Gene structure and extracellular secretion of Neisseria gonorrhoeae IgA protease

Characterization of protective immune responses against Neisseria gonorrhoeae induced by intranasal immunization with adhesion and penetration protein

Drug-resistant N. gonorrhoeae is an urgent threat to global public health, and vaccine development is the best long-term strategy for controlling gonorrhea. We have previously shown that adhesion and penetration protein (App) play a role in the adhesion, invasion, and reproductive tract colonization of N. gonorrhoeae. Here, we describe the immune response induced by intranasal immunization with passenger and translocator fragments of App. The recombinant App passenger and translocator fragments induced high titers of IgG and IgA antibodies in serum and vaginal washes. Antibodies produced by App passenger and the combination of passenger and translocator mediated the killing of N. gonorrhoeae via serum bactericidal activity and opsonophagocytic activity, whereas antisera from translocator-immunized groups had lower bactericidal activity and opsonophagocytic activity. The antisera of the App passenger and translocator, alone and in combination, inhibited the adhesion of N. gonorrhoeae to cervical epithelial cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Nasal immunization with App passenger and translocator fragments alone or in combination induced high levels of IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b antibodies and stimulated mouse splenocytes to secrete cytokines IFN-γ and IL-17A, suggesting that Th1 and Th17 cellular immune responses were activated. In vivo experiments have shown that immune App passenger and transporter fragments can accelerate the clearance of N. gonorrhoeae in the vagina of mice. These data suggest that the App protein is a promising N. gonorrhoeae vaccine antigen.

Identification of an autotransporter peptidase of Rickettsia rickettsii responsible for maturation of surface exposed autotransporters

Members of the spotted fever group rickettsia express four large, surface-exposed autotransporters, at least one of which is a known virulence determinant. Autotransporter translocation to the bacterial outer surface, also known as type V secretion, involves formation of a β-barrel autotransporter domain in the periplasm that inserts into the outer membrane to form a pore through which the N-terminal passenger domain is passed and exposed on the outer surface. Two major surface antigens of Rickettsia rickettsii, are known to be surface exposed and the passenger domain cleaved from the autotransporter domain. A highly passaged strain of R. rickettsii, Iowa, fails to cleave these autotransporters and is avirulent. We have identified a putative peptidase, truncated in the Iowa strain, that when reconstituted into Iowa restores appropriate processing of the autotransporters as well as restoring a modest degree of virulence.

SurA-like and Skp-like Proteins as Important Virulence Determinants of the Gram Negative Bacterial Pathogens

In the Gram-negative bacteria, many important virulence factors reach their destination via two-step export systems, and they must traverse the periplasmic space before reaching the outer membrane. Since these proteins must be maintained in a structure competent for transport into or across the membrane, they frequently require the assistance of chaperones. Based on the results obtained for the model bacterium Escherichia coli and related species, it is assumed that in the biogenesis of the outer membrane proteins and the periplasmic transit of secretory proteins, the SurA peptidyl-prolyl isomerase/chaperone plays a leading role, while the Skp chaperone is rather of secondary importance. However, detailed studies carried out on several other Gram-negative pathogens indicate that the importance of individual chaperones in the folding and transport processes depends on the properties of client proteins and is species-specific. Taking into account the importance of SurA functions in bacterial virulence and severity of phenotypes due to surA mutations, this folding factor is considered as a putative therapeutic target to combat microbial infections. In this review, we present recent findings regarding SurA and Skp proteins: their mechanisms of action, involvement in processes related to virulence, and perspectives to use them as therapeutic targets.

Phylogenetic Classification and Functional Review of Autotransporters

Autotransporters are the core component of a molecular nano-machine that delivers cargo proteins across the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. Part of the type V secretion system, this large family of proteins play a central role in controlling bacterial interactions with their environment by promoting adhesion to surfaces, biofilm formation, host colonization and invasion as well as cytotoxicity and immunomodulation. As such, autotransporters are key facilitators of fitness and pathogenesis and enable co-operation or competition with other bacteria. Recent years have witnessed a dramatic increase in the number of autotransporter sequences reported and a steady rise in functional studies, which further link these proteins to multiple virulence phenotypes. In this review we provide an overview of our current knowledge on classical autotransporter proteins, the archetype of this protein superfamily. We also carry out a phylogenetic analysis of their functional domains and present a new classification system for this exquisitely diverse group of bacterial proteins. The sixteen phylogenetic divisions identified establish sensible relationships between well characterized autotransporters and inform structural and functional predictions of uncharacterized proteins, which may guide future research aimed at addressing multiple unanswered aspects in this group of therapeutically important bacterial factors.

Bacterial protein secretion systems: Game of types

Protein trafficking across the bacterial envelope is a process that contributes to the organisation and integrity of the cell. It is the foundation for establishing contact and exchange between the environment and the cytosol. It helps cells to communicate with one another, whether they establish symbiotic or competitive behaviours. It is instrumental for pathogenesis and for bacteria to subvert the host immune response. Understanding the formation of envelope conduits and the manifold strategies employed for moving macromolecules across these channels is a fascinating playground. The diversity of the nanomachines involved in this process logically resulted in an attempt to classify them, which is where the protein secretion system types emerged. As our knowledge grew, so did the number of types, and their rightful nomenclature started to be questioned. While this may seem a semantic or philosophical issue, it also reflects scientific rigour when it comes to assimilating findings into textbooks and science history. Here I give an overview on bacterial protein secretion systems, their history, their nomenclature and why it can be misleading for newcomers in the field. Note that I do not try to suggest a new nomenclature. Instead, I explore the reasons why naming could have escaped our control and I try to reiterate basic concepts that underlie protein trafficking cross membranes.

Pangenome analysis and virulence profiling of Streptococcus intermedius

Background

Streptococcus intermedius, a member of the S. anginosus group, is a commensal bacterium present in the normal microbiota of human mucosal surfaces of the oral, gastrointestinal, and urogenital tracts. However, it has been associated with various infections such as liver and brain abscesses, bacteremia, osteo-articular infections, and endocarditis. Since 2005, high throughput genome sequencing methods enabled understanding the genetic landscape and diversity of bacteria as well as their pathogenic role. Here, in order to determine whether specific virulence genes could be related to specific clinical manifestations, we compared the genomes from 27 S. intermedius strains isolated from patients with various types of infections, including 13 that were sequenced in our institute and 14 available in GenBank.

Results

We estimated the theoretical pangenome size to be of 4,020 genes, including 1,355 core genes, 1,054 strain-specific genes and 1,611 accessory genes shared by 2 or more strains. The pangenome analysis demonstrated that the genomic diversity of S. intermedius represents an “open” pangenome model. We identified a core virulome of 70 genes and 78 unique virulence markers. The phylogenetic clusters based upon core-genome sequences and SNPs were independent from disease types and sample sources. However, using Principal Component analysis based on presence/ absence of virulence genes, we identified the sda histidine kinase, adhesion protein LAP and capsular polysaccharide biosynthesis protein cps4E as being associated to brain abscess or broncho-pulmonary infection. In contrast, liver and abdominal abscess were associated to presence of the fibronectin binding protein fbp54 and capsular polysaccharide biosynthesis protein cap8D and cpsB.

Conclusions

Based on the virulence gene content of 27 S. intermedius strains causing various diseases, we identified putative disease-specific genetic profiles discriminating those causing brain abscess or broncho-pulmonary infection from those causing liver and abdominal abscess. These results provide an insight into S. intermedius pathogenesis and highlights putative targets in a diagnostic perspective.

IgA1 Protease as a Vaccine Basis for Prevention of Bacterial Meningitis

Abstract

The review covers the study of the protective properties of IgA1 protease and the possibility of creating a vaccine preparation for the prevention of bacterial meningitis of various origins on its basis. Bacterial meningitis belongs to the group of socially dangerous diseases and is characterized by a severe course, numerous complications and high mortality. The approaches used at present in world practice to create antimicrobial vaccines are based on a narrow targeting against a specific pathogen. The development of a monocomponent vaccine against a wide range of bacterial pathogens with a common virulence factor is still relevant. IgA1 protease, a protein that is one of the main virulence factors of a number of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, can serve as such an antigen. Bacterial IgA1 protease is uniquely specific for immunoglobulins A1 (IgA1), cleaving peptide bonds in the hinge regions of the IgA1 in humans and other higher primates. Bacteria, getting on the mucous membrane, destroy IgA1, which acts as the first barrier to protect the body from infections. Neutralization of IgA1 protease at this stage can become an obstacle to the development of infection, hindering the adhesion of a number of pathogens that produce this protein. The data available in the literature on the mechanism of antibacterial protection are scattered and ambiguous. The review considers the literature data and the results of our own experiments on the protective activity of IgA1 protease. We have shown that the recombinant meningococcal IgA1 protease and some of its fragments protect mice from infection with a live virulent culture not only of meningococci of the main epidemic serogroups (A, B, C, and W135), but also of some of the most common virulent pneumococcal serotypes. The data obtained indicate the possibility of creating a monocomponent vaccine against these and, possibly, other bacterial infections. Currently, significant progress has been made in studying the structure and functions of secreted proteins in the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis and Haemophilus influenzae. In this review we describe protein translocation systems of N. meningitidis, which are related to the secretion of proteins in these bacteria, and also present modern data on the functions of these proteins. Analysis of experimental data on the structure of IgA1 protease of N. meningitidis and the formation of immunity during vaccination is of key importance in the development of prophylactic preparations.

Classification, structural biology, and applications of mucin domain-targeting proteases

Epithelial surfaces throughout the body are coated by mucins, a class of proteins carrying domains characterized by a high density of O-glycosylated serine and threonine residues. The resulting mucosal layers form crucial host-microbe interfaces that prevent the translocation of microbes while also selecting for distinct bacteria via the presented glycan repertoire. The intricate interplay between mucus production and breakdown thus determines the composition of the microbiota maintained within these mucosal environments, which can have a large influence on the host during both homeostasis and disease. Most research to date on mucus breakdown has focused on glycosidases that trim glycan structures to release monosaccharides as a source of nutrients. More recent work has uncovered the existence of mucin-type O-glycosylation-dependent proteases that are secreted by pathogens, commensals, and mutualists to facilitate mucosal colonization and penetration. Additionally, immunoglobulin A (IgA) proteases promote bacterial colonization in the presence of neutralizing secretory IgA through selective cleavage of the heavily O-glycosylated hinge region. In this review, we summarize families of O-glycoproteases and IgA proteases, discuss known structural features, and review applications of these enzymes to glycobiology.

BamA forms a translocation channel for polypeptide export across the bacterial outer membrane

The β-barrel assembly machine (BAM) integrates β-barrel proteins into the outer membrane (OM) of Gram-negative bacteria. An essential BAM subunit (BamA) catalyzes integration by promoting the formation of a hybrid-barrel intermediate state between its own β-barrel domain and that of its client proteins. Here we show that in addition to catalyzing the integration of β-barrel proteins, BamA functions as a polypeptide export channel. In vivo structural mapping via intermolecular disulfide crosslinking showed that the extracellular "passenger" domain of a member of the "autotransporter" superfamily of virulence factors traverses the OM through the BamA β-barrel lumen. Furthermore, we demonstrate that a highly conserved residue within autotransporter β-barrels is required to position the passenger inside BamA to initiate translocation and that during translocation, the passenger stabilizes the hybrid-barrel state. Our results not only establish a new function for BamA but also unify the divergent functions of BamA and other "Omp85" superfamily transporters.

Comprehensive Bioinformatic Assessments of the Variability of Neisseria gonorrhoeae Vaccine Candidates

A protective vaccine is the only viable way to stop the spread of gonorrhea in the face of rising antibiotic resistance. However, the notorious phase and antigenic variation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae surface proteins remains one of the challenges in vaccine development. To facilitate vaccine advancement efforts, we carried out comprehensive bioinformatic analyses of sequence variation by comparing 34 gonorrhea antigen candidates among >5,000 clinical N. gonorrhoeae isolates deposited in the Neisseria PubMLST database. Eight protein antigens showed exceptional conservation by having a single allele variant distributed in >80% of isolates. An additional 18 vaccine candidates were represented by ≤3 alleles in >50% of N. gonorrhoeae isolates globally. Phylogenetic analyses highlighted closely related antigen variants and additionally showed that AniA and FetB were the closest between N. gonorrhoeae and N. meningitidis Up to 44% of N. meningitidis alleles for both antigens have premature stop codons, suggesting differential expression. Mapping polymorphisms to the available three-dimensional structures of 12 antigens revealed low-frequency surface polymorphisms. PorB and TbpB possessed numerous high-prevalence polymorphic sites. While TbpA was also highly variable, conserved loops were nonetheless identified. A high degree of sequence conservation, the distribution of a single antigen variant among N. gonorrhoeae strains globally, or low-frequency sequence polymorphisms in surface loops make ACP, AniA, BamA, BamE, MtrE, NspA, NGO0778, NGO1251, NGO1985, OpcA, PldA, Slam2, and ZnuD promising candidates for a gonorrhea vaccine. Finally, the commonly used N. gonorrhoeae FA1090 strain emerges as a vaccine prototype, as it carries antigen sequence types identical to the most broadly distributed antigen variants.IMPORTANCE Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the Gram-negative bacterium responsible for the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea, is categorized as a high-priority pathogen for research and development efforts. N. gonorrhoeae's "superbug" status, its high morbidity, and the serious health impact associated with gonorrhea highlight the importance of vaccine development. One of the longstanding barriers to developing an effective vaccine against N. gonorrhoeae is the remarkable variability of surface-exposed antigens. In this report, we addressed this roadblock by applying extensive bioinformatic analyses to 34 gonorrhea antigen candidates among >5,000 clinical N. gonorrhoeae isolates. Our studies are important, as they reveal promising, conserved gonorrhea vaccine candidates and aid structural vaccinology. Moreover, these approaches are broadly applicable to other infectious diseases where surface antigen variability impedes successful vaccine design.

Genomic insights into cyanobacterial protein translocation systems

Cyanobacteria are ubiquitous oxygenic photosynthetic bacteria with a versatile metabolism that is highly dependent on effective protein targeting. Protein sorting in diderm bacteria is not trivial and, in cyanobacteria, even less so due to the presence of a complex membrane system: the outer membrane, the plasma membrane and the thylakoid membrane. In cyanobacteria, protein import into the thylakoids is essential for photosynthesis, export to the periplasm fulfills a multifunctional role in maintaining cell homeostasis, and secretion mediates motility, DNA uptake and environmental interactions. Intriguingly, only one set of genes for the general secretory and the twin-arginine translocation pathways seem to be present. However, these systems have to operate in both plasma and thylakoid membranes. This raises the question of how substrates are recognized and targeted to their correct, final destination. Additional complexities arise when a protein has to be secreted across the outer membrane, where very little is known regarding the mechanisms involved. Given their ecological importance and biotechnological interest, a better understanding of protein targeting in cyanobacteria is of great value. This review will provide insights into the known knowns of protein targeting, propose hypotheses based on available genomic sequences and discuss future directions.

Differences between predicted outer membrane proteins of genotype 1 and 2 Mannheimia haemolytica

BACKGROUND

Mannheimia haemolytica strains isolated from North American cattle have been classified into two genotypes (1 and 2). Although members of both genotypes have been isolated from the upper and lower respiratory tracts of cattle with or without bovine respiratory disease (BRD), genotype 2 strains are much more frequently isolated from diseased lungs than genotype 1 strains. The mechanisms behind the increased association of genotype 2 M. haemolytica with BRD are not fully understood. To address that, and to search for interventions against genotype 2 M. haemolytica, complete, closed chromosome assemblies for 35 genotype 1 and 34 genotype 2 strains were generated and compared. Searches were conducted for the pan genome, core genes shared between the genotypes, and for genes specific to either genotype. Additionally, genes encoding outer membrane proteins (OMPs) specific to genotype 2 M. haemolytica were identified, and the diversity of their protein isoforms was characterized with predominantly unassembled, short-read genomic sequences for up to 1075 additional strains.

RESULTS

The pan genome of the 69 sequenced M. haemolytica strains consisted of 3111 genes, of which 1880 comprised a shared core between the genotypes. A core of 112 and 179 genes or gene variants were specific to genotype 1 and 2, respectively. Seven genes encoding predicted OMPs; a peptidase S6, a ligand-gated channel, an autotransporter outer membrane beta-barrel domain-containing protein (AOMB-BD-CP), a porin, and three different trimeric autotransporter adhesins were specific to genotype 2 as their genotype 1 homologs were either pseudogenes, or not detected. The AOMB-BD-CP gene, however, appeared to be truncated across all examined genotype 2 strains and to likely encode dysfunctional protein. Homologous gene sequences from additional M. haemolytica strains confirmed the specificity of the remaining six genotype 2 OMP genes and revealed they encoded low isoform diversity at the population level.

CONCLUSION

Genotype 2 M. haemolytica possess genes encoding conserved OMPs not found intact in more commensally prone genotype 1 strains. Some of the genotype 2 specific genes identified in this study are likely to have important biological roles in the pathogenicity of genotype 2 M. haemolytica, which is the primary bacterial cause of BRD.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae NGO2105 Is an Autotransporter Protein Involved in Adhesion to Human Cervical Epithelial Cells and in vivo Colonization

Autotransporters are important virulence factors in the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria. Although several autotransporters have been identified in Neisseria meningitidis, only IgA1 protease has been identified in Neisseria gonorrhoeae. A sequence analysis showed a marked difference in the distribution of autotransporters between the two strains. It has been speculated that only two autotransporters, the IgA1 protease and the NGO2105 protein, might be encoded by N. gonorrhoeae. Here, we describe the identification of NGO2105, a new autotransporter in N. gonorrhoeae. A sequence alignment showed that NGO2105 is highly similar to the adhesion and penetration protein (App) in N. meningitidis. We found that NGO2105 is exported to the outer membrane, cleaved and released into the culture supernatant by endogenous serine protease activity in N. gonorrhoeae and E. coli. The site-directed mutagenesis of S267A in the predicted enzyme catalytic triad abolished autoproteolytic cleavage to allow secretion. The NGO2105 β-barrel shows the ability to translocate the heterologous Hbp passenger domain. NGO2105 is involved in gonococcal adherence to and invasion into human cervical epithelial cells. Furthermore, antibodies raised against NGO2105 are able to block gonococcal adherence to human cervical epithelial cells. The Δngo2105 mutant and anti-NGO2105 antiserum significantly attenuated the colonization of N. gonorrhoeae in mice. Collectively, our results suggest that the newly identified serine protease autotransporter NGO2105 represents a novel virulence factor of gonococcus and a potential vaccine target.

Recent advances in the understanding of trimeric autotransporter adhesins

Adhesion is the initial step in the infection process of gram-negative bacteria. It is usually followed by the formation of biofilms that serve as a hub for further spread of the infection. Type V secretion systems engage in this process by binding to components of the extracellular matrix, which is the first step in the infection process. At the same time they provide protection from the immune system by either binding components of the innate immune system or by establishing a physical layer against aggressors. Trimeric autotransporter adhesins (TAAs) are of particular interest in this family of proteins as they possess a unique structural composition which arises from constraints during translocation. The sequence of individual domains can vary dramatically while the overall structure can be very similar to one another. This patchwork approach allows researchers to draw conclusions of the underlying function of a specific domain in a structure-based approach which underscores the importance of solving structures of yet uncharacterized TAAs and their individual domains to estimate the full extent of functions of the protein a priori. Here, we describe recent advances in understanding the translocation process of TAAs and give an overview of structural motifs that are unique to this class of proteins. The role of BpaC in the infection process of Burkholderia pseudomallei is highlighted as an exceptional example of a TAA being at the centre of infection initiation.

Combining Protein Ligation Systems to Expand the Functionality of Semi-Synthetic Outer Membrane Vesicle Nanoparticles

Bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) attract increasing interest as immunostimulatory nanoparticles for the development of vaccines and therapeutic agents. We previously engineered the autotransporter protein Hemoglobin protease (Hbp) into a surface display carrier that can be expressed to high density on the surface of Salmonella OMVs. Moreover, we implemented Tag-Catcher protein ligation technology, to obtain dense display of single heterologous antigens and nanobodies on the OMVs through coupling to the distal end of the Hbp passenger domain. Here, we aimed to further expand the versatility of the Hbp platform by enabling the coupling of heterologous proteins to internal sites of the Hbp passenger. Inserted SpyTags were shown to be accessible at the Salmonella OMV surface and to efficiently couple SpyCatcher-equipped fusion proteins. Next, we combined distally placed SnoopCatcher or SnoopTag sequences with internal SpyTags in a single Hbp molecule. This allowed the coupling of two heterologous proteins to a single Hbp carrier molecule without obvious steric hindrance effects. Since coupling occurs to Hbp that is already exposed on the OMVs, there are no limitations to the size and complexity of the partner proteins. In conclusion, we constructed a versatile modular platform for the development of bivalent recombinant OMV-based vaccines and therapeutics.

Sequential Translocation of Polypeptides across the Bacterial Outer Membrane through the Trimeric Autotransporter Pathway

Trimeric autotransporter adhesins (TAAs) are a family of bacterial outer membrane (OM) proteins that are comprised of three identical subunits. Each subunit contains an N-terminal extracellular ("passenger") domain and a short C-terminal segment that contributes four β strands to a single 12-stranded β barrel. The mechanism by which the passenger domains are translocated across the OM and the energetics of the translocation reaction are poorly understood. To address these issues, we examined the secretion of modified versions of the passenger domain of UpaG, a TAA produced by Escherichia coli CFT073. Using the SpyTag-SpyCatcher system to probe passenger domain localization, we found that both intrinsically disordered polypeptides fused to the UpaG passenger domain and artificially disulfide-bonded polypeptides were secreted effectively but relatively slowly. Surprisingly, we also found that in some cases, the three nonnative passenger domain segments associated with a single trimer were secreted sequentially. Photo-cross-linking experiments indicated that incompletely assembled UpaG derivatives remained bound to the barrel assembly machinery (Bam) complex until all three passenger domains were fully secreted. Taken together, our results strongly suggest that the secretion of polypeptides through the TAA pathway is coordinated with the assembly of the β barrel domain and that the folding of passenger domains in the extracellular space maximizes the rate of secretion. Furthermore, our work provides evidence for an unprecedented sequential mode of protein translocation, at least under specific experimental conditions.IMPORTANCE Trimeric autotransporter adhesins (TAAs) are specialized bacterial outer membrane proteins consisting of three identical subunits. TAAs contain large extracellular domains that trimerize and promote virulence, but the mechanism by which they are secreted is poorly understood. We found that the extracellular domains of a native TAA were secreted rapidly but that disordered and artificially folded polypeptides fused to native passenger domains were secreted in a slow, sequential fashion. Our results strongly suggest that the efficient secretion of native extracellular domains is driven by their trimerization following export but that alternative energy sources can be harnessed to secrete nonnative polypeptides. Furthermore, we obtained evidence that TAA extracellular domains are secreted before the assembly of the linked membrane spanning domain is completed.

Chaperone OsmY facilitates the biogenesis of a major family of autotransporters

OsmY is a widely conserved but poorly understood 20 kDa periplasmic protein. Using a folding biosensor, we previously obtained evidence that OsmY has molecular chaperone activity. To discover natural OsmY substrates, we screened for proteins that are destabilized and thus present at lower steady-state levels in an osmY-null strain. The abundance of an outer membrane protein called antigen 43 was substantially decreased and its β-barrel domain was undetectable in the outer membrane of an osmY-null strain. Antigen 43 is a member of the diffuse adherence family of autotransporters. Like strains that are defective in antigen 43 production, osmY-null mutants failed to undergo cellular autoaggregation. In vitro, OsmY assisted in the refolding of the antigen 43 β-barrel domain and protected it from added protease. Finally, an osmY-null strain that expressed two members of the diffuse adherence family of autotransporters that are distantly related to antigen 43, EhaA and TibA, contained reduced levels of the proteins and failed to undergo cellular autoaggregation. Taken together, our results indicate that OsmY is involved in the biogenesis of a major subset of autotransporters, a group of proteins that play key roles in bacterial pathogenesis.

Type V Secretion in Gram-Negative Bacteria

Type V, or "autotransporter," secretion is a term used to refer to several simple protein export pathways that are found in a wide range of Gram-negative bacteria. Autotransporters are generally single polypeptides that consist of an extracellular ("passenger") domain and a β barrel domain that anchors the protein to the outer membrane (OM). Although it was originally proposed that the passenger domain is secreted through a channel formed solely by the covalently linked β barrel domain, experiments performed primarily on the type Va, or "classical," autotransporter pathway have challenged this hypothesis. Several lines of evidence strongly suggest that both the secretion of the passenger domain and the membrane integration of the β barrel domain are catalyzed by the barrel assembly machinery (Bam) complex, a conserved hetero-oligomer that plays an essential role in the assembly of most integral OM proteins. The secretion reaction appears to be driven at least in part by the folding of the passenger domain in the extracellular space. Although many aspects of autotransporter biogenesis remain to be elucidated, it will be especially interesting to determine whether the different classes of proteins that fall under the type V rubric-most of which have not been examined in detail-are assembled by the same basic mechanism as classical autotransporters.

Identification of a novel post-insertion step in the assembly of a bacterial outer membrane protein

Although the barrel assembly machinery (Bam) complex has been shown to facilitate the insertion of β barrel proteins into the bacterial outer membrane (OM), the stage at which β barrels fold is unknown. Here, we describe insights into β barrel assembly that emerged from an analysis of a member of the autotransporter family of OM proteins (EspP) in Escherichia coli. EspP contains an extracellular 'passenger' domain that is translocated across the OM and then released from the covalently linked β barrel domain in an intra-barrel cleavage reaction. We found that the mutation of an unusual lipid-exposed lysine residue impairs a previously unidentified late folding step that follows both the membrane insertion of the β barrel domain and the secretion of the passenger domain but that precedes proteolytic maturation. Our results demonstrate that β barrel assembly can be completed at a post-insertion stage and raise the possibility that interactions with membrane lipids can promote folding in vivo. Furthermore, by showing that the passenger domain is secreted before the β barrel domain is fully assembled, our results also provide evidence against the long-standing hypothesis that autotransporters are autonomous protein secretion systems.

A unified model for BAM function that takes into account type Vc secretion and species differences in BAM composition

Transmembrane proteins in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria are almost exclusively β-barrels. They are inserted into the outer membrane by a conserved and essential protein complex called the BAM (for β-barrel assembly machinery). In this commentary, we summarize current research into the mechanism of this protein complex and how it relates to type V secretion. Type V secretion systems are autotransporters that all contain a β-barrel transmembrane domain inserted by BAM. In type Vc systems, this domain is a homotrimer. We argue that none of the current models are sufficient to explain BAM function particularly regarding type Vc secretion. We also find that current models based on the well-studied model system Escherichia coli mostly ignore the pronounced differences in BAM composition between different bacterial species. We propose a more holistic view on how all OMPs, including autotransporters, are incorporated into the lipid bilayer.

Gonococcal MtrE and its surface-expressed Loop 2 are immunogenic and elicit bactericidal antibodies

OBJECTIVES

The rise in multidrug resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae poses a threat to healthcare, while the development of an effective vaccine has remained elusive due to antigenic and phase variability of surface-expressed proteins. In the current study, we identified a fully conserved surface expressed protein and characterized its suitability as a vaccine antigen.

METHODS

An in silico approach was used to predict surface-expressed proteins and analyze sequence conservation and phase variability. The most conserved protein and its surface-exposed Loop 2, which was displayed as both a structural and linear epitope on the oligomerization domain of C4b binding protein, were used to immunize mice. Immunogenicity was subsequently analyzed by determination of antibody titers and serum bactericidal activity.

RESULTS

MtrE was identified as one of the most conserved surface-expressed proteins. Furthermore, MtrE and both Loop 2-containing fusion proteins elicited high protein-specific antibody titers and particularly the two Loop 2 fusion proteins showed high anti-Loop 2 titers. In addition, antibodies raised against all three proteins were able to recognize MtrE expressed on the surface of N. gonorrhoeae and showed high MtrE-dependent bactericidal activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that MtrE and Loop 2 are promising novel conserved surface-expressed antigens for vaccine development against N. gonorrhoeae.

Acinetobacter: an emerging pathogen with a versatile secretome

Acinetobacter baumannii is a notorious pathogen that has emerged as a healthcare nightmare in recent years because it causes serious infections that are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Due to its exceptional ability to acquire resistance to almost all available antibiotics, A. baumannii is currently ranked as the first pathogen on the World Health Organization’s priority list for the development of new antibiotics. The versatile range of effectors secreted by A. baumannii represents a large proportion of the virulence arsenal identified in this bacterium to date. Thus, these factors, together with the secretory machinery responsible for their extrusion into the extracellular milieu, are key targets for novel therapeutics that are greatly needed to combat this deadly pathogen. In this review, we provide a comprehensive, up-to-date overview of the organization and regulatory aspects of the Acinetobacter secretion systems, with a special emphasis on their versatile substrates that could be targeted to fight the deadly infections caused by this elusive pathogen.

Comparing autotransporter β-domain configurations for their capacity to secrete heterologous proteins to the cell surface

Monomeric autotransporters have been extensively used for export of recombinant proteins to the cell surface of Gram-negative bacteria. A bottleneck in the biosynthesis of such constructs is the passage of the outer membrane, which is facilitated by the β-domain at the C terminus of an autotransporter in conjunction with the Bam complex in the outer membrane. We have evaluated eight β-domain constructs for their capacity to secrete fused proteins to the cell surface. These constructs derive from the monomeric autotransporters Hbp, IgA protease, Ag43 and EstA and the trimeric autotransporter Hia, which all were selected because they have been previously used for secretion of recombinant proteins. We fused three different protein domains to the eight β-domain constructs, being a Myc-tag, the Hbp passenger and a nanobody or V_HH domain, and assessed expression, membrane insertion and surface exposure. Our results show that expression levels differed considerably between the constructs tested. The constructs that included the β-domains of Hbp and IgA protease appeared the most efficient and resulted in expression levels that were detectable on Coomassie-stained SDS-PAGE gels. The V_HH domain appeared the most difficult fusion partner to export, probably due to its complex immunoglobulin-like structure with a tertiary structure stabilized by an intramolecular disulfide bond. Overall, the Hbp β-domain compared favorably in exporting the fused recombinant proteins, because it showed in every instance tested a good level of expression, stable membrane insertion and clear surface exposure.

Characterization of Fusobacterium varium Fv113-g1 isolated from a patient with ulcerative colitis based on complete genome sequence and transcriptome analysis

Fusobacterium spp. present in the oral and gut flora is carcinogenic and is associated with the risk of pancreatic and colorectal cancers. Fusobacterium spp. is also implicated in a broad spectrum of human pathologies, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC). Here we report the complete genome sequence of Fusobacterium varium Fv113-g1 (genome size, 3.96 Mb) isolated from a patient with UC. Comparative genome analyses totally suggested that Fv113-g1 is basically assigned as F. varium, in particular, it could be reclassified as notable F. varium subsp. similar to F. ulcerans because of partial shared orthologs. Compared with the genome sequences of F. varium ATCC 27725 (genome size, 3.30 Mb) and other strains of Fusobacterium spp., Fv113-g1 possesses many accessary pan-genome sequences with noteworthy multiple virulence factors, including 44 autotransporters (type V secretion system, T5SS) and 13 Fusobacterium adhesion (FadA) paralogs involved in potential mucosal inflammation. Indeed, transcriptome analysis demonstrated that Fv113-g1-specific accessary genes, such as multiple T5SS and fadA paralogs, showed notably increased expression with D-MEM cultivation than with brain heart infusion broth. This implied that growth condition may enhance the expression of such potential virulence factors, leading to remarkable survival against other gut microorganisms and to the pathogenicity to human intestinal epithelium.

Escherichia coli surface display for the selection of nanobodies

Nanobodies (Nbs) are the smallest functional antibody fragments known in nature and have multiple applications in biomedicine or environmental monitoring. Nbs are derived from the variable segment of camelid heavy chain-only antibodies, known as VHH. For selection, libraries of VHH gene segments from naïve, immunized animals or of synthetic origin have been traditionally cloned in E. coli phage display or yeast display systems, and clones binding the target antigen recovered, usually from plastic surfaces with the immobilized antigen (phage display) or using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS; yeast display). This review briefly describes these conventional approaches and focuses on the distinct properties of an E. coli display system developed in our laboratory, which combines the benefits of both phage display and yeast display systems. We demonstrate that E. coli display using an N-terminal domain of intimin is an effective platform for the surface display of VHH libraries enabling selection of high-affinity Nbs by magnetic cell sorting and direct selection on live mammalian cells displaying the target antigen on their surface. Flow cytometry analysis of E. coli bacteria displaying the Nbs on their surface allows monitoring of the selection process, facilitates screening, characterization of antigen-binding clones, specificity, ligand competition and estimation of the equilibrium dissociation constant (KD ).

Autotransporter Adhesins in Escherichia coli Pathogenesis

Most bacteria produce adhesion molecules to facilitate the interaction with host cells and establish successful infections. An important group of bacterial adhesins belong to the autotransporter (AT) superfamily, the largest group of secreted and outer membrane proteins in Gram-negative bacteria. AT adhesins possess diverse functions that facilitate bacterial colonisation, survival and persistence, and as such are often associated with increased bacterial fitness and pathogenic potential. In this review, we will describe AIDA-I type AT adhesins, which comprise the biggest and most diverse group in the AT family. We will focus on Escherichia coli proteins and define general aspects of their biogenesis, distribution, structural properties and key roles in infection.

Job contenders: roles of the β-barrel assembly machinery and the translocation and assembly module in autotransporter secretion

In Gram-negative bacteria, autotransporters secrete effector protein domains that are linked to virulence. Although they were once thought to be simple and autonomous secretion machines, mounting evidence reveals that multiple factors of the bacterial envelope are necessary for autotransporter assembly. Secretion across the outer membrane of their soluble effector "passenger domain" is promoted by the assembly of an outer membrane-spanning "β-barrel domain". Both reactions require BamA, an essential component of the β-barrel assembly machinery (BAM complex) that catalyzes the final reaction step by which outer membrane proteins are integrated into the lipid bilayer. A large amount of data generated in the last decade has shed key insights onto the mechanistic coordination of autotransporter β-barrel domain assembly and passenger domain secretion. These results, together with the recently solved structures of the BAM complex, offer an unprecedented opportunity to discuss a detailed model of autotransporter assembly. Importantly, some autotransporters benefit from the presence of an additional machinery, the translocation and assembly module (TAM), a two-membrane spanning complex, which contains a BamA-homologous subunit. Although it remains unclear how the BAM complex and the TAM cooperate, it is evident that multiple preparatory steps are necessary for efficient autotransporter biogenesis.

Non-peptide guided auto-secretion of recombinant proteins by super-folder green fluorescent protein in Escherichia coli

Protein secretion in Escherichia coli is usually led by a signal peptide that targets the protein to specific secretory pathways. In this study, we demonstrated that the superfolder green fluorescent protein (sfGFP) could be served as a non-signal peptide to guide protein auto-secretion in E. coli. This auto-secretion was characterized as a three-step process through the sub-cellular localization analysis: inner membrane trans-location followed by anchoring at outer membrane, and then being released into culture media. We further determined that the beta-barrel structure and net negative charges of sfGFP played important roles in its auto-extracellular secretion property. Using sfGFP as a carrier, heterologous proteins ranging from peptide to complex protein, including antibacterial peptide PG4, endo-beta-N-acethylglucosamindase H (Endo H), human arginase-1 (ARG1), and glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) were all successfully expressed and secreted extracellularly when fused to the carboxyl end of sfGFP. Besides facilitating the extracellular secretion, sfGFP fusion proteins can also be correctly folded and formed the active complex protein structure, including the trimetric human ARG1 and homo-hexametric GAD. This is the first report that sfGFP can guide the secretion of recombinant proteins out of the cells from cytoplasm in E. coli without affecting their conformation and function.

Orientation and density control of proteins on solid matters by outer membrane coating: Analytical and diagnostic applications

Autodisplay is an expression system for the display of recombinant proteins on the outer membrane (OM) of gram negative bacteria and has been developed for translocation studies, whole cell biocatalysis, bioremediation, inhibitor screening, and enzyme refolding. Recently, affinity proteins such as IgG-binding Z-domains and biotin-binding streptavidin have been autodisplayed on the OM of Escherichia coli for analytical and biomedical applications. The secretion mechanism of the autodisplay system was used and orientation and density control of these affinity proteins were determined. Affinity protein-autodisplaying E. coli cells have been used to coat solid supports in immunoassays. For this purpose, the OM of autodisplayed E. coli cells was separated and isolated by the aid of detergents. The structure of the resulting OM liposomes as well as their physico-chemical parameters, were analyzed. OM liposomes were used subsequently for coating various solid matters including microplates and biosensor transducer surfaces and the formation of OM layers were monitored. OM layer formation on solid matters was shown to increase the sensitivity of immunoassays and biosensors. In this review, analytical and diagnostic applications are described in particular concerning orientation and density control of autodisplayed affinity proteins.

Biological Functions of the Secretome of Neisseria meningitidis

Neisseria meningitidis is a Gram-negative bacterial pathogen that normally resides as a commensal in the human nasopharynx but occasionally causes disease with high mortality and morbidity. To interact with its environment, it transports many proteins across the outer membrane to the bacterial cell surface and into the extracellular medium for which it deploys the common and well-characterized autotransporter, two-partner and type I secretion mechanisms, as well as a recently discovered pathway for the surface exposure of lipoproteins. The surface-exposed and secreted proteins serve roles in host-pathogen interactions, including adhesion to host cells and extracellular matrix proteins, evasion of nutritional immunity imposed by iron-binding proteins of the host, prevention of complement activation, neutralization of antimicrobial peptides, degradation of immunoglobulins, and permeabilization of epithelial layers. Furthermore, they have roles in interbacterial interactions, including the formation and dispersal of biofilms and the suppression of the growth of bacteria competing for the same niche. Here, we will review the protein secretion systems of N. meningitidis and focus on the functions of the secreted proteins.

Two-Partner Secretion: Combining Efficiency and Simplicity in the Secretion of Large Proteins for Bacteria-Host and Bacteria-Bacteria Interactions

Initially identified in pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria, the two-partner secretion (TPS) pathway, also known as Type Vb secretion, mediates the translocation across the outer membrane of large effector proteins involved in interactions between these pathogens and their hosts. More recently, distinct TPS systems have been shown to secrete toxic effector domains that participate in inter-bacterial competition or cooperation. The effects of these systems are based on kin vs. non-kin molecular recognition mediated by specific immunity proteins. With these new toxin-antitoxin systems, the range of TPS effector functions has thus been extended from cytolysis, adhesion, and iron acquisition, to genome maintenance, inter-bacterial killing and inter-bacterial signaling. Basically, a TPS system is made up of two proteins, the secreted TpsA effector protein and its TpsB partner transporter, with possible additional factors such as immunity proteins for protection against cognate toxic effectors. Structural studies have indicated that TpsA proteins mainly form elongated β helices that may be followed by specific functional domains. TpsB proteins belong to the Omp85 superfamily. Open questions remain on the mechanism of protein secretion in the absence of ATP or an electrochemical gradient across the outer membrane. The remarkable dynamics of the TpsB transporters and the progressive folding of their TpsA partners at the bacterial surface in the course of translocation are thought to be key elements driving the secretion process.

Electrostatic Repulsion between Unique Arginine Residues Is Essential for the Efficient in Vitro Assembly of the Transmembrane Domain of a Trimeric Autotransporter

Haemophilus influenzae adhesin (Hia) belongs to the trimeric autotransporter family and mediates the adherence of these bacteria to the epithelial cells of host organisms. Hia contains a passenger and a transmembrane domain. The transmembrane domain forms a 12-stranded β-barrel in which four strands are provided by each subunit. The β-barrel has a pore that is traversed by three α-helices. This domain has a unique arginine cluster, in which the side chains of the three arginine residues located at position 1077 (Arg1077) protrude into the pore of the β-barrel. This arrangement seems to be unfavorable for assembly, because of repulsion between the positive charges. In this study, we investigated the in vitro assembly of the Hia transmembrane minimum domain (mHiaTD) and found that the dissociated mHiaTD reassembled in detergent solution. To investigate the role of Arg1077 in trimer assembly, we generated mutant proteins in which Arg1077 was replaced with methionine or lysine. The reassembly kinetics of the mutants was compared with that of the wild-type protein. The methionine mutant showed misassembly, whereas the lysine mutant showed reversible assembly, similar to that observed for the wild-type protein. These results show that electrostatic repulsion between the positive charges of Arg1077 is important for preventing the formation of misassembled oligomers by the mHiaTD in vitro.

Interstrain Cooperation in Meningococcal Biofilms: Role of Autotransporters NalP and AutA

Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) and Neisseria lactamica (Nl) are commensal bacteria that live in the human nasopharynx, where they form microcolonies. In contrast to Nl, Nm occasionally causes blood and/or meningitis infection with often fatal consequences. Here, we studied interactions between neisserial strains during biofilm formation. Fluorescent strains were engineered and analyzed for growth in single- and dual-strain biofilms with confocal laser-scanning microscopy. Different strains of diverse Neisseria species formed microcolonies of different sizes and morphologies. Pair-wise combinations of two invasive Nm strains and one Nm carrier isolate showed that these strains can coexist in spite of the fact that they produce toxins to combat congeners. This lack of competition was even observed when the biofilms were formed under nutrient limitation and can be explained by the observation that the separate microcolonies within mixed biofilms are mostly lineage specific. However, these microcolonies showed different levels of interaction. The coexistence of two strains was also observed in mixed biofilms of Nm and Nl strains. Inactivation of the autotransporter NalP, which prevents the release of the heparin-binding antigen NHBA and the α-peptide of IgA protease from the cell surface, and/or the production of autotransporter AutA increased interactions between microcolonies, as evidenced by close contacts between microcolonies on the substratum. Qualitative and quantitative analysis revealed an altered spatial distribution of each strain in mixed biofilms with consequences for the biomass, biofilm architecture and bacterial viability depending on the synthesis of NalP and AutA, the expression of which is prone to phase variation. Being in a consortium resulted in some cases in commensalism and cooperative behavior, which promoted attachment to the substratum or increased survival, possibly as result of the shared use of the biofilm matrix. We hypothesize that Nm strains can cooperate during host colonization, but, possibly, the different capacities of the microcolonies of each strain to resist the host's defenses limits the long-term coexistence of strains in the host.

Proteolytic Cleavage of the Immunodominant Outer Membrane Protein rOmpA in Rickettsia rickettsii

Rickettsia rickettsii, the causative agent of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, contains two immunodominant proteins, rOmpA and rOmpB, in the outer membrane. Both rOmpA and rOmpB are conserved throughout spotted fever group rickettsiae as members of a family of autotransporter proteins. Previously, it was demonstrated that rOmpB is proteolytically processed, with the cleavage site residing near the autotransporter domain at the carboxy-terminal end of the protein, cleaving the 168-kDa precursor into apparent 120-kDa and 32-kDa fragments. The 120- and 32-kDa fragments remain noncovalently associated on the surface of the bacterium, with implications that the 32-kDa fragment functions as the membrane anchor domain. Here we present evidence for a similar posttranslational processing of rOmpA. rOmpA is expressed as a predicted 224-kDa precursor yet is observed on SDS-PAGE as a 190-kDa protein. A small rOmpA fragment of ∼32 kDa was discovered during surface proteome analysis and identified as the carboxy-terminal end of the protein. A rabbit polyclonal antibody was generated to the autotransporter region of rOmpA and confirmed a 32-kDa fragment corresponding to the calculated mass of a proteolytically cleaved rOmpA autotransporter region. N-terminal amino acid sequencing revealed a cleavage site on the carboxy-terminal side of Ser-1958 in rOmpA. An avirulent strain of R. rickettsii Iowa deficient in rOmpB processing was also defective in the processing of rOmpA. The similarities of the cleavage sites and the failure of R. rickettsii Iowa to process either rOmpA or rOmpB suggest that a single enzyme may be responsible for both processing events.IMPORTANCE Members of the spotted fever group of rickettsiae, including R. rickettsii, the etiologic agent of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, express at least four autotransporter proteins that are protective antigens or putative virulence determinants. One member of this class of proteins, rOmpB, is proteolytically processed to a passenger domain and an autotransporter domain that remain associated on the rickettsial outer membrane. The protease responsible for this posttranslation processing remains unknown. Here we show that another autotransporter, rOmpA, is similarly processed by R. rickettsii Similarities in sequence at the cleavage site and predicted secondary protein structure suggest that all four R. rickettsii autotransporters may be processed by the same outer membrane protease.

Type V Secretion Systems in Bacteria

Type V secretion denotes a variety of secretion systems that cross the outer membrane in Gram-negative bacteria but that depend on the Sec machinery for transport through the inner membrane. They are possibly the simplest bacterial secretion systems, because they consist only of a single polypeptide chain (or two chains in the case of two-partner secretion). Their seemingly autonomous transport through the outer membrane has led to the term "autotransporters" for various subclasses of type V secretion. In this chapter, we review the structure and function of these transporters and review recent findings on additional factors involved in the secretion process, which have put the term "autotransporter" to debate.

Bacterial Secretion Systems: An Overview

Bacterial pathogens utilize a multitude of methods to invade mammalian hosts, damage tissue sites, and thwart the immune system from responding. One essential component of these strategies for many bacterial pathogens is the secretion of proteins across phospholipid membranes. Secreted proteins can play many roles in promoting bacterial virulence, from enhancing attachment to eukaryotic cells, to scavenging resources in an environmental niche, to directly intoxicating target cells and disrupting their functions. Many pathogens use dedicated protein secretion systems to secrete virulence factors from the cytosol of the bacteria into host cells or the host environment. In general, bacterial protein secretion apparatuses can be divided into classes, based on their structures, functions, and specificity. Some systems are conserved in all classes of bacteria and secrete a broad array of substrates, while others are only found in a small number of bacterial species and/or are specific to only one or a few proteins. In this chapter, we review the canonical features of several common bacterial protein secretion systems, as well as their roles in promoting the virulence of bacterial pathogens. Additionally, we address recent findings that indicate that the innate immune system of the host can detect and respond to the presence of protein secretion systems during mammalian infection.

Biocatalysis on the surface of Escherichia coli: melanin pigmentation of the cell exterior

Today, it is considered state-of-the-art to engineer living organisms for various biotechnology applications. Even though this has led to numerous scientific breakthroughs, the enclosed interior of bacterial cells still restricts interactions with enzymes, pathways and products due to the mass-transfer barrier formed by the cell envelope. To promote accessibility, we propose engineering of biocatalytic reactions and subsequent product deposition directly on the bacterial surface. As a proof-of-concept, we used the AIDA autotransporter vehicle for Escherichia coli surface expression of tyrosinase and fully oxidized externally added tyrosine to the biopolymer melanin. This resulted in a color change and creation of a black cell exterior. The capture of ninety percent of a pharmaceutical wastewater pollutant followed by regeneration of the cell bound melanin matrix through a simple pH change, shows the superior function and facilitated processing provided by the surface methodology. The broad adsorption spectrum of melanin could also allow removal of other micropollutants.

DegP Chaperone Suppresses Toxic Inner Membrane Translocation Intermediates

The periplasm of Gram-negative bacteria includes a variety of molecular chaperones that shepherd the folding and targeting of secreted proteins. A central player of this quality control network is DegP, a protease also suggested to have a chaperone function. We serendipitously discovered that production of the Bordetella pertussis autotransporter virulence protein pertactin is lethal in Escherichia coli ΔdegP strains. We investigated specific contributions of DegP to secretion of pertactin as a model system to test the functions of DegP in vivo. The DegP chaperone activity was sufficient to restore growth during pertactin production. This chaperone dependency could be relieved by changing the pertactin signal sequence: an E. coli signal sequence leading to co-translational inner membrane (IM) translocation was sufficient to suppress lethality in the absence of DegP, whereas an E. coli post-translational signal sequence was sufficient to recapitulate the lethal phenotype. These results identify a novel connection between the DegP chaperone and the mechanism used to translocate a protein across the IM. Lethality coincided with loss of periplasmic proteins, soluble σ^E, and proteins regulated by this essential stress response. These results suggest post-translational IM translocation can lead to the formation of toxic periplasmic folding intermediates, which DegP can suppress.

Gonorrhea - an evolving disease of the new millennium

Etiology, transmission and protection: Neisseria gonorrhoeae (the gonococcus) is the etiological agent for the strictly human sexually transmitted disease gonorrhea. Infections lead to limited immunity, therefore individuals can become repeatedly infected. Pathology/symptomatology: Gonorrhea is generally a non-complicated mucosal infection with a pustular discharge. More severe sequellae include salpingitis and pelvic inflammatory disease which may lead to sterility and/or ectopic pregnancy. Occasionally, the organism can disseminate as a bloodstream infection. Epidemiology, incidence and prevalence: Gonorrhea is a global disease infecting approximately 60 million people annually. In the United States there are approximately 300, 000 cases each year, with an incidence of approximately 100 cases per 100,000 population. Treatment and curability: Gonorrhea is susceptible to an array of antibiotics. Antibiotic resistance is becoming a major problem and there are fears that the gonococcus will become the next "superbug" as the antibiotic arsenal diminishes. Currently, third generation extended-spectrum cephalosporins are being prescribed. Molecular mechanisms of infection: Gonococci elaborate numerous strategies to thwart the immune system. The organism engages in extensive phase (on/off switching) and antigenic variation of several surface antigens. The organism expresses IgA protease which cleaves mucosal antibody. The organism can become serum resistant due to its ability to sialylate lipooligosaccharide in conjunction with its ability to subvert complement activation. The gonococcus can survive within neutrophils as well as in several other lymphocytic cells. The organism manipulates the immune response such that no immune memory is generated which leads to a lack of protective immunity.

A review on host-pathogen interactions: classification and prediction

The research on host-pathogen interactions is an ever-emerging and evolving field. Every other day a new pathogen gets discovered, along with comes the challenge of its prevention and cure. As the intelligent human always vies for prevention, which is better than cure, understanding the mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions gets prior importance. There are many mechanisms involved from the pathogen as well as the host sides while an interaction happens. It is a vis-a-vis fight of the counter genes and proteins from both sides. Who wins depends on whether a host gets an infection or not. Moreover, a higher level of complexity arises when the pathogens evolve and become resistant to a host's defense mechanisms. Such pathogens pose serious challenges for treatment. The entire human population is in danger of such long-lasting persistent infections. Some of these infections even increase the rate of mortality. Hence there is an immediate emergency to understand how the pathogens interact with their host for successful invasion. It may lead to discovery of appropriate preventive measures, and the development of rational therapeutic measures and medication against such infections and diseases. This review, a state-of-the-art updated scenario of host-pathogen interaction research, has been done by keeping in mind this urgency. It covers the biological and computational aspects of host-pathogen interactions, classification of the methods by which the pathogens interact with their hosts, different machine learning techniques for prediction of host-pathogen interactions, and future scopes of this research field.

Identification of Novel Immunogenic Proteins of Neisseria gonorrhoeae by Phage Display

Neisseria gonorrhoeae is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases worldwide with more than 100 million new infections per year. A lack of intense research over the last decades and increasing resistances to the recommended antibiotics call for a better understanding of gonococcal infection, fast diagnostics and therapeutic measures against N. gonorrhoeae. Therefore, the aim of this work was to identify novel immunogenic proteins as a first step to advance those unresolved problems. For the identification of immunogenic proteins, pHORF oligopeptide phage display libraries of the entire N. gonorrhoeae genome were constructed. Several immunogenic oligopeptides were identified using polyclonal rabbit antibodies against N. gonorrhoeae. Corresponding full-length proteins of the identified oligopeptides were expressed and their immunogenic character was verified by ELISA. The immunogenic character of six proteins was identified for the first time. Additional 13 proteins were verified as immunogenic proteins in N. gonorrhoeae.

Type V Secretion: the Autotransporter and Two-Partner Secretion Pathways

The autotransporter and two-partner secretion (TPS) pathways are used by E. coli and many other Gram-negative bacteria to delivervirulence factors into the extracellular milieu.Autotransporters arecomprised of an N-terminal extracellular ("passenger") domain and a C-terminal β barrel domain ("β domain") that anchors the protein to the outer membrane and facilitates passenger domain secretion. In the TPS pathway, a secreted polypeptide ("exoprotein") is coordinately expressed with an outer membrane protein that serves as a dedicated transporter. Bothpathways are often grouped together under the heading "type V secretion" because they have many features in common and are used for the secretion of structurally related polypeptides, but it is likely that theyhave distinct evolutionary origins. Although it was proposed many years ago that autotransporterpassenger domains are transported across the outer membrane through a channel formed by the covalently linked β domain, there is increasing evidence that additional factors are involved in the translocation reaction. Furthermore, details of the mechanism of protein secretion through the TPS pathway are only beginning to emerge. In this chapter I discussour current understanding ofboth early and late steps in the biogenesis of polypeptides secreted through type V pathways and current modelsofthe mechanism of secretion.

Structure, Function, and Assembly of Adhesive Organelles by Uropathogenic Bacteria

Bacteria assemble a wide range of adhesive proteins, termed adhesins, to mediate binding to receptors and colonization of surfaces. For pathogenic bacteria, adhesins are critical for early stages of infection, allowing the bacteria to initiate contact with host cells, colonize different tissues, and establish a foothold within the host. The adhesins expressed by a pathogen are also critical for bacterial-bacterial interactions and the formation of bacterial communities, including biofilms. The ability to adhere to host tissues is particularly important for bacteria that colonize sites such as the urinary tract, where the flow of urine functions to maintain sterility by washing away non-adherent pathogens. Adhesins vary from monomeric proteins that are directly anchored to the bacterial surface to polymeric, hair-like fibers that extend out from the cell surface. These latter fibers are termed pili or fimbriae, and were among the first identified virulence factors of uropathogenic Escherichia coli. Studies since then have identified a range of both pilus and non-pilus adhesins that contribute to bacterial colonization of the urinary tract, and have revealed molecular details of the structures, assembly pathways, and functions of these adhesive organelles. In this review, we describe the different types of adhesins expressed by both Gram-negative and Gram-positive uropathogens, what is known about their structures, how they are assembled on the bacterial surface, and the functions of specific adhesins in the pathogenesis of urinary tract infections.

BrkAutoDisplay: functional display of multiple exogenous proteins on the surface of Escherichia coli by using BrkA autotransporter

Background

Bacterial surface display technique enables the exogenous proteins or polypeptides displayed on the bacterial surface, while maintaining their relatively independent spatial structures and biological activities. The technique makes recombinant bacteria possess the expectant functions, subsequently, directly used for many applications. Many proteins could be used to achieve bacterial surface display, among them, autotransporter, a member of the type V secretion system of gram-negative bacteria, has been extensively studied because of its modular structure and apparent simplicity. However, autotransporter has not been widely used at present due to lack of a convenient genetic vector system. With our recently characterized autotransporter BrkA (Bordetella serum-resistance killing protein A) from Bordetella pertussis, we are aiming to develop a new autotransporter-based surface display system for potential wide application.

Results

Here, we construct a bacterial surface display system named as BrkAutoDisplay, based on the structure of autotransporter BrkA. BrkAutoDisplay is a convenient system to host exogenous genes. In our test, this system is good to efficiently display various proteins on the outer membrane surface of Escherichia coli, including green fluorescent protein (GFP), various enzymes and single chain antibody. Moreover, the displayed GFP possesses green fluorescence, the enzymes CotA, EstPc and PalA exhibit catalytic activity 0.12, 6.88 and 0.32 mU (per 5.2 × 10⁸ living bacteria cells) respectively, and the single chain antibody fragment (scFv) can bind with its antigen strongly. Finally, we showed that C41(DE3) is a good strain of E. coli for the successful functionality of BrkAutoDisplay.

Conclusions

We designed a new bacterial display system called as BrkAutoDisplay and displayed various exogenous proteins on E. coli surface. Our results indicate that BrkAutoDisplay system is worthy of further study for industrial applications.

Hyperinvasive Meningococci Induce Intra-nuclear Cleavage of the NF-κB Protein p65/RelA by Meningococcal IgA Protease

Differential modulation of NF-κB during meningococcal infection is critical in innate immune response to meningococcal disease. Non-invasive isolates of Neisseria meningitidis provoke a sustained NF-κB activation in epithelial cells. However, the hyperinvasive isolates of the ST-11 clonal complex (ST-11) only induce an early NF-κB activation followed by a sustained activation of JNK and apoptosis. We show that this temporal activation of NF-κB was caused by specific cleavage at the C-terminal region of NF-κB p65/RelA component within the nucleus of infected cells. This cleavage was mediated by the secreted 150 kDa meningococcal ST-11 IgA protease carrying nuclear localisation signals (NLS) in its α-peptide moiety that allowed efficient intra-nuclear transport. In a collection of non-ST-11 healthy carriage isolates lacking NLS in the α-peptide, secreted IgA protease was devoid of intra-nuclear transport. This part of iga polymorphism allows non-invasive isolates lacking NLS, unlike hyperinvasive ST-11 isolates of N. meningitides habouring NLS in their α-peptide, to be carried asymptomatically in the human nasopharynx through selective eradication of their ability to induce apoptosis in infected epithelial cells.