1
|
Kiekens C, Morré SA, Vanrompay D. Advances in Chlamydia trachomatis Vaccination: Unveiling the Potential of Major Outer Membrane Protein Derivative Constructs. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1196. [PMID: 38930578 PMCID: PMC11205628 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia (C.) trachomatis, a leading cause of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide, continues to be a significant public health concern. The majority of infections are asymptomatic and, when left untreated, severe sequelae such as infertility and chronic pelvic pain can occur. Despite decades of research, an effective vaccine remains elusive. This review focuses on the potential of Major Outer Membrane Protein (MOMP)-derived constructs as promising candidates for C. trachomatis vaccination. MOMP, the most abundant protein in the outer membrane of C. trachomatis, has been a focal point of vaccine research over the years due to its antigenic properties. To overcome issues associated with the use of full MOMP as a vaccine antigen, derivative constructs have been studied. As these constructs are often not sufficiently immunogenic, antigen delivery systems or accompanying adjuvants are required. Additionally, several immunization routes have been explored with these MOMP-derived vaccine antigens, and determining the optimal route remains an ongoing area of research. Future directions and challenges in the field of C. trachomatis vaccination are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Celien Kiekens
- Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Servaas A. Morré
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Microbe&Lab BV, 1105 AG Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Dutch Chlamydia trachomatis Reference Laboratory, Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Health, Medicine & Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Engineering, Jacob Institute of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Allahabad 211007, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Daisy Vanrompay
- Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Onorini D, Leonard CA, Phillips Campbell R, Prähauser B, Pesch T, Schoborg RV, Jerse AE, Tarigan B, Borel N. Neisseria gonorrhoeae Coinfection during Chlamydia muridarum Genital Latency Does Not Modulate Murine Vaginal Bacterial Shedding. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0450022. [PMID: 37039695 PMCID: PMC10269798 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04500-22] [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: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae are the most frequently reported agents of bacterial sexually transmitted disease worldwide. Nonetheless, C. trachomatis/N. gonorrhoeae coinfection remains understudied. C. trachomatis/N. gonorrhoeae coinfections are more common than expected by chance, suggesting C. trachomatis/N. gonorrhoeae interaction, and N. gonorrhoeae infection may reactivate genital chlamydial shedding in women with latent (quiescent) chlamydial infection. We hypothesized that N. gonorrhoeae would reactivate latent genital Chlamydia muridarum infection in mice. Two groups of C. muridarum-infected mice were allowed to transition into genital latency. One group was then vaginally inoculated with N. gonorrhoeae; a third group received N. gonorrhoeae alone. C. muridarum and N. gonorrhoeae vaginal shedding was measured over time in the coinfected and singly infected groups. Viable C. muridarum was absent from vaginal swabs but detected in rectal swabs, confirming C. muridarum genital latency and consistent with the intestinal tract as a C. muridarum reservoir. C. muridarum inclusions were observed in large intestinal, but not genital, tissues during latency. Oviduct dilation was associated with C. muridarum infection, as expected. Contradicting our hypothesis, N. gonorrhoeae coinfection did not reactivate latent C. muridarum vaginal shedding. In addition, latent C. muridarum infection did not modulate recovery of vaginal viable N. gonorrhoeae. Evidence for N. gonorrhoeae-dependent increased C. muridarum infectivity has thus not been demonstrated in murine coinfection, and the ability of C. muridarum coinfection to potentiate N. gonorrhoeae infectivity may depend on actively replicating vaginal C. muridarum. The proportion of mice with increased vaginal neutrophils (PMNs) was higher in N. gonorrhoeae-infected than in C. muridarum-infected mice, as expected, while that of C. muridarum/N. gonorrhoeae-coinfected mice was intermediate to the singly infected groups, suggesting latent C. muridarum murine infection may limit PMN response to subsequent N. gonorrhoeae infection. IMPORTANCE Our work builds upon the limited understanding of C. muridarum/N. gonorrhoeae coinfection. Previously, N. gonorrhoeae infection of mice with acute (actively replicating) vaginal C. muridarum infection was shown to increase recovery of viable vaginal N. gonorrhoeae and vaginal PMNs, with no effect on C. muridarum vaginal shedding (R. A. Vonck et al., Infect Immun 79:1566-1577, 2011). It has also been shown that chlamydial infection of human and murine PMNs prevents normal PMN responses, including the response to N. gonorrhoeae (K. Rajeeve et al., Nat Microbiol 3:824-835, 2018). Our findings show no effect of latent genital C. muridarum infection on the recovery of viable N. gonorrhoeae, in contrast to the previously reported effect of acute C. muridarum infection, and suggesting that acute versus latent C. muridarum infection may have distinct effects on PMN function in mice. Together, these studies to date provide evidence that Chlamydia/N. gonorrhoeae synergistic interactions may depend on the presence of replicating Chlamydia in the genital tract, while chlamydial effects on vaginal PMNs may extend beyond acute infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Delia Onorini
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cory Ann Leonard
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Regenia Phillips Campbell
- Department of Medical Education, Center for Infectious Disease, Inflammation and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - Barbara Prähauser
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Theresa Pesch
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Robert V. Schoborg
- Department of Medical Education, Center for Infectious Disease, Inflammation and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - Ann E. Jerse
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Bernadetta Tarigan
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Borel
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Li T, Liu Z, Zhang D, Liao Q, Fan S, Hao M, Hong Y, Huang X, Wang H, Xiong Z, Xu H, Xue F, Xue M, Yang X, Zhang J. Prevalence of and risk factors for chlamydia in female outpatients with genital tract infections: a nationwide multi-center, cross-sectional study in China. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1182108. [PMID: 37397732 PMCID: PMC10311204 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1182108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Chlamydia trachomatis is the etiological agent of the commonest sexually transmitted bacterial infection. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of genital chlamydia and associated risk factors in Chinese female outpatients with genital tract infections. Methods A prospective, multicenter epidemiological study of genital chlamydia prevalence in 3008 patients with genital tract infections in 13 hospitals in 12 provinces of China was performed between May 2017 and November 2018. Vaginal secretion specimens were collected for the clinical diagnosis of vaginitis, whereas cervical secretion specimens were tested for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. All patients participated in a one-on-one cross-sectional questionnaire interview. Results Totally 2,908 participants were included. The prevalence rates of chlamydia and gonococcal infections in women with genital tract infections were 6.33% (184/2908) and 0.01% (20/2908), respectively. Multivariate analysis showed high risk factors for chlamydia were premarital sex behavior, first sexual intercourse before the age of 20 and bacterial vaginosis. Discussion Given that most chlamydia cases are asymptomatic and no vaccine is currently available, chlamydia prevention strategies should include behavioral interventions as well as early screening programs to identify and treat individuals with genital tract infections, especially those with the above identified risk factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Li
- Department of Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaohui Liu
- Department of Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Dai Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qinping Liao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Shangrong Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Min Hao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Ying Hong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiufeng Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huilan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zhengai Xiong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Fengxia Xue
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Min Xue
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xingsheng Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jianqing Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qinghai Red Cross Hospital, Xining, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Onorini D, Schoborg R, Borel N, Leonard C. Beta lactamase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae alleviates Amoxicillin-induced chlamydial persistence in a novel in vitro co-infection model. CURRENT RESEARCH IN MICROBIAL SCIENCES 2023; 4:100188. [PMID: 37025122 PMCID: PMC10070076 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2023.100188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) cause most bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide. Epidemiological studies have shown high percentages of co-infections with CT/NG and indicate that NG co-infection can reactivate CT shedding during persistent chlamydial infection. These data also suggest that biological interaction between the two bacteria may increase susceptibility or transmissibility. CT is an obligate intracellular bacterium with a developmental cycle that alternates between two forms: infectious elementary bodies (EBs) which invade the epithelium and non-infectious reticulate bodies (RBs) which divide and replicate inside the inclusion. Adverse environmental conditions can interrupt chlamydial development, with a consequent temporary halt in RB division, reduction in infectious EB production and formation of enlarged chlamydiae (aberrant bodies, ABs) - characterizing chlamydial persistence. When the stressor is removed, the chlamydial developmental cycle is restored, together with production of infectious EBs. The beta-lactam amoxicillin (AMX) induces chlamydial persistence, both in vitro and in mice. We investigated the impact of penicillinase-producing NG strain (PPNG) on AMX-persistent chlamydial infection utilizing our recently developed, contact-independent in vitro model of co-infection. We hypothesized that co-infection with PPNG could prevent and/or reverse AMX-induced chlamydial persistence. Our results showed that PPNG can ameliorate AMX-persistence in two chlamydial species, CT and C. muridarum (CM), providing novel evidence for a range of Chlamydia/NG interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Delia Onorini
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Robert Schoborg
- Department of Medical Education, Center for Infectious Disease, Inflammation and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, United States
| | - Nicole Borel
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cory Leonard
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Huynh DT, Jong WSP, Oudejans MAH, van den Berg van Saparoea HB, Luirink J, van Ulsen P. Heterologous Display of Chlamydia trachomatis PmpD Passenger at the Surface of Salmonella OMVs. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:366. [PMID: 37103793 PMCID: PMC10145130 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13040366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis is the bacterial pathogen that causes most cases of sexually transmitted diseases annually. To combat the global spread of asymptomatic infection, development of effective (mucosal) vaccines that offer both systemic and local immune responses is considered a high priority. In this study, we explored the expression of C. trachomatis full-length (FL) PmpD, as well as truncated PmpD passenger constructs fused to a "display" autotransporter (AT) hemoglobin protease (HbpD) and studied their inclusion into outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) of Escherichia coli and Salmonella Typhimurium. OMVs are considered safe vaccine vectors well-suited for mucosal delivery. By using E. coli AT HbpD-fusions of chimeric constructs we improved surface display and successfully generated Salmonella OMVs decorated with a secreted and immunogenic PmpD passenger fragment (aa68-629) to 13% of the total protein content. Next, we investigated whether a similar chimeric surface display strategy could be applied to other AT antigens, i.e., secreted fragments of Prn (aa35-350) of Bordetella pertussis and VacA (aa65-377) of Helicobacter pylori. The data provided information on the complexity of heterologous expression of AT antigens at the OMV surface and suggested that optimal expression strategies should be developed on an antigen-to-antigen basis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dung T. Huynh
- Abera Bioscience AB, 750 26 Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Manon A. H. Oudejans
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Joen Luirink
- Abera Bioscience AB, 750 26 Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter van Ulsen
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Overexpression of the Bam Complex Improves the Production of Chlamydia trachomatis MOMP in the E. coli Outer Membrane. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137393. [PMID: 35806397 PMCID: PMC9266984 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A licensed Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) vaccine is not yet available. Recombinant Chlamydia trachomatis major outer membrane protein (Ct-MOMP), the most abundant constituent of the chlamydial outer membrane complex, is considered the most attractive candidate for subunit-based vaccine formulations. Unfortunately, Ct-MOMP is difficult to express in its native structure in the E. coli outer membrane (OM). Here, by co-expression of the Bam complex, we improved the expression and localization of recombinant Ct-MOMP in the E. coli OM. Under these conditions, recombinant Ct-MOMP appeared to assemble into a β-barrel conformation and express domains at the cell surface indicative of correct folding. The data indicate that limited availability of the Bam complex can be a bottleneck for the production of heterologous OM vaccine antigens, information that is also relevant for strategies aimed at producing recombinant OMV-based vaccines.
Collapse
|
7
|
Naveed M, Makhdoom SI, Abbas G, Safdari M, Farhadi A, Habtemariam S, Shabbir MA, Jabeen K, Asif MF, Tehreem S. The Virulent Hypothetical Proteins: The Potential Drug Target Involved in Bacterial Pathogenesis. Mini Rev Med Chem 2022; 22:2608-2623. [DOI: 10.2174/1389557522666220413102107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract:
Hypothetical proteins (HPs) are non-predicted sequences that are identified only by open reading frames in sequenced genomes but their protein products remain uncharacterized by any experimental means. The genome of every species consists of HPs that are involved in various cellular processes and signaling pathways. Annotation of HPs is important as they play a key role in disease mechanisms, drug designing, vaccine production, antibiotic production, and host adaptation. In the case of bacteria, 25-50% of the genome comprises of HPs, which are involved in metabolic pathways and pathogenesis. The characterization of bacterial HPs helps to identify virulent proteins that are involved in pathogenesis. This can be done using in-silico studies, which provide sequence analogs, physiochemical properties, cellular or subcellular localization, structure and function validation, and protein-protein interactions. The most diverse types of virulent proteins are exotoxins, endotoxins, and adherent virulent factors that are encoded by virulent genes present on the chromosomal DNA of the bacteria. This review evaluates virulent HPs of pathogenic bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Chlamydia trachomatis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Yersinia pestis. The potential of these HPs as a drug target in bacteria-caused infectious diseases along with the mode of action and treatment approaches have been discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Naveed
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Syeda Izma Makhdoom
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Ghulam Abbas
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mohammadreza Safdari
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Amin Farhadi
- Kavian Institute of Higher Education, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Solomon Habtemariam
- Pharmacognosy Research Laboratories & Herbal Analysis Services UK, University of Greenwich, Medway Campus-Science, Grenville Building (G102/G107), Central Avenue, Chatham-Maritime, Kent, ME4 4TB, UK
| | - Muhammad Aqib Shabbir
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Khizra Jabeen
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Farrukh Asif
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Sana Tehreem
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, Hubei, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Designing a Multi-Epitope Vaccine against Chlamydia trachomatis by Employing Integrated Core Proteomics, Immuno-Informatics and In Silico Approaches. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10100997. [PMID: 34681096 PMCID: PMC8533590 DOI: 10.3390/biology10100997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis, a Gram-negative bacterium that infects the rectum, urethra, congenital sites, and columnar epithelium of the cervix. It is a major cause of preventable blindness, ectopic pregnancy, and bacterial sexually transmitted infections worldwide. There is currently no licensed multi-epitope vaccination available for this pathogen. This study used core proteomics, immuno-informatics, and subtractive proteomics approaches to identify the best antigenic candidates for the development of a multi-epitope-based vaccine (MEBV). These approaches resulted in six vaccine candidates: Type III secretion system translocon subunit CopD2, SctW family type III secretion system gatekeeper subunit CopN, SycD/LcrH family type III secretion system chaperone Scc2, CT847 family type III secretion system effector, hypothetical protein CTDEC_0668, and CHLPN 76kDa-like protein. A variety of immuno-informatics tools were used to predict B and T cell epitopes from vaccine candidate proteins. An in silico vaccine was developed using carefully selected epitopes (11 CTL, 2 HTL & 10 LBL) and then docked with the MHC molecules (MHC I & MHC II) and human TLR4. The vaccine was coupled with Cholera toxin subunit B (CTB) adjuvant to boost the immune response. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, molecular docking, and MMGBSA analysis were carried out to analyze the molecular interactions and binding affinity of MEBV with TLR4 and MHC molecules. To achieve the highest level of vaccine protein expression, the MEBV was cloned and reverse-translated in Escherichia coli. The highest level of expression was achieved, and a CAI score of 0.97 was reported. Further experimental validation of the MEBV is required to prove its efficacy. The vaccine developed will be useful in preventing infections caused by C. trachomatis.
Collapse
|
9
|
Hayward RJ, Humphrys MS, Huston WM, Myers GSA. Dual RNA-seq analysis of in vitro infection multiplicity and RNA depletion methods in Chlamydia-infected epithelial cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10399. [PMID: 34001998 PMCID: PMC8128910 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89921-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dual RNA-seq experiments examining viral and bacterial pathogens are increasing, but vary considerably in their experimental designs, such as infection rates and RNA depletion methods. Here, we have applied dual RNA-seq to Chlamydia trachomatis infected epithelial cells to examine transcriptomic responses from both organisms. We compared two time points post infection (1 and 24 h), three multiplicity of infection (MOI) ratios (0.1, 1 and 10) and two RNA depletion methods (rRNA and polyA). Capture of bacterial-specific RNA were greatest when combining rRNA and polyA depletion, and when using a higher MOI. However, under these conditions, host RNA capture was negatively impacted. Although it is tempting to use high infection rates, the implications on host cell survival, the potential reduced length of infection cycles and real world applicability should be considered. This data highlights the delicate nature of balancing host-pathogen RNA capture and will assist future transcriptomic-based studies to achieve more specific and relevant infection-related biological insights.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Regan J Hayward
- The iThree Institute, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Michael S Humphrys
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Wilhelmina M Huston
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Garry S A Myers
- The iThree Institute, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sahu R, Dixit S, Verma R, Duncan SA, Smith L, Giambartolomei GH, Singh SR, Dennis VA. Encapsulation of Recombinant MOMP in Extended-Releasing PLGA 85:15 Nanoparticles Confer Protective Immunity Against a Chlamydia muridarum Genital Challenge and Re-Challenge. Front Immunol 2021; 12:660932. [PMID: 33936096 PMCID: PMC8081181 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.660932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently we reported the immune-potentiating capacity of a Chlamydia nanovaccine (PLGA-rMOMP) comprising rMOMP (recombinant major outer membrane protein) encapsulated in extended-releasing PLGA [poly (D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) (85:15)] nanoparticles. Here we hypothesized that PLGA-rMOMP would bolster immune-effector mechanisms to confer protective efficacy in mice against a Chlamydia muridarum genital challenge and re-challenge. Female BALB/c mice received three immunizations, either subcutaneously (SC) or intranasally (IN), before receiving an intravaginal challenge with C. muridarum on day 49 and a re-challenge on day 170. Both the SC and IN immunization routes protected mice against genital challenge with enhanced protection after a re-challenge, especially in the SC mice. The nanovaccine induced robust antigen-specific Th1 (IFN-γ, IL-2) and IL-17 cytokines plus CD4+ proliferating T-cells and memory (CD44high CD62Lhigh) and effector (CD44high CD62Llow) phenotypes in immunized mice. Parallel induction of antigen-specific systemic and mucosal Th1 (IgG2a, IgG2b), Th2 (IgG1), and IgA antibodies were also noted. Importantly, immunized mice produced highly functional Th1 avidity and serum antibodies that neutralized C. muridarum infectivity of McCoy fibroblasts in-vitro that correlated with their respective protection levels. The SC, rather than the IN immunization route, triggered higher cellular and humoral immune effectors that improved mice protection against genital C. muridarum. We report for the first time that the extended-releasing PLGA 85:15 encapsulated rMOMP nanovaccine confers protective immunity in mice against genital Chlamydia and advances the potential towards acquiring a nano-based Chlamydia vaccine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rajnish Sahu
- Center for NanoBiotechnology Research, Department of Biological Sciences, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, United States
| | - Saurabh Dixit
- Center for NanoBiotechnology Research, Department of Biological Sciences, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, United States
| | - Richa Verma
- Center for NanoBiotechnology Research, Department of Biological Sciences, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, United States
| | - Skyla A. Duncan
- Center for NanoBiotechnology Research, Department of Biological Sciences, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, United States
| | - Lula Smith
- Center for NanoBiotechnology Research, Department of Biological Sciences, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, United States
| | - Guillermo H. Giambartolomei
- Instituto de Inmunología, Genética y Metabolismo (INIGEM), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Shree R. Singh
- Center for NanoBiotechnology Research, Department of Biological Sciences, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, United States
| | - Vida A. Dennis
- Center for NanoBiotechnology Research, Department of Biological Sciences, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kassa ZY, Hussen S, Hadra N, Moges Y, Bonja F. Prevalence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection among women of reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. EUR J CONTRACEP REPR 2020; 25:365-371. [PMID: 32845194 DOI: 10.1080/13625187.2020.1779688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection is a global, major public health problem. It is the second leading bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) in sub-Saharan Africa and worldwide. As study findings on the topic are inconsistent, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the pooled prevalence of N. gonorrhoeae infection in sub-Saharan Africa among reproductive-aged women. METHODS Published studies were systematically retrieved from PubMed, Embase, CINHAL and Science Direct. Their quality was measured using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist for studies reporting prevalence data, and the score of each included study had to meet at least 4.5 out of 9 indicators of quality. RESULTS The meta-analysis of 35 studies showed that the pooled prevalence of N. gonorrhoeae infection among reproductive-aged women in sub-Saharan Africa was 3.28% (95% confidence interval 2.61%, 3.94%). CONCLUSION The prevalence of N. gonorrhoeae infection was higher than that found in other studies carried out in the region. The results suggest that greater attention should be paid to the primary prevention of N. gonorrhoeae. We recommend the implementation of STI education for reproductive-aged women and the use of specific and rapid diagnostic testing for N. gonorrhoeae infection in STI clinics. N. gonorrhoeae screening and treatment should be integrated into in- and outpatient clinics to reduce infection among reproductive-aged women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zemenu Yohannes Kassa
- Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Siraj Hussen
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Nebiha Hadra
- Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Yohannes Moges
- Department of Midwifery, Institute of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia
| | - Fisseha Bonja
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Mathematical modelling of the role of mucosal vaccine on the within-host dynamics of Chlamydia trachomatis. J Theor Biol 2020; 497:110291. [PMID: 32315672 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2020.110291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
A mathematical model of the within-host replicative dynamics of C. trachomatis infection and its interactions with the immune system, in the presence of a mucosal vaccine, is presented. Our aim is to estimate the requisite efficacy of an efficacious mucosal vaccine that could promote a stable disease-free state in vivo. Sensitivity analysis was used to quantify how variability in the model parameters influence the value of the disease threshold R0. This shows that the two most important factors to be considered for achieving a disease-free state state in vivo, based on their influence on R0, are the efficacy of the Chlamydia vaccine, and the rate at which the humoral immune response protects healthy epithelial cells from infection. Numerical simulations of the model show that a vaccine with a minimum efficacy of 86% may be required for the in vivo control of Chlamydia burden. Such effective but imperfect Chlamydia vaccine could confer long-term protective immunity to genital Chlamydia infections. Conditions under which lower vaccine efficacies may suffice are also explored.
Collapse
|
13
|
Doyle C, Swain WA, Swain Ewald HA, Ewald PW. Inflammation, infection and depression: an evolutionary perspective. EVOLUTIONARY HUMAN SCIENCES 2019; 1:e14. [PMID: 37588396 PMCID: PMC10427271 DOI: 10.1017/ehs.2019.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolutionary basis for clinical depression is not well understood. A growing body of literature that is not based on evolutionary logic links inflammation to depression. Integration of these findings with an evolutionary framework for depression, however, needs to address the reasons why the body's inflammatory response would be regulated so poorly that it would result in incapacitating depression. Pathogen induction of inflammation offers an explanation, but the extent to which the association between inflammation and depression can be attributed to general inflammation as opposed to particular effects of pro-inflammatory pathogens remains unclear. This paper reports a study of sexually transmitted pathogens, which addresses this issue. Although several sexually transmitted pathogens were associated with depression according to bivariate tests, only Chlamydia trachomatis and Trichomonas vaginalis were significantly associated with depression by a multivariate analysis that accounted for correlations among the pathogens. This finding is consistent with the hypothesis that infection may contribute to depression through induction of tryptophan restriction, and a consequent depletion of serotonin. It reinforces the idea that some depression may be caused by specific pathogens in specific evolutionary arms races with their human host.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Doyle
- Department of Biology, Bellarmine University, Louisville, KY40205, USA
| | - Walker A. Swain
- Department of Lifelong Education, Administration, and Policy, University of Georgia, Athens, GA30602, USA
| | - Holly A. Swain Ewald
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY40292, USA
| | - Paul W. Ewald
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY40292, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Hayward RJ, Marsh JW, Humphrys MS, Huston WM, Myers GSA. Early Transcriptional Landscapes of Chlamydia trachomatis-Infected Epithelial Cells at Single Cell Resolution. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:392. [PMID: 31803632 PMCID: PMC6877545 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia are Gram-negative obligate intracellular bacterial pathogens responsible for a variety of disease in humans and animals worldwide. Chlamydia trachomatis causes trachoma in disadvantaged populations, and is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection in humans, causing reproductive tract disease. Antibiotic therapy successfully treats diagnosed chlamydial infections, however asymptomatic infections are common. High-throughput transcriptomic approaches have explored chlamydial gene expression and infected host cell gene expression. However, these were performed on large cell populations, averaging gene expression profiles across all cells sampled and potentially obscuring biologically relevant subsets of cells. We generated a pilot dataset, applying single cell RNA-Seq (scRNA-Seq) to C. trachomatis infected and mock-infected epithelial cells to assess the utility, pitfalls and challenges of single cell approaches applied to chlamydial biology, and to potentially identify early host cell biomarkers of chlamydial infection. Two hundred sixty-four time-matched C. trachomatis-infected and mock-infected HEp-2 cells were collected and subjected to scRNA-Seq. After quality control, 200 cells were retained for analysis. Two distinct clusters distinguished 3-h cells from 6- and 12-h. Pseudotime analysis identified a possible infection-specific cellular trajectory for Chlamydia-infected cells, while differential expression analyses found temporal expression of metallothioneins and genes involved with cell cycle regulation, innate immune responses, cytoskeletal components, lipid biosynthesis and cellular stress. We find that changes to the host cell transcriptome at early times of C. trachomatis infection are readily discernible by scRNA-Seq, supporting the utility of single cell approaches to identify host cell biomarkers of chlamydial infection, and to further deconvolute the complex host response to infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Regan J. Hayward
- Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, The ithree Institute, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - James W. Marsh
- Department of Microbiome Science, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Michael S. Humphrys
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Wilhelmina M. Huston
- Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Garry S. A. Myers
- Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, The ithree Institute, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zuck M, Hybiske K. The Chlamydia trachomatis Extrusion Exit Mechanism Is Regulated by Host Abscission Proteins. Microorganisms 2019; 7:microorganisms7050149. [PMID: 31130662 PMCID: PMC6560402 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7050149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The cellular exit strategies of intracellular pathogens have a direct impact on microbial dissemination, transmission, and engagement of immune responses of the host. Chlamydia exit their host via a budding mechanism called extrusion, which offers protective benefits to Chlamydia as they navigate their extracellular environment. Many intracellular pathogens co-opt cellular abscission machinery to facilitate cell exit, which is utilized to perform scission of two newly formed daughter cells following mitosis. Similar to viral budding exit strategies, we hypothesize that an abscission-like mechanism is required to physically sever the chlamydial extrusion from the host cell, co-opting the membrane fission activities of the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) family of proteins that are necessary for cellular scission events, including abscission. To test this, C. trachomatis L2-infected HeLa cells were depleted of key abscission machinery proteins charged multivesicle body protein 4b (CHMP4B), ALIX, centrosome protein 55 (CEP55), or vacuolar protein sorting-associated protein 4A (VPS4A), using RNA interference (RNAi). Over 50% reduction in extrusion formation was achieved by depletion of CHMP4B, VPS4A, and ALIX, but no effect on extrusion was observed with CEP55 depletion. These results demonstrate a role for abscission machinery in C. trachomatis extrusion from the host cell, with ALIX, VPS4A and CHMP4B playing key functional roles in optimal extrusion release.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Zuck
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Center for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Disease (CERID), University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
| | - Kevin Hybiske
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Center for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Disease (CERID), University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Feldkamp ML, Arnold KE, Krikov S, Reefhuis J, Almli LM, Moore CA, Botto LD. Risk of gastroschisis with maternal genitourinary infections: the US National birth defects prevention study 1997-2011. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e026297. [PMID: 30928950 PMCID: PMC6475179 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-026297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the association between occurrence and timing of maternal self-reported genitourinary tract infection (urinary tract infections [UTIs] and/or sexually transmitted infection [STI]) and risk for gastroschisis in the offspring. DESIGN Population-based case-control study. SETTING National Birth Defects Prevention Study, a multisite study in the USA. PARTICIPANTS Mothers of 1366 gastroschisis cases and 11 238 healthy controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Crude and adjusted ORs (aORs) with 95% CIs. RESULTS Genitourinary infections were frequent in case (19.3%) and control women (9.9%) during the periconceptional period (defined as 3 months prior to 3 months after conception). UTI and/or STI in the periconceptional period were associated with similarly increased risks for gastroschisis (aOR 1.5, 95% CI 1.3 to 1.8; aOR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2 to 2.3, respectively). The risk was increased with a UTI before (aOR 2.5; 95% CI 1.4 to 4.5) or after (aOR 1.7; 95% CI 1.1 to 2.6) conception only among women ≥25 years of age. The risk was highest among women <20 years of age with an STI before conception (aOR 3.6; 95% CI 1.5 to 8.4) and in women ≥25 years of age, the risk was similar for before (aOR 2.9; 95% CI 1.0 to 8.5) and after (aOR 2.8; 95% CI 1.3 to 6.1) conception. A specific STI pathogen was reported in 89.3% (50/56) of cases and 84.3% (162/191) of controls with Chlamydia trachomatis the most common (25/50 cases, 50%; 58/162 controls, 36%) and highest among women <20 years of age (16/25 cases, 64%; 22/33 controls, 67%). CONCLUSIONS UTI and/or STI were associated with an increased risk for gastroschisis, with the strength of the association varying by maternal age and timing of infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcia L Feldkamp
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Kathryn E Arnold
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Sergey Krikov
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Jennita Reefhuis
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lynn M Almli
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Carter Consulting, Inc, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Cynthia A Moore
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lorenzo D Botto
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Yan RL, Ye YF, Fan QY, Huang YH, Wen GC, Li LM, Cai YM, Feng TJ, Huang ZM. Chlamydia trachomatis infection among patients attending sexual and reproductive health clinics: A cross-sectional study in Bao'an District, Shenzhen, China. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0212292. [PMID: 30779755 PMCID: PMC6380618 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of chlamydial trachomatis (CT) infection and explore its risk factors among patients attending sexual and reproductive health clinics in Shenzhen, China. We collected demographic and clinical information from attendees (aged 18–49). CT and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infection was determined by nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) on self-collected urine specimens. Of 1,938 participants recruited, 10.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.6%-11.0%) tested positive for CT. Prevalence was similar between men (10.6% [85/804]; 95% CI, 9.5%–11.7%) and women (10.1% [115/1134]; 95% CI: 9.2%–11.0%). Being 18–25 years old (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.52; 95%CI:1.35–4.71), never tested for CT before (aOR = 2.42; 95%CI: 1.05–5.61) and infected with NG(aOR = 3.87; 95%CI: 2.10–7.10) were independently associated with CT infection. We found that CT infection is prevalent among patients attending sexual and reproductive health clinics in Shenzhen, China. A comprehensive program including CT screening, surveillance and treatment is urgently needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Lin Yan
- Shenzhen Baoan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yun-Feng Ye
- Shenzhen Baoan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qin-Ying Fan
- Shenzhen Baoan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yan-Hui Huang
- Shenzhen Baoan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Gui-Chun Wen
- Shenzhen Baoan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Li-Mei Li
- Shenzhen Baoan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yu-Mao Cai
- Shenzhen Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tie-Jian Feng
- Shenzhen Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhi-Ming Huang
- Shenzhen Baoan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Initial Characterization of the Two ClpP Paralogs of Chlamydia trachomatis Suggests Unique Functionality for Each. J Bacteriol 2018; 201:JB.00635-18. [PMID: 30396899 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00635-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of Chlamydia are obligate intracellular bacteria that differentiate between two distinct functional and morphological forms during their developmental cycle, elementary bodies (EBs) and reticulate bodies (RBs). EBs are nondividing small electron-dense forms that infect host cells. RBs are larger noninfectious replicative forms that develop within a membrane-bound vesicle, termed an inclusion. Given the unique properties of each developmental form of this bacterium, we hypothesized that the Clp protease system plays an integral role in proteomic turnover by degrading specific proteins from one developmental form or the other. Chlamydia spp. have five uncharacterized clp genes, clpX, clpC, two clpP paralogs, and clpB In other bacteria, ClpC and ClpX are ATPases that unfold and feed proteins into the ClpP protease to be degraded, and ClpB is a deaggregase. Here, we focused on characterizing the ClpP paralogs. Transcriptional analyses and immunoblotting determined that these genes are expressed midcycle. Bioinformatic analyses of these proteins identified key residues important for activity. Overexpression of inactive clpP mutants in Chlamydia spp. suggested independent function of each ClpP paralog. To further probe these differences, we determined interactions between the ClpP proteins using bacterial two-hybrid assays and native gel analysis of recombinant proteins. Homotypic interactions of the ClpP proteins, but not heterotypic interactions between the ClpP paralogs, were detected. Interestingly, protease activity of ClpP2, but not ClpP1, was detected in vitro This activity was stimulated by antibiotics known to activate ClpP, which also blocked chlamydial growth. Our data suggest the chlamydial ClpP paralogs likely serve distinct and critical roles in this important pathogen.IMPORTANCE Chlamydia trachomatis is the leading cause of preventable infectious blindness and of bacterial sexually transmitted infections worldwide. Chlamydiae are developmentally regulated obligate intracellular pathogens that alternate between two functional and morphologic forms, with distinct repertoires of proteins. We hypothesize that protein degradation is a critical aspect to the developmental cycle. A key system involved in protein turnover in bacteria is the Clp protease system. Here, we characterized the two chlamydial ClpP paralogs by examining their expression in Chlamydia spp., their ability to oligomerize, and their proteolytic activity. This work will help understand the evolutionarily diverse Clp proteases in the context of intracellular organisms, which may aid in the study of other clinically relevant intracellular bacteria.
Collapse
|
19
|
Ren J, Guo Y, Shao L, Liu Y, Liu Q. Capsid protein Vp1 from chlamydiaphage φCPG1 effectively alleviates cytotoxicity induced by Chlamydia trachomatis. Exp Ther Med 2018; 16:3286-3292. [PMID: 30233675 PMCID: PMC6143852 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018.6629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis is the leading cause of sexually transmitted bacterial infections. C. trachomatis genital infection may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and tubal infertility, which are major public health problems. However, the pathogenic mechanisms of this bacterium remain unclear, and the efficacy of clinical therapeutics is unsatisfactory. In the current study, whether Vp1 can alleviate the cytotoxicity induced by Chlamydia trachomatis infection was investigated. C. trachomatis was pre-treated with BSA or purified Vp1 protein and used to infect HeLa cells. It was observed that Vp1 significantly inhibited the infectivity of C. trachomatis in cell cultures. In addition, the Vp1 pretreatment reduced the chlamydial Hsp60 protein levels and decreased the C. trachomatis inclusion number. The Vp1 pretreatment also prevented C. trachomatis-induced cytotoxicity in host cells. Furthermore, the chlamydial suppression of host cell proapoptotic p53 protein and the induction of antiapoptotic cIAP-2 and Mcl-1 gene expression were reversed by the Vp1 pretreatment. These observations suggest that Vp1 has a clear inhibitory effect on C. trachomatis growth in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Ren
- Dermatology and Venereology Department, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Yuanli Guo
- Dermatology Department, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin 300121, P.R. China
| | - Lili Shao
- Dermatology and Venereology Department, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Yuanjun Liu
- Dermatology and Venereology Department, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Quanzhong Liu
- Dermatology and Venereology Department, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Patton DL, Sweeney YC, Baldessari AE, Cles L, Kari L, Sturdevant GL, Yang C, Caldwell HD. The Chlamydia trachomatis Plasmid and CT135 Virulence Factors Are Not Essential for Genital Tract Infection or Pathology in Female Pig-Tailed Macaques. Infect Immun 2018; 86:e00121-18. [PMID: 29463617 PMCID: PMC5913843 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00121-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Chlamydia trachomatis plasmid and inclusion membrane protein CT135 are virulence factors in the pathogenesis of murine female genital tract infection. To determine if these virulence factors play a similar role in female nonhuman primates, we infected pig-tailed macaques with the same C. trachomatis strains shown to be important in the murine model. Wild-type C. trachomatis and its isogenic mutant strain deficient in both plasmid and CT135 were used to infect macaques. Macaques were given primary and repeated cervicovaginal challenges with the wild-type and mutant strains. The infection rate, infection duration, and antibody response were similar among macaques infected with both strains. Unexpectedly, colposcopy, laparoscopy, and histologic analysis revealed no substantial genital tract pathology following either primary or repeated cervicovaginal challenges. Cytokine analysis of cervicovaginal secretions from both challenged groups revealed low concentrations of interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and elevated levels of the interleukin 1 receptor agonist (IL-1RA). We propose that an imbalance of IL-1β and IL-1RA in macaques is the reason for the mild inflammatory responses observed in infected urogenital tissues. Thus, understanding the pathobiology of chlamydial infection requires a better understanding of host epigenetic and chlamydial genetic factors. Our findings also have implications for understanding the high frequency of asymptomatic infections in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy L Patton
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Yvonne C Sweeney
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Audrey E Baldessari
- Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Linda Cles
- Chlamydia Reference Laboratory, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Laszlo Kari
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Gail L Sturdevant
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Chunfu Yang
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Harlan D Caldwell
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Luo ZZ, Li W, Wu QH, Zhang L, Tian LS, Liu LL, Ding Y, Yuan J, Chen ZW, Lan LN, Wu XB, Cai YM, Hong FC, Feng TJ, Zhang M, Chen XS. Population-based study of chlamydial and gonococcal infections among women in Shenzhen, China: Implications for programme planning. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0196516. [PMID: 29715319 PMCID: PMC5929501 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0196516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
This study was aimed to estimate the prevalences of chlamydia (CT) and gonococcal (NG) infections and explore risk factors associated with the CT infection among women in Shenzhen, China. We collected socio-demographic and clinical data from women (aged 20–60) and determined positivity of CT or NG by nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) with self-collected urine specimens. We estimated prevalence of CT and NG and determined risk factors associated with CT infection. Among 9,207 participants, 4.12% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.71%-4.53%) tested positive for CT and 0.17% (95% CIs, 0.09%-0.25%) for NG. Factors significantly associated with CT infection included being an ethnic minority (ethnicity other than Han China) (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.9; 95% CI, 1.2–3.0), using methods other than condom for contraception (AOR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.2–1.8), having a history of adverse pregnancy outcomes (AOR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1–1.8), and experiencing reproductive tract symptoms in the past three months (AOR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.0–1.7). we found that CT infection is prevalent among women in Shenzhen, China and associated with both demographic and behavioral factors. A comprehensive CT screening, surveillance and treatment programme targeting this population is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Zhou Luo
- Shenzhen Nanshan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wu Li
- Shenzhen Nanshan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qiu-Hong Wu
- Shenzhen Nanshan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Shenzhen Nanshan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Li-Shan Tian
- Shenzhen Nanshan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lan-Lan Liu
- Shenzhen Nanshan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yi Ding
- Shenzhen Nanshan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jun Yuan
- Shenzhen Nanshan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhong-Wei Chen
- Shenzhen Nanshan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Li-Na Lan
- Shenzhen Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiao-Bing Wu
- Shenzhen Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yu-Mao Cai
- Shenzhen Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Fu-Chang Hong
- Shenzhen Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tie-Jian Feng
- Shenzhen Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Shenzhen Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
- * E-mail: (MZ); (XSC)
| | - Xiang-Sheng Chen
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Institute of Dermatology, Nanjing, China
- National Center for STD Control, Nanjing, China
- * E-mail: (MZ); (XSC)
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Ziklo N, Vidgen ME, Taing K, Huston WM, Timms P. Dysbiosis of the Vaginal Microbiota and Higher Vaginal Kynurenine/Tryptophan Ratio Reveals an Association with Chlamydia trachomatis Genital Infections. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018; 8:1. [PMID: 29404279 PMCID: PMC5778109 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The natural course of Chlamydia trachomatis urogenital tract infections varies between individuals. While protective immunity can occur, some women can become reinfected, contributing to the development of severe pathology. While the reasons for these differences are unknown, an individual's response to induced interferon-γ (IFN-γ) is suggested to be critical. IFN-γ induction of the enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, which depletes tryptophan, may be the key. One hypothesis suggests that indole-producing bacteria in the vaginal microbiota can provide a substrate for the Chlamydia to synthesize tryptophan, rescuing the Chlamydia from host IFN-γ attack. We studied a cohort of 25 women who were either, Chlamydia negative, Chlamydia positive with a single infection, or Chlamydia positive with repeated infection, to test our hypothesis. We characterized their vaginal microbiota, cytokine response, as well as their tryptophan, kynurenine and indole concentrations directly in vaginal secretions. We found that C. trachomatis urogenital tract infections either initial or repeat infections, were associated with elevated vaginal kynurenine/tryptophan ratios, primarily as a result of elevated kynurenine levels. In addition, vaginal microbiota of community state type (CST) IV showed significantly lower vaginal tryptophan levels compared to CST I and III, which might be related to a higher abundance of indole producers found within this group. Furthermore, we found a higher abundance of indole producers in women who cleared their Chlamydia infection post antibiotic treatment. This study demonstrates for the first time in vivo, the association between high vaginal kynurenine/tryptophan ratios and C. trachomatis infections. In addition, tryptophan depletion was associated with vaginal microbiota of CST IV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noa Ziklo
- Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
| | - Miranda E. Vidgen
- Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
| | - Kuong Taing
- Sexual Health and HIV Service, Clinic 87, Sunshine Coast, Nambour, QLD, Australia
| | - Wilhelmina M. Huston
- School of Life Sciences, Higher Education and Academic Practice, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter Timms
- Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Hafner LM, Timms P. Development of a Chlamydia trachomatis vaccine for urogenital infections: novel tools and new strategies point to bright future prospects. Expert Rev Vaccines 2017; 17:57-69. [PMID: 29264970 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2018.1417044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The "cloaked" bacterial pathogen that is Chlamydia trachomatis continues to cause sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that adversely affect the health and well-being of children, adolescents and adults globally. The reproductive disease sequelae follow unresolved or untreated chronic or recurrent asymptomatic C.trachomatis infections of the lower female genital tract (FGT) and can include pelvic pain, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and ectopic pregnancy. Tubal Factor Infertility (TFI) can also occur since protective and long-term natural immunity to chlamydial infection is incomplete, allowing for ascension of the organism to the upper FGT. Developing countries including the WHO African (8.3 million cases) and South-East Asian regions (7.2 million cases) bear the highest burden of chlamydial STIs. AREAS COVERED Genetic advances for Chlamydia have provided tools for transformation (including dendrimer-enabled transformation), lateral gene transfer and chemical mutagenesis. Recent progress in these areas is reviewed with a focus on vaccine development for Chlamydia infections of the female genital tract. EXPERT COMMENTARY A vaccine that can elicit immuno-protective responses whilst avoiding adverse immuno-pathologic host responses is required. The current technological advances in chlamydial genetics and proteomics, as well as novel and improved adjuvants and delivery systems, provide new hope that the elusive chlamydial vaccine is an imminent and realistic goal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louise M Hafner
- a School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Faculty of Health , Queensland University of Technology , Brisbane , Australia
| | - Peter Timms
- b Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering , University of the Sunshine Coast , Maroochydore DC , Australia
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Chen Y, Chen J, Yang L, Jiang Y, Li L, Yi W, Lan L, Zhang L. Distribution of Chlamydia Trachomatis Genotypes in Infective Diseases of the Female Lower Genital Tract. Med Sci Monit 2017; 23:4477-4481. [PMID: 28918430 PMCID: PMC5614338 DOI: 10.12659/msm.902756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the distribution of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) genotypes in infective diseases of the female lower genital tract, especially in cervical diseases. This study included 128 CT-positive women. DNA was extracted from cervical swabs. Omp1 gene PCR-RFLP and sequencing were used to confirm the subtypes of CT. The association of subtypes with age, clinical symptoms, cervical cytology, and biopsy results was further analyzed. Omp1 gene PCR-RFLP and sequencing showed that the order of prevalent CT genotypes in the female lower genital tract was D (n=38, 29.69%), followed by E (n=28, 21.88%), G (n=21, 16.41%), and F (n=16,12.50%). Genotypes J, H, and K were comparatively rare. Genotype I was not identified in our samples. Further analysis showed that patients with genotype G were more frequently co-infected with other bacteria. Genotype G was also associated with mucopurulent cervicitis (MPC) and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Patients with genotype E were commonly co-infected with HR-HPV. Although genotype D was the most prevalent, it was a relatively low-risk type. These results provide information on distribution of CT genotypes in infective diseases of the female lower genital tract, which is instrumental to developing a vaccine for CT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Chen
- Department of Gynecology, The People's Hospital of Liuzhou, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China (mainland)
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Gynecology, The People's Hospital of Liuzhou, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China (mainland)
| | - Lan Yang
- Department of Gynecology, The People's Hospital of Liuzhou, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China (mainland)
| | - Yanming Jiang
- Department of Gynecology, The People's Hospital of Liuzhou, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China (mainland)
| | - Li Li
- Department of Gynecology, The People's Hospital of Liuzhou, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China (mainland)
| | - Wenjuan Yi
- Department of Gynecology, The People's Hospital of Liuzhou, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China (mainland)
| | - Lifang Lan
- Department of Gynecology, The People's Hospital of Liuzhou, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China (mainland)
| | - Liuhong Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, The People's Hospital of Liuzhou, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China (mainland)
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Li LX, Labuda JC, Imai DM, Griffey SM, McSorley SJ. CCR7 Deficiency Allows Accelerated Clearance of Chlamydia from the Female Reproductive Tract. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 199:2547-2554. [PMID: 28801359 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1601314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Immune mechanisms responsible for pathogen clearance from the female reproductive tract (FRT) are incompletely defined; in particular, the contribution of lymphocyte trafficking to this process is unclear. CCR7-deficient mice have profoundly altered lymphocyte recirculation and display ectopic formation of lymphocyte aggregates within mucosal nonlymphoid tissues, including the FRT. In this study, we investigated how altered lymphocyte distribution in CCR7-deficient mice would affect host responses to Chlamydia muridarum within the reproductive tract. As expected, CCR7-deficient mice exhibited reduced lymphocyte trafficking to lymph nodes and a corresponding increase in T cell populations within the FRT. After intravaginal infection with Chlamydia, CCR7-deficient mice displayed markedly reduced Ag-specific CD4 T cell responses within the local draining iliac lymph nodes, yet robust Th1 and Th17 responses were prominent in the FRT. In addition, Chlamydia-specific Ab responses were dysregulated in CCR7-deficient mice, displaying an unexpected increase in the systemic IgA responses. Importantly, prominent mucosal immune responses in CCR7-deficient mice increased the efficiency of bacteria clearance from the FRT while reducing tissue-associated inflammation and pathology. Thus, increased numbers of lymphocytes within the FRT result in pathogen clearance with reduced immune-mediated pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Xi Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205;
| | - Jasmine C Labuda
- Center for Comparative Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616; and
| | - Denise M Imai
- Comparative Pathology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Stephen M Griffey
- Comparative Pathology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Stephen J McSorley
- Center for Comparative Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616; and
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Unemo M, Bradshaw CS, Hocking JS, de Vries HJC, Francis SC, Mabey D, Marrazzo JM, Sonder GJB, Schwebke JR, Hoornenborg E, Peeling RW, Philip SS, Low N, Fairley CK. Sexually transmitted infections: challenges ahead. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2017; 17:e235-e279. [PMID: 28701272 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(17)30310-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 455] [Impact Index Per Article: 65.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Revised: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
WHO estimated that nearly 1 million people become infected every day with any of four curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs): chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis. Despite their high global incidence, STIs remain a neglected area of research. In this Commission, we have prioritised five areas that represent particular challenges in STI treatment and control. Chlamydia remains the most commonly diagnosed bacterial STI in high-income countries despite widespread testing recommendations, sensitive and specific non-invasive testing techniques, and cheap effective therapy. We discuss the challenges for chlamydia control and evidence to support a shift from the current focus on infection-based screening to improved management of diagnosed cases and of chlamydial morbidity, such as pelvic inflammatory disease. The emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae is globally recognised. We review current and potential future control and treatment strategies, with a focus on novel antimicrobials. Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal disorder in women, but current treatments are associated with frequent recurrence. Recurrence after treatment might relate to evidence that suggests sexual transmission is integral to the pathogenesis of bacterial vaginosis, which has substantial implications for the development of effective management approaches. STIs disproportionately affect low-income and middle-income countries. We review strategies for case management, focusing on point-of-care tests that hold considerable potential for improving STI control. Lastly, STIs in men who have sex with men have increased since the late 1990s. We discuss the contribution of new biomedical HIV prevention strategies and risk compensation. Overall, this Commission aims to enhance the understanding of some of the key challenges facing the field of STIs, and outlines new approaches to improve the clinical management of STIs and public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magnus Unemo
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and Other Sexually Transmitted Infections, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Catriona S Bradshaw
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jane S Hocking
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Henry J C de Vries
- STI Outpatient Clinic, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Dermatology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Suzanna C Francis
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - David Mabey
- Clinical Research Unit, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jeanne M Marrazzo
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Gerard J B Sonder
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jane R Schwebke
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Elske Hoornenborg
- STI Outpatient Clinic, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rosanna W Peeling
- Clinical Research Unit, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Susan S Philip
- Disease Prevention and Control Population Health Division, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nicola Low
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
He W, Felderman M, Evans AC, Geng J, Homan D, Bourguet F, Fischer NO, Li Y, Lam KS, Noy A, Xing L, Cheng RH, Rasley A, Blanchette CD, Kamrud K, Wang N, Gouvis H, Peterson TC, Hubby B, Coleman MA. Cell-free production of a functional oligomeric form of a Chlamydia major outer-membrane protein (MOMP) for vaccine development. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:15121-15132. [PMID: 28739800 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.784561] [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: 03/03/2017] [Revised: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia is a prevalent sexually transmitted disease that infects more than 100 million people worldwide. Although most individuals infected with Chlamydia trachomatis are initially asymptomatic, symptoms can arise if left undiagnosed. Long-term infection can result in debilitating conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and blindness. Chlamydia infection, therefore, constitutes a significant public health threat, underscoring the need for a Chlamydia-specific vaccine. Chlamydia strains express a major outer-membrane protein (MOMP) that has been shown to be an effective vaccine antigen. However, approaches to produce a functional recombinant MOMP protein for vaccine development are limited by poor solubility, low yield, and protein misfolding. Here, we used an Escherichia coli-based cell-free system to express a MOMP protein from the mouse-specific species Chlamydia muridarum (MoPn-MOMP or mMOMP). The codon-optimized mMOMP gene was co-translated with Δ49apolipoprotein A1 (Δ49ApoA1), a truncated version of mouse ApoA1 in which the N-terminal 49 amino acids were removed. This co-translation process produced mMOMP supported within a telodendrimer nanolipoprotein particle (mMOMP-tNLP). The cell-free expressed mMOMP-tNLPs contain mMOMP multimers similar to the native MOMP protein. This cell-free process produced on average 1.5 mg of purified, water-soluble mMOMP-tNLP complex in a 1-ml cell-free reaction. The mMOMP-tNLP particle also accommodated the co-localization of CpG oligodeoxynucleotide 1826, a single-stranded synthetic DNA adjuvant, eliciting an enhanced humoral immune response in vaccinated mice. Using our mMOMP-tNLP formulation, we demonstrate a unique approach to solubilizing and administering membrane-bound proteins for future vaccine development. This method can be applied to other previously difficult-to-obtain antigens while maintaining full functionality and immunogenicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei He
- From the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550
| | | | - Angela C Evans
- From the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550
| | - Jia Geng
- From the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550.,School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, California 95343
| | - David Homan
- From the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550
| | - Feliza Bourguet
- From the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550
| | - Nicholas O Fischer
- From the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550
| | - Yuanpei Li
- the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine and
| | - Kit S Lam
- the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine and
| | - Aleksandr Noy
- From the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550.,School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, California 95343
| | - Li Xing
- the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, California 95618
| | - R Holland Cheng
- the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, California 95618
| | - Amy Rasley
- From the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550
| | - Craig D Blanchette
- From the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550
| | - Kurt Kamrud
- Synthetic Genomics Vaccine Inc., La Jolla, California 92037
| | - Nathaniel Wang
- Synthetic Genomics Vaccine Inc., La Jolla, California 92037
| | - Heather Gouvis
- Synthetic Genomics Vaccine Inc., La Jolla, California 92037
| | | | - Bolyn Hubby
- Synthetic Genomics Vaccine Inc., La Jolla, California 92037
| | - Matthew A Coleman
- From the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550, .,Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California 95817, and
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Schulze K, Ebensen T, Riese P, Prochnow B, Lehr CM, Guzmán CA. New Horizons in the Development of Novel Needle-Free Immunization Strategies to Increase Vaccination Efficacy. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2017; 398:207-234. [PMID: 27370343 DOI: 10.1007/82_2016_495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The young twenty-first century has already brought several medical advances, such as a functional artificial human liver created from stem cells, improved antiviral (e.g., against HIV) and cancer (e.g., against breast cancer) therapies, interventions controlling cardiovascular diseases, and development of new and optimized vaccines (e.g., HPV vaccine). However, despite this substantial progress and the achievements of the last century, humans still suffer considerably from diseases, especially from infectious diseases. Thus, almost one-fourth of all deaths worldwide are caused directly or indirectly by infectious agents. Although vaccination has led to the control of many diseases, including smallpox, diphtheria, and tetanus, emerging diseases are still not completely contained. Furthermore, pathogens such as Bordetella pertussis undergo alterations making adaptation of the respective vaccine necessary. Moreover, insufficient implementation of vaccination campaigns leads to re-emergence of diseases which were believed to be already under control (e.g., poliomyelitis). Therefore, novel vaccination strategies need to be developed in order to meet the current challenges including lack of compliance, safety issues, and logistic constraints. In this context, mucosal and transdermal approaches constitute promising noninvasive vaccination strategies able to match these demands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai Schulze
- Department of Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - Thomas Ebensen
- Department of Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - Peggy Riese
- Department of Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Blair Prochnow
- Department of Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Claus-Michael Lehr
- Department of Drug Delivery, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Braunschweig, Germany.,Department of Pharmacy, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Carlos A Guzmán
- Department of Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Feldkamp ML, Ward DM, Pysher TJ, Chambers CT. Chlamydia trachomatis Is Responsible for Lipid Vacuolation in the Amniotic Epithelium of Fetal Gastroschisis. Birth Defects Res 2017. [PMID: 28635162 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vacuolated amniotic epithelium with lipid droplets in gastroschisis placentas is an unusual finding. Mass spectrometry of lipid droplets identified triglycerides, ester-linked to an unusual pattern of fatty acids. We hypothesize that these findings result from a Chlamydia trachomatis infection during the periconceptional period. The rising incidence of chlamydia infections has paralleled the increasing prevalence of gastroschisis among women less than 25 years of age. Histologically, young women are at greatest risk for a chlamydia infection due to their immature columnar epithelium, the preferential site for attachment of Chlamydia trachomatis infectious particle (elementary body). METHODS Chlamydia trachomatis survive in an inclusion, relying on its host to acquire essential nutrients, amino acids, and nucleotides for survival and replication. If essential nutrients are not available, the bacteria cannot replicate and may be trafficked to the lysosome for degradation or remain quiescent, within the inclusion, subverting innate immunologic clearance. RESULTS Chlamydiae synthesize several lipids (phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, and phosphoatidylglycerol); however, their lipid content reveal eukaryotic lipids (sphingomyelin, cholesterol, phosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylinositol), evidence that chlamydiae "hijack" host lipids for expansion and replication. CONCLUSION The abnormal amniotic epithelial findings are supported by experimental evidence of the trafficking of host lipids into the chlamydiae inclusion. If not lethal, what harm will elementary bodies inflict to the developing embryo? Do these women have a greater pro-inflammatory response to an environmental exposure, whether cigarette smoking, change in partner, or a pathogen? Testing the hypothesis that Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for amniotic epithelium vacuoles will be a critical first step. Birth Defects Research 109:1003-1010, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcia L Feldkamp
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Diane M Ward
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Theodore J Pysher
- Division of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Christina T Chambers
- Division of Dysmorphology and Teratology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Ryans K, Omosun Y, McKeithen DN, Simoneaux T, Mills CC, Bowen N, Eko FO, Black CM, Igietseme JU, He Q. The immunoregulatory role of alpha enolase in dendritic cell function during Chlamydia infection. BMC Immunol 2017; 18:27. [PMID: 28525970 PMCID: PMC5437423 DOI: 10.1186/s12865-017-0212-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We have previously reported that interleukin-10 (IL-10) deficient dendritic cells (DCs) are potent antigen presenting cells that induced elevated protective immunity against Chlamydia. To further investigate the molecular and biochemical mechanism underlying the superior immunostimulatory property of IL-10 deficient DCs we performed proteomic analysis on protein profiles from Chlamydia-pulsed wild-type (WT) and IL-10−/− DCs to identify differentially expressed proteins with immunomodulatory properties. Results The results showed that alpha enolase (ENO1), a metabolic enzyme involved in the last step of glycolysis was significantly upregulated in Chlamydia-pulsed IL-10−/− DCs compared to WT DCs. We further studied the immunoregulatory role of ENO1 in DC function by generating ENO1 knockdown DCs, using lentiviral siRNA technology. We analyzed the effect of the ENO1 knockdown on DC functions after pulsing with Chlamydia. Pyruvate assay, transmission electron microscopy, flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, cytokine, T-cell activation and adoptive transfer assays were also used to study DC function. The results showed that ENO1 knockdown DCs had impaired maturation and activation, with significant decrease in intracellular pyruvate concentration as compared with the Chlamydia-pulsed WT DCs. Adoptive transfer of Chlamydia-pulsed ENO1 knockdown DCs were poorly immunogenic in vitro and in vivo, especially the ability to induce protective immunity against genital chlamydia infection. The marked remodeling of the mitochondrial morphology of Chlamydia-pulsed ENO1 knockdown DCs compared to the Chlamydia-pulsed WT DCs was associated with the dysregulation of translocase of the outer membrane (TOM) 20 and adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT) 1/2/3/4 that regulate mitochondrial permeability. The results suggest that an enhanced glycolysis is required for efficient antigen processing and presentation by DCs to induce a robust immune response. Conclusions The upregulation of ENO1 contributes to the superior immunostimulatory function of IL-10 deficient DCs. Our studies indicated that ENO1 deficiency causes the reduced production of pyruvate, which then contributes to a dysfunction in mitochondrial homeostasis that may affect DC survival, maturation and antigen presenting properties. Modulation of ENO1 thus provides a potentially effective strategy to boost DC function and promote immunity against infectious and non-infectious diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khamia Ryans
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Drive S.W., Atlanta, GA, 30310, USA.,Department of Biology, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA, 30314, USA
| | - Yusuf Omosun
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Drive S.W., Atlanta, GA, 30310, USA.
| | - Danielle N McKeithen
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Drive S.W., Atlanta, GA, 30310, USA.,Department of Biology, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA, 30314, USA
| | - Tankya Simoneaux
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Drive S.W., Atlanta, GA, 30310, USA
| | - Camilla C Mills
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Drive S.W., Atlanta, GA, 30310, USA
| | - Nathan Bowen
- Department of Biology, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA, 30314, USA
| | - Francis O Eko
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Drive S.W., Atlanta, GA, 30310, USA
| | - Carolyn M Black
- Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
| | - Joseph U Igietseme
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Drive S.W., Atlanta, GA, 30310, USA.,Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
| | - Qing He
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Drive S.W., Atlanta, GA, 30310, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Lactobacillus plantarum producing a Chlamydia trachomatis antigen induces a specific IgA response after mucosal booster immunization. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0176401. [PMID: 28467432 PMCID: PMC5415134 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Mucosal immunity is important for the protection against a wide variety of pathogens. Traditional vaccines administered via parenteral routes induce strong systemic immunity, but they often fail to generate mucosal IgA. In contrast, bacteria-based vaccines comprise an appealing strategy for antigen delivery to mucosal sites. Vaginal infection with Chlamydia trachomatis can develop into upper genital tract infections that can lead to infertility. Therefore, the development of an effective vaccine against Chlamydia is a high priority. In the present study, we have explored the use of a common lactic acid bacterium, Lactobacillus plantarum, as a vector for delivery of a C. trachomatis antigen to mucosal sites. The antigen, referred as Hirep2 (H2), was anchored to the surface of L. plantarum cells using an N-terminal lipoprotein anchor. After characterization, the constructed strain was used as an immunogenic agent in mice. We explored a heterologous prime-boost strategy, consisting of subcutaneous priming with soluble H2 antigen co-administered with CAF01 adjuvant, followed by an intranasal boost with H2-displaying L. plantarum. The results show that, when used as a booster, the recombinant L. plantarum strain was able to evoke cellular responses. Most importantly, booster immunization with the Lactobacillus-based vaccine induced generation of antigen-specific IgA in the vaginal cavity.
Collapse
|
32
|
Chlamydia trachomatis Cellular Exit Alters Interactions with Host Dendritic Cells. Infect Immun 2017; 85:IAI.00046-17. [PMID: 28223346 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00046-17] [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: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The strategies utilized by pathogens to exit host cells are an area of pathogenesis which has received surprisingly little attention, considering the necessity of this step for infections to propagate. Even less is known about how exit through these pathways affects downstream host-pathogen interactions and the generation of an immune response. Chlamydia trachomatis exits host epithelial cells through two equally active mechanisms: lysis and extrusion. Studies have characterized the outcome of interactions between host innate immune cells, such as dendritic cells and macrophages, and free, extracellular Chlamydia bacteria, such as those resulting from lysis. Exit via extrusion generates a distinct, host-membrane-bound compartment of Chlamydia separate from the original infected cell. In this study, we assessed the effect of containment within extrusions upon the interaction between Chlamydia and host dendritic cells. Extrusion dramatically affected the outcome of Chlamydia-dendritic cell interactions for both the bacterium and the host cell. Dendritic cells rapidly underwent apoptosis in response to engulfment of an extrusion, while uptake of an equivalent dose of free Chlamydia had no such effect. Containment within an extrusion also prolonged bacterial survival within dendritic cells and altered the initial innate immune signaling by the dendritic cell.
Collapse
|
33
|
Müller T, Becker E, Stallmann S, Waldhuber A, Römmler-Dreher F, Albrecht S, Mohr F, Hegemann JH, Miethke T. Vaccination with the polymorphic membrane protein A reduces Chlamydia muridarum induced genital tract pathology. Vaccine 2017; 35:2801-2810. [PMID: 28413133 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis serovars D-K are one of the most frequent causes of sexually transmitted infections of the female genital tract, with possible complications such as hydrosalpinx, pelvic inflammatory disease, extra-uterine gravidity or infertility. We used the murine genital tract infection model with C. muridarum for vaccination studies and found that more than 70% of the infected mice suffered from uterus dilatations and/or hydrosalpinx. Systemic consequences of the vaginal infection were apparent by splenomegaly ten to fifteen days post infection. While cultivable microorganisms were detectable for the first 23days post infection, the first lesions of the genital tract developed at day 15, however, many lesions occurred later in the absence of cultivable bacteria. Lesions were not accompanied by pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IFNɣ, TNF and IL-6, since these cytokines were almost undetectable in the genital tract 43days post infection. To prevent genital tract lesions, we vaccinated mice with the polymorphic membrane protein (Pmp) A in combination with CpG-ODN 1826 as adjuvant. The vaccine lowered the chlamydial burden and the differences were significant at day 10 post infection but not later. More importantly the vaccine decreased the rate and severity of genital tract lesions. Interestingly, control vaccination with the protein ovalbumin plus CpG-ODN 1826 enhanced significantly the severity but not the rate of pathologic lesions, which was presumably caused by the activation of innate immune responses by the adjuvant in the absence of a C. muridarum-specific adaptive immune response. In summary, vaccination with recombinant PmpA plus CpG-ODN 1826 significantly reduced C. muridarum-induced tissue damage, however, CpG-ODN 1826 may aggravate C. muridarum-induced tissue injuries in the absence of a protective antigen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tina Müller
- Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene, Technische Universität München, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 München, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Becker
- Funktionelle Genomforschung der Mikroorganismen, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraβe 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sonja Stallmann
- Funktionelle Genomforschung der Mikroorganismen, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraβe 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Anna Waldhuber
- Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene, Technische Universität München, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 München, Germany
| | - Franziska Römmler-Dreher
- Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene, Technische Universität München, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 München, Germany
| | - Simone Albrecht
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Medical Faculty of Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Fabian Mohr
- Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene, Technische Universität München, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 München, Germany
| | - Johannes H Hegemann
- Funktionelle Genomforschung der Mikroorganismen, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraβe 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Thomas Miethke
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Medical Faculty of Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Chlamydia trachomatis Pgp3 Antibody Population Seroprevalence before and during an Era of Widespread Opportunistic Chlamydia Screening in England (1994-2012). PLoS One 2017; 12:e0152810. [PMID: 28129328 PMCID: PMC5271337 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Opportunistic chlamydia screening of <25 year-olds was nationally-implemented in England in 2008 but its impact on chlamydia transmission is poorly understood. We undertook a population-based seroprevalence study to explore the impact of screening on cumulative incidence of chlamydia, as measured by C.trachomatis-specific antibody. Methods Anonymised sera from participants in the nationally-representative Health Surveys for England (HSE) were tested for C.trachomatis antibodies using two novel Pgp3 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) as a marker of past infection. Determinants of being seropositive were explored using logistic regression among 16–44 year-old women and men in 2010 and 2012 (years when sexual behaviour questions were included in the survey) (n = 1,402 women; 1,119 men). Seroprevalence trends among 16–24 year-old women (n = 3,361) were investigated over ten time points from 1994–2012. Results In HSE2010/2012, Pgp3 seroprevalence among 16–44 year-olds was 24.4% (95%CI 22.0–27.1) in women and 13.9% (11.8–16.2) in men. Seroprevalence increased with age (up to 33.5% [27.5–40.2] in 30–34 year-old women, 18.7% [13.4–25.6] in 35–39 year-old men); years since first sex; number of lifetime sexual partners; and younger age at first sex. 76.7% of seropositive 16–24 year-olds had never been diagnosed with chlamydia. Among 16–24 year-old women, a non-significant decline in seroprevalence was observed from 2008–2012 (prevalence ratio per year: 0.94 [0.84–1.05]). Conclusion Our application of Pgp3 ELISAs demonstrates a high lifetime risk of chlamydia infection among women and a large proportion of undiagnosed infections. A decrease in age-specific cumulative incidence following national implementation of opportunistic chlamydia screening has not yet been demonstrated. We propose these assays be used to assess impact of chlamydia control programmes.
Collapse
|
35
|
Novel Detection Strategy To Rapidly Evaluate the Efficacy of Antichlamydial Agents. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2017; 61:AAC.02202-16. [PMID: 27855081 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02202-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 11/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis infections present a major heath burden worldwide. The conventional method used to detect C. trachomatis is laborious. In the present study, a novel strategy was utilized to evaluate the impact of antimicrobial agents on the growth of C. trachomatis and its expression of ompA promoter-driven green fluorescence protein (GFP). We demonstrate that this GFP reporter system gives a robust fluorescent display of C. trachomatis growth in human cervical epithelial cells and, further, that GFP production directly correlates to changes in ompA expression following sufficient exposure to antimicrobials. Validation with azithromycin, the first-line macrolide drug used for the treatment of C. trachomatis infection, highlights the advantages of this method over the traditional method because of its simplicity and versatility. The results indicate both that ompA is highly responsive to antimicrobials targeting the transcription and translation of C. trachomatis and that there is a correlation between changing GFP levels and C. trachomatis growth. This proof-of-concept study also reveals that the ompA-GFP system can be easily adapted to rapidly assess antimicrobial effectiveness in a high-throughput format.
Collapse
|
36
|
Farhadi T, Ranjbar MM. Designing and modeling of complex DNA vaccine based on MOMP of Chlamydia trachomatis: an in silico approach. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s13721-016-0142-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
37
|
Zuck M, Ellis T, Venida A, Hybiske K. Extrusions are phagocytosed and promote Chlamydia survival within macrophages. Cell Microbiol 2016; 19. [PMID: 27739160 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Revised: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The precise strategies that intracellular pathogens use to exit host cells have a direct impact on their ability to disseminate within a host, transmit to new hosts, and engage or avoid immune responses. The obligate intracellular bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis exits the host cell by two distinct exit strategies, lysis and extrusion. The defining characteristics of extrusions, and advantages gained by Chlamydia within this unique double-membrane structure, are not well understood. Here, we define extrusions as being largely devoid of host organelles, comprised mostly of Chlamydia elementary bodies, and containing phosphatidylserine on the outer surface of the extrusion membrane. Extrusions also served as transient, intracellular-like niches for enhanced Chlamydia survival outside the host cell. In addition to enhanced extracellular survival, we report the key discovery that chlamydial extrusions are phagocytosed by primary bone marrow-derived macrophages, after which they provide a protective microenvironment for Chlamydia. Extrusion-derived Chlamydia staved off macrophage-based killing and culminated in the release of infectious elementary bodies from the macrophage. Based on these findings, we propose a model in which C. trachomatis extrusions serve as "trojan horses" for bacteria, by exploiting macrophages as vehicles for dissemination, immune evasion, and potentially transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Zuck
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Tisha Ellis
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Anthony Venida
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Kevin Hybiske
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Maisey K, Montero R, Christodoulides M. Vaccines for piscirickettsiosis (salmonid rickettsial septicaemia, SRS): the Chile perspective. Expert Rev Vaccines 2016; 16:215-228. [DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2017.1244483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Maisey
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Comparativa, Centro de Biotecnología Acuícola (CBA), Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ruth Montero
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Comparativa, Centro de Biotecnología Acuícola (CBA), Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Myron Christodoulides
- Neisseria Research, Molecular Microbiology, Academic Unit of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Sir Henry Wellcome Laboratories, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Inic-Kanada A, Stojanovic M, Marinkovic E, Becker E, Stein E, Lukic I, Djokic R, Schuerer N, Hegemann JH, Barisani-Asenbauer T. A Probiotic Adjuvant Lactobacillus rhamnosus Enhances Specific Immune Responses after Ocular Mucosal Immunization with Chlamydial Polymorphic Membrane Protein C. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0157875. [PMID: 27636704 PMCID: PMC5026373 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in the development of chlamydia vaccines, using live-attenuated or ultraviolet light-inactivated chlamydia, are paving the way for new possibilities to oppose the societal challenges posed by chlamydia-related diseases, such as blinding trachoma. An effective subunit vaccine would mitigate the risks associated with the use of a whole-cell vaccine. Our rationale for the design of an efficient subunit vaccine against Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) is based on the membrane proteins involved in the initial Ct-host cell contact and on the route of immunization that mimics the natural infection process (i.e., via the ocular mucosa). The first aim of our study was to characterize the specific conjunctival and vaginal immune responses following eye drop immunization in BALB/c mice, using the N-terminal portion of the Ct serovar E polymorphic membrane protein C (N-PmpC) as the subunit vaccine antigen. Second, we aimed to examine the adjuvant properties of the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LB) when formulated with N-PmpC. N-PmpC applied alone stimulated the production of N-PmpC- and Ct serovar B-specific antibodies in serum, tears and vaginal washes, whereas the combination with LB significantly enhanced these responses. The N-PmpC/LB combination initiated a T cell response characterized by an elevated percentage of CD25+ T cells and CD8+ effector T cells, enhanced CD4+ T-helper 1 skewing, and increased regulatory T cell responses. Together, these results show that eye drop vaccination with combined use of N-PmpC and a live probiotic LB stimulates specific cellular and humoral immune responses, not only locally in the conjunctiva but also in the vaginal mucosa, which could be a promising approach in Ct vaccine development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Inic-Kanada
- OCUVAC – Center of Ocular Inflammation and Infection, Laura Bassi Centres of Expertise, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marijana Stojanovic
- Department of Research and Development, Institute of Virology, Vaccines and Sera – TORLAK, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Emilija Marinkovic
- Department of Research and Development, Institute of Virology, Vaccines and Sera – TORLAK, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Elisabeth Becker
- Institut für Funktionelle Genomforschung der Mikroorganismen, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, Gebäude 25.02.U1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Stein
- OCUVAC – Center of Ocular Inflammation and Infection, Laura Bassi Centres of Expertise, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ivana Lukic
- Department of Research and Development, Institute of Virology, Vaccines and Sera – TORLAK, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Radmila Djokic
- Department of Research and Development, Institute of Virology, Vaccines and Sera – TORLAK, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nadine Schuerer
- OCUVAC – Center of Ocular Inflammation and Infection, Laura Bassi Centres of Expertise, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes H. Hegemann
- Institut für Funktionelle Genomforschung der Mikroorganismen, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, Gebäude 25.02.U1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Talin Barisani-Asenbauer
- OCUVAC – Center of Ocular Inflammation and Infection, Laura Bassi Centres of Expertise, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Bulir DC, Liang S, Lee A, Chong S, Simms E, Stone C, Kaushic C, Ashkar A, Mahony JB. Immunization with chlamydial type III secretion antigens reduces vaginal shedding and prevents fallopian tube pathology following live C. muridarum challenge. Vaccine 2016; 34:3979-85. [PMID: 27325352 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.06.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Revised: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis infections in women are often asymptomatic and if left untreated can lead to significant late sequelae including pelvic inflammatory disease and tubal factor infertility. Vaccine development efforts over the past three decades have been unproductive and there is no vaccine approved for use in humans. The existence of serologically distinct strains or serovars of C. trachomatis mandates a vaccine that will provide protection against multiple serovars. Chlamydia spp. use a highly conserved type III secretion system (T3SS) composed of both structural and effector proteins which is an essential virulence factor for infection and intracellular replication. In this study we evaluated a novel fusion protein antigen (BD584) which consists of three T3SS proteins from C. trachomatis (CopB, CopD, and CT584) as a potential chlamydial vaccine candidate. Intranasal immunization with BD584 elicited serum neutralizing antibodies that inhibited C. trachomatis infection in vitro. Following intravaginal challenge with C. muridarum, immunized mice had a 95% reduction in chlamydial shedding from the vagina at the peak of infection and cleared the infection sooner than control mice. Immunization with BD584 also reduced the rate of hydrosalpinx by 87.5% compared to control mice. Together, these results suggest that highly conserved proteins of the chlamydial T3SS may represent good candidates for a Chlamydia vaccine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David C Bulir
- M. G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, Canada; St. Joseph's Research Institute, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Steven Liang
- M. G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, Canada; St. Joseph's Research Institute, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amanda Lee
- St. Joseph's Research Institute, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sylvia Chong
- St. Joseph's Research Institute, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Simms
- St. Joseph's Research Institute, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher Stone
- St. Joseph's Research Institute, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Charu Kaushic
- M. G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, Canada; Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Canada
| | - Ali Ashkar
- M. G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, Canada; Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Canada
| | - James B Mahony
- M. G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, Canada; Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Canada; St. Joseph's Research Institute, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Rey-Ladino J, Ross AGP, Cripps AW. Immunity, immunopathology, and human vaccine development against sexually transmitted Chlamydia trachomatis. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2016; 10:2664-73. [PMID: 25483666 PMCID: PMC4977452 DOI: 10.4161/hv.29683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This review examines the immunity, immunopathology, and contemporary problems of vaccine development against sexually transmitted Chlamydia trachomatis. Despite improved surveillance and treatment initiatives, the incidence of C. trachomatis infection has increased dramatically over the past 30 years in both the developed and developing world. Studies in animal models have shown that protective immunity to C. trachomatis is largely mediated by Th1 T cells producing IFN-γ which is needed to prevent dissemination of infection. Similar protection appears to develop in humans but in contrast to mice, immunity in humans may take years to develop. Animal studies and evidence from human infection indicate that immunity to C. trachomatis is accompanied by significant pathology in the upper genital tract. Although no credible evidence is currently available to indicate that autoimmunity plays a role, nevertheless, this underscores the necessity to design vaccines strictly based on chlamydial-specific antigens and to avoid those displaying even minimal sequence homologies with host molecules. Current advances in C. trachomatis vaccine development as well as alternatives for designing new vaccines for this disease are discussed. A novel approach for chlamydia vaccine development, based on targeting endogenous dendritic cells, is described.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jose Rey-Ladino
- a Department of Microbiology and Immunology; School of Medicine ; Alfaisal University ; Riyadh , Saudi Arabia
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Why Don't We Have a Vaccine Against……….? Part 3. Bacteria, Too. INFECTIOUS DISEASES IN CLINICAL PRACTICE 2016. [DOI: 10.1097/ipc.0000000000000363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
43
|
Visan L, Sanchez V, Kania M, de Montfort A, de la Maza LM, Ausar SF. Phosphate substitution in an AlOOH - TLR4 adjuvant system (SPA08) modulates the immunogenicity of Serovar E MOMP from Chlamydia trachomatis. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2016; 12:2341-50. [PMID: 27104338 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2016.1168958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis is one of the most common sexually transmitted pathogens and the development of an effective vaccine is highly desirable. The Major Outer Membrane Protein (MOMP) is one of the most abundant and immunogenic chlamydial proteins. Here we investigated the effects of phosphate substitution on the physicochemical and immunochemical properties of an experimental vaccine composed of serovar E recombinant MOMP (rMOMP) and a proprietary adjuvant system SPA08, consisting of aluminum oxyhydroxide (AlOOH) containing the TLR4 agonist E6020. An increase in phosphate substitution in the AlOOH component of the adjuvant markedly decreased the adsorptive coefficient and adsorptive capacity for both Ser E rMOMP and E6020. In vaccine formulations used for immunizations, phosphate substitution induced a decrease in the % adsorption of Ser E rMOMP without affecting the % adsorption of E6020. Immunogenicity studies in CD1 mice showed that an increase in phosphate substitution of the SPA08 adjuvant resulted in an increase in Ser E rMOMP-specific serum total IgG and IgG1 but not IgG2a titers. The degree of phosphate substitution in SPA08 also significantly increased in vitro neutralization concomitant with a decrease in proinflammatory cytokines secreted by Ser E rMOMP-restimulated splenocytes. Taken together, the results of these studies suggest that the degree of phosphate substitution in AlOOH greatly affects the adsorption of E6020 and Ser E rMOMP to AlOOH resulting in significant effects on vaccine-induced cellular and humoral responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucian Visan
- a Research & Non Clinical Safety Department , Sanofi Pasteur , Marcy l'Etoile , France
| | - Violette Sanchez
- a Research & Non Clinical Safety Department , Sanofi Pasteur , Marcy l'Etoile , France
| | - Margaux Kania
- b Bioprocess Research and Development, Sanofi Pasteur , Toronto , ON , Canada
| | - Aymeric de Montfort
- a Research & Non Clinical Safety Department , Sanofi Pasteur , Marcy l'Etoile , France
| | - Luis M de la Maza
- c Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine , Medical Sciences I, University of California , Irvine , CA , USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Chlamydiaphage φCPG1 Capsid Protein Vp1 Inhibits Chlamydia trachomatis Growth via the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathway. Viruses 2016; 8:99. [PMID: 27089359 PMCID: PMC4848593 DOI: 10.3390/v8040099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2015] [Revised: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common cause of curable bacterial sexually transmitted infections worldwide. Although the pathogen is well established, the pathogenic mechanisms remain unclear. Given the current challenges of antibiotic resistance and blocked processes of vaccine development, the use of a specific chlamydiaphage may be a new treatment solution. φCPG1 is a lytic phage specific for Chlamydia caviae, and shows over 90% nucleotide sequence identity with other chlamydiaphages. Vp1 is the major capsid protein of φCPG1. Purified Vp1 was previously confirmed to inhibit Chlamydia trachomatis growth. We here report the first attempt at exploring the relationship between Vp1-treated C. trachomatis and the protein and gene levels of the mitogen-activated/extracellular regulated protein kinase (MAPK/ERK) pathway by Western blotting and real-time PCR, respectively. Moreover, we evaluated the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-1 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay after Vp1 treatment. After 48 h of incubation, the p-ERK level of the Vp1-treated group decreased compared with that of the Chlamydia infection group. Accordingly, ERK1 and ERK2 mRNA expression levels of the Vp1-treated group also decreased compared with the Chlamydia infection group. IL-8 and IL-1 levels were also decreased after Vp1 treatment compared with the untreated group. Our results demonstrate that the inhibition effect of the chlamydiaphage φCPG1 capsid protein Vp1 on C. trachomatis is associated with the MAPK pathway, and inhibits production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-8 and IL-1. The bacteriophages may provide insight into a new signaling transduction mechanism to influence their hosts, in addition to bacteriolysis.
Collapse
|
45
|
Wali S, Gupta R, Yu JJ, Mfuh A, Gao X, Guentzel MN, Chambers JP, Abu Bakar S, Zhong G, Arulanandam BP. Guinea pig genital tract lipidome reveals in vivo and in vitro regulation of phosphatidylcholine 16:0/18:1 and contribution to Chlamydia trachomatis serovar D infectivity. Metabolomics 2016; 12:74. [PMID: 27642272 PMCID: PMC5022361 DOI: 10.1007/s11306-016-0998-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct), is the leading cause of sexually transmitted infections worldwide. Host transcriptomic- or proteomic profiling studies have identified key molecules involved in establishment of Ct infection or the generation of anti Ct-immunity. However, the contribution of the host metabolome is not known. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to determine the contribution of host metabolites in genital Ct infection. METHODS We used high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and mapped lipid profiles in genital swabs obtained from female guinea pigs at days 3, 9, 15, 30 and 65 post Ct serovar D intravaginal infection. RESULTS Across all time points assessed, 13 distinct lipid species including choline, ethanolamine and glycerol were detected. Amongst these metabolites, phosphatidylcholine (PC) was the predominant phospholipid detected from animals actively shedding bacteria i.e., at 3, 9, and 15 days post infection. However, at days 30 and 65 when the animals had cleared the infection, PC was observed to be decreased compared to previous time points. Mass spectrometry analyses of PC produced in guinea pigs (in vivo) and 104C1 guinea pig cell line (in vitro) revealed distinct PC species following Ct D infection. Amongst these, PC 16:0/18:1 was significantly upregulated following Ct D infection (p < 0.05, >twofold change) in vivo and in vitro infection models investigated in this report. Exogenous addition of PC 16:0/18:1 resulted in significant increase in Ct D in Hela 229 cells. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates a role for host metabolite, PC 16:0/18:1 in regulating genital Ct infection in vivo and in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shradha Wali
- South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases and Center for Excellence in Infection Genomics, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Rishein Gupta
- South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases and Center for Excellence in Infection Genomics, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Jieh-Juen Yu
- South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases and Center for Excellence in Infection Genomics, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Adelphe Mfuh
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Xiaoli Gao
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - M. Neal Guentzel
- South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases and Center for Excellence in Infection Genomics, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - James P. Chambers
- South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases and Center for Excellence in Infection Genomics, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Sazaly Abu Bakar
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Lembah Pantai Kuala Lumpur, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Guangming Zhong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7702 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Bernard P. Arulanandam
- South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases and Center for Excellence in Infection Genomics, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Owusu-Edusei K, Chesson HW, Gift TL, Brunham RC, Bolan G. Cost-effectiveness of Chlamydia vaccination programs for young women. Emerg Infect Dis 2015; 21:960-8. [PMID: 25989525 PMCID: PMC4451885 DOI: 10.3201/eid2106.141270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A successful vaccine could be a cost-effective addition to current screening practices. We explored potential cost-effectiveness of a chlamydia vaccine for young women in the United States by using a compartmental heterosexual transmission model. We tracked health outcomes (acute infections and sequelae measured in quality-adjusted life-years [QALYs]) and determined incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) over a 50-year analytic horizon. We assessed vaccination of 14-year-old girls and catch-up vaccination for 15–24-year-old women in the context of an existing chlamydia screening program and assumed 2 prevaccination prevalences of 3.2% by main analysis and 3.7% by additional analysis. Estimated ICERs of vaccinating 14-year-old girls were $35,300/QALY by main analysis and $16,200/QALY by additional analysis compared with only screening. Catch-up vaccination for 15–24-year-old women resulted in estimated ICERs of $53,200/QALY by main analysis and $26,300/QALY by additional analysis. The ICER was most sensitive to prevaccination prevalence for women, followed by cost of vaccination, duration of vaccine-conferred immunity, and vaccine efficacy. Our results suggest that a successful chlamydia vaccine could be cost-effective.
Collapse
|
47
|
Lorenzen E, Follmann F, Bøje S, Erneholm K, Olsen AW, Agerholm JS, Jungersen G, Andersen P. Intramuscular Priming and Intranasal Boosting Induce Strong Genital Immunity Through Secretory IgA in Minipigs Infected with Chlamydia trachomatis. Front Immunol 2015; 6:628. [PMID: 26734002 PMCID: PMC4679855 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
International efforts in developing a vaccine against Chlamydia trachomatis have highlighted the need for novel immunization strategies for the induction of genital immunity. In this study, we evaluated an intramuscular (IM) prime/intranasal boost vaccination strategy in a Göttingen Minipig model with a reproductive system very similar to humans. The vaccine was composed of C. trachomatis subunit antigens formulated in the Th1/Th17 promoting CAF01 adjuvant. IM priming immunizations with CAF01 induced a significant cell-mediated interferon gamma and interleukin 17A response and a significant systemic high-titered neutralizing IgG response. Following genital challenge, intranasally boosted groups mounted an accelerated, highly significant genital IgA response that correlated with enhanced bacterial clearance on day 3 post infection. By detecting antigen-specific secretory component (SC), we showed that the genital IgA was locally produced in the genital mucosa. The highly significant inverse correlation between the vaginal IgA SC response and the chlamydial load suggests that IgA in the minipig model is involved in protection against C. trachomatis. This is important both for our understanding of protective immunity and future vaccination strategies against C. trachomatis and genital pathogens in general.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Lorenzen
- Section for Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Large Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Infectious Disease Immunology, Chlamydia Vaccine Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Frank Follmann
- Department of Infectious Disease Immunology, Chlamydia Vaccine Research, Statens Serum Institut , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Sarah Bøje
- Section for Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Large Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Infectious Disease Immunology, Chlamydia Vaccine Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Karin Erneholm
- Section for Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Large Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Infectious Disease Immunology, Chlamydia Vaccine Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anja Weinreich Olsen
- Department of Infectious Disease Immunology, Chlamydia Vaccine Research, Statens Serum Institut , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Jørgen Steen Agerholm
- Section for Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Large Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Gregers Jungersen
- Section for Immunology and Vaccinology, National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Peter Andersen
- Department of Infectious Disease Immunology, Chlamydia Vaccine Research, Statens Serum Institut , Copenhagen , Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Dutow P, Wask L, Bothe M, Fehlhaber B, Laudeley R, Rheinheimer C, Yang Z, Zhong G, Glage S, Klos A. An optimized, fast-to-perform mouse lung infection model with the human pathogenChlamydia trachomatisforin vivoscreening of antibiotics, vaccine candidates and modified host–pathogen interactions. Pathog Dis 2015; 74:ftv120. [DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftv120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
49
|
Achkar JM, Chan J, Casadevall A. B cells and antibodies in the defense against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Immunol Rev 2015; 264:167-81. [PMID: 25703559 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Better understanding of the immunological components and their interactions necessary to prevent or control Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection in humans is critical for tuberculosis (TB) vaccine development strategies. Although the contributory role of humoral immunity in the protection against Mtb infection and disease is less defined than the role of T cells, it has been well-established for many other intracellular pathogens. Here we update and discuss the increasing evidence and the mechanisms of B cells and antibodies in the defense against Mtb infection. We posit that B cells and antibodies have a variety of potential protective roles at each stage of Mtb infection and postulate that such roles should be considered in the development strategies for TB vaccines and other immune-based interventions.
Collapse
|
50
|
Scully IL, Swanson K, Green L, Jansen KU, Anderson AS. Anti-infective vaccination in the 21st century—new horizons for personal and public health. Curr Opin Microbiol 2015; 27:96-102. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2015.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2015] [Accepted: 07/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
|