria (Nalca). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.5897/jmpr2017.6376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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30
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Halder LD, Abdelfatah MA, Jo EAH, Jacobsen ID, Westermann M, Beyersdorf N, Lorkowski S, Zipfel PF, Skerka C. Factor H Binds to Extracellular DNA Traps Released from Human Blood Monocytes in Response to Candida albicans. Front Immunol 2017; 7:671. [PMID: 28133459 PMCID: PMC5233719 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Upon systemic infection with human pathogenic yeast Candida albicans (C. albicans), human monocytes and polymorph nuclear neutrophilic granulocytes are the first immune cells to respond and come into contact with C. albicans. Monocytes exert immediate candidacidal activity and inhibit germination, mediate phagocytosis, and kill fungal cells. Here, we show that human monocytes spontaneously respond to C. albicans cells via phagocytosis, decondensation of nuclear DNA, and release of this decondensed DNA in the form of extracellular traps (called monocytic extracellular traps: MoETs). Both subtypes of monocytes (CD14++CD16−/CD14+CD16+) formed MoETs within the first hours upon contact with C. albicans. MoETs were characterized by the presence of citrullinated histone, myeloperoxidase, lactoferrin, and elastase. MoETs were also formed in response to Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, indicating a general reaction of monocytes to infectious microbes. MoET induction differs from extracellular trap formation in macrophages as MoETs are not triggered by simvastatin, an inhibitor of cholesterol synthesis and inducer of extracellular traps in macrophages. Extracellular traps from both monocytes and neutrophils activate complement and C3b is deposited. However, factor H (FH) binds via C3b to the extracellular DNA, mediates cofactor activity, and inhibits the induction of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 beta in monocytes. Altogether, the results show that human monocytes release extracellular DNA traps in response to C. albicans and that these traps finally bind FH via C3b to presumably support clearance without further inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke D Halder
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology , Jena , Germany
| | - Mahmoud A Abdelfatah
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology , Jena , Germany
| | - Emeraldo A H Jo
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology , Jena , Germany
| | - Ilse D Jacobsen
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Jena, Germany; Friedrich-Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Martin Westermann
- Center for Electron Microscopy of the University Hospital Jena , Jena , Germany
| | - Niklas Beyersdorf
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg , Würzburg , Germany
| | - Stefan Lorkowski
- Institute of Nutrition, Friedrich-Schiller University , Jena , Germany
| | - Peter F Zipfel
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Jena, Germany; Friedrich-Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Christine Skerka
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology , Jena , Germany
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31
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Marcos CM, de Oliveira HC, de Melo WDCMA, da Silva JDF, Assato PA, Scorzoni L, Rossi SA, de Paula E Silva ACA, Mendes-Giannini MJS, Fusco-Almeida AM. Anti-Immune Strategies of Pathogenic Fungi. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2016; 6:142. [PMID: 27896220 PMCID: PMC5108756 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2016.00142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic fungi have developed many strategies to evade the host immune system. Multiple escape mechanisms appear to function together to inhibit attack by the various stages of both the adaptive and the innate immune response. Thus, after entering the host, such pathogens fight to overcome the immune system to allow their survival, colonization and spread to different sites of infection. Consequently, the establishment of a successful infectious process is closely related to the ability of the pathogen to modulate attack by the immune system. Most strategies employed to subvert or exploit the immune system are shared among different species of fungi. In this review, we summarize the main strategies employed for immune evasion by some of the major pathogenic fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M Marcos
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Univ Estadual Paulista São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Haroldo C de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Univ Estadual Paulista São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Wanessa de Cássia M Antunes de Melo
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Univ Estadual Paulista São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Julhiany de Fátima da Silva
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Univ Estadual Paulista São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Patrícia A Assato
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Univ Estadual Paulista São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Liliana Scorzoni
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Univ Estadual Paulista São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Suélen A Rossi
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Univ Estadual Paulista São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Ana C A de Paula E Silva
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Univ Estadual Paulista São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Maria J S Mendes-Giannini
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Univ Estadual Paulista São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Ana M Fusco-Almeida
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Univ Estadual Paulista São Paulo, Brasil
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32
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Ciuca S, Badea M, Pozna E, Pana I, Kiss A, Floroian L, Semenescu A, Cotrut C, Moga M, Vladescu A. Evaluation of Ag containing hydroxyapatite coatings to the Candida albicans infection. J Microbiol Methods 2016; 125:12-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2016.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Revised: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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33
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Rosa TFA, Flammersfeld A, Ngwa CJ, Kiesow M, Fischer R, Zipfel PF, Skerka C, Pradel G. The Plasmodium falciparum blood stages acquire factor H family proteins to evade destruction by human complement. Cell Microbiol 2016; 18:573-90. [PMID: 26457721 PMCID: PMC5063132 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Revised: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The acquisition of regulatory proteins is a means of blood-borne pathogens to avoid destruction by the human complement. We recently showed that the gametes of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum bind factor H (FH) from the blood meal of the mosquito vector to assure successful sexual reproduction, which takes places in the mosquito midgut. While these findings provided a first glimpse of a complex mechanism used by Plasmodium to control the host immune attack, it is hitherto not known, how the pathogenic blood stages of the malaria parasite evade destruction by the human complement. We now show that the human complement system represents a severe threat for the replicating blood stages, particularly for the reinvading merozoites, with complement factor C3b accumulating on the surfaces of the intraerythrocytic schizonts as well as of free merozoites. C3b accumulation initiates terminal complement complex formation, in consequence resulting in blood stage lysis. To inactivate C3b, the parasites bind FH as well as related proteins FHL-1 and CFHR-1 to their surface, and FH binding is trypsin-resistant. Schizonts acquire FH via two contact sites, which involve CCP modules 5 and 20. Blockage of FH-mediated protection via anti-FH antibodies results in significantly impaired blood stage replication, pointing to the plasmodial complement evasion machinery as a promising malaria vaccine target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago F A Rosa
- Division of Cellular and Applied Infection Biology, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ansgar Flammersfeld
- Division of Cellular and Applied Infection Biology, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Che J Ngwa
- Division of Cellular and Applied Infection Biology, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Meike Kiesow
- Division of Cellular and Applied Infection Biology, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Rainer Fischer
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Forckenbeckstr. 6, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Peter F Zipfel
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knöll-Institute, Beutenbergstr. 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Christine Skerka
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knöll-Institute, Beutenbergstr. 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Gabriele Pradel
- Division of Cellular and Applied Infection Biology, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Forckenbeckstr. 6, 52074, Aachen, Germany
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Höfs S, Mogavero S, Hube B. Interaction of Candida albicans with host cells: virulence factors, host defense, escape strategies, and the microbiota. J Microbiol 2016; 54:149-69. [DOI: 10.1007/s12275-016-5514-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Revised: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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35
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Kitahara N, Morisaka H, Aoki W, Takeda Y, Shibasaki S, Kuroda K, Ueda M. Description of the interaction between Candida albicans and macrophages by mixed and quantitative proteome analysis without isolation. AMB Express 2015; 5:127. [PMID: 26179440 PMCID: PMC4503712 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-015-0127-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 06/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is an opportunistic pathogen that causes fatal diseases in immunocompromised hosts. Host resistance against C. albicans relies on ingestion of the pathogen by macrophages. Analysis of the escaping behavior of C. albicans from macrophages is required to understand the onset of systemic candidiasis. In this study, native interactions of C. albicans with macrophages were investigated by proteome analysis using high efficiency of long monolithic silica capillary column. Using this system, we developed a method of “mixed and quantitative proteome analysis” in which C. albicans and macrophages were simultaneously analyzed by nanoLC–MS/MS without the need to isolate the two individual living cells. Two hundred twenty-seven proteins from C. albicans and five proteins from macrophages were identified as candidate interaction-specific molecules. C. albicans seemed to produce glucose through a β-oxidation pathway, a glyoxylate cycle, and gluconeogenesis for escape from macrophages. Up-regulation of stress-related and candidate pathogenic proteins in C. albicans indicated how C. albicans endured the harsh environment inside the macrophages. Down-regulation of apoptosis-associated protein NOA1- and chaperone HSPA1A-syntheses in macrophage indicated that C. albicans was able to escape from macrophages in part by suppressing the production of these macrophage proteins.
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36
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Ciobanu CS, Groza A, Iconaru SL, Popa CL, Chapon P, Chifiriuc MC, Hristu R, Stanciu GA, Negrila CC, Ghita RV, Ganciu M, Predoi D. Antimicrobial Activity Evaluation on Silver Doped Hydroxyapatite/Polydimethylsiloxane Composite Layer. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:926513. [PMID: 26504849 PMCID: PMC4609430 DOI: 10.1155/2015/926513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The goal of this study was the preparation, physicochemical characterization, and microbiological evaluation of novel hydroxyapatite doped with silver/polydimethylsiloxane (Ag:HAp-PDMS) composite layers. In the first stage, the deposition of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer layer on commercially pure Si disks has been produced in atmospheric pressure corona discharges. Finally, the new silver doped hydroxyapatite/polydimethylsiloxane composite layer has been obtained by the thermal evaporation technique. The Ag:HAp-PDMS composite layers were characterized by various techniques, such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Glow Discharge Optical Emission Spectroscopy (GDOES), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The antimicrobial activity of the Ag:HAp-PDMS composite layer was assessed against Candida albicans ATCC 10231 (ATCC-American Type Culture Collection) by culture based and confirmed by SEM and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) methods. This is the first study reporting the antimicrobial effect of the Ag:HAp-PDMS composite layer, which proved to be active against Candida albicans biofilm embedded cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. S. Ciobanu
- National Institute for Materials Physics, P.O. Box MG 07, 077125 Magurele, Romania
| | - A. Groza
- National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor Street, P.O. Box MG 36, 077125 Magurele, Romania
| | - S. L. Iconaru
- National Institute for Materials Physics, P.O. Box MG 07, 077125 Magurele, Romania
| | - C. L. Popa
- National Institute for Materials Physics, P.O. Box MG 07, 077125 Magurele, Romania
- Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, 405 Atomistilor Street, P.O. Box MG1, 077125 Magurele, Romania
| | - P. Chapon
- Horiba Jobin Yvon SAS, 16-18 Rue du Canal, 91165 Longjumeau Cedex, France
| | - M. C. Chifiriuc
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 1–3 Portocalelor Lane, Sector 5, 77206 Bucharest, Romania
- Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences Section, Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, 1–3 Portocalelor Lane, Sector 5, 77206 Bucharest, Romania
| | - R. Hristu
- Center for Microscopy-Microanalysis and Information Processing, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 313 Splaiul Independentei, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
| | - G. A. Stanciu
- Center for Microscopy-Microanalysis and Information Processing, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 313 Splaiul Independentei, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
| | - C. C. Negrila
- National Institute for Materials Physics, P.O. Box MG 07, 077125 Magurele, Romania
| | - R. V. Ghita
- National Institute for Materials Physics, P.O. Box MG 07, 077125 Magurele, Romania
| | - M. Ganciu
- National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor Street, P.O. Box MG 36, 077125 Magurele, Romania
| | - D. Predoi
- National Institute for Materials Physics, P.O. Box MG 07, 077125 Magurele, Romania
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Speth C, Rambach G, Würzner R, Lass-Flörl C, Kozarcanin H, Hamad OA, Nilsson B, Ekdahl KN. Complement and platelets: Mutual interference in the immune network. Mol Immunol 2015; 67:108-18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2015.03.244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Revised: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Ning Y, Ling J, Wu CD. Synergistic effects of tea catechin epigallocatechin gallate and antimycotics against oral Candida species. Arch Oral Biol 2015; 60:1565-70. [PMID: 26263544 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2015.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2014] [Revised: 06/25/2015] [Accepted: 07/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the major antimicrobial tea polyphenol, has been reported to inhibit the growth of Candida albicans planktonic cells and enhance the antifungal activity of antimycotics. We hypothesised that synergism exists between EGCG and conventional antimycotics against biofilms of Candida species. DESIGN The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of EGCG, miconazole, fluconazole and amphotericin B against planktonic cells and the sessile MIC (SMIC) against biofilms of Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, Candida kefyr and Candida krusei were determined by a microdilution method. For assessment of biofilm metabolic activity, the 2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide (XTT) assay was used. The interactions between EGCG and antimycotics were evaluated by checkerboard microdilution assay and determined by fractional inhibitory concentration index (FIC). RESULTS Synergism was observed between EGCG and miconazole, fluconazole or amphotericin B against most test planktonic and biofilm cells of Candida species (FIC≤0.5). All biofilm cells were significantly more resistant to EGCG and antimycotics (20-3200 times higher) compared with their planktonic counterparts. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that EGCG enhances the antifungal effects of miconazole, fluconazole and amphotericin B. Combined treatment with EGCG may lower the dosages of antimycotics, thus preventing adverse effects and the emergence of drug-resistant oral Candida species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Ning
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chigago, IL, USA; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Junqi Ling
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Christine D Wu
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chigago, IL, USA.
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Dühring S, Germerodt S, Skerka C, Zipfel PF, Dandekar T, Schuster S. Host-pathogen interactions between the human innate immune system and Candida albicans-understanding and modeling defense and evasion strategies. Front Microbiol 2015; 6:625. [PMID: 26175718 PMCID: PMC4485224 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.00625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The diploid, polymorphic yeast Candida albicans is one of the most important human pathogenic fungi. C. albicans can grow, proliferate and coexist as a commensal on or within the human host for a long time. However, alterations in the host environment can render C. albicans virulent. In this review, we describe the immunological cross-talk between C. albicans and the human innate immune system. We give an overview in form of pairs of human defense strategies including immunological mechanisms as well as general stressors such as nutrient limitation, pH, fever etc. and the corresponding fungal response and evasion mechanisms. Furthermore, Computational Systems Biology approaches to model and investigate these complex interactions are highlighted with a special focus on game-theoretical methods and agent-based models. An outlook on interesting questions to be tackled by Systems Biology regarding entangled defense and evasion mechanisms is given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sybille Dühring
- Department of Bioinformatics, Friedrich-Schiller-University JenaJena, Germany
| | - Sebastian Germerodt
- Department of Bioinformatics, Friedrich-Schiller-University JenaJena, Germany
| | - Christine Skerka
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll InstituteJena, Germany
| | - Peter F. Zipfel
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll InstituteJena, Germany
- Friedrich-Schiller-University JenaJena, Germany
| | - Thomas Dandekar
- Department of Bioinformatics, Biozentrum, Universitaet WuerzburgWuerzburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Schuster
- Department of Bioinformatics, Friedrich-Schiller-University JenaJena, Germany
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Lehnert T, Timme S, Pollmächer J, Hünniger K, Kurzai O, Figge MT. Bottom-up modeling approach for the quantitative estimation of parameters in pathogen-host interactions. Front Microbiol 2015; 6:608. [PMID: 26150807 PMCID: PMC4473060 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.00608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Opportunistic fungal pathogens can cause bloodstream infection and severe sepsis upon entering the blood stream of the host. The early immune response in human blood comprises the elimination of pathogens by antimicrobial peptides and innate immune cells, such as neutrophils or monocytes. Mathematical modeling is a predictive method to examine these complex processes and to quantify the dynamics of pathogen-host interactions. Since model parameters are often not directly accessible from experiment, their estimation is required by calibrating model predictions with experimental data. Depending on the complexity of the mathematical model, parameter estimation can be associated with excessively high computational costs in terms of run time and memory. We apply a strategy for reliable parameter estimation where different modeling approaches with increasing complexity are used that build on one another. This bottom-up modeling approach is applied to an experimental human whole-blood infection assay for Candida albicans. Aiming for the quantification of the relative impact of different routes of the immune response against this human-pathogenic fungus, we start from a non-spatial state-based model (SBM), because this level of model complexity allows estimating a priori unknown transition rates between various system states by the global optimization method simulated annealing. Building on the non-spatial SBM, an agent-based model (ABM) is implemented that incorporates the migration of interacting cells in three-dimensional space. The ABM takes advantage of estimated parameters from the non-spatial SBM, leading to a decreased dimensionality of the parameter space. This space can be scanned using a local optimization approach, i.e., least-squares error estimation based on an adaptive regular grid search, to predict cell migration parameters that are not accessible in experiment. In the future, spatio-temporal simulations of whole-blood samples may enable timely stratification of sepsis patients by distinguishing hyper-inflammatory from paralytic phases in immune dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Lehnert
- Applied Systems Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knöll-Institute Jena, Germany ; Faculty of Biology and Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University Jena Jena, Germany
| | - Sandra Timme
- Applied Systems Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knöll-Institute Jena, Germany ; Faculty of Biology and Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University Jena Jena, Germany
| | - Johannes Pollmächer
- Applied Systems Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knöll-Institute Jena, Germany ; Faculty of Biology and Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University Jena Jena, Germany
| | - Kerstin Hünniger
- Fungal Septomics, Septomics Research Center, Friedrich Schiller University and Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology Hans-Knöll-Institute Jena, Germany
| | - Oliver Kurzai
- Faculty of Biology and Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University Jena Jena, Germany ; Fungal Septomics, Septomics Research Center, Friedrich Schiller University and Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology Hans-Knöll-Institute Jena, Germany
| | - Marc Thilo Figge
- Applied Systems Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knöll-Institute Jena, Germany ; Faculty of Biology and Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University Jena Jena, Germany
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41
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CARD9 deficiencies linked to impaired neutrophil functions against Phialophora verrucosa. Mycopathologia 2015; 179:347-57. [PMID: 25790941 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-015-9877-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2014] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Caspase recruitment domain-containing protein 9 (CARD9) is an adaptor molecule that is critical for NF-κB activation and forms a complex with B cell lymphoma 10 and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation gene 1 that mediates C-type lectin receptors (CLRs)-triggered intracellular signaling during antifungal immunity. However, the role of CARD9 in the host defense against Phialophora verrucosa (P. verrucosa) infection remains to be elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the functions of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) from patients with CARD9 deficiencies against P. verrucosa. By isolating PMNs from patients and healthy blood donors and subsequently challenging the cells with P. verrucosa, we demonstrated that, compared with healthy donors, CARD9-deficient PMNs exhibited defects in P. verrucosa killing and pro-inflammatory cytokine productions, which can be rescued in the presence of serum; however, the CARD9-deficient PMNs exhibited normal reactive oxygen species generation and phagocytotic ability. In conclusion, our results indicate that CARD9 is indispensable for P. verrucosa killing by PMNs, and serum opsonization acts as a CARD9-independent way, which could be a promising immunotherapy in the future.
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Duggan S, Leonhardt I, Hünniger K, Kurzai O. Host response to Candida albicans bloodstream infection and sepsis. Virulence 2015; 6:316-26. [PMID: 25785541 PMCID: PMC4601378 DOI: 10.4161/21505594.2014.988096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a major cause of bloodstream infection which may present as sepsis and septic shock - major causes of morbidity and mortality world-wide. After invasion of the pathogen, innate mechanisms govern the early response. Here, we outline the models used to study these mechanisms and summarize our current understanding of innate immune responses during Candida bloodstream infection. This includes protective immunity as well as harmful responses resulting in Candida induced sepsis. Neutrophilic granulocytes are considered principal effector cells conferring protection and recognize C. albicans mainly via complement receptor 3. They possess a range of effector mechanisms, contributing to elimination of the pathogen. Neutrophil activation is closely linked to complement and modulated by activated mononuclear cells. A thorough understanding of these mechanisms will help in creating an individualized approach to patients suffering from systemic candidiasis and aid in optimizing clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seána Duggan
- a Septomics Research Center ; Friedrich-Schiller-University and Leibniz-Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans-Knoell-Institute ; Jena , Germany
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Abstract
Only few Candida species, e.g., Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida dubliniensis, and Candida parapsilosis, are successful colonizers of a human host. Under certain circumstances these species can cause infections ranging from superficial to life-threatening disseminated candidiasis. The success of C. albicans, the most prevalent and best studied Candida species, as both commensal and human pathogen depends on its genetic, biochemical, and morphological flexibility which facilitates adaptation to a wide range of host niches. In addition, formation of biofilms provides additional protection from adverse environmental conditions. Furthermore, in many host niches Candida cells coexist with members of the human microbiome. The resulting fungal-bacterial interactions have a major influence on the success of C. albicans as commensal and also influence disease development and outcome. In this chapter, we review the current knowledge of important survival strategies of Candida spp., focusing on fundamental fitness and virulence traits of C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Polke
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany; Department Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany; Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany; Center for Sepsis Control and Care, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Ilse D Jacobsen
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany; Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany
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Paulovičová E, Bujdáková H, Chupáčová J, Paulovičová L, Kertys P, Hrubiško M. Humoral immune responses to Candida albicans complement receptor 3-related protein in the atopic subjects with vulvovaginal candidiasis. Novel sensitive marker for Candida infection. FEMS Yeast Res 2015; 15:fou001. [DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/fou001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
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45
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Hünniger K, Bieber K, Martin R, Lehnert T, Figge MT, Löffler J, Guo RF, Riedemann NC, Kurzai O. A second stimulus required for enhanced antifungal activity of human neutrophils in blood is provided by anaphylatoxin C5a. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 194:1199-210. [PMID: 25539819 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1401845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Polymorphonuclear neutrophilic granulocytes (PMN) as cellular components of innate immunity play a crucial role in the defense against systemic Candida albicans infection. To analyze stimuli that are required for PMN activity during C. albicans infection in a situation similar to in vivo, we used a human whole-blood infection model. In this model, PMN activation 10 min after C. albicans infection was largely dependent on the anaphylatoxin C5a. Most importantly, C5a enabled blood PMN to overcome filament-restricted recognition of C. albicans and allowed efficient elimination of nonfilamentous C. albicans cph1Δ/efg1Δ from blood. Major PMN effector mechanisms, including oxidative burst, release of secondary granule contents and initial fungal phagocytosis could be prevented by blocking C5a receptor signaling. Identical effects were achieved using a humanized Ab specifically targeting human C5a. Phagocytosis of C. albicans 10 min postinfection was mediated by C5a-dependent enhancement of CD11b surface expression on PMN, thus establishing the C5a-C5aR-CD11b axis as a major modulator of early anti-Candida immune responses in human blood. In contrast, phagocytosis of C. albicans by PMN 60 min postinfection occurred almost independently of C5a and mainly contributed to activation of phagocytically active PMN at later time points. Our results show that C5a is a critical mediator in human blood during C. albicans infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Hünniger
- Septomics Research Center, Friedrich Schiller University and Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Kristin Bieber
- Septomics Research Center, Friedrich Schiller University and Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Ronny Martin
- Septomics Research Center, Friedrich Schiller University and Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Teresa Lehnert
- Applied Systems Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany; Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Marc Thilo Figge
- Applied Systems Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany; Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Jürgen Löffler
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Wuerzburg, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | | | - Niels C Riedemann
- InflaRx GmbH, 07745 Jena, Germany; Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Therapy, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany; Center for Sepsis Control and Care, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany; and
| | - Oliver Kurzai
- Septomics Research Center, Friedrich Schiller University and Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany; Center for Sepsis Control and Care, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany; and German National Reference Center for Invasive Fungal Infections, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
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46
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Yu Q, Zhang B, Yang B, Chen J, Wang H, Jia C, Ding X, Xu N, Dong Y, Zhang B, Xing L, Li M. Interaction among the vacuole, the mitochondria, and the oxidative stress response is governed by the transient receptor potential channel in Candida albicans. Free Radic Biol Med 2014; 77:152-67. [PMID: 25308698 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2014.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2014] [Revised: 09/01/2014] [Accepted: 09/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans is one of the most important opportunistic pathogens, causing both mucosal candidiasis and life-threatening systemic infections. To survive in the host immune defense system, this pathogen uses an elaborate signaling network to recognize and respond to oxidative stress, which is essential for its pathogenicity. However, the exact mechanisms that this fungus employs to integrate the oxidative stress response (OSR) with functions of various organelles remain uncharacterized. Our previous work implicated a connection between the calcium signaling system and the OSR. In this study, we find that the vacuolar transient receptor potential (TRP) channel Yvc1, one of the calcium signaling members, plays a critical role in cell tolerance to oxidative stress. We further provide evidence that this channel is required not only for activation of Cap1-related transcription of OSR genes but also for maintaining the stability of both the mitochondria and the vacuole in a potassium- and calcium-dependent manner. Element assays reveal that this TRP channel affects calcium influx and potassium transport from the vacuole to the mitochondria. Therefore, the TRP channel governs the novel interaction among the OSR, the vacuole, and the mitochondria by mediating ion transport in this pathogen under oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qilin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Bing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Baopeng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiatong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People's Republic of China; Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Tianjin 300191, China
| | - Chang Jia
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohui Ding
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Xu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Yijie Dong
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Biao Zhang
- Tianjin Traditional Chinese Medicine University, Tianjin 300193, People's Republic of China
| | - Laijun Xing
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingchun Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People's Republic of China.
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Abstract
The human pathogenic fungus Candida albicans is the predominant cause of both superficial and invasive forms of candidiasis. C. albicans primarily infects immunocompromised individuals as a result of either immunodeficiency or intervention therapy, which highlights the importance of host immune defences in preventing fungal infections. The host defence system utilises a vast communication network of cells, proteins, and chemical signals distributed in blood and tissues, which constitute innate and adaptive immunity. Over the last decade the identity of many key molecules mediating host defence against C. albicans has been identified. This review will discuss how the host recognises this fungus, the events induced by fungal cells, and the host innate and adaptive immune defences that ultimately resolve C. albicans infections during health.
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Cunha C, Kurzai O, Löffler J, Aversa F, Romani L, Carvalho A. Neutrophil responses to aspergillosis: new roles for old players. Mycopathologia 2014; 178:387-93. [PMID: 25106756 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-014-9796-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Neutrophils are professional phagocytic cells that play a crucial role in innate immunity. Through an assortment of antifungal effector mechanisms, neutrophils are essential in controlling the early stages of fungal infection. These mechanisms range from the production of reactive oxygen intermediates and release of antimicrobial enzymes to the formation of complex extracellular traps that aid in the elimination of the fungus. Their importance in antifungal immunity is supported by the extreme susceptibility to infection of patients with primary (e.g., chronic granulomatous disease) or acquired (e.g., undergoing immunosuppressive therapy) neutrophil deficiency. More recently, common genetic variants affecting neutrophil antifungal capacity have also been disclosed as major risk factors for aspergillosis in conditions of generalized immune deficiency. The present review revisits the role of neutrophils in the host response against Aspergillus and highlights the consequences of their deficiency in susceptibility to aspergillosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Cunha
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
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Lopez CM, Wallich R, Riesbeck K, Skerka C, Zipfel PF. Candida albicans uses the surface protein Gpm1 to attach to human endothelial cells and to keratinocytes via the adhesive protein vitronectin. PLoS One 2014; 9:e90796. [PMID: 24625558 PMCID: PMC3953207 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2013] [Accepted: 02/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a major cause of invasive fungal infections worldwide. Upon infection and when in contact with human plasma as well as body fluids the fungus is challenged by the activated complement system a central part of the human innate immune response. C. albicans controls and evades host complement attack by binding several human complement regulators like Factor H, Factor H-like protein 1 and C4BP to the surface. Gpm1 (Phosphoglycerate mutase 1) is one fungal Factor H/FHL1 -binding protein. As Gpm1 is surface exposed, we asked whether Gpm1 also contributes to host cell attachment. Here, we show by flow cytometry and by laser scanning microscopy that candida Gpm1 binds to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) to keratinocytes (HaCaT), and also to monocytic U937 cells. Wild type candida did bind, but the candida gpm1Δ/Δ knock-out mutant did not bind to these human cells. In addition Gpm1when attached to latex beads also conferred attachment to human endothelial cells. When analyzing Gpm1-binding to a panel of extracellular matrix proteins, the human glycoprotein vitronectin was identified as a new Gpm1 ligand. Vitronectin is a component of the extracellular matrix and also a regulator of the terminal complement pathway. Vitronectin is present on the surface of HUVEC and keratinocytes and acts as a surface ligand for fungal Gpm1. Gpm1 and vitronectin colocalize on the surface of HUVEC and HaCaT as revealed by laser scanning microscopy. The Gpm1 vitronectin interaction is inhibited by heparin and the interaction is also ionic strength dependent. Taken together, Gpm1 the candida surface protein binds to vitronectin and mediates fungal adhesion to human endothelial cells. Thus fungal Gpm1 and human vitronectin represent a new set of proteins that are relevant for fungal attachment to human cells interaction. Blockade of the Gpm1 vitronectin interaction might provide a new target for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crisanto M. Lopez
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Hans Knöll Institute), Jena, Germany
| | - Reinhard Wallich
- Institute of Immunology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kristian Riesbeck
- Medical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine Malmö, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Christine Skerka
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Hans Knöll Institute), Jena, Germany
| | - Peter F. Zipfel
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Hans Knöll Institute), Jena, Germany
- Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Hünniger K, Lehnert T, Bieber K, Martin R, Figge MT, Kurzai O. A virtual infection model quantifies innate effector mechanisms and Candida albicans immune escape in human blood. PLoS Comput Biol 2014; 10:e1003479. [PMID: 24586131 PMCID: PMC3930496 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1003479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2013] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans bloodstream infection is increasingly frequent and can result in disseminated candidiasis associated with high mortality rates. To analyze the innate immune response against C. albicans, fungal cells were added to human whole-blood samples. After inoculation, C. albicans started to filament and predominantly associate with neutrophils, whereas only a minority of fungal cells became attached to monocytes. While many parameters of host-pathogen interaction were accessible to direct experimental quantification in the whole-blood infection assay, others were not. To overcome these limitations, we generated a virtual infection model that allowed detailed and quantitative predictions on the dynamics of host-pathogen interaction. Experimental time-resolved data were simulated using a state-based modeling approach combined with the Monte Carlo method of simulated annealing to obtain quantitative predictions on a priori unknown transition rates and to identify the main axis of antifungal immunity. Results clearly demonstrated a predominant role of neutrophils, mediated by phagocytosis and intracellular killing as well as the release of antifungal effector molecules upon activation, resulting in extracellular fungicidal activity. Both mechanisms together account for almost of C. albicans killing, clearly proving that beside being present in larger numbers than other leukocytes, neutrophils functionally dominate the immune response against C. albicans in human blood. A fraction of C. albicans cells escaped phagocytosis and remained extracellular and viable for up to four hours. This immune escape was independent of filamentation and fungal activity and not linked to exhaustion or inactivation of innate immune cells. The occurrence of C. albicans cells being resistant against phagocytosis may account for the high proportion of dissemination in C. albicans bloodstream infection. Taken together, iterative experiment–model–experiment cycles allowed quantitative analyses of the interplay between host and pathogen in a complex environment like human blood. Candida albicans is the most important fungal pathogen in nosocomial bloodstream infections. So far little is known about the interplay of different cellular and non-cellular immune mechanisms mediating the protective response against C. albicans in blood. The in vivo scenario of C. albicans infection can be mimicked by human whole-blood infection assays to analyze the innate immune response against this pathogen. These experiments reveal the time-evolution of certain mechanisms while leaving the values of other quantities in the dark. To shed light on quantities that are not experimentally accessible, we exploited the descriptive and predictive power of mathematical models to estimate these parameters. The combination of experiment and theory enabled us to identify and quantify the main course of the immune response against C. albicans in human blood. We quantified the central role of neutrophils in the defence against this fungal pathogen, both directly by phagocytosis and indirectly by secreting antimicrobial factors inducing extracellular killing. Other findings include the distribution of C. albicans cells in neutrophils and monocytes as well as the immune escape of C. albicans cells in the course of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Hünniger
- Septomics Research Center, Friedrich Schiller University and Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans-Knöll-Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Teresa Lehnert
- Applied Systems Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans-Knöll-Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
- Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Kristin Bieber
- Septomics Research Center, Friedrich Schiller University and Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans-Knöll-Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Ronny Martin
- Septomics Research Center, Friedrich Schiller University and Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans-Knöll-Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Marc Thilo Figge
- Applied Systems Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans-Knöll-Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
- Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
- * E-mail: (MTF); (OK)
| | - Oliver Kurzai
- Septomics Research Center, Friedrich Schiller University and Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans-Knöll-Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
- * E-mail: (MTF); (OK)
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