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Khan K. Neurodevelopmental impairment associated with neonatal invasive group B Streptococcus disease: Are animal models on track in understanding the mechanisms at play? Brain Behav Immun Health 2024; 40:100831. [PMID: 39144833 PMCID: PMC11320442 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2024.100831] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Invasive Group B Streptococcus (iGBS) disease is a prominent cause of neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) in neonates. While the clinical manifestation of iGBS disease in neonates may include pneumonia and meningitis, generalised sepsis without focus is the most frequent manifestation of iGBS disease in neonates. Though recent human based studies highlighted meningitis as an important manifestation in infants with NDI following iGBS disease, they also noted that ∼18% of neonates present with NDI following iGBS related sepsis. Thus, it is important to not only understand the long-term pathophysiological changes associated with NDI in iGBS meningitis survivors, but so too for iGBS sepsis survivors. Since the late 1970's animal models have been used to unravel the pathophysiology of neonatal iGBS disease. These studies have inoculated neonatal or pregnant animals with GBS via various peripheral or central routes. The greatest challenge with using animal models to study NDI associated with neonatal iGBS disease, is effectively mimicking the clinical presentations of pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis, while inducing relevant pathophysiological changes and ensuring animals survival, so as to test the neurodevelopment of the animals. This review aims to evaluate the validity of neonatal rodent models, specifically in studying NDI associated with neonatal iGBS disease and explore possible future avenues of research in addressing long-term NDI in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaalid Khan
- Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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2
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Ling J, Hryckowian AJ. Re-framing the importance of Group B Streptococcus as a gut-resident pathobiont. Infect Immun 2024; 92:e0047823. [PMID: 38436256 PMCID: PMC11392526 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00478-23] [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] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus, GBS) is a Gram-positive bacterial species that causes disease in humans across the lifespan. While antibiotics are used to mitigate GBS infections, it is evident that antibiotics disrupt human microbiomes (which can predispose people to other diseases later in life), and antibiotic resistance in GBS is on the rise. Taken together, these unintended negative impacts of antibiotics highlight the need for precision approaches for minimizing GBS disease. One possible approach involves selectively depleting GBS in its commensal niches before it can cause disease at other body sites or be transmitted to at-risk individuals. One understudied commensal niche of GBS is the adult gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which may predispose colonization at other body sites in individuals at risk for GBS disease. However, a better understanding of the host-, microbiome-, and GBS-determined variables that dictate GBS GI carriage is needed before precise GI decolonization approaches can be developed. In this review, we synthesize current knowledge of the diverse body sites occupied by GBS as a pathogen and as a commensal. We summarize key molecular factors GBS utilizes to colonize different host-associated niches to inform future efforts to study GBS in the GI tract. We also discuss other GI commensals that are pathogenic in other body sites to emphasize the broader utility of precise de-colonization approaches for mitigating infections by GBS and other bacterial pathogens. Finally, we highlight how GBS treatments could be improved with a more holistic understanding of GBS enabled by continued GI-focused study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joie Ling
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Healthon, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Microbiology Doctoral Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Andrew J Hryckowian
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Healthon, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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3
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Caliot E, Firon A, Solgadi A, Trieu-Cuot P, Dramsi S. Lipid lysination by MprF contributes to hemolytic pigment retention in group B Streptococcus. Res Microbiol 2024:104231. [PMID: 39197696 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2024.104231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024]
Abstract
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is the leading cause of neonatal sepsis and meningitis. A major virulence factor is a pigmented beta-haemolytic/cyto-lysin (β-h/c) toxin with an ornithine rhamnolipid structure. We initially observed that absence of MprF enzyme altered pigmentation and haemolytic activity in GBS. Next, we showed that MprF-dependent lipid lysination contributes to the retention of the ornithine rhamnolipid within GBS membrane. Furthermore, cationic lipidation by MprF altered membrane properties contributing to resistance to the cyclic lipopeptide daptomycin and to acidic pH. This study highlights the importance of cationic lipids in cell envelope homeostasis and in modulating β-h/c activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Caliot
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR6047, Biology of Gram-positive Pathogens Unit, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Arnaud Firon
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR6047, Biology of Gram-positive Pathogens Unit, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Audrey Solgadi
- UMS-IPSIT SAMM Facility, Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, CNRS, Ingénierie et Plateformes au Service de l'Innovation Thérapeutique, F-91400 Orsay, France
| | - Patrick Trieu-Cuot
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR6047, Biology of Gram-positive Pathogens Unit, F-75015 Paris, France.
| | - Shaynoor Dramsi
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR6047, Biology of Gram-positive Pathogens Unit, F-75015 Paris, France.
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4
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Vollmuth N, Bridgers BE, Armstrong ML, Wood JF, Gildea AR, Espinal ER, Hooven TA, Barbieri G, Westermann AJ, Sauerwein T, Foerstner KU, Schubert-Unkmeir A, Kim BJ. Group B Streptococcus transcriptome when interacting with brain endothelial cells. J Bacteriol 2024; 206:e0008724. [PMID: 38771039 PMCID: PMC11332166 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00087-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial meningitis is a life-threatening infection of the central nervous system (CNS) that occurs when bacteria are able to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) or the meningeal-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (mBCSFB). The BBB and mBCSFB comprise highly specialized brain endothelial cells (BECs) that typically restrict pathogen entry. Group B Streptococcus (GBS or Streptococcus agalactiae) is the leading cause of neonatal meningitis. Until recently, identification of GBS virulence factors has relied on genetic screening approaches. Instead, we here conducted RNA-seq analysis on GBS when interacting with induced pluripotent stem cell-derived BECs (iBECs) to pinpoint virulence-associated genes. Of the 2,068 annotated protein-coding genes of GBS, 430 transcripts displayed significant changes in expression after interacting with BECs. Notably, we found that the majority of differentially expressed GBS transcripts were downregulated (360 genes) during infection of iBECs. Interestingly, codY, encoding a pleiotropic transcriptional repressor in low-G + C Gram-positive bacteria, was identified as being highly downregulated. We conducted qPCR to confirm the codY downregulation observed via RNA-seq during the GBS-iBEC interaction and obtained codY mutants in three different GBS background parental strains. As anticipated from the RNA-seq results, the [Formula: see text]codY strains were more adherent and invasive in two in vitro BEC models. Together, this demonstrates the utility of RNA-seq during the BEC interaction to identify GBS virulence modulators. IMPORTANCE Group B Streptococcus (GBS) meningitis remains the leading cause of neonatal meningitis. Research work has identified surface factors and two-component systems that contribute to GBS disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). These discoveries often relied on genetic screening approaches. Here, we provide transcriptomic data describing how GBS changes its transcriptome when interacting with brain endothelial cells. Additionally, we have phenotypically validated these data by obtaining mutants of a select regulator that is highly down-regulated during infection and testing on our BBB model. This work provides the research field with a validated data set that can provide an insight into potential pathways that GBS requires to interact with the BBB and open the door to new discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Vollmuth
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | - Bailey E. Bridgers
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | - Madelyn L. Armstrong
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | - Jacob F. Wood
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | - Abigail R. Gildea
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | - Eric R. Espinal
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | - Thomas A. Hooven
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Richard King Mellon Institute for Pediatric Research, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Giulia Barbieri
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alexander J. Westermann
- Institute of Molecular Infection Biology (IMIB), University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Till Sauerwein
- Institute of Molecular Infection Biology (IMIB), University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
- ZB MED, Information Centre for Life Sciences, Cologne, Germany
| | - Konrad U. Foerstner
- Institute of Molecular Infection Biology (IMIB), University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
- ZB MED, Information Centre for Life Sciences, Cologne, Germany
- TH Koeln, University of Applied Sciences, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Brandon J. Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heesink School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- University of Alabama Center of Convergent Biosciences and Medicine, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
- University of Alabama Life Research, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
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5
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Mercado-Evans V, Mejia ME, Zulk JJ, Ottinger S, Hameed ZA, Serchejian C, Marunde MG, Robertson CM, Ballard MB, Ruano SH, Korotkova N, Flores AR, Pennington KA, Patras KA. Gestational diabetes augments group B Streptococcus infection by disrupting maternal immunity and the vaginal microbiota. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1035. [PMID: 38310089 PMCID: PMC10838280 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45336-6] [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: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a pervasive perinatal pathogen, yet factors driving GBS dissemination in utero are poorly defined. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a complication marked by dysregulated immunity and maternal microbial dysbiosis, increases risk for GBS perinatal disease. Using a murine GDM model of GBS colonization and perinatal transmission, we find that GDM mice display greater GBS in utero dissemination and subsequently worse neonatal outcomes. Dual-RNA sequencing reveals differential GBS adaptation to the GDM reproductive tract, including a putative glycosyltransferase (yfhO), and altered host responses. GDM immune disruptions include reduced uterine natural killer cell activation, impaired recruitment to placentae, and altered maternofetal cytokines. Lastly, we observe distinct vaginal microbial taxa associated with GDM status and GBS invasive disease status. Here, we show a model of GBS dissemination in GDM hosts that recapitulates several clinical aspects and identifies multiple host and bacterial drivers of GBS perinatal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki Mercado-Evans
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Marlyd E Mejia
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jacob J Zulk
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Samantha Ottinger
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Zainab A Hameed
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Camille Serchejian
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Madelynn G Marunde
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Clare M Robertson
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Mallory B Ballard
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Simone H Ruano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Natalia Korotkova
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Anthony R Flores
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, UTHealth Houston, Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kathleen A Pennington
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kathryn A Patras
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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Zhu H, Bai S, Ma W, Qian H, Du P. A combined effect of fish-originated collagen peptides and caffeine on the cognitive function of sleep-deprived mice. Food Funct 2024; 15:917-929. [PMID: 38170494 DOI: 10.1039/d3fo03841f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Refreshing beverages, consumed worldwide, commonly take advantage of caffeine's impacts on attention and motor performance. However, excessive long-term caffeine intake might disturb sleep/wake rhythms and exacerbate daily anxiety. Fish-originated collagen peptides (FCP) are of high nutrient value with stimulating, calming or relaxing effects, which could reduce the excitotoxicity of caffeine. This study aims to investigate two facets: (1) the combined effect of caffeine and FCP (namely C&F) on the cognitive function of sleep-deprived mice by different administration strategies with dose dependence (low and high dose) or time dependence (intervention in a day and prevention for a week); (2) the potential "microbiota-gut-brain" mechanism by which C&F improves sleep deprivation (SD)-induced cognitive impairments. Here, C57BL/6 mice were administered caffeine (10 or 20 mg per kg per bw) combined with FCP (100 or 200 mg per kg per bw) and were then subjected to 48 h SD. The open-field and Morris water maze tests were performed to evaluate the cognitive function and spatial learning capacities of mice. Our results indicated that the cognitive impairments of SD mice were significantly relieved to a different degree by treating C&F in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The pathological observation of the hippocampus indicated both intervention (time of a day) and prevention (time of a week) of the C&F protected brain tissue from SD-induced injuries. The accumulated pro-inflammatory neurometabolites and factors were significantly inhibited by C&F via the hypothalamus-hippocampal circuit. Furthermore, 16S rDNA analysis of colonic contents showed that the level of Lactobacillus murinus was significantly upregulated and that of Clostridia_UCG-014 was suppressed in the C&F group. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of Lactobacillus murinus indicated a certain diagnostic utility to distinguish C&F intervention (AUC = 0.52) or prevention (AUC = 0.68). Pathways of ko04622 (immune system) and ko00472 (metabolism processes) were significantly regulated by C&F in a time-dependent manner. Based on PICRUSt2 algorithm analysis, C&F might potentially regulate gut microbial functions through several metabolic pathways, including the RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathway and limonene and pinene degradation. In conclusion, C&F plays a key role in brain function and behavior, which could synergistically relieve cognitive impairments via the microbiota-gut-brain axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongkang Zhu
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China.
| | - Shuang Bai
- Air Force Medical Center, Beijing, China.
| | - Wen Ma
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China.
| | - He Qian
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China.
| | - Peng Du
- Air Force Medical Center, Beijing, China.
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7
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Zhu H, Shen F, Wang X, Qian H, Liu Y. Chlorogenic acid improves the cognitive deficits of sleep-deprived mice via regulation of immunity function and intestinal flora. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 123:155194. [PMID: 37995532 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sleep deprivation (SD) has become a global health concern with serious consequences containing memory deficits and gastrointestinal dysfunctions. The gut-brain axis serves as a crucial link between the brain and gut, and the utilization of chlorogenic acid (CGA) presents a compelling strategy for mitigating or potentially resolving various neuroinflammation-associated disorders. However, it is still unknown how CGA may interact with the gut, microbiota and the brain during SD. PURPOSE This study aims to explore the therapeutic effect and underlying mechanism of microbiota-gut-brain axis by which CGA prevents SD-induced cognitive deficits. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS CGA (30, 60 mg/kg.bw.) was gavaged to C57BL/6 mice, and then they were submitted to 48-h SD. The cognitive and spatial learning abilities were investigated through behavioral tests. Furthermore, we explored the action mechanism of this compound with haematological analysis, histopathological examination, Western blot, ELISA and 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing from colonic contents. RESULTS The cognitive deficits induced by SD were significantly relieved by administration of CGA in a dose-dependent manner. The hematoxylin and eosin staining of hippocampus and colon tissues indicated that pretreatment of CGA not only protected brain tissue from SD, but also maintained intestinal integrity. In the hippocampus, the increased pro-inflammatory neurometabolites were significantly prevented by CGA, and an immune profile capable of hippocampal-dependent spatial memory was improved via Nrf2/PPAR signaling pathways. The observed immunomodulatory effect was concomitant with augmentation of the intestinal barrier, as evidenced by the heightened expressions of tight junction proteins. 16S rRNA analysis of colonic contents revealed that levels of Clostridia_UCG-014 and lipopolysaccharide were significantly inhibited, and those of Lactobacillus and intestinal tight junction proteins were upregulated in the CGA group. Pathways of ko05322 (immune disease) and ko04610 (immune system) were significantly regulated by CGA. Based on PICRUSt2 algorithm, CGA probably influenced gut microbial functions via several metabolism pathways, such as arginine biosynthesis, pyrimidine metabolism and purine metabolism. CONCLUSION The present study first proved the efficacy and mechanism of CGA in alleviating SD-induced cognitive impairment and neuroinflammation via creating a systemic protection, a bidirectional communication system connecting the gut with the brain. The intestinal barrier improvement and the reshaped "SD microbiota" profiles restored immunity functions, which were probably the main contributors to Nrf2/PPAR activation and the neuroprotective effect of CGA. Overall, this work provided novel insights of CGA, which might guide the more reasonable clinical use of CGA in the pathogenesis of sleep-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongkang Zhu
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control in Jiangsu Province, Jiangnan University
| | | | - Xiaochen Wang
- Wuxi 9th People's Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Wuxi, 214062, China
| | - He Qian
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control in Jiangsu Province, Jiangnan University.
| | - Yu Liu
- Wuxi 9th People's Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Wuxi, 214062, China.
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Greenfield KG, Harlow OS, Witt LT, Dziekan EM, Tamar CR, Meier J, Brumbaugh JE, Levy ER, Knoop KA. Neonatal intestinal colonization of Streptococcus agalactiae and the multiple modes of protection limiting translocation. Gut Microbes 2024; 16:2379862. [PMID: 39042143 PMCID: PMC11268251 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2379862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus agalactiae, also known as Group B Streptococcus (GBS), is a predominant pathogen of neonatal sepsis, commonly associated with early-onset neonatal sepsis. GBS has also been associated with cases of late-onset sepsis potentially originating from the intestine. Previous findings have shown GBS can colonize the infant intestinal tract as part of the neonatal microbiota. To better understand GBS colonization dynamics in the neonatal intestine, we collected stool and milk samples from prematurely born neonates for identification of potential pathogens in the neonatal intestinal microbiota. GBS was present in approximately 10% of the cohort, and this colonization was not associated with maternal GBS status, delivery route, or gestational weight. Interestingly, we observed the relative abundance of GBS in the infant stool negatively correlated with maternal IgA concentration in matched maternal milk samples. Using a preclinical murine model of GBS infection, we report that both vertical transmission and direct oral introduction resulted in intestinal colonization of GBS; however, translocation beyond the intestine was limited. Finally, vaccination of dams prior to breeding induced strong immunoglobulin responses, including IgA responses, which were associated with reduced mortality and GBS intestinal colonization. Taken together, we show that maternal IgA may contribute to infant immunity by limiting the colonization of GBS in the intestine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lila T Witt
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jane E Brumbaugh
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Emily R Levy
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Kathryn A Knoop
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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9
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Vancolen S, Ayash T, Allard MJ, Sébire G. Sex-Specific Dysconnective Brain Injuries and Neuropsychiatric Conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder Caused by Group B Streptococcus-Induced Chorioamnionitis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14090. [PMID: 37762401 PMCID: PMC10531534 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Global health efforts have increased against infectious diseases, but issues persist with pathogens like Group B Streptococcus (GBS). Preclinical studies have elaborated on the mechanistic process of GBS-induced chorioamnionitis and its impact on the fetal programming of chronic neuropsychiatric diseases. GBS inoculation in rodents demonstrated the following: (i) silent and self-limited placental infection, similar to human chorioamnionitis; (ii) placental expression of chemokines attracting polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells; (iii) in vitro cytokine production; (iv) PMN infiltration in the placenta (histologic hallmark of human chorioamnionitis), linked to neurobehavioral impairments like cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorders (ASD); (v) upregulation of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the placenta and fetal blood, associated with higher ASD risk in humans; (vi) sex-specific effects, with higher IL-1β release and PMN recruitment in male placenta; (vii) male offspring exhibiting ASD-like traits, while female offspring displayed attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-like traits; (viii) IL-1 and/or NF-kB blockade alleviate placental and fetal inflammation, as well as subsequent neurobehavioral impairments. These findings offer potential therapeutic avenues, including sex-adapted anti-inflammatory treatment (e.g., blocking IL-1; repurposing of FDA-approved IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) treatment). Blocking the IL-1 pathway offers therapeutic potential to alleviate chorioamnionitis-related disabilities, presenting an opportunity for a human phase II RCT that uses IL-1 blockade added to the classic antibiotic treatment of chorioamnionitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seline Vancolen
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada;
- Department of Pediatrics, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Taghreed Ayash
- Department of Pediatrics, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Marie-Julie Allard
- Department of Pediatrics, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Guillaume Sébire
- Department of Pediatrics, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
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10
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Eme-Scolan E, Arnaud-Paroutaud L, Haidar N, Roussel-Queval A, Rua R. Meningeal regulation of infections: A double-edged sword. Eur J Immunol 2023; 53:e2250267. [PMID: 37402972 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202250267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
In the past 10 years, important discoveries have been made in the field of neuroimmunology, especially regarding brain borders. Indeed, meninges are protective envelopes surrounding the CNS and are currently in the spotlight, with multiple studies showing their involvement in brain infection and cognitive disorders. In this review, we describe the meningeal layers and their protective role in the CNS against bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections, by immune and nonimmune cells. Moreover, we discuss the neurological and cognitive consequences resulting from meningeal infections in neonates (e.g. infection with group B Streptococcus, cytomegalovirus, …) or adults (e.g. infection with Trypanosoma brucei, Streptococcus pneumoniae, …). We hope that this review will bring to light an integrated view of meningeal immune regulations during CNS infections and their neurological consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Eme-Scolan
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université, Inserm, CNRS, Marseille, France
| | - Laurie Arnaud-Paroutaud
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université, Inserm, CNRS, Marseille, France
| | - Narjess Haidar
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université, Inserm, CNRS, Marseille, France
| | - Annie Roussel-Queval
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université, Inserm, CNRS, Marseille, France
| | - Rejane Rua
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université, Inserm, CNRS, Marseille, France
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11
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Segklia K, Matsas R, Papastefanaki F. Brain Infection by Group B Streptococcus Induces Inflammation and Affects Neurogenesis in the Adult Mouse Hippocampus. Cells 2023; 12:1570. [PMID: 37371040 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121570] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system infections caused by pathogens crossing the blood-brain barrier are extremely damaging and trigger cellular alterations and neuroinflammation. Bacterial brain infection, in particular, is a major cause of hippocampal neuronal degeneration. Hippocampal neurogenesis, a continuous multistep process occurring throughout life in the adult brain, could compensate for such neuronal loss. However, the high rates of cognitive and other sequelae from bacterial meningitis/encephalitis suggest that endogenous repair mechanisms might be severely affected. In the current study, we used Group B Streptococcus (GBS) strain NEM316, to establish an adult mouse model of brain infection and determine its impact on adult neurogenesis. Experimental encephalitis elicited neurological deficits and death, induced inflammation, and affected neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of the adult hippocampus by suppressing the proliferation of progenitor cells and the generation of newborn neurons. These effects were specifically associated with hippocampal neurogenesis while subventricular zone neurogenesis was not affected. Overall, our data provide new insights regarding the effect of GBS infection on adult brain neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Segklia
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology-Stem Cells, Neurobiology Department, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Rebecca Matsas
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology-Stem Cells, Neurobiology Department, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Florentia Papastefanaki
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology-Stem Cells, Neurobiology Department, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece
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12
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Rios LE, Lokugamage N, Garg NJ. Effects of Acute and Chronic Trypanosoma cruzi Infection on Pregnancy Outcomes in Mice: Parasite Transmission, Mortality, Delayed Growth, and Organ Damage in Pups. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2023; 193:313-331. [PMID: 36565805 PMCID: PMC10013038 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2022.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. This study aimed to determine the effects of T. cruzi infection on fertility rate and health of the newborn pups in pregnant mice. Female mice were challenged with T. cruzi and mated at 21 days (acute parasitemic phase) or 90 days (chronic parasite persistence phase) after infection. Pups were examined for growth up to 20 days after birth; and parasite burden in brain, heart, skeletal muscle, and intestine was measured by real-time quantitative PCR. The inflammatory infiltrate, necrosis, and fibrosis in pups' heart and brain tissues were evaluated by histology. T. cruzi infection in dams delayed the onset of pregnancy, decreased the fertility rate, and led to vertical transmission of parasite to the pups. Furthermore, infected dams delivered pups that exhibited decreased survival rate, decreased birth weight, and decreased growth rate. Significantly increased inflammation, necrosis, and fibrosis of cardiac and brain tissues were noted in pups born to infected dams. Initial challenge with higher parasite dose had more detrimental effects on fertility rate and pups' health in both acutely and chronically infected dams. In conclusion, mice offer a promising model to evaluate the efficacy of new vaccines and therapeutic drugs in controlling the acute and chronic maternal T. cruzi infection and congenital transmission to newborns, and in improving the fertility rate and pups' health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizette E Rios
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas; Department of Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Nandadeva Lokugamage
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Nisha J Garg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas; Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas.
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13
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Sedney CJ, Caulfield A, Dewan KK, Blas-Machado U, Callender M, Manley NR, Harvill ET. Novel murine model reveals an early role for pertussis toxin in disrupting neonatal immunity to Bordetella pertussis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1125794. [PMID: 36855631 PMCID: PMC9968397 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1125794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The increased susceptibility of neonates to specific pathogens has previously been attributed to an underdeveloped immune system. More recent data suggest neonates have effective protection against most pathogens but are particularly susceptible to those that target immune functions specific to neonates. Bordetella pertussis (Bp), the causative agent of "whooping cough", causes more serious disease in infants attributed to its production of pertussis toxin (PTx), although the neonate-specific immune functions it targets remain unknown. Problematically, the rapid development of adult immunity in mice has confounded our ability to study interactions of the neonatal immune system and its components, such as virtual memory T cells which are prominent prior to the maturation of the thymus. Here, we examine the rapid change in susceptibility of young mice and define a period from five- to eight-days-old during which mice are much more susceptible to Bp than mice even a couple days older. These more narrowly defined "neonatal" mice display significantly increased susceptibility to wild type Bp but very rapidly and effectively respond to and control Bp lacking PTx, more rapidly even than adult mice. Thus, PTx efficiently blocks some very effective form(s) of neonatal protective immunity, potentially providing a tool to better understand the neonatal immune system. The rapid clearance of the PTx mutant correlates with the early accumulation of neutrophils and T cells and suggests a role for PTx in disrupting their accumulation. These results demonstrate a striking age-dependent response to Bp, define an early age of extreme susceptibility to Bp, and demonstrate that the neonatal response can be more efficient than the adult response in eliminating bacteria from the lungs, but these neonatal functions are substantially blocked by PTx. This refined definition of "neonatal" mice may be useful in the study of other pathogens that primarily infect neonates, and PTx may prove a particularly valuable tool for probing the poorly understood neonatal immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen J. Sedney
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Amanda Caulfield
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Kaylan K. Dewan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Uriel Blas-Machado
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Maiya Callender
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Nancy R. Manley
- Department of Genetics, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Eric T. Harvill
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
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14
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Dong Y, Rivetti S, Lingampally A, Tacke S, Kojonazarov B, Bellusci S, Ehrhardt H. Insights into the Black Box of Intra-Amniotic Infection and Its Impact on the Premature Lung: From Clinical and Preclinical Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179792. [PMID: 36077187 PMCID: PMC9456379 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Intra-amniotic infection (IAI) is one major driver for preterm birth and has been demonstrated by clinical studies to exert both beneficial and injurious effects on the premature lung, possibly due to heterogeneity in the microbial type, timing, and severity of IAI. Due to the inaccessibility of the intra-amniotic cavity during pregnancies, preclinical animal models investigating pulmonary consequences of IAI are indispensable to elucidate the pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). It is postulated that on one hand imbalanced inflammation, orchestrated by lung immune cells such as macrophages, may impact on airway epithelium, vascular endothelium, and interstitial mesenchyme, resulting in abnormal lung development. On the other hand, excessive suppression of inflammation may as well cause pulmonary injury and a certain degree of inflammation is beneficial. So far, effective strategies to prevent and treat BPD are scarce. Therapeutic options targeting single mediators in signaling cascades and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs)-based therapies with global regulatory capacities have demonstrated efficacy in preclinical animal models and warrant further validation in patient populations. Ante-, peri- and postnatal exposome analysis and therapeutic investigations using multiple omics will fundamentally dissect the black box of IAI and its effect on the premature lung, contributing to precisely tailored and individualized therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Dong
- Department of General Pediatrics and Neonatology, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig-University, Feulgen Street 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Stefano Rivetti
- Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Justus-Liebig-University, Aulweg 130, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Arun Lingampally
- Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Justus-Liebig-University, Aulweg 130, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Sabine Tacke
- Clinic for Small Animals (Surgery), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University, Frankfurter Street 114, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Baktybek Kojonazarov
- Institute for Lung Health (ILH), Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig-University, Aulweg 130, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Saverio Bellusci
- Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Justus-Liebig-University, Aulweg 130, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Harald Ehrhardt
- Department of General Pediatrics and Neonatology, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig-University, Feulgen Street 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
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15
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Bonifácio Andrade E, Lorga I, Roque S, Geraldo R, Mesquita P, Castro R, Simões-Costa L, Costa M, Faustino A, Ribeiro A, Correia-Neves M, Trieu-Cuot P, Ferreira P. Maternal vaccination against group B Streptococcus glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase leads to gut dysbiosis in the offspring. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 103:186-201. [PMID: 35427758 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) remains a major neonatal life-threatening pathogen. We initially identified glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) as a promising vaccine candidate against GBS. Since GAPDH is highly conserved, we investigate whether GBS GAPDH maternal vaccination interferes with the intestinal colonization of the offspring and the development of its mucosal immune system and central nervous system. An altered gut microbiome with increased Proteobacteria is observed in pups born from vaccinated dams during early life. These pups present decreased relative expression of IL-1β, IL-17A, RegIIIγ and MUC2 in the distal colon. They also display increased CD11b, F4/80 and MHC class II expression on microglia in early life and marked reduction of Ly6C+ cells and neutrophils. Importantly, male mice born from vaccinated mothers present behavioral abnormalities during adulthood, including decreased exploratory behavior, a subtle anxious-like phenotype and global alterations in spatial learning and memory strategies, and higher sensitivity to a stressful stimulus. Our study highlights the danger of using ubiquitous antigens in maternal human vaccines against neonatal pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elva Bonifácio Andrade
- ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Inês Lorga
- ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Susana Roque
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Rafaela Geraldo
- ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro Mesquita
- ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rogério Castro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Luísa Simões-Costa
- Health Data Science Unit, Medical Faculty University Heidelberg and BioQuant, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Madalena Costa
- ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; UMIB - Unit for Multidisciplinary Investigation in Biomedicine (Endocrine, Cardiovascular & Metabolic Research), University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Augusto Faustino
- ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Adília Ribeiro
- ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Margarida Correia-Neves
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Patrick Trieu-Cuot
- Institut Pasteur, Unité de Biologie des Bactéries Pathogènes à Gram-positif, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS UMR 60647), Paris 75015, France
| | - Paula Ferreira
- ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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16
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Abstract
Neonatal bacterial meningitis is a devastating disease, associated with high mortality and neurological disability, in both developed and developing countries. Streptococcus agalactiae, commonly referred to as group B Streptococcus (GBS), remains the most common bacterial cause of meningitis among infants younger than 90 days. Maternal colonization with GBS in the gastrointestinal and/or genitourinary tracts is the primary risk factor for neonatal invasive disease. Despite prophylactic intrapartum antibiotic administration to colonized women and improved neonatal intensive care, the incidence and morbidity associated with GBS meningitis have not declined since the 1970s. Among meningitis survivors, a significant number suffer from complex neurological or neuropsychiatric sequelae, implying that the pathophysiology and pathogenic mechanisms leading to brain injury and devastating outcomes are not yet fully understood. It is imperative to develop new therapeutic and neuroprotective approaches aiming at protecting the developing brain. In this review, we provide updated clinical information regarding the understanding of neonatal GBS meningitis, including epidemiology, diagnosis, management, and human evidence of the disease's underlying mechanisms. Finally, we explore the experimental models used to study GBS meningitis and discuss their clinical and physiologic relevance to the complexities of human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Tavares
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Liliana Pinho
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Centro Materno Infantil do Norte, Porto, Portugal
| | - Elva Bonifácio Andrade
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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17
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Flores-Maldonado O, González GM, Montoya A, Andrade A, Treviño-Rangel R, Donis-Maturano L, Tavares-Carreón F, Becerril-García MA. Dissemination of Gram-positive bacteria to the lung of newborn mice increases local IL-6 and TNFα levels in lethal bacteremia. Microbes Infect 2022; 24:104984. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2022.104984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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18
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Animal Models of Chorioamnionitis: Considerations for Translational Medicine. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040811. [PMID: 35453561 PMCID: PMC9032938 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth is defined as any birth occurring before 37 completed weeks of gestation by the World Health Organization. Preterm birth is responsible for perinatal mortality and long-term neurological morbidity. Acute chorioamnionitis is observed in 70% of premature labor and is associated with a heavy burden of multiorgan morbidities in the offspring. Unfortunately, chorioamnionitis is still missing effective biomarkers and early placento- as well as feto-protective and curative treatments. This review summarizes recent advances in the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of chorioamnionitis and subsequent impacts on the pregnancy outcome, both during and beyond gestation. This review also describes relevant and current animal models of chorioamnionitis used to decipher associated mechanisms and develop much needed therapies. Improved knowledge of the pathophysiological mechanisms underpinning chorioamnionitis based on preclinical models is a mandatory step to identify early in utero diagnostic biomarkers and design novel anti-inflammatory interventions to improve both maternal and fetal outcomes.
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19
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Furuta A, Brokaw A, Manuel G, Dacanay M, Marcell L, Seepersaud R, Rajagopal L, Adams Waldorf K. Bacterial and Host Determinants of Group B Streptococcal Infection of the Neonate and Infant. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:820365. [PMID: 35265059 PMCID: PMC8899651 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.820365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Group B streptococci (GBS) are Gram-positive β-hemolytic bacteria that can cause serious and life-threatening infections in neonates manifesting as sepsis, pneumonia, meningitis, osteomyelitis, and/or septic arthritis. Invasive GBS infections in neonates in the first week of life are referred to as early-onset disease (EOD) and thought to be acquired by the fetus through exposure to GBS in utero or to vaginal fluids during birth. Late-onset disease (LOD) refers to invasive GBS infections between 7 and 89 days of life. LOD transmission routes are incompletely understood, but may include breast milk, household contacts, nosocomial, or community sources. Invasive GBS infections and particularly meningitis may result in significant neurodevelopmental injury and long-term disability that persists into childhood and adulthood. Globally, EOD and LOD occur in more than 300,000 neonates and infants annually, resulting in 90,000 infant deaths and leaving more than 10,000 infants with a lifelong disability. In this review, we discuss the clinical impact of invasive GBS neonatal infections and then summarize virulence and host factors that allow the bacteria to exploit the developing neonatal immune system and target organs. Specifically, we consider the mechanisms known to enable GBS invasion into the neonatal lung, blood vessels and brain. Understanding mechanisms of GBS invasion and pathogenesis relevant to infections in the neonate and infant may inform the development of therapeutics to prevent or mitigate injury, as well as improve risk stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Furuta
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Alyssa Brokaw
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Gygeria Manuel
- Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Matthew Dacanay
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Lauren Marcell
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Ravin Seepersaud
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Lakshmi Rajagopal
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Kristina Adams Waldorf
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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20
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Neuron–Microglia Contact-Dependent Mechanisms Attenuate Methamphetamine-Induced Microglia Reactivity and Enhance Neuronal Plasticity. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030355. [PMID: 35159165 PMCID: PMC8834016 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to methamphetamine (Meth) has been classically associated with damage to neuronal terminals. However, it is now becoming clear that addiction may also result from the interplay between glial cells and neurons. Recently, we demonstrated that binge Meth administration promotes microgliosis and microglia pro-inflammation via astrocytic glutamate release in a TNF/IP3R2-Ca2+-dependent manner. Here, we investigated the contribution of neuronal cells to this process. As the crosstalk between microglia and neurons may occur by contact-dependent and/or contact-independent mechanisms, we developed co-cultures of primary neurons and microglia in microfluidic devices to investigate how their interaction affects Meth-induced microglia activation. Our results show that neurons exposed to Meth do not activate microglia in a cell-autonomous way but require astrocyte mediation. Importantly, we found that neurons can partially prevent Meth-induced microglia activation via astrocytes, which seems to be achieved by increasing arginase 1 expression and strengthening the CD200/CD200r pathway. We also observed an increase in synaptic individual area, as determined by co-localization of pre- and post-synaptic markers. The present study provides evidence that contact-dependent mechanisms between neurons and microglia can attenuate pro-inflammatory events such as Meth-induced microglia activation.
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21
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Human Milk Oligosaccharides Reduce Murine Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization with Minimal Impact on the Vaginal Microbiota. mSphere 2022; 7:e0088521. [PMID: 34986315 PMCID: PMC8730812 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00885-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonizes the vaginal mucosa of a significant percentage of healthy women and is a leading cause of neonatal bacterial infections. Currently, pregnant women are screened in the last month of pregnancy, and GBS-positive women are given antibiotics during parturition to prevent bacterial transmission to the neonate. Recently, human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) isolated from breastmilk were found to inhibit GBS growth and biofilm formation in vitro, and women that make certain HMOs are less likely to be vaginally colonized with GBS. Using in vitro human vaginal epithelial cells and a murine vaginal colonization model, we tested the impact of HMO treatment on GBS burdens and the composition of the endogenous microbiota by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. HMO treatment reduced GBS vaginal burdens in vivo with minimal alterations to the vaginal microbiota. HMOs displayed potent inhibitory activity against GBS in vitro, but HMO pretreatment did not alter adherence of GBS or the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus to human vaginal epithelial cells. In addition, disruption of a putative GBS glycosyltransferase (Δsan_0913) rendered the bacterium largely resistant to HMO inhibition in vitro and in vivo but did not compromise its adherence, colonization, or biofilm formation in the absence of HMOs. We conclude that HMOs are a promising therapeutic bioactive to limit GBS vaginal colonization with minimal impacts on the vaginal microenvironment. IMPORTANCE During pregnancy, GBS ascension into the uterus can cause fetal infection or preterm birth. In addition, GBS exposure during labor creates a risk of serious disease in the vulnerable newborn and mother postpartum. Current recommended prophylaxis consists of administering broad-spectrum antibiotics to GBS-positive mothers during labor. Although antibiotics have significantly reduced GBS neonatal disease, there are several unintended consequences, including altered neonatal gut bacteria and increased risk for other types of infection. Innovative preventions displaying more targeted antimicrobial activity, while leaving the maternal microbiota intact, are thus appealing. Using a mouse model, we found that human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) reduce GBS burdens without perturbing the vaginal microbiota. We conclude that HMOs are a promising alternative to antibiotics to reduce GBS neonatal disease.
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22
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Ayash TA, Vancolen SY, Segura M, Allard MJ, Sebire G. Protective Effects of Interleukin-1 Blockade on Group B Streptococcus-Induced Chorioamnionitis and Subsequent Neurobehavioral Impairments of the Offspring. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:833121. [PMID: 35846278 PMCID: PMC9283950 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.833121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is one of the most common bacteria isolated in human chorioamnionitis. Placental infection due to GBS is a major risk factor for fetal organ injuries, preterm birth, perinatal morbidity and mortality, and life-long multiorgan morbidities. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that GBS-induced infection drives polymorphonuclear (PMN) cell infiltration within the placenta, the hallmark of human chorioamnionitis. In preclinical and clinical studies, the upregulation of interleukin(IL)-1β in the placenta and maternal/fetal blood was associated with a high risk of neurodevelopmental impairments in the progeny. We hypothesized that targeted IL-1 blockade administered to the dam alleviates GBS-induced chorioamnionitis and the downstream fetal inflammatory response syndrome (FIRS). IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) improved the gestational weight gain of GBS-infected dams and did not worsen the infectious manifestations. IL-1Ra reduced the IL-1β titer in the maternal sera of GBS-infected dams. IL-1Ra decreased the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1), and polymorphonuclear (PMN) infiltration in GBS-infected placenta. IL-1Ra treatment reduced the IL-1β titer in the fetal sera of GBS-exposed fetuses. IL-1 blockade also alleviated GBS-induced FIRS and subsequent neurobehavioral impairments of the offspring without worsening the outcome of GBS infection. Altogether, these results showed that IL-1 plays a key role in the physiopathology of live GBS-induced chorioamnionitis and consequent neurobehavioral impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mariela Segura
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montreal, St-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | | | - Guillaume Sebire
- Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Guillaume Sebire,
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Group B Streptococcus CAMP Factor Does Not Contribute to Interactions with the Vaginal Epithelium and Is Dispensable for Vaginal Colonization in Mice. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0105821. [PMID: 34908468 PMCID: PMC8672899 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01058-21] [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] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Gram-positive pathogen group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a leading cause of neonatal bacterial infections, preterm birth, and stillbirth. Although maternal GBS vaginal colonization is a risk factor for GBS-associated adverse birth outcomes, mechanisms promoting GBS vaginal persistence are not fully defined. GBS possesses a broadly conserved small molecule, CAMP factor, that is co-hemolytic in the presence of Staphylococcus aureus sphingomyelinase C. While this co-hemolytic reaction is commonly used by clinical laboratories to identify GBS, the contribution of CAMP factor to GBS vaginal persistence is unknown. Using in vitro biofilm, adherence and invasion assays with immortalized human vaginal epithelial VK2 cells, and a mouse model of GBS vaginal colonization, we tested the contribution of CAMP factor using GBS strain COH1 and its isogenic CAMP-deficient mutant (Δcfb). We found no evidence for CAMP factor involvement in GBS biofilm formation, or adherence, invasion, or cytotoxicity toward VK2 cells in the presence or absence of S. aureus. Additionally, there was no difference in vaginal burdens or persistence between COH1 and Δcfb strains in a murine colonization model. In summary, our results using in vitro human cell lines and murine models do not support a critical role for CAMP factor in promoting GBS vaginal colonization. IMPORTANCE Group B Streptococcus (GBS) remains a pervasive pathogen for pregnant women and their newborns. Maternal screening and intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis to GBS-positive mothers have reduced, but not eliminated GBS neonatal disease, and have not impacted GBS-associated preterm birth or stillbirth. Additionally, this antibiotic exposure is associated with adverse effects on the maternal and neonatal microbiota. Identifying key GBS factors important for maternal vaginal colonization will foster development of more targeted, alternative therapies to antibiotic treatment. Here, we investigate the contribution of a broadly conserved GBS determinant, CAMP factor, to GBS vaginal colonization and find that CAMP factor is unlikely to be a biological target to control maternal GBS colonization.
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24
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Canedo T, Portugal CC, Socodato R, Almeida TO, Terceiro AF, Bravo J, Silva AI, Magalhães JD, Guerra-Gomes S, Oliveira JF, Sousa N, Magalhães A, Relvas JB, Summavielle T. Astrocyte-derived TNF and glutamate critically modulate microglia activation by methamphetamine. Neuropsychopharmacology 2021; 46:2358-2370. [PMID: 34400780 PMCID: PMC8581027 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-021-01139-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (Meth) is a powerful illicit psychostimulant, widely used for recreational purposes. Besides disrupting the monoaminergic system and promoting oxidative brain damage, Meth also causes neuroinflammation, contributing to synaptic dysfunction and behavioral deficits. Aberrant activation of microglia, the largest myeloid cell population in the brain, is a common feature in neurological disorders triggered by neuroinflammation. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the aberrant activation of microglia elicited by Meth in the adult mouse brain. We found that binge Meth exposure caused microgliosis and disrupted risk assessment behavior (a feature that usually occurs in individuals who abuse Meth), both of which required astrocyte-to-microglia crosstalk. Mechanistically, Meth triggered a detrimental increase of glutamate exocytosis from astrocytes (in a process dependent on TNF production and calcium mobilization), promoting microglial expansion and reactivity. Ablating TNF production, or suppressing astrocytic calcium mobilization, prevented Meth-elicited microglia reactivity and re-established risk assessment behavior as tested by elevated plus maze (EPM). Overall, our data indicate that glial crosstalk is critical to relay alterations caused by acute Meth exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Canedo
- grid.5808.50000 0001 1503 7226Addiction Biology Group, i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde and IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal ,grid.5808.50000 0001 1503 7226Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Camila Cabral Portugal
- Glial Cell Biology Group, i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde and IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Renato Socodato
- grid.5808.50000 0001 1503 7226Glial Cell Biology Group, i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde and IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Tiago Oliveira Almeida
- grid.5808.50000 0001 1503 7226Glial Cell Biology Group, i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde and IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal ,grid.5808.50000 0001 1503 7226Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Filipa Terceiro
- grid.5808.50000 0001 1503 7226Addiction Biology Group, i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde and IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal ,grid.5808.50000 0001 1503 7226Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Bravo
- grid.5808.50000 0001 1503 7226Addiction Biology Group, i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde and IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal ,grid.5808.50000 0001 1503 7226Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Isabel Silva
- grid.5808.50000 0001 1503 7226Addiction Biology Group, i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde and IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal ,grid.5808.50000 0001 1503 7226Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Duarte Magalhães
- grid.5808.50000 0001 1503 7226Addiction Biology Group, i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde and IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sónia Guerra-Gomes
- grid.10328.380000 0001 2159 175XLife and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - João Filipe Oliveira
- grid.10328.380000 0001 2159 175XLife and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal ,grid.10328.380000 0001 2159 175XICVS/3B’s - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal ,grid.410922.c0000 0001 0180 6901IPCA-EST-2Ai, Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave, Applied Artificial Intelligence, Barcelos, Portugal
| | - Nuno Sousa
- grid.10328.380000 0001 2159 175XLife and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal ,grid.10328.380000 0001 2159 175XICVS/3B’s - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Ana Magalhães
- grid.5808.50000 0001 1503 7226Addiction Biology Group, i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde and IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal ,grid.5808.50000 0001 1503 7226Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Bettencourt Relvas
- grid.5808.50000 0001 1503 7226Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal ,grid.5808.50000 0001 1503 7226Glial Cell Biology Group, i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde and IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Teresa Summavielle
- Addiction Biology Group, i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde and IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal. .,ESS.PP, Escola Superior de Saúde do Politécnico do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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25
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Eto SF, Fernandes DC, Baldassi AC, Balbuena TS, da Costa Alecrim JV, Almeida de Carvalho FC, Lima C, Lopes-Ferreira M, Pizauro JM. Proteomic analysis capsule synthesis and redox mechanisms in the intracellular survival of group B Streptococcus in fish microglia. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 118:34-50. [PMID: 34464686 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2021.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) causes meningitis in neonates and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The molecular mechanisms regulating the intracellular survival of this pathogen in the host cell are complex and crucial for the progression of infection. Thus, we propose the use of GBS-infected Nile tilapia microglia as an in vitro model system simulating infection caused by homologous bacteria in humans. We used this model to evaluate the phagocytic activity, as well as the functional aspects of the capsular proteins A, B, C, and D and the major redox enzymes, and the synergistic role of mechanisms/proteins involved in blocking phagocytic process. We observed that in the intracellular phase, GBS showed enhanced synthesis of the polysaccharide capsule and used superoxide dismutase, thioredoxin, NADH oxidase, and alkyl hydroperoxide reductase to scavenge reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species produced by the host cell. Furthermore, although these virulence mechanisms were effective during the initial hours of infection, they were not able to subvert microglial responses, which partially neutralized the infection. Altogether, our findings provided important information regarding the intracellular survival mechanisms of GBS and perspectives for the production of new drugs and vaccines, through the druggability analysis of specific proteins. In conclusion, tilapia microglia serve as a potent in vitro experimental model for the study of meningitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silas Fernandes Eto
- Department of Postgraduate in Health Sciences-PROCISA, Federal University of Roraima (UFRR), Boa Vista, 69310-000, Brazil.
| | - Dayanne Carla Fernandes
- Immunochemistry Laboratory, Butantan Institute, (CeTICs/FAPESP), Vital Brazil Avenue, 1500, Butantã, 05503-009, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Amanda Cristina Baldassi
- Department of Technology, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, Sao Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, 14884-900, Sao Paulo/ SP, Brazil
| | - Thiago Santana Balbuena
- Department of Technology, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, Sao Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, 14884-900, Sao Paulo/ SP, Brazil
| | - João Victor da Costa Alecrim
- Department of Postgraduate in Health Sciences-PROCISA, Federal University of Roraima (UFRR), Boa Vista, 69310-000, Brazil
| | | | - Carla Lima
- Immunoregulation Unit of the Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (CeTICs/FAPESP), Butantan Institute, Vital Brazil Avenue, 1500, Butantã, 05503-009, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Monica Lopes-Ferreira
- Immunoregulation Unit of the Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (CeTICs/FAPESP), Butantan Institute, Vital Brazil Avenue, 1500, Butantã, 05503-009, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - João Martins Pizauro
- Department of Technology, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, Sao Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, 14884-900, Sao Paulo/ SP, Brazil
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26
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Sullivan MJ, Goh KGK, Thapa R, Chattopadhyay D, Ipe DS, Duell BL, Katupitiya L, Gosling D, Acharya D, Ulett GC. Streptococcus agalactiae glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) elicits multiple cytokines from human cells and has a minor effect on bacterial persistence in the murine female reproductive tract. Virulence 2021; 12:3015-3027. [PMID: 34643172 PMCID: PMC8667900 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2021.1989252] [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] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus agalactiae glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), encoded by gapC, is a glycolytic enzyme that is associated with virulence and immune-mediated protection. However, the role of GAPDH in cellular cytokine responses to S. agalactiae, bacterial phagocytosis and colonization of the female reproductive tract, a central host niche, is unknown. We expressed and studied purified recombinant GAPDH (rGAPDH) of S. agalactiae in cytokine elicitation assays with human monocyte-derived macrophage, epithelial cell, and polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) co-culture infection models. We also generated a S. agalactiae mutant that over-expresses GAPDH (oeGAPDH) from gapC using a constitutively active promoter, and analysed the mutant in murine macrophage antibiotic protection assays and in virulence assays in vivo, using a colonization model that is based on experimental infection of the reproductive tract in female mice. Human cell co-cultures produced interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-10 within 24 h of exposure to rGAPDH. PMNs were required for several of these cytokine responses. However, over-expression of GAPDH in S. agalactiae did not significantly affect measures of phagocytic uptake compared to an empty vector control. In contrast, oeGAPDH-S. agalactiae showed a small but statistically significant attenuation for persistence in the reproductive tract of female mice during the chronic phase of infection (10-28 days post-inoculation), relative to the vector control. We conclude that S. agalactiae GAPDH elicits production of multiple cytokines from human cells, and over-expression of GAPDH renders the bacterium more susceptible to host clearance in the female reproductive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Sullivan
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia 4222.,Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia 4222
| | - Kelvin G K Goh
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia 4222.,Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia 4222
| | - Ruby Thapa
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia 4222
| | | | - Deepak S Ipe
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia 4222.,Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia 4222
| | - Benjamin L Duell
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia 4222
| | - Lahiru Katupitiya
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia 4222
| | - Dean Gosling
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia 4222
| | - Dhruba Acharya
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia 4222.,Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia 4222
| | - Glen C Ulett
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia 4222.,Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia 4222.,Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294
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27
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Deshayes de Cambronne R, Fouet A, Picart A, Bourrel AS, Anjou C, Bouvier G, Candeias C, Bouaboud A, Costa L, Boulay AC, Cohen-Salmon M, Plu I, Rambaud C, Faurobert E, Albigès-Rizo C, Tazi A, Poyart C, Guignot J. CC17 group B Streptococcus exploits integrins for neonatal meningitis development. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:136737. [PMID: 33465054 DOI: 10.1172/jci136737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is the major cause of human neonatal infections. A single clone, designated CC17-GBS, accounts for more than 80% of meningitis cases, the most severe form of the infection. However, the events allowing blood-borne GBS to penetrate the brain remain largely elusive. In this study, we identified the host transmembrane receptors α5β1 and αvβ3 integrins as the ligands of Srr2, a major CC17-GBS-specific adhesin. Two motifs located in the binding region of Srr2 were responsible for the interaction between CC17-GBS and these integrins. We demonstrated in a blood-brain-barrier cellular model that both integrins contributed to the adhesion and internalization of CC17-GBS. Strikingly, both integrins were overexpressed during the postnatal period in the brain vessels of the blood-brain barrier and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier and contributed to juvenile susceptibility to CC17 meningitis. Finally, blocking these integrins decreased the ability of CC17-GBS to cross into the CNS of juvenile mice in an in vivo model of meningitis. Our study demonstrated that CC17-GBS exploits integrins in order to cross the brain vessels, leading to meningitis. Importantly, it provides host molecular insights into neonate's susceptibility to CC17-GBS meningitis, thereby opening new perspectives for therapeutic and prevention strategies of GBS-elicited meningitis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Agnès Fouet
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, U1016, CNRS, UMR8104, Paris, France
| | - Amandine Picart
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, U1016, CNRS, UMR8104, Paris, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Bourrel
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, U1016, CNRS, UMR8104, Paris, France.,Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Centre, Cochin, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, France
| | - Cyril Anjou
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, U1016, CNRS, UMR8104, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Bouvier
- Structural Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Structural Biology and Chemistry, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR3528, C3BI, Paris, France
| | - Cristina Candeias
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, U1016, CNRS, UMR8104, Paris, France
| | - Abdelouhab Bouaboud
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, U1016, CNRS, UMR8104, Paris, France
| | - Lionel Costa
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, U1016, CNRS, UMR8104, Paris, France
| | - Anne-Cécile Boulay
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), Collège de France, CNRS UMR7241, INSERM U1050, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Martine Cohen-Salmon
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), Collège de France, CNRS UMR7241, INSERM U1050, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Plu
- Sorbonne Université/Département de Neuropathologie Raymond Escourolle - Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière - Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, France
| | - Caroline Rambaud
- Université de Versailles Saint Quentin en Yvelines (Université Paris-Saclay)/Service d'anatomie-pathologique et médecine légale, Hôpital Raymond Poincaré, Garches, France
| | - Eva Faurobert
- INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, France/Université Grenoble Alpes, La Tronche, France
| | - Corinne Albigès-Rizo
- INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, France/Université Grenoble Alpes, La Tronche, France
| | - Asmaa Tazi
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, U1016, CNRS, UMR8104, Paris, France.,Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Centre, Cochin, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, France.,Centre National de Référence des Streptocoques, France
| | - Claire Poyart
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, U1016, CNRS, UMR8104, Paris, France.,Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Centre, Cochin, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, France.,Centre National de Référence des Streptocoques, France
| | - Julie Guignot
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, U1016, CNRS, UMR8104, Paris, France
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28
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Mazzuoli MV, Daunesse M, Varet H, Rosinski-Chupin I, Legendre R, Sismeiro O, Gominet M, Kaminski PA, Glaser P, Chica C, Trieu-Cuot P, Firon A. The CovR regulatory network drives the evolution of Group B Streptococcus virulence. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009761. [PMID: 34491998 PMCID: PMC8448333 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Virulence of the neonatal pathogen Group B Streptococcus is under the control of the master regulator CovR. Inactivation of CovR is associated with large-scale transcriptome remodeling and impairs almost every step of the interaction between the pathogen and the host. However, transcriptome analyses suggested a plasticity of the CovR signaling pathway in clinical isolates leading to phenotypic heterogeneity in the bacterial population. In this study, we characterized the CovR regulatory network in a strain representative of the CC-17 hypervirulent lineage responsible of the majority of neonatal meningitis. Transcriptome and genome-wide binding analysis reveal the architecture of the CovR network characterized by the direct repression of a large array of virulence-associated genes and the extent of co-regulation at specific loci. Comparative functional analysis of the signaling network links strain-specificities to the regulation of the pan-genome, including the two specific hypervirulent adhesins and horizontally acquired genes, to mutations in CovR-regulated promoters, and to variability in CovR activation by phosphorylation. This regulatory adaptation occurs at the level of genes, promoters, and of CovR itself, and allows to globally reshape the expression of virulence genes. Overall, our results reveal the direct, coordinated, and strain-specific regulation of virulence genes by the master regulator CovR and suggest that the intra-species evolution of the signaling network is as important as the expression of specific virulence factors in the emergence of clone associated with specific diseases. Streptococcus agalactiae, commonly known as the Group B Streptococcus (GBS), is a commensal bacterium of the intestinal and vaginal tracts found in approximately 30% of healthy adults. However, GBS is also an opportunistic pathogen and the leading cause of neonatal invasive infections. Epidemiologic data have identified a particular GBS clone, designated the CC-17 hypervirulent clonal complex, as responsible for the overwhelming majority of neonatal meningitis. The hypervirulence of CC-17 has been linked to the expression of two specific surface proteins increasing their abilities to cross epithelial and endothelial barriers. In this study, we characterized the role of the major regulator of virulence gene expression, the CovR response regulator, in a representative hypervirulent strain. Transcriptome and genome-wide binding analysis reveal the architecture of the CovR signaling network characterized by the direct repression of a large array of virulence-associated genes, including the specific hypervirulent adhesins. Comparative analysis in a non-CC-17 wild type strain demonstrates a high level of plasticity of the regulatory network, allowing to globally reshape pathogen-host interaction. Overall, our results suggest that the intra-species evolution of the regulatory network is an important factor in the emergence of GBS clones associated with specific pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Vittoria Mazzuoli
- Unité Biologie des Bactéries Pathogènes à Gram-positif, CNRS UMR2001 Microbiologie Intégrative et Moléculaire, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Maëlle Daunesse
- Hub de Bioinformatique et Biostatistique—Département Biologie Computationnelle, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Hugo Varet
- Hub de Bioinformatique et Biostatistique—Département Biologie Computationnelle, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Plate-forme Technologique Biomics—Centre de Ressources et Recherches Technologiques (C2RT), Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Rosinski-Chupin
- Unité Écologie et Évolution de la Résistance aux Antibiotiques, CNRS UMR3525, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Rachel Legendre
- Hub de Bioinformatique et Biostatistique—Département Biologie Computationnelle, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Plate-forme Technologique Biomics—Centre de Ressources et Recherches Technologiques (C2RT), Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Odile Sismeiro
- Unité Biologie des Bactéries Pathogènes à Gram-positif, CNRS UMR2001 Microbiologie Intégrative et Moléculaire, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Plate-forme Technologique Biomics—Centre de Ressources et Recherches Technologiques (C2RT), Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Myriam Gominet
- Unité Biologie des Bactéries Pathogènes à Gram-positif, CNRS UMR2001 Microbiologie Intégrative et Moléculaire, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Alexandre Kaminski
- Unité Biologie des Bactéries Pathogènes à Gram-positif, CNRS UMR2001 Microbiologie Intégrative et Moléculaire, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Glaser
- Unité Écologie et Évolution de la Résistance aux Antibiotiques, CNRS UMR3525, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Claudia Chica
- Hub de Bioinformatique et Biostatistique—Département Biologie Computationnelle, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Patrick Trieu-Cuot
- Unité Biologie des Bactéries Pathogènes à Gram-positif, CNRS UMR2001 Microbiologie Intégrative et Moléculaire, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Arnaud Firon
- Unité Biologie des Bactéries Pathogènes à Gram-positif, CNRS UMR2001 Microbiologie Intégrative et Moléculaire, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- * E-mail:
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29
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Flores-Maldonado OE, González GM, Andrade-Torres Á, Treviño-Rangel R, Donis-Maturano L, Silva-Sánchez A, Hernández-Bello R, Montoya A, Salazar-Riojas R, Romo-González C, Becerril-García MA. Distinct innate immune responses between sublethal and lethal models of disseminated candidiasis in newborn BALB/c mice. Microb Pathog 2021; 158:105061. [PMID: 34157411 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.105061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Invasive candidiasis is associated with a high incidence and mortality rates in infants, especially in preterm newborns. The immunopathogenesis of the mycosis during the neonatal period is poorly understood. Although several in vivo models exist to study invasive candidiasis, the majority of studies employ distinct routes of infection and use 2 to 6 day-old mice that could be less comparable in studying candidiasis in preterm infants. In this study, by using 0-days-old mice we developed a new neonatal murine model of intravenous Candida albicans infection. Using different inoculums of Candida albicans we evaluated survival, dissemination of the fungus, frequency of CD45+ cells, and cytokine production in the liver, brain, and kidneys of newborn and adult BALB/c mice. Unexpectedly, the newborn mice infected with a low inoculum (1×105 cfu per mouse) of Candida albicans survive to the infection. Compared to adult mice, the liver and brain of newborn animals had the greatest fungal burden, fungal invasion and leukocyte infiltrate. A moderate production of TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6 and IFNγ was detected in tissues of newborn mice infected with a non-lethal inoculum of Candida albicans. In contrast, overproduction of TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 was determined when injecting with a lethal inoculum. In agreement, flow cytometry of brain and liver showed an inoculum-dependent CD45+ leukocyte infiltration in newborn mice infected with Candida albicans. Overall, our data shows that Candida albicans infection in newborn mice affects mainly the brain and liver and a 2-fold increase of the inoculum rapidly becomes lethal probably due to massive fungal invasion and exacerbated CD45+ leukocyte infiltrate and cytokine production. This study is the first analysis of innate immune responses in different tissues during early neonatal disseminated candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orlando E Flores-Maldonado
- Departamento de Microbiología, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Facultad de Medicina y Hospital Universitario "Dr. José Eleuterio González", Av. Francisco I. Madero, Mitras Centro, 64460, Monterrey, México
| | - Gloria M González
- Departamento de Microbiología, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Facultad de Medicina y Hospital Universitario "Dr. José Eleuterio González", Av. Francisco I. Madero, Mitras Centro, 64460, Monterrey, México
| | - Ángel Andrade-Torres
- Departamento de Microbiología, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Facultad de Medicina y Hospital Universitario "Dr. José Eleuterio González", Av. Francisco I. Madero, Mitras Centro, 64460, Monterrey, México
| | - Rogelio Treviño-Rangel
- Departamento de Microbiología, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Facultad de Medicina y Hospital Universitario "Dr. José Eleuterio González", Av. Francisco I. Madero, Mitras Centro, 64460, Monterrey, México
| | - Luis Donis-Maturano
- Unidad de Investigación en Biomedicina (UBIMED), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Facultad de Estudios Superiores (FES)-Iztacala, Estado de México, México
| | - Aarón Silva-Sánchez
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Romel Hernández-Bello
- Departamento de Microbiología, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Facultad de Medicina y Hospital Universitario "Dr. José Eleuterio González", Av. Francisco I. Madero, Mitras Centro, 64460, Monterrey, México
| | - Alexandra Montoya
- Departamento de Microbiología, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Facultad de Medicina y Hospital Universitario "Dr. José Eleuterio González", Av. Francisco I. Madero, Mitras Centro, 64460, Monterrey, México
| | - Rosario Salazar-Riojas
- Servicio de Hematología, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Facultad de Medicina y Hospital Universitario "Dr. José Eleuterio González", Av. Francisco I. Madero, Mitras Centro, 64460, Monterrey, México
| | - Carolina Romo-González
- Laboratorio de Bacteriología Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría (INP). Ciudad de México, México
| | - Miguel A Becerril-García
- Departamento de Microbiología, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Facultad de Medicina y Hospital Universitario "Dr. José Eleuterio González", Av. Francisco I. Madero, Mitras Centro, 64460, Monterrey, México.
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Exploring Clinically-Relevant Experimental Models of Neonatal Shock and Necrotizing Enterocolitis. Shock 2021; 53:596-604. [PMID: 31977960 DOI: 10.1097/shk.0000000000001507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Neonatal shock and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) are leading causes of morbidity and mortality in premature infants. NEC is a life-threatening gastrointestinal illness, the precise etiology of which is not well understood, but is characterized by an immaturity of the intestinal barrier, altered function of the adaptive immune system, and intestinal dysbiosis. The complexities of NEC and shock in the neonatal population necessitate relevant clinical modeling using newborn animals that mimic the disease in human neonates to better elucidate the pathogenesis and provide an opportunity for the discovery of potential therapeutics. A wide variety of animal species-including rats, mice, piglets, and primates-have been used in developing experimental models of neonatal diseases such as NEC and shock. This review aims to highlight the immunologic differences in neonates compared with adults and provide an assessment of the advantages and drawbacks of established animal models of both NEC and shock using enteral or intraperitoneal induction of bacterial pathogens. The selection of a model has benefits unique to each type of animal species and provides individual opportunities for the development of targeted therapies. This review discusses the clinical and physiologic relevance of animal models and the insight they contribute to the complexities of the specific neonatal diseases: NEC and shock.
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Gilbert NM, Foster LR, Cao B, Yin Y, Mysorekar IU, Lewis AL. Gardnerella vaginalis promotes group B Streptococcus vaginal colonization, enabling ascending uteroplacental infection in pregnant mice. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2021; 224:530.e1-530.e17. [PMID: 33248136 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2020.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Group B Streptococcus is a common vaginal bacterium and the leading cause of invasive fetoplacental infections. Group B Streptococcus in the vagina can invade through the cervix to cause ascending uteroplacental infections or can be transmitted to the neonate during vaginal delivery. Some studies have found that women with a "dysbiotic" polymicrobial or Lactobacillus-depleted vaginal microbiota are more likely to harbor group B Streptococcus. Gardnerella vaginalis is often the most abundant bacteria in the vaginas of women with dysbiosis, while being detected at lower levels in most other women, and has been linked with several adverse pregnancy outcomes. Mouse models of group B Streptococcus and Gardnerella vaginalis colonization have been reported but, to the best of our knowledge, the two have not been studied together. The overarching idea driving this study is that certain members of the dysbiotic vaginal microbiota, such as Gardnerella vaginalis, may directly contribute to the increased rate of group B Streptococcus vaginal colonization observed in women with vaginal dysbiosis. OBJECTIVE We used a mouse model to test the hypothesis that vaginal exposure to Gardnerella vaginalis may facilitate colonization and/or invasive infection of the upper reproductive tract by group B Streptococcus during pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN Timed-pregnant mice were generated using an allogeneic mating strategy with BALB/c males and C57Bl/6 females. Dams were vaginally inoculated at gestational day 14 with group B Streptococcus alone (using a 10-fold lower dose than previously reported models) or coinoculated with group B Streptococcus and Gardnerella vaginalis. Bacterial titers were enumerated in vaginal, uterine horn, and placental tissues at gestational day 17. The presence (Fisher exact tests) and levels (Mann-Whitney U tests) of bacterial titers were compared between mono- and coinoculated dams in each compartment. Relative risks were calculated for outcomes that occurred in both groups. Tissue samples were also examined for evidence of pathophysiology. RESULTS Inoculation of pregnant mice with 107 group B Streptococcus alone did not result in vaginal colonization or ascending infection. In contrast, coinoculation of group B Streptococcus with Gardnerella vaginalis in pregnant mice resulted in a 10-fold higher risk of group B Streptococcus vaginal colonization (relative risk, 10.31; 95% confidence interval, 2.710-59.04; P=.0006 [Fisher exact test]). Ascending group B Streptococcus infection of the uterus and placenta occurred in approximately 40% of coinoculated animals, whereas none of those receiving group B Streptococcus alone developed uterine or placental infections. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed group B Streptococcus in both the maternal and fetal sides of the placenta. Histologic inflammation and increased proinflammatory cytokines were evident in the setting of group B Streptococcus placental infection. Interestingly, placentas from dams exposed to group B Streptococcus and Gardnerella vaginalis, but without recoverable vaginal or placental bacteria, displayed distinct histopathologic features and cytokine signatures. CONCLUSION These data suggest that Gardnerella vaginalis vaginal exposure can promote group B Streptococcus vaginal colonization, resulting in a greater likelihood of invasive perinatal group B Streptococcus infections. These findings suggest that future clinical studies should examine whether the presence of Gardnerella vaginalis is a risk factor for group B Streptococcus vaginal colonization in women. Because Gardnerella vaginalis can also be present in women without bacterial vaginosis, these findings may be relevant both inside and outside of the context of vaginal dysbiosis.
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Ren J, Qiang Z, Li YY, Zhang JN. Biomarkers for a histological chorioamnionitis diagnosis in pregnant women with or without group B streptococcus infection: a case-control study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2021; 21:250. [PMID: 33765949 PMCID: PMC7993527 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-021-03731-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chorioamnionitis may cause serious perinatal and neonatal adverse outcomes, and group B streptococcus (GBS) is one of the most common bacteria isolated from human chorioamnionitis. The present study analyzed the impact of GBS infection and histological chorioamnionitis (HCA) on pregnancy outcomes and the diagnostic value of various biomarkers. Methods Pregnant women were grouped according to GBS infection and HCA detection. Perinatal and neonatal adverse outcomes were recorded with a follow-up period of 6 weeks. The white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophil ratio, and C-reactive protein (CRP) level from peripheral blood and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), interleukin 8 (IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) levels from cord blood were assessed. Results A total of 371 pregnant women were included. Pregnant women with GBS infection or HCA had a higher risk of pathological jaundice and premature rupture of membranes and higher levels of sICAM-1, IL-8, and TNF-α in umbilical cord blood. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis revealed that sICMA-1, IL-8, TNF-α, WBC, and CRP were significantly related to an increased HCA risk. For all included pregnant women, TNF-α had the largest receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area (area: 0.841; 95% CI: 0.778–0.904) of the biomarkers analyzed. TNF-α still had the largest area under the ROC curve (area: 0.898; 95% CI: 0.814–0.982) for non-GBS-infected pregnant women, who also exhibited a higher neutrophil ratio (area: 0.815; 95% CI: 0.645–0.985) and WBC (area: 0.849; 95% CI: 0.72–0.978), but all biomarkers had lower value in the diagnosis of HCA in GBS-infected pregnant women. Conclusion GBS infection and HCA correlated with several perinatal and neonatal adverse outcomes. TNF-α in cord blood and WBCs in peripheral blood had diagnostic value for HCA in non-GBS-infected pregnant women but not GBS-infected pregnant women. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-021-03731-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Ren
- Second Department of Obstetrics, The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, No.206, Zhongshan East Road, Chang'an District, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, People's Republic of China, 050011
| | - Zhe Qiang
- Second Department of Obstetrics, The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, No.206, Zhongshan East Road, Chang'an District, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, People's Republic of China, 050011.
| | - Yuan-Yuan Li
- Perinatal center, The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, People's Republic of China, 050000
| | - Jun-Na Zhang
- Second Department of Obstetrics, The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, No.206, Zhongshan East Road, Chang'an District, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, People's Republic of China, 050011
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Block LN, Bowman BD, Schmidt JK, Keding LT, Stanic AK, Golos TG. The promise of placental extracellular vesicles: models and challenges for diagnosing placental dysfunction in utero†. Biol Reprod 2021; 104:27-57. [PMID: 32856695 PMCID: PMC7786267 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Monitoring the health of a pregnancy is of utmost importance to both the fetus and the mother. The diagnosis of pregnancy complications typically occurs after the manifestation of symptoms, and limited preventative measures or effective treatments are available. Traditionally, pregnancy health is evaluated by analyzing maternal serum hormone levels, genetic testing, ultrasonographic imaging, and monitoring maternal symptoms. However, researchers have reported a difference in extracellular vesicle (EV) quantity and cargo between healthy and at-risk pregnancies. Thus, placental EVs (PEVs) may help to understand normal and aberrant placental development, monitor pregnancy health in terms of developing placental pathologies, and assess the impact of environmental influences, such as infection, on pregnancy. The diagnostic potential of PEVs could allow for earlier detection of pregnancy complications via noninvasive sampling and frequent monitoring. Understanding how PEVs serve as a means of communication with maternal cells and recognizing their potential utility as a readout of placental health have sparked a growing interest in basic and translational research. However, to date, PEV research with animal models lags behind human studies. The strength of animal pregnancy models is that they can be used to assess placental pathologies in conjunction with isolation of PEVs from fluid samples at different time points throughout gestation. Assessing PEV cargo in animals within normal and complicated pregnancies will accelerate the translation of PEV analysis into the clinic for potential use in prognostics. We propose that appropriate animal models of human pregnancy complications must be established in the PEV field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey N Block
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Brittany D Bowman
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jenna Kropp Schmidt
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Logan T Keding
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Aleksandar K Stanic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Thaddeus G Golos
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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Reinscheid F. A new proposal for the causative agent of the sporadic form of Alzheimer's disease. Med Hypotheses 2020; 146:110453. [PMID: 33373829 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2020.110453] [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: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Group B streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae) is proposed as causative agent for the development of the sporadic form of Alzheimer's disease. Using a fibrinogen binding protein, aggregates are formed including A-beta. After triggering Alzheimer's disease by the bacterium, the next down-stream events mainly follow the well known so called A-beta hypothesis. The combination of the two hypotheses is able to explain a number of epidemiological and biochemial aspects of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frauke Reinscheid
- Institution: GoePharmResearch, Pfaffenstück 16, 37077 Göttingen, Germany.
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35
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Oschwald A, Petry P, Kierdorf K, Erny D. CNS Macrophages and Infant Infections. Front Immunol 2020; 11:2123. [PMID: 33072074 PMCID: PMC7531029 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.02123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) harbors its own immune system composed of microglia in the parenchyma and CNS-associated macrophages (CAMs) in the perivascular space, leptomeninges, dura mater, and choroid plexus. Recent advances in understanding the CNS resident immune cells gave new insights into development, maturation and function of its immune guard. Microglia and CAMs undergo essential steps of differentiation and maturation triggered by environmental factors as well as intrinsic transcriptional programs throughout embryonic and postnatal development. These shaping steps allow the macrophages to adapt to their specific physiological function as first line of defense of the CNS and its interfaces. During infancy, the CNS might be targeted by a plethora of different pathogens which can cause severe tissue damage with potentially long reaching defects. Therefore, an efficient immune response of infant CNS macrophages is required even at these early stages to clear the infections but may also lead to detrimental consequences for the developing CNS. Here, we highlight the recent knowledge of the infant CNS immune system during embryonic and postnatal infections and the consequences for the developing CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Oschwald
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Neuropathology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Philippe Petry
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Neuropathology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katrin Kierdorf
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Neuropathology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,CIBBS Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Center for Basics in NeuroModulation (NeuroModulBasics), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Erny
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Neuropathology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Crespo-Ortiz MDP, Burbano ME, Barreto M. Pathogenesis and in vivo interactions of human Streptococcus agalactiae isolates in the Galleria mellonella invertebrate model. Microb Pathog 2020; 147:104400. [PMID: 32736013 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2020.104400] [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: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a gram positive bacterium colonizing the gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts in humans. However under certain conditions GBS invades leading to severe infections in neonates, pregnant women, immunocompromised patients and the elderly people. The precise mechanisms involved in the transition from colonizer to pathogen remain to be elucidated, however it has been suggested that environmental determinants may regulate gene expression resulting in GBS invasion. We have assessed the potential of the moth Galleria mellonella as a model to study the in vivo virulence and GBS interactions of invasive and noninvasive human isolates from our population. Temperature, pH and bacterial competition effects were examined in the model as well as the response of Galleria hemocytes to GBS infection. GBS strains were able to effectively grow and infect G. mellonella in a dose dependent manner with a (half-lethal dose) LD50 1 × 107 CFU after 24 h. GBS infection induced larva melanization with hemocyte vacuolation and depletion. Larval killing increased with environmental conditions such as temperature (37 °C) and pH (≥5.5-7.2). Bacterial interference assays showed a remarkable antagonistic effect of Lactobacillus gasseri (cells and filtrates) on GBS infection and significantly improved Galleria survival. The protective effect of L. gasseri was observed even at ratios similar to those of GBS colonization suggesting that L. gasseri modulation by its metabolic products is relevant. Exposure to L. gasseri acidic filtrates induced growth inhibition and prevented larva killing after infection with the hypervirulent GBS clone (a multiresistant clinical ST 17 strain). We showed that mechanisms mediating these effects are mainly pH dependent, however other mechanisms may have a role depending on inocula. We also found that G. mellonella infected with invasive human GBS isolates showed differential killing curves with higher killing rates after 24 h when compared to those considered colonizers or noninvasive isolates. Overall it has been shown that G. mellonella may be a representative in vivo model for baseline GBS studies. Given the potential effects over the hypervirulent strain, our findings support the use of L. gasseri in the GBS control strategies based on Lactobacillus formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Del Pilar Crespo-Ortiz
- Department of Microbiology, University del Valle, San Fernando Campus, Calle 4 B #36-00, Cali, 760043, Colombia.
| | - Maria Elena Burbano
- Department of Microbiology, University del Valle, San Fernando Campus, Calle 4 B #36-00, Cali, 760043, Colombia.
| | - Mauricio Barreto
- Department of Microbiology, University del Valle, San Fernando Campus, Calle 4 B #36-00, Cali, 760043, Colombia.
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Lund SJ, Patras KA, Kimmey JM, Yamamura A, Butcher LD, Del Rosario PGB, Hernandez GE, McCoy AM, Lakhdari O, Nizet V, Prince LS. Developmental Immaturity of Siglec Receptor Expression on Neonatal Alveolar Macrophages Predisposes to Severe Group B Streptococcal Infection. iScience 2020; 23:101207. [PMID: 32535023 PMCID: PMC7300150 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus, GBS) is the most common neonatal pathogen. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms for neonatal susceptibility to GBS pneumonia and sepsis are incompletely understood. Here we optimized a mouse model of GBS pneumonia to test the role of alveolar macrophage (ΑΜΦ) maturation in host vulnerability to disease. Compared with juvenile and adult mice, neonatal mice infected with GBS had increased mortality and persistence of lung injury. In addition, neonatal mice were defective in GBS phagocytosis and killing. ΑΜΦ depletion and disruption of ΑΜΦ differentiation in Csf2−/− mice both impaired GBS clearance. AMΦ engage the heavily sialylated GBS capsule via the cell surface Siglec receptors Sn and Siglec-E. Although both newborn and adult ΑΜΦ expressed Siglec-E, newborn ΑΜΦ expressed significantly lower levels of Sn. We propose that a developmental delay in Sn expression on ΑΜΦ may prevent effective killing and clearing of GBS from the newborn lung. Newborn mice fail to kill GBS, developing persistent lung injury Mature AMΦ detect the Sialic acid capsule on GBS to mediate bacterial clearance Immature newborn AMΦ lack mature Siglec expression required for killing GBS GBS engages the inhibitory Siglec-E on newborn AMΦ to suppress innate immunity
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean J Lund
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Mail Code 0760, La Jolla, CA 92093-0760, USA
| | - Kathryn A Patras
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Mail Code 0760, La Jolla, CA 92093-0760, USA
| | - Jacqueline M Kimmey
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Mail Code 0760, La Jolla, CA 92093-0760, USA
| | - Asami Yamamura
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Mail Code 0760, La Jolla, CA 92093-0760, USA
| | - Lindsay D Butcher
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Mail Code 0760, La Jolla, CA 92093-0760, USA
| | - Pamela G B Del Rosario
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Mail Code 0760, La Jolla, CA 92093-0760, USA
| | - Gilberto E Hernandez
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Mail Code 0760, La Jolla, CA 92093-0760, USA
| | - Alyssa M McCoy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Mail Code 0760, La Jolla, CA 92093-0760, USA
| | - Omar Lakhdari
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Mail Code 0760, La Jolla, CA 92093-0760, USA
| | - Victor Nizet
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Mail Code 0760, La Jolla, CA 92093-0760, USA
| | - Lawrence S Prince
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Mail Code 0760, La Jolla, CA 92093-0760, USA.
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Patel CD, Backes IM, Taylor SA, Jiang Y, Marchant A, Pesola JM, Coen DM, Knipe DM, Ackerman ME, Leib DA. Maternal immunization confers protection against neonatal herpes simplex mortality and behavioral morbidity. Sci Transl Med 2020; 11:11/487/eaau6039. [PMID: 30971454 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aau6039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neonatal herpes simplex virus (nHSV) infections cause devastating morbidity and mortality in infants. Most nHSV cases are associated with primary maternal infection, consistent with the hypothesis that maternal immunity is protective. In humans, we found HSV-specific neutralizing antibodies in newborns of immune mothers, indicating that placentally transferred HSV-specific antibody is protective. Using a murine model, we showed that passive administration of HSV-specific antibody to dams prevented disseminated infection and mortality in pups. Maternal immunization with an HSV-2 replication-defective vaccine candidate, dl5-29, led to transfer of HSV-specific antibodies into neonatal circulation that protected against nHSV neurological disease and death. Furthermore, we observed considerable anxiety-like behavior in adult mice that had been infected with low doses of HSV as neonates, despite a notable lack of signs of infection. This phenotype suggests that nHSV infection can have an unsuspected and permanent impact on behavior. These behavioral sequelae of nHSV were prevented by maternal immunization with dl5-29, demonstrating an unexpected benefit of immunization. These findings also support the general concept that maternal immunization can prevent neurotropic neonatal infections and associated morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaya D Patel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA.,Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Iara M Backes
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA.,Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Sean A Taylor
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
| | - Yike Jiang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
| | - Arnaud Marchant
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Université libre de Bruxelles, Charleroi B-6041, Belgium
| | - Jean M Pesola
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Donald M Coen
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - David M Knipe
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - David A Leib
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA.
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Genome-Wide Screens Identify Group A Streptococcus Surface Proteins Promoting Female Genital Tract Colonization and Virulence. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2020; 190:862-873. [PMID: 32200972 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2019.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Group A streptococcus (GAS) is a major pathogen that impacts health and economic affairs worldwide. Although the oropharynx is the primary site of infection, GAS can colonize the female genital tract and cause severe diseases, such as puerperal sepsis, neonatal infections, and necrotizing myometritis. Our understanding of how GAS genes contribute to interaction with the primate female genital tract is limited by the lack of relevant animal models. Using two genome-wide transposon mutagenesis screens, we identified 69 GAS genes required for colonization of the primate vaginal mucosa in vivo and 96 genes required for infection of the uterine wall ex vivo. We discovered a common set of 39 genes important for GAS fitness in both environments. They include genes encoding transporters, surface proteins, transcriptional regulators, and metabolic pathways. Notably, the genes that encode the surface-exclusion protein (SpyAD) and the immunogenic secreted protein 2 (Isp2) were found to be crucial for GAS fitness in the female primate genital tract. Targeted gene deletion confirmed that isogenic mutant strains ΔspyAD and Δisp2 are significantly impaired in ability to colonize the primate genital tract and cause uterine wall pathologic findings. Our studies identified novel GAS genes that contribute to female reproductive tract interaction that warrant translational research investigation.
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Elevated Levels of Interleukin-27 in Early Life Compromise Protective Immunity in a Mouse Model of Gram-Negative Neonatal Sepsis. Infect Immun 2020; 88:IAI.00828-19. [PMID: 31818960 PMCID: PMC7035946 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00828-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neonates are at increased risk for bacterial sepsis. We established that the immune-suppressive cytokine interleukin-27 (IL-27) is elevated in neonatal mice. Similarly, human cord blood-derived macrophages express IL-27 genes and secrete more cytokine than macrophages from adults. In the present work, we hypothesized that increased levels of IL-27 predispose neonatal mice to more severe infection during Gram-negative sepsis. Serum IL-27 levels continued to rise during infection. Neonates are at increased risk for bacterial sepsis. We established that the immune-suppressive cytokine interleukin-27 (IL-27) is elevated in neonatal mice. Similarly, human cord blood-derived macrophages express IL-27 genes and secrete more cytokine than macrophages from adults. In the present work, we hypothesized that increased levels of IL-27 predispose neonatal mice to more severe infection during Gram-negative sepsis. Serum IL-27 levels continued to rise during infection. Peripheral tissue analysis revealed systemic IL-27 expression, while myeloid cell profiling identified Gr-1- and F4/80-expressing cells as the most abundant producers of IL-27 during infection. Increased IL-27 levels were consistent with increased mortality that was improved in IL-27 receptor α (IL-27Rα)−/− mice that lack a functional IL-27 receptor. Infected IL-27Rα−/− pups also exhibited improved weight gain and reduced morbidity. This was consistent with reduced bacterial burdens and more efficient bacterial killing by Ly6B.2+ myeloid cells and macrophages compared to WT neonates. Live animal imaging further supported a more severe and disseminated infection in WT neonates. This is the first report to describe the impact of elevated early-life IL-27 on the host response in a neonatal infection model while also defining the cell and tissue sources of cytokine. IL-27 is frequently associated with suppressed inflammation. In contrast, our findings demonstrate that IL-27 indirectly promotes an inflammatory cytokine response during neonatal sepsis by directly compromising control of bacteria that drive the inflammatory response. Collectively, our results suggest that IL-27 represents a therapeutic target to limit susceptibility and improve infectious outcomes in neonatal sepsis.
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Biomechanical and functional properties of trophoblast cells exposed to Group B Streptococcus in vitro and the beneficial effects of uvaol treatment. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2019; 1863:1417-1428. [PMID: 31254547 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2019.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Group B streptococcus (GBS) is the main bacteria that infects pregnant women and can cause abortion and chorioamnionitis. The impact of GBS effects on human trophoblast cells remains largely elusive, and actions toward anti-inflammatory strategies in pregnancy are needed. A potent anti-inflammatory molecule, uvaol is a triterpene from olive oil and its functions in trophoblasts are unknown. We aimed to analyze biomechanical and functional effects of inactivated GBS in trophoblast cells, with the addition of uvaol to test potential benefits. METHODS HTR-8/SVneo cells were treated with uvaol and incubated with inactivated GBS. Cell viability and death were analyzed. Cellular elasticity and topography were accessed by atomic force microscopy. Nitrite production was evaluated by Griess reaction. Nuclear translocation of NFkB p65 was detected by immunofluorescence and Th1/Th2 cytokines by bead-based multiplex assay. RESULTS GBS at 108 CFU increased cell death, which was partially prevented by uvaol. Cell stiffness, cytoskeleton organization and morphology were changed by GBS, and uvaol partially restored these alterations. Nuclear translocation of NFkB p65 began 15 min after GBS incubation and uvaol inhibited this process. GBS decreased IL-4 secretion and increased IL-1β, IFN-γ and IL-2, whereas uvaol reverted this. CONCLUSIONS The increased inflammation and cell death caused by GBS correlated with biomechanical and cytoskeleton changes found in trophoblast cells, while uvaol was effective its protective role. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Uvaol is a natural anti-inflammatory product efficient against GBS-induced inflammation and it has potential to be acquired through diet in order to prevent GBS deleterious effects in pregnancy.
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Sex-specific maternofetal innate immune responses triggered by group B Streptococci. Sci Rep 2019; 9:8587. [PMID: 31197179 PMCID: PMC6565749 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45029-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is one of the most common bacteria isolated in human chorioamnionitis, which is a major risk factor for premature birth and brain injuries. Males are at greater risk than females for developing lifelong neurobehavioural disorders, although the origins of this sex bias remain poorly understood. We previously showed that end-gestational inflammation triggered by GBS led to early neurodevelopmental impairments mainly in the male rat progeny. Identifying key inflammatory players involved in maternofetal immune activation by specific pathogens is critical to develop appropriate novel therapeutic interventions. We aimed to map out the GBS-induced profile of innate immune biomarkers in the maternal-placental-fetal axis, and to compare this immune profile between male and female tissues. We describe here that the GBS-induced immune signalling involved significantly higher levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-1 (CINC-1/CXCL1) and polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) infiltration in male compared to female maternofetal tissues. Although male - but not female - fetuses presented increased levels of IL-1β, fetuses from both sexes in-utero exposed to GBS had increased levels of TNF-α in their circulation. Levels of IL-1β detected in fetal sera correlated positively with the levels found in maternal circulation. Here, we report for the first time that the maternofetal innate immune signalling induced by GBS presents a sexually dichotomous profile, with more prominent inflammation in males than females. These sex-specific placental and fetal pro-inflammatory responses are in keeping with the higher susceptibility of the male population for preterm birth, brain injuries and neurodevelopmental disorders such as cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorders.
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Kim BJ, Shusta EV, Doran KS. Past and Current Perspectives in Modeling Bacteria and Blood-Brain Barrier Interactions. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1336. [PMID: 31263460 PMCID: PMC6585309 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) barriers are highly specialized cellular barriers that promote brain homeostasis while restricting pathogen and toxin entry. The primary cellular constituent regulating pathogen entry in most of these brain barriers is the brain endothelial cell (BEC) that exhibits properties that allow for tight regulation of CNS entry. Bacterial meningoencephalitis is a serious infection of the CNS and occurs when bacteria can cross specialized brain barriers and cause inflammation. Models have been developed to understand the bacterial - BEC interaction that lead to pathogen crossing into the CNS, however, these have been met with challenges due to these highly specialized BEC phenotypes. This perspective provides a brief overview and outlook of the in vivo and in vitro models currently being used to study bacterial brain penetration, and opinion on improved models for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon J Kim
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Eric V Shusta
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Kelly S Doran
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
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Gres V, Kolter J, Erny D, Henneke P. The role of CNS macrophages in streptococcal meningoencephalitis. J Leukoc Biol 2019; 106:209-218. [PMID: 30762892 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.4mr1118-419r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the healthy brain, microglia and other CNS macrophages are the most abundant immune cell type. Thus, they form the natural immune cell interface with streptococci, which are the leading cause of bacterial meningitis and encephalitis in infants and young children. In homeostasis, the blood-brain barrier allows for very limited access of immune cells circulating in the periphery. During bacterial meningoencephalitis, however, origin and fate of CNS macrophages are massively altered. This review summarizes the emerging knowledge on the sequence of reciprocal events between streptococci and CNS macrophages leading to host resistance, acute inflammation, changes in resident innate immune cells of the brain, and long-term neuronal damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitka Gres
- Institute for Immunodeficiency, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Julia Kolter
- Institute for Immunodeficiency, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Erny
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Berta-Ottenstein-Programme, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Henneke
- Institute for Immunodeficiency, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Causal role of group B Streptococcus-induced acute chorioamnionitis in intrauterine growth retardation and cerebral palsy-like impairments. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2019; 10:595-602. [PMID: 30626456 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174418001083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Chorioamnionitis and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) are risk factors for cerebral palsy (CP). Common bacteria isolated in chorioamnionitis include group B Streptococcus (GBS) serotypes Ia and III. Little is known about the impact of placental inflammation induced by different bacteria, including different GBS strains. We aimed to test the impact of chorioamnionitis induced by two common GBS serotypes (GBSIa and GBSIII) on growth and neuromotor outcomes in the progeny. Dams were exposed at the end of gestation to either saline, inactivated GBSIa or GBSIII. Inactivated GBS bacteria invaded placentas and triggered a chorioamnionitis featured by massive polymorphonuclear cell infiltrations. Offspring exposed to GBSIII - but not to GBSIa - developed IUGR, persisting beyond adolescent age. Male rats in utero exposed to GBSIII traveled a lower distance in the Open Field test, which was correlating with their level of IUGR. GBSIII-exposed rats presented decreased startle responses to acoustic stimuli beyond adolescent age. GBS-exposed rats displayed a dysmyelinated white matter in the corpus callosum adjacent to thinner primary motor cortices. A decreased density of microglial cells was detected in the mature corpus callosum of GBSIII-exposed males - but not females - which was correlating positively with the primary motor cortex thickness. Altogether, our results demonstrate a causal link between pathogen-induced acute chorioamnionitis and (1) IUGR, (2) serotype- and sex-specific neuromotor impairments and (3) abnormal development of primary motor cortices, dysmyelinated white matter and decreased density of microglial cells.
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