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Phelps CC, Vadia S, Boyaka PN, Varikuti S, Attia Z, Dubey P, Satoskar AR, Tweten R, Seveau S. A listeriolysin O subunit vaccine is protective against Listeria monocytogenes. Vaccine 2020; 38:5803-5813. [PMID: 32684498 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.06.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is a facultative intracellular pathogen responsible for the life-threatening disease listeriosis. The pore-forming toxin listeriolysin O (LLO) is a critical virulence factor that plays a major role in the L. monocytogenes intracellular lifecycle and is indispensable for pathogenesis. LLO is also a dominant antigen for T cells involved in sterilizing immunity and it was proposed that LLO acts as a T cell adjuvant. In this work, we generated a novel full-length LLO toxoid (LLOT) in which the cholesterol-recognition motif, a threonine-leucine pair located at the tip of the LLO C-terminal domain, was substituted with two glycine residues. We showed that LLOT lost its ability to bind cholesterol and to form pores. Importantly, LLOT retained binding to the surface of epithelial cells and macrophages, suggesting that it could efficiently be captured by antigen-presenting cells. We then determined if LLOT can be used as an antigen and adjuvant to protect mice from L. monocytogenes infection. Mice were immunized with LLOT alone or together with cholera toxin or Alum as adjuvants. We found that mice immunized with LLOT alone or in combination with the Th2-inducing adjuvant Alum were not protected against L. monocytogenes. On the other hand, mice immunized with LLOT along with the experimental adjuvant cholera toxin, were protected against L. monocytogenes, as evidenced by a significant decrease in bacterial burden in the liver and spleen three days post-infection. This immunization regimen elicited mixed Th1, Th2, and Th17 responses, as well as the generation of LLO-neutralizing antibodies. Further, we identified T cells as being required for immunization-induced reductions in bacterial burden, whereas B cells were dispensable in our model of non-pregnant young mice. Overall, this work establishes that LLOT is a promising vaccine antigen for the induction of protective immunity against L. monocytogenes by subunit vaccines containing Th1-driving adjuvants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher C Phelps
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Stephen Vadia
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Prosper N Boyaka
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Veterinary Biosciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Sanjay Varikuti
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Zayed Attia
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Purnima Dubey
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Abhay R Satoskar
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Rodney Tweten
- Department of Microbial & Immunology, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Stephanie Seveau
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Animal Models for the Pathogenesis, Treatment, and Prevention of Infection by Bacillus anthracis. Microbiol Spectr 2016; 3:TBS-0001-2012. [PMID: 26104551 DOI: 10.1128/microbiolspec.tbs-0001-2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This article reviews the characteristics of the major animal models utilized for studies on Bacillus anthracis and highlights their contributions to understanding the pathogenesis and host responses to anthrax and its treatment and prevention. Advantages and drawbacks associated with each model, to include the major models (murine, guinea pig, rabbit, nonhuman primate, and rat), and other less frequently utilized models, are discussed. Although the three principal forms of anthrax are addressed, the main focus of this review is on models for inhalational anthrax. The selection of an animal model for study is often not straightforward and is dependent on the specific aims of the research or test. No single animal species provides complete equivalence to humans; however, each species, when used appropriately, can contribute to a more complete understanding of anthrax and its etiologic agent.
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Kilcullen K, Teunis A, Popova TG, Popov SG. Cytotoxic Potential of Bacillus cereus Strains ATCC 11778 and 14579 Against Human Lung Epithelial Cells Under Microaerobic Growth Conditions. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:69. [PMID: 26870026 PMCID: PMC4735842 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus cereus, a food poisoning bacterium closely related to Bacillus anthracis, secretes a multitude of virulence factors including enterotoxins, hemolysins, and phospholipases. However, the majority of the in vitro experiments evaluating the cytotoxic potential of B. cereus were carried out in the conditions of aeration, and the impact of the oxygen limitation in conditions encountered by the microbe in natural environment such as gastrointestinal tract remains poorly understood. This research reports comparative analysis of ATCC strains 11778 (BC1) and 14579 (BC2) in aerobic and microaerobic (static) cultures with regard to their toxicity for human lung epithelial cells. We showed that BC1 increased its toxicity upon oxygen limitation while BC2 was highly cytotoxic in both growth conditions. The combined effect of the pore-forming, cholesterol-dependent hemolysin, cereolysin O (CLO), and metabolic product(s) such as succinate produced in microaerobic conditions provided substantial contribution to the toxicity of BC1 but not BC2 which relied mainly on other toxins. This mechanism is shared between CB1 and B. anthracis. It involves the permeabilization of the cell membrane which facilitates transport of toxic bacterial metabolites into the cell. The toxicity of BC1 was potentiated in the presence of bovine serum albumin which appeared to serve as reservoir for bacteria-derived nitric oxide participating in the downstream production of reactive oxidizing species with the properties of peroxynitrite. In agreement with this the BC1 cultures demonstrated the increased oxidation of the indicator dye Amplex Red catalyzed by peroxidase as well as the increased toxicity in the presence of externally added ascorbic acid.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Allison Teunis
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Taissia G Popova
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Serguei G Popov
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University Manassas, VA, USA
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do Vale A, Cabanes D, Sousa S. Bacterial Toxins as Pathogen Weapons Against Phagocytes. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:42. [PMID: 26870008 PMCID: PMC4734073 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial toxins are virulence factors that manipulate host cell functions and take over the control of vital processes of living organisms to favor microbial infection. Some toxins directly target innate immune cells, thereby annihilating a major branch of the host immune response. In this review we will focus on bacterial toxins that act from the extracellular milieu and hinder the function of macrophages and neutrophils. In particular, we will concentrate on toxins from Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria that manipulate cell signaling or induce cell death by either imposing direct damage to the host cells cytoplasmic membrane or enzymatically modifying key eukaryotic targets. Outcomes regarding pathogen dissemination, host damage and disease progression will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana do Vale
- Host Interaction and Response, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do PortoPorto, Portugal; Group of Fish Immunology and Vaccinology, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do PortoPorto, Portugal
| | - Didier Cabanes
- Host Interaction and Response, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do PortoPorto, Portugal; Group of Molecular Microbiology, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do PortoPorto, Portugal
| | - Sandra Sousa
- Host Interaction and Response, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do PortoPorto, Portugal; Group of Molecular Microbiology, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do PortoPorto, Portugal
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Los FCO, Randis TM, Aroian RV, Ratner AJ. Role of pore-forming toxins in bacterial infectious diseases. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2013; 77:173-207. [PMID: 23699254 PMCID: PMC3668673 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00052-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 298] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pore-forming toxins (PFTs) are the most common bacterial cytotoxic proteins and are required for virulence in a large number of important pathogens, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, group A and B streptococci, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. PFTs generally disrupt host cell membranes, but they can have additional effects independent of pore formation. Substantial effort has been devoted to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the functions of certain model PFTs. Likewise, specific host pathways mediating survival and immune responses in the face of toxin-mediated cellular damage have been delineated. However, less is known about the overall functions of PFTs during infection in vivo. This review focuses on common themes in the area of PFT biology, with an emphasis on studies addressing the roles of PFTs in in vivo and ex vivo models of colonization or infection. Common functions of PFTs include disruption of epithelial barrier function and evasion of host immune responses, which contribute to bacterial growth and spreading. The widespread nature of PFTs make this group of toxins an attractive target for the development of new virulence-targeted therapies that may have broad activity against human pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tara M. Randis
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Raffi V. Aroian
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Adam J. Ratner
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
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Popova TG, Millis B, Bailey C, Popov SG. Platelets, inflammatory cells, von Willebrand factor, syndecan-1, fibrin, fibronectin, and bacteria co-localize in the liver thrombi of Bacillus anthracis-infected mice. Microb Pathog 2011; 52:1-9. [PMID: 22001909 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2011.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2010] [Revised: 08/16/2011] [Accepted: 08/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Vascular dysfunction and thrombosis have been described in association with anthrax infection in humans and animals but the mechanisms of these dysfunctions, as well as the components involved in thrombi formation are poorly understood. Immunofluorescent microscopy was used to define the composition of thrombi in the liver of mice challenged with the Bacillus anthracis Sterne spores. Lethal infection with the toxigenic Sterne strain, in contrast to the non-lethal, non-toxigenic delta-Sterne strain, demonstrated time-dependent increase in the number of vegetative bacteria inside the liver sinusoids and central vein. Massive appearance of thrombi typically occluding the lumen of the vessels coincided with the sudden death of infected animals. Bacterial chains in the thrombi were stained positive for syndecan-1 (SDC-1), fibronectin, and were surrounded by fibrin polymers, GPIIb-positive platelets, von Willebrand Factor (vWF), CD45-positive leukocytes, and massive amount of shed SDC-1. Experiments with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) demonstrated the active role of the host response to the secreted pathogenic factors of bacteria during the onset of the pro-thrombotic condition. The bacterial culture supernatants, as well as the isolated proteins (the pore-forming toxin anthrolysin O and phospholipase C) induced release of vWF, while anthrolysin O, sphingomyelinase and edema toxin induced release of thrombin from HUVECs and polymerization of fibrin in the presence of human plasma. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that activation of endothelium in response to infection can contribute to the formation of occlusive thrombi consisting of aggregated bacteria, vWF, shed SDC-1, fibrin, activated platelets, fibronectin and leukocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taissia G Popova
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA.
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Chung MC, Tonry JH, Narayanan A, Manes NP, Mackie RS, Gutting B, Mukherjee DV, Popova TG, Kashanchi F, Bailey CL, Popov SG. Bacillus anthracis interacts with plasmin(ogen) to evade C3b-dependent innate immunity. PLoS One 2011; 6:e18119. [PMID: 21464960 PMCID: PMC3064659 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0018119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2010] [Accepted: 02/21/2011] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The causative agent of anthrax, Bacillus anthracis, is capable of circumventing the humoral and innate immune defense of the host and modulating the blood chemistry in circulation to initiate a productive infection. It has been shown that the pathogen employs a number of strategies against immune cells using secreted pathogenic factors such as toxins. However, interference of B. anthracis with the innate immune system through specific interaction of the spore surface with host proteins such as the complement system has heretofore attracted little attention. In order to assess the mechanisms by which B. anthracis evades the defense system, we employed a proteomic analysis to identify human serum proteins interacting with B. anthracis spores, and found that plasminogen (PLG) is a major surface-bound protein. PLG efficiently bound to spores in a lysine- and exosporium-dependent manner. We identified α-enolase and elongation factor tu as PLG receptors. PLG-bound spores were capable of exhibiting anti-opsonic properties by cleaving C3b molecules in vitro and in rabbit bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, resulting in a decrease in macrophage phagocytosis. Our findings represent a step forward in understanding the mechanisms involved in the evasion of innate immunity by B. anthracis through recruitment of PLG resulting in the enhancement of anti-complement and anti-opsonization properties of the pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myung-Chul Chung
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, United States of America.
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Popova TG, Millis B, Chung MC, Bailey C, Popov SG. Anthrolysin O and fermentation products mediate the toxicity of Bacillus anthracis to lung epithelial cells under microaerobic conditions. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 61:15-27. [PMID: 20946354 PMCID: PMC3040846 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-695x.2010.00740.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis generates virulence factors such as lethal and edema toxins, capsule, and hemolytic proteins under conditions of reduced oxygenation. Here, we report on the acute cytotoxicity of culture supernatants (Sups) of six nonencapsulated B. anthracis strains grown till the stationary phase under static microaerobic conditions. Human small airway epithelial, umbilical vein endothelial, Caco-2, and Hep-G2 cells were found to be susceptible. Sups displayed a reduction of pH to 5.3–5.5, indicating the onset of acid anaerobic fermentation; however, low pH itself was not a major factor of toxicity. The pore-forming hemolysin, anthrolysin O (ALO), contributed to the toxicity in a concentration-dependent manner. Its effect was found to be synergistic with a metabolic product of B. anthracis, succinic acid. Cells exposed to Sups demonstrated cytoplasmic membrane blebbing, increased permeability, loss of ATP, mitochondrial membrane potential collapse, and arrest of cell respiration. The toxicity was reduced by inhibition of ALO by cholesterol, decomposition of reactive oxygen species, and inhibition of mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase. Cell death appears to be caused by an acute primary membrane permeabilization by ALO, followed by a burst of reactive radicals from the mitochondria fuelled by the succinate, which is generated by bacteria in the hypoxic environment. This mechanism of metabolic toxicity is relevant to the late-stage conditions of hypoxia and acidosis found in anthrax patients and might operate at anatomical locations of the host deprived from oxygen supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taissia G Popova
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
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Bouzianas DG. Current and future medical approaches to combat the anthrax threat. J Med Chem 2010; 53:4305-31. [PMID: 20102155 DOI: 10.1021/jm901024b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios G Bouzianas
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, AHEPA University Hospital, 1 S. Kyriakidi Street, P.C. 54636, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece.
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Chu J, Thomas LM, Watkins SC, Franchi L, Núñez G, Salter RD. Cholesterol-dependent cytolysins induce rapid release of mature IL-1beta from murine macrophages in a NLRP3 inflammasome and cathepsin B-dependent manner. J Leukoc Biol 2009; 86:1227-38. [PMID: 19675207 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.0309164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
CDC are exotoxins secreted by many Gram-positive bacteria that bind cholesterol and oligomerize to form pores in eukaryotic cell membranes. We demonstrate that CDC TLO induces caspase-1 cleavage and the rapid release of IL-1beta from LPS-primed murine BMDM. IL-1beta secretion depends on functional toxin pore formation, as free cholesterol, which prevents TLO binding to cell membranes, blocks the cytokine release. Secretion of the mature forms of IL-1beta and caspase-1 occurs only at lower TLO doses, whereas at a higher concentration, cells release the biologically inactive proforms. IL-1beta release at a low TLO dose requires potassium efflux, calcium influx, and the activities of calcium-independent PLA(2), caspase-1, and cathepsin B. Additionally, mature IL-1beta release induced by a low TLO dose is dependent on the NLRP3 inflammasome, and pro-IL-1beta release induced by a high TLO dose occurs independently of NLRP3. These results further elucidate a mechanism of CDC-induced IL-1beta release and suggest a novel, immune evasion strategy in which IL-1beta-containing macrophages might release primarily inactive cytokine following exposure to high doses of these toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Chu
- Immunology Graduate Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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Goossens PL. Animal models of human anthrax: the Quest for the Holy Grail. Mol Aspects Med 2009; 30:467-80. [PMID: 19665473 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2009.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2009] [Accepted: 07/30/2009] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Anthrax is rare among humans, few data can be collected from infected individuals and they provide a fragmentary view of the dynamics of infection and human host-pathogen interactions. Therefore, the development of animal models is necessary. Anthrax has the particularity of being a toxi-infection, a combination of infection and toxemia. The ideal animal model would explore these two different facets and mimic human disease as much as possible. In the past decades, the main effort has been focused on modelling of inhalational anthrax and the perception of specific aspects of the infection has evolved in recent years. In this review, we consider criteria which can lead to the most appropriate choice of a given animal species for modelling human anthrax. We will highlight the positive input and limitations of different models and show that they are not mutually exclusive. On the contrary, their contribution to anthrax research can be more rewarding when taken in synergy. We will also present a reappraisal of inhalational anthrax and propose reflections on key points, such as portal of entry, connections between mediastinal lymph nodes, pleura and lymphatic drainage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre L Goossens
- Institut Pasteur, Toxines et Pathogénie Bactérienne, CNRS URA 2172, 28 rue du Docteur Roux, 75724 Paris cedex 15, France.
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Human alpha-defensins inhibit hemolysis mediated by cholesterol-dependent cytolysins. Infect Immun 2009; 77:4028-40. [PMID: 19581399 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00232-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Many pathogenic gram-positive bacteria release exotoxins that belong to the family of cholesterol-dependent cytolysins. Here, we report that human alpha-defensins HNP-1 to HNP-3 acted in a concentration-dependent manner to protect human red blood cells from the lytic effects of three of these exotoxins: anthrolysin O (ALO), listeriolysin O, and pneumolysin. HD-5 was very effective against listeriolysin O but less effective against the other toxins. Human alpha-defensins HNP-4 and HD-6 and human beta-defensin-1, -2, and -3 lacked protective ability. HNP-1 required intact disulfide bonds to prevent toxin-mediated hemolysis. A fully linearized analog, in which all six cysteines were replaced by aminobutyric acid (Abu) residues, showed greatly reduced binding and protection. A partially unfolded HNP-1 analog, in which only cysteines 9 and 29 were replaced by Abu residues, showed intact ALO binding but was 10-fold less potent in preventing hemolysis. Surface plasmon resonance assays revealed that HNP-1 to HNP-3 bound all three toxins at multiple sites and also that solution-phase HNP molecules could bind immobilized HNP molecules. Defensin concentrations that inhibited hemolysis by ALO and listeriolysin did not prevent these toxins from binding either to red blood cells or to cholesterol. Others have shown that HNP-1 to HNP-3 inhibit lethal toxin of Bacillus anthracis, toxin B of Clostridium difficile, diphtheria toxin, and exotoxin A of Pseudomonas aeruginosa; however, this is the first time these defensins have been shown to inhibit pore-forming toxins. An "ABCDE mechanism" that can account for the ability of HNP-1 to HNP-3 to inhibit so many different exotoxins is proposed.
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Nakouzi A, Rivera J, Rest RF, Casadevall A. Passive administration of monoclonal antibodies to anthrolysin O prolong survival in mice lethally infected with Bacillus anthracis. BMC Microbiol 2008; 8:159. [PMID: 18811967 PMCID: PMC2559844 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-8-159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2008] [Accepted: 09/23/2008] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bacillus anthracis has two major virulence factors: a tripartite toxin that produces lethal and edema toxins and a polyglutamic acid capsule. A recent report suggested that a toxin belonging to the cholesterol dependant cytolysin (CDC) family, anthrolysin O (ALO) was a new virulence factor for B. anthracis but subsequent studies have questioned its relevance in pathogenesis. In this study, we examined the immunogenicity of recombinant anthrolysin O (rALO) in mice. Results BALB/c mice immunized with rALO and boosted after two weeks, produce sera with strong Ab responses with a predominance of IgG1 and IgG2a. Five hybridomas to rALO were recovered representing the IgM, IgG1, and IgG2b isotypes. Passive administration of 3 of the five monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to rALO prior to infection with lethal intravenous (i.v.) B. anthracis Sterne strain infection in mice was associated with enhanced average survival and a greater likelihood of surviving infection. A combination of two mAbs to ALO was more effective than either mAb separately. One mAb (64F8) slowed the toxicity of rALO for J774.16 macrophage-like cells. Conclusion Our results suggest that ALO contributes to the virulence of B. anthracis Sterne strain in this infection model and that Ab response to ALO may contribute to protection in certain circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Nakouzi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, New York 10461, USA.
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