1
|
Lokken-Toyli KL, Aggarwal SD, Bee GCW, de Steenhuijsen Piters WAA, Wu C, Chen KZM, Loomis C, Bogaert D, Weiser JN. Impaired upper respiratory tract barrier function during postnatal development predisposes to invasive pneumococcal disease. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012111. [PMID: 38718049 PMCID: PMC11078396 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Infants are highly susceptible to invasive respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. To elucidate the age-dependent mechanism(s) that drive bacterial spread from the mucosa, we developed an infant mouse model using the prevalent pediatric respiratory pathogen, Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn). Despite similar upper respiratory tract (URT) colonization levels, the survival rate of Spn-infected infant mice was significantly decreased compared to adults and corresponded with Spn dissemination to the bloodstream. An increased rate of pneumococcal bacteremia in early life beyond the newborn period was attributed to increased bacterial translocation across the URT barrier. Bacterial dissemination in infant mice was independent of URT monocyte or neutrophil infiltration, phagocyte-derived ROS or RNS, inflammation mediated by toll-like receptor 2 or interleukin 1 receptor signaling, or the pore-forming toxin pneumolysin. Using molecular barcoding of Spn, we found that only a minority of bacterial clones in the nasopharynx disseminated to the blood in infant mice, indicating the absence of robust URT barrier breakdown. Rather, transcriptional profiling of the URT epithelium revealed a failure of infant mice to upregulate genes involved in the tight junction pathway. Expression of many such genes was also decreased in early life in humans. Infant mice also showed increased URT barrier permeability and delayed mucociliary clearance during the first two weeks of life, which corresponded with tighter attachment of bacteria to the respiratory epithelium. Together, these results demonstrate a window of vulnerability during postnatal development when altered mucosal barrier function facilitates bacterial dissemination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristen L. Lokken-Toyli
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Surya D. Aggarwal
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Gavyn Chern Wei Bee
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Wouter A. A. de Steenhuijsen Piters
- Department of Paediatric Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital/University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands; Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Cindy Wu
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Kenny Zhi Ming Chen
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Cynthia Loomis
- Department of Pathology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Debby Bogaert
- Department of Paediatric Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital/University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jeffrey N. Weiser
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Acosta JE, Burns JL, Hillyer LM, Van K, Brendel EBK, Law C, Ma DWL, Monk JM. Effect of Lifelong Exposure to Dietary Plant and Marine Sources of n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Morphologic and Gene Expression Biomarkers of Intestinal Health in Early Life. Nutrients 2024; 16:719. [PMID: 38474847 DOI: 10.3390/nu16050719] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Altered intestinal health is also associated with the incidence and severity of many chronic inflammatory conditions, which could be attenuated via dietary n-3 PUFA interventions. However, little is known about the effect of lifelong exposure to n-3 PUFA from plant and marine sources (beginning in utero via the maternal diet) on early life biomarkers of intestinal health. Harems of C57Bl/6 mice were randomly assigned to one of three isocaloric AIN-93G modified diets differing in their fat sources consisting of the following: (i) 10% safflower oil (SO, enriched in n-6 PUFA), (ii) 3% flaxseed oil + 7% safflower oil (FX, plant-based n-3 PUFA-enriched diet), or (iii) 3% menhaden fish oil + 7% safflower oil (MO, marine-based n-3 PUFA-enriched diet). Mothers remained on these diets throughout pregnancy and offspring (n = 14/diet) continued on the same parental diet until termination at 3 weeks of age. In ileum, villi:crypt length ratios were increased in both the FX and MO dietary groups compared to SO (p < 0.05). Ileum mRNA expression of critical intestinal health biomarkers was increased by both n-3 PUFA-enriched diets including Relmβ and REG3γ compared to SO (p < 0.05), whereas only the FX diet increased mRNA expression of TFF3 and Muc2 (p < 0.05) and only the MO diet increased mRNA expression of ZO-1 (p < 0.05). In the proximal colon, both the FX and MO diets increased crypt lengths compared to SO (p < 0.05), whereas only the MO diet increased goblet cell numbers compared to SO (p < 0.05). Further, the MO diet increased proximal colon mRNA expression of Relmβ and REG3γ (p < 0.05) and both MO and FX increased mRNA expression of Muc2 compared to SO (p < 0.05). Collectively, these results demonstrate that lifelong exposure to dietary n-3 PUFA, beginning in utero, from both plant and marine sources, can support intestinal health development in early life. The differential effects between plant and marine sources warrants further investigation for optimizing health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julianna E Acosta
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Jessie L Burns
- Department of Health Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Lyn M Hillyer
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Kelsey Van
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Elaina B K Brendel
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Camille Law
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - David W L Ma
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Jennifer M Monk
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Antoine C, Laforêt F, Goya-Jorge E, Gonza I, Lebrun S, Douny C, Duprez JN, Fall A, Taminiau B, Scippo ML, Daube G, Thiry D, Delcenserie V. Phage Targeting Neonatal Meningitis E. coli K1 In Vitro in the Intestinal Microbiota of Pregnant Donors and Impact on Bacterial Populations. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10580. [PMID: 37445758 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310580] [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: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Escherichia coli K1 is a leading cause of neonatal meningitis. The asymptomatic carriage of these strains in the maternal intestinal microbiota constitutes a risk of vertical transmission to the infant at birth. The aim of this work was to evaluate the efficacy of phage therapy against E. coli K1 in an intestinal environment and its impact on the intestinal microbiota. For this purpose, three independent experiments were conducted on the SHIME® system, the first one with only the phage vB_EcoP_K1_ULINTec4, the second experiment with only E. coli K1 and the last experiment with both E. coli K1 and the phage. Microbiota monitoring was performed using metagenetics, qPCR, SCFA analysis and the induction of AhR. The results showed that phage vB_EcoP_K1_ULINTec4, inoculated alone, was progressively cleared by the system and replicates in the presence of its host. E. coli K1 persisted in the microbiota but decreased in the presence of the phage. The impact on the microbiota was revealed to be donor dependent, and the bacterial populations were not dramatically affected by vB_K1_ULINTec4, either alone or with its host. In conclusion, these experiments showed that the phage was able to infect the E. coli K1 in the system but did not completely eliminate the bacterial load.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Céline Antoine
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, FARAH and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
- Laboratory of Food Quality Management, Food Science Department, FARAH and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Fanny Laforêt
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, FARAH and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
- Laboratory of Food Quality Management, Food Science Department, FARAH and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Elizabeth Goya-Jorge
- Laboratory of Food Quality Management, Food Science Department, FARAH and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Irma Gonza
- Laboratory of Food Quality Management, Food Science Department, FARAH and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Sarah Lebrun
- Laboratory of Food Quality Management, Food Science Department, FARAH and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Caroline Douny
- Laboratory of Food Analysis, Department of Food Sciences, FARAH and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Jean-Noël Duprez
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, FARAH and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Abdoulaye Fall
- FoodChain ID Genomics, En Hayeneux 62, 4040 Herstal, Belgium
| | - Bernard Taminiau
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Food Sciences, FARAH and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Marie-Louise Scippo
- Laboratory of Food Analysis, Department of Food Sciences, FARAH and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Georges Daube
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Food Sciences, FARAH and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Damien Thiry
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, FARAH and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Véronique Delcenserie
- Laboratory of Food Quality Management, Food Science Department, FARAH and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Arredondo-Alonso S, Blundell-Hunter G, Fu Z, Gladstone RA, Fillol-Salom A, Loraine J, Cloutman-Green E, Johnsen PJ, Samuelsen Ø, Pöntinen AK, Cléon F, Chavez-Bueno S, De la Cruz MA, Ares MA, Vongsouvath M, Chmielarczyk A, Horner C, Klein N, McNally A, Reis JN, Penadés JR, Thomson NR, Corander J, Taylor PW, McCarthy AJ. Evolutionary and functional history of the Escherichia coli K1 capsule. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3294. [PMID: 37322051 PMCID: PMC10272209 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39052-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Escherichia coli is a leading cause of invasive bacterial infections in humans. Capsule polysaccharide has an important role in bacterial pathogenesis, and the K1 capsule has been firmly established as one of the most potent capsule types in E. coli through its association with severe infections. However, little is known about its distribution, evolution and functions across the E. coli phylogeny, which is fundamental to elucidating its role in the expansion of successful lineages. Using systematic surveys of invasive E. coli isolates, we show that the K1-cps locus is present in a quarter of bloodstream infection isolates and has emerged in at least four different extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) phylogroups independently in the last 500 years. Phenotypic assessment demonstrates that K1 capsule synthesis enhances E. coli survival in human serum independent of genetic background, and that therapeutic targeting of the K1 capsule re-sensitizes E. coli from distinct genetic backgrounds to human serum. Our study highlights that assessing the evolutionary and functional properties of bacterial virulence factors at population levels is important to better monitor and predict the emergence of virulent clones, and to also inform therapies and preventive medicine to effectively control bacterial infections whilst significantly lowering antibiotic usage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Arredondo-Alonso
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Oslo, 0317, Oslo, Norway
- Parasites and Microbes, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Zuyi Fu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Centre for Bacterial Resistance Biology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Rebecca A Gladstone
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Oslo, 0317, Oslo, Norway
- Parasites and Microbes, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alfred Fillol-Salom
- Department of Infectious Disease, Centre for Bacterial Resistance Biology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Elaine Cloutman-Green
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Pål J Johnsen
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Ørjan Samuelsen
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Detection of Antimicrobial Resistance, Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Anna K Pöntinen
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Oslo, 0317, Oslo, Norway
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Detection of Antimicrobial Resistance, Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - François Cléon
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Susana Chavez-Bueno
- University of Missouri Kansas City, Kansas City, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's Mercy Hospital Kansas City, UMKC School of Medicine, Kansas City, USA
| | - Miguel A De la Cruz
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Infecciosas y Parasitarias, Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, Mexico
- Facultad de Medicina, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Miguel A Ares
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Infecciosas y Parasitarias, Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Manivanh Vongsouvath
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit (LOMWRU), Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao PDR
| | - Agnieszka Chmielarczyk
- Faculty of Medicine, Chair of Microbiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Czysta str. 18, 31-121, Kraków, Poland
| | - Carolyne Horner
- British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, Birmingham, UK
| | - Nigel Klein
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Alan McNally
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Joice N Reis
- Laboratory of Pathology and Molecular Biology (LPBM), Gonçalo Moniz Research Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, Brazil
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - José R Penadés
- Department of Infectious Disease, Centre for Bacterial Resistance Biology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Nicholas R Thomson
- Parasites and Microbes, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jukka Corander
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Oslo, 0317, Oslo, Norway.
- Parasites and Microbes, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK.
- Helsinki Institute of Information Technology, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Peter W Taylor
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Alex J McCarthy
- Department of Infectious Disease, Centre for Bacterial Resistance Biology, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Golubkova A, Hunter CJ. Development of the Neonatal Intestinal Barrier, Microbiome, and Susceptibility to NEC. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1247. [PMID: 37317221 PMCID: PMC10221463 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The function of the intestinal barrier is partially dependent on host maturity and the colonization patterns of the microbiome to which it is exposed. Premature birth and stressors of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)-related support (e.g., antibiotics, steroids, etc.) can alter the host internal environment resulting in changes in the intestinal barrier. Pathogenic microbial proliferation and breach of the immature intestinal barrier are proposed to be crucial steps in the development of neonatal diseases such as necrotizing enterocolitis. This article will review the current literature on the intestinal barrier in the neonatal gut, the consequences of microbiome development for this defense system, and how prematurity can influence neonatal susceptibility to gastrointestinal infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Catherine J. Hunter
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Birchenough GMH, Schroeder BO, Sharba S, Arike L, Recktenwald CV, Puértolas-Balint F, Subramani MV, Hansson KT, Yilmaz B, Lindén SK, Bäckhed F, Hansson GC. Muc2-dependent microbial colonization of the jejunal mucus layer is diet sensitive and confers local resistance to enteric pathogen infection. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112084. [PMID: 36753416 PMCID: PMC10404306 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Intestinal mucus barriers normally prevent microbial infections but are sensitive to diet-dependent changes in the luminal environment. Here we demonstrate that mice fed a Western-style diet (WSD) suffer regiospecific failure of the mucus barrier in the small intestinal jejunum caused by diet-induced mucus aggregation. Mucus barrier disruption due to either WSD exposure or chromosomal Muc2 deletion results in collapse of the commensal jejunal microbiota, which in turn sensitizes mice to atypical jejunal colonization by the enteric pathogen Citrobacter rodentium. We illustrate the jejunal mucus layer as a microbial habitat, and link the regiospecific mucus dependency of the microbiota to distinctive properties of the jejunal niche. Together, our data demonstrate a symbiotic mucus-microbiota relationship that normally prevents jejunal pathogen colonization, but is highly sensitive to disruption by exposure to a WSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George M H Birchenough
- Department of Medical Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Wallenberg Centre for Molecular & Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Bjoern O Schroeder
- Department of Molecular Biology and Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden; Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sinan Sharba
- Department of Medical Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Liisa Arike
- Department of Medical Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christian V Recktenwald
- Department of Medical Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Fabiola Puértolas-Balint
- Department of Molecular Biology and Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Mahadevan V Subramani
- Department of Medical Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Wallenberg Centre for Molecular & Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Karl T Hansson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Wallenberg Centre for Molecular & Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Bahtiyar Yilmaz
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sara K Lindén
- Department of Medical Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Bäckhed
- Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Gunnar C Hansson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gustafsson JK, Johansson MEV. The role of goblet cells and mucus in intestinal homeostasis. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 19:785-803. [PMID: 36097076 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-022-00675-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
The intestinal tract faces numerous challenges that require several layers of defence. The tight epithelium forms a physical barrier that is further protected by a mucus layer, which provides various site-specific protective functions. Mucus is produced by goblet cells, and as a result of single-cell RNA sequencing identifying novel goblet cell subpopulations, our understanding of their various contributions to intestinal homeostasis has improved. Goblet cells not only produce mucus but also are intimately linked to the immune system. Mucus and goblet cell development is tightly regulated during early life and synchronized with microbial colonization. Dysregulation of the developing mucus systems and goblet cells has been associated with infectious and inflammatory conditions and predisposition to chronic disease later in life. Dysfunctional mucus and altered goblet cell profiles are associated with inflammatory conditions in which some mucus system impairments precede inflammation, indicating a role in pathogenesis. In this Review, we present an overview of the current understanding of the role of goblet cells and the mucus layer in maintaining intestinal health during steady-state and how alterations to these systems contribute to inflammatory and infectious disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenny K Gustafsson
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Malin E V Johansson
- Department of Medical Biochemisty and Cell biology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Blundell-Hunter G, Enright MC, Negus D, Dorman MJ, Beecham GE, Pickard DJ, Wintachai P, Voravuthikunchai SP, Thomson NR, Taylor PW. Characterisation of Bacteriophage-Encoded Depolymerases Selective for Key Klebsiella pneumoniae Capsular Exopolysaccharides. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:686090. [PMID: 34222050 PMCID: PMC8253255 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.686090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Capsular polysaccharides enable clinically important clones of Klebsiella pneumoniae to cause severe systemic infections in susceptible hosts. Phage-encoded capsule depolymerases have the potential to provide an alternative treatment paradigm in patients when multiple drug resistance has eroded the efficacy of conventional antibiotic chemotherapy. An investigation of 164 K. pneumoniae from intensive care patients in Thailand revealed a large number of distinct K types in low abundance but four (K2, K51, K1, K10) with a frequency of at least 5%. To identify depolymerases with the capacity to degrade capsules associated with these common K-types, 62 lytic phage were isolated from Thai hospital sewage water using K1, K2 and K51 isolates as hosts; phage plaques, without exception, displayed halos indicative of the presence of capsule-degrading enzymes. Phage genomes ranged in size from 41-348 kb with between 50 and 535 predicted coding sequences (CDSs). Using a custom phage protein database we were successful in applying annotation to 30 - 70% (mean = 58%) of these CDSs. The largest genomes, of so-called jumbo phage, carried multiple tRNAs as well as CRISPR repeat and spacer sequences. One of the smaller phage genomes was found to contain a putative Cas type 1E gene, indicating a history of host DNA acquisition in these obligate lytic phage. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) indicated that some phage displayed an extended host range due to the presence of multiple depolymerase genes; in total, 42 candidate depolymerase genes were identified with up to eight in a single genome. Seven distinct virions were selected for further investigation on the basis of host range, phage morphology and WGS. Candidate genes for K1, K2 and K51 depolymerases were expressed and purified as his6-tagged soluble protein and enzymatic activity demonstrated against K. pneumoniae capsular polysaccharides by gel electrophoresis and Anton-Paar rolling ball viscometry. Depolymerases completely removed the capsule in K-type-specific fashion from K. pneumoniae cells. We conclude that broad-host range phage carry multiple enzymes, each with the capacity to degrade a single K-type, and any future use of these enzymes as therapeutic agents will require enzyme cocktails for utility against a range of K. pneumoniae infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark C. Enright
- Department of Life Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - David Negus
- School of Science & Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew J. Dorman
- Parasites and Microbes Programme, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Gemma E. Beecham
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Derek J. Pickard
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Nicholas R. Thomson
- Parasites and Microbes Programme, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, United Kingdom
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter W. Taylor
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wagner C, Torow N, Hornef MW, Lelouard H. Spatial and temporal key steps in early-life intestinal immune system development and education. FEBS J 2021; 289:4731-4757. [PMID: 34076962 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Education of our intestinal immune system early in life strongly influences adult health. This education strongly relies on series of events that must occur in well-defined time windows. From initial colonization by maternal-derived microbiota during delivery to dietary changes from mother's milk to solid foods at weaning, these early-life events have indeed long-standing consequences on our immunity, facilitating tolerance to environmental exposures or, on the contrary, increasing the risk of developing noncommunicable diseases such as allergies, asthma, obesity, and inflammatory bowel diseases. In this review, we provide an outline of the recent advances in our understanding of these events and how they are mechanistically related to intestinal immunity development and education. First, we review the susceptibility of neonates to infections and inflammatory diseases, related to their immune system and microbiota changes. Then, we highlight the maternal factors involved in protection and education of the mucosal immune system of the offspring, the role of the microbiota, and the nature of neonatal immune system until weaning. We also present how the development of some immune responses is intertwined in temporal and spatial windows of opportunity. Finally, we discuss pending questions regarding the neonate particular immune status and the activation of the intestinal immune system at weaning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camille Wagner
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Marseille, France
| | - Natalia Torow
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, RWTH University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Mathias W Hornef
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, RWTH University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wang P, Meng X, Li J, Chen Y, Zhang D, Zhong H, Xia P, Cui L, Zhu G, Wang H. Transcriptome profiling of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli and the mouse microvascular endothelial cell line bEnd.3 during interaction. PeerJ 2020; 8:e9172. [PMID: 32509459 PMCID: PMC7246031 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC), an important extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli, causes colibacillosis, an acute and mostly systemic disease involving multiple organ lesions such as meningitis. Meningitis-causing APEC can invade the host central nervous system by crossing the blood–brain barrier (BBB), which is a critical step in the development of meningitis. However, the bacteria-host interaction mechanism in this process remains unclear. Methods In this study, we examined E. coli and bEnd.3 cells transcriptomes during infection and mock infection to investigate the global transcriptional changes in both organisms using RNA sequencing approach. Results When APEC infected the bEnd.3 cells, several significant changes in the expression of genes related to cell junctional complexes, extracellular matrix degradation, actin cytoskeleton rearrangement, immune activation and the inflammatory response in bEnd.3 cells were observed as compared to the mock infection group. Thus, the immune activation of bEnd.3 cells indicated that APEC infection activated host defenses. Furthermore, APEC may exploit cell junction degradation to invade the BBB. In addition, amino acid metabolism and energy metabolism related genes were downregulated and the protein export pathway related genes were upregulated in APEC cultured with bEnd.3 cells, compared to that in control. Thus, APEC may encounter starvation and express virulence factors during incubation with bEnd.3 cells. Conclusion This study provides a comprehensive overview of transcriptomic changes that occur during APEC infection of bEnd.3 cells, and offers insights into the bacterial invasion strategies and the subsequent host defense mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peili Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xia Meng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianji Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanfei Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haoran Zhong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Pengpeng Xia
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Luying Cui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guoqiang Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Heng Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Knoop KA, Coughlin PE, Floyd AN, Ndao IM, Hall-Moore C, Shaikh N, Gasparrini AJ, Rusconi B, Escobedo M, Good M, Warner BB, Tarr PI, Newberry RD. Maternal activation of the EGFR prevents translocation of gut-residing pathogenic Escherichia coli in a model of late-onset neonatal sepsis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:7941-7949. [PMID: 32179676 PMCID: PMC7148560 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1912022117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Late-onset sepsis (LOS) is a highly consequential complication of preterm birth and is defined by a positive blood culture obtained after 72 h of age. The causative bacteria can be found in patients' intestinal tracts days before dissemination, and cohort studies suggest reduced LOS risk in breastfed preterm infants through unknown mechanisms. Reduced concentrations of epidermal growth factor (EGF) of maternal origin within the intestinal tract of mice correlated to the translocation of a gut-resident human pathogen Escherichia coli, which spreads systemically and caused a rapid, fatal disease in pups. Translocation of Escherichia coli was associated with the formation of colonic goblet cell-associated antigen passages (GAPs), which translocate enteric bacteria across the intestinal epithelium. Thus, maternally derived EGF, and potentially other EGFR ligands, prevents dissemination of a gut-resident pathogen by inhibiting goblet cell-mediated bacterial translocation. Through manipulation of maternally derived EGF and alteration of the earliest gut defenses, we have developed an animal model of pathogen dissemination which recapitulates gut-origin neonatal LOS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn A Knoop
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905;
- Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Paige E Coughlin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Alexandria N Floyd
- Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - I Malick Ndao
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Carla Hall-Moore
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Nurmohammad Shaikh
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Andrew J Gasparrini
- The Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences & Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Brigida Rusconi
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Marilyn Escobedo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Oklahoma School of Medicine, Oklahoma City, OK 73019
| | - Misty Good
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Barbara B Warner
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Phillip I Tarr
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Rodney D Newberry
- Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Loss of Trefoil Factor 2 Sensitizes Rat Pups to Systemic Infection with the Neonatal Pathogen Escherichia coli K1. Infect Immun 2019; 87:IAI.00878-18. [PMID: 30833331 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00878-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) colonization of 2-day-old (P2) rat pups with Escherichia coli K1 results in translocation of the colonizing bacteria across the small intestine, bacteremia, and invasion of the meninges, with animals frequently succumbing to lethal infection. Infection, but not colonization, is strongly age dependent; pups become progressively less susceptible to infection over the P2-to-P9 period. Colonization leads to strong downregulation of the gene encoding trefoil factor 2 (Tff2), preventing maturation of the protective mucus barrier in the small intestine. Trefoil factors promote mucosal homeostasis. We investigated the contribution of Tff2 to protection of the neonatal rat from E. coli K1 bacteremia and tissue invasion. Deletion of tff2, using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9, sensitized P9 pups to E. coli K1 bacteremia. There were no differences between tff2-/ - homozygotes and the wild type with regard to the dynamics of GI colonization. Loss of the capacity to elaborate Tff2 did not impact GI tract integrity or the thickness of the small-intestinal mucus layer but, in contrast to P9 wild-type pups, enabled E. coli K1 bacteria to gain access to epithelial surfaces in the distal region of the small intestine and exploit an intracellular route across the epithelial monolayer to enter the blood circulation via the mesenteric lymphatic system. Although primarily associated with the mammalian gastric mucosa, we conclude that loss of Tff2 in the developing neonatal small intestine enables the opportunistic neonatal pathogen E. coli K1 to enter the compromised mucus layer in the distal small intestine prior to systemic invasion and infection.
Collapse
|
13
|
Gao J, Li Y, Wan Y, Hu T, Liu L, Yang S, Gong Z, Zeng Q, Wei Y, Yang W, Zeng Z, He X, Huang SH, Cao H. A Novel Postbiotic From Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG With a Beneficial Effect on Intestinal Barrier Function. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:477. [PMID: 30923519 PMCID: PMC6426789 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
It has long been known that probiotics can be used to maintain intestinal homeostasis and treat a number of gastrointestinal disorders, but the underlying mechanism has remained obscure. Recently, increasing evidence supports the notion that certain probiotic-derived components, such as bacteriocins, lipoteichoic acids, surface layer protein and secreted protein, have a similar protective role on intestinal barrier function as that of live probiotics. These bioactive components have been named 'postbiotics' in the most recent publications. We previously found that the Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) culture supernatant is able to accelerate the maturation of neonatal intestinal defense and prevent neonatal rats from oral Escherichia coli K1 infection. However, the identity of the bioactive constituents has not yet been determined. In this study, using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis, we identified a novel secreted protein (named HM0539 here) involved in the beneficial effect of LGG culture supernatant. HM0539 was recombinated, purified, and applied for exploring its potential bioactivity in vitro and in vivo. Our results showed that HM0539 exhibits a potent protective effect on the intestinal barrier, as reflected by enhancing intestinal mucin expression and preventing against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- or tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α)-induced intestinal barrier injury, including downregulation of intestinal mucin (MUC2), zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and disruption of the intestinal integrity. Using a neonatal rat model of E. coli K1 infection via the oral route, we verified that HM0539 is sufficient to promote development of neonatal intestinal defense and prevent against E. coli K1 pathogenesis. Moreover, we further extended the role of HM0539 and found it has potential to prevent dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis as well as LPS/D-galactosamine-induced bacterial translocation and liver injury. In conclusion, we identified a novel LGG postbiotic HM0539 which exerts a protective effect on intestinal barrier function. Our findings indicated that HM0539 has potential to become a useful agent for prevention and treatment of intestinal barrier dysfunction- related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Gao
- Department of Microbiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yubin Li
- Department of Microbiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Wan
- Department of Microbiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tongtong Hu
- Department of Microbiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liting Liu
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Dali University, Dali, China
| | - Shaojie Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zelong Gong
- Department of Microbiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qing Zeng
- Department of Microbiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Wei
- Department of Microbiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weijun Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhijie Zeng
- Department of Microbiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolong He
- Department of Microbiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sheng-He Huang
- Department of Microbiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Hong Cao
- Department of Microbiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Knoop KA, Newberry RD. Goblet cells: multifaceted players in immunity at mucosal surfaces. Mucosal Immunol 2018; 11:1551-1557. [PMID: 29867079 PMCID: PMC8767637 DOI: 10.1038/s41385-018-0039-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Goblet cells (GCs) are specialized epithelial cells that line multiple mucosal surfaces and have a well-appreciated role in barrier maintenance through the secretion of mucus. Moreover, GCs secrete anti-microbial proteins, chemokines, and cytokines demonstrating functions in innate immunity beyond barrier maintenance. Recently it was appreciated that GCs can form goblet cell-associated antigen passages (GAPs) and deliver luminal substances to underlying lamina propria (LP) antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in a manner capable of inducing adaptive immune responses. GCs at other mucosal surfaces share characteristics with the GAP forming intestinal GCs, suggesting that GAP formation may not be restricted to the gut, and that GCs may perform this gatekeeper function at other mucosal surfaces. Here we review observations of how GCs contribute to immunity at mucosal surfaces through barrier maintenance, the delivery of luminal substances to APCs, interactions with APCs, and secretion of factors modulating immune responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn A. Knoop
- Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis MO 63123,Send correspondence to: , 314-362-2670, Fax 314-362-2609, Correspondence and requests for materials should be addressed to KAK
| | - Rodney D. Newberry
- Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis MO 63123
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Suff N, Karda R, Diaz JA, Ng J, Baruteau J, Perocheau D, Tangney M, Taylor PW, Peebles D, Buckley SMK, Waddington SN. Ascending Vaginal Infection Using Bioluminescent Bacteria Evokes Intrauterine Inflammation, Preterm Birth, and Neonatal Brain Injury in Pregnant Mice. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2018; 188:2164-2176. [PMID: 30036519 PMCID: PMC6168615 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2018.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Preterm birth is a serious global health problem and the leading cause of infant death before 5 years of age. At least 40% of cases are associated with infection. The most common way for pathogens to access the uterine cavity is by ascending from the vagina. Bioluminescent pathogens have revolutionized the understanding of infectious diseases. We hypothesized that bioluminescent Escherichia coli can be used to track and monitor ascending vaginal infections. Two bioluminescent strains were studied: E. coli K12 MG1655-lux, a nonpathogenic laboratory strain, and E. coli K1 A192PP-lux2, a pathogenic strain capable of causing neonatal meningitis and sepsis in neonatal rats. On embryonic day 16, mice received intravaginal E. coli K12, E. coli K1, or phosphate-buffered saline followed by whole-body bioluminescent imaging. In both cases, intravaginal delivery of E. coli K12 or E. coli K1 led to bacterial ascension into the uterine cavity, but only E. coli K1 induced preterm parturition. Intravaginal administration of E. coli K1 significantly reduced the proportion of pups born alive compared with E. coli K12 and phosphate-buffered saline controls. However, in both groups of viable pups born after bacterial inoculation, there was evidence of comparable brain inflammation by postnatal day 6. This study ascribes specific mechanisms by which exposure to intrauterine bacteria leads to premature delivery and neurologic inflammation in neonates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Suff
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Preterm Birth Group, Department of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rajvinder Karda
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Juan A Diaz
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joanne Ng
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Julien Baruteau
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Metabolic Medicine, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dany Perocheau
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Tangney
- SynBio Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Peter W Taylor
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Donald Peebles
- Preterm Birth Group, Department of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Suzanne M K Buckley
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Simon N Waddington
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, University College London, London, United Kingdom; MRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Taylor PW, Francis KP. Can 3D imaging provide insights into spatial variations in bacterial infection patterns? Future Microbiol 2018; 13:897-901. [DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2017-0272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently developed 3D noninvasive in vivo optical imaging is providing fresh insights into the understanding of the pathogenesis of invasive bacteria in small animal experimental models. Here, we describe the advantages of 3D diffuse light imaging tomography with integrated micro-computed tomography (DLIT-μCT) over more traditional 2D systems, in particular with regard to precise localization of infectious foci within tissues in 3D space. We highlight data from rodent studies that employ experimental infections replicating the course of naturally occurring bacterial disease, such as invasive Escherichia coli infections that arise following colonization of the GI tract in neonatal rats. It is argued that this technology will find increasing utility in the study and diagnosis of infectious disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter W Taylor
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Genome-Wide Identification by Transposon Insertion Sequencing of Escherichia coli K1 Genes Essential for In Vitro Growth, Gastrointestinal Colonizing Capacity, and Survival in Serum. J Bacteriol 2018; 200:JB.00698-17. [PMID: 29339415 PMCID: PMC5847654 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00698-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Escherichia coli K1 strains are major causative agents of invasive disease of newborn infants. The age dependency of infection can be reproduced in neonatal rats. Colonization of the small intestine following oral administration of K1 bacteria leads rapidly to invasion of the blood circulation; bacteria that avoid capture by the mesenteric lymphatic system and evade antibacterial mechanisms in the blood may disseminate to cause organ-specific infections such as meningitis. Some E. coli K1 surface constituents, in particular the polysialic acid capsule, are known to contribute to invasive potential, but a comprehensive picture of the factors that determine the fully virulent phenotype has not emerged so far. We constructed a library and constituent sublibraries of ∼775,000 Tn5 transposon mutants of E. coli K1 strain A192PP and employed transposon-directed insertion site sequencing (TraDIS) to identify genes required for fitness for infection of 2-day-old rats. Transposon insertions were lacking in 357 genes following recovery on selective agar; these genes were considered essential for growth in nutrient-replete medium. Colonization of the midsection of the small intestine was facilitated by 167 E. coli K1 gene products. Restricted bacterial translocation across epithelial barriers precluded TraDIS analysis of gut-to-blood and blood-to-brain transits; 97 genes were required for survival in human serum. This study revealed that a large number of bacterial genes, many of which were not previously associated with systemic E. coli K1 infection, are required to realize full invasive potential. IMPORTANCEEscherichia coli K1 strains cause life-threatening infections in newborn infants. They are acquired from the mother at birth and colonize the small intestine, from where they invade the blood and central nervous system. It is difficult to obtain information from acutely ill patients that sheds light on physiological and bacterial factors determining invasive disease. Key aspects of naturally occurring age-dependent human infection can be reproduced in neonatal rats. Here, we employ transposon-directed insertion site sequencing to identify genes essential for the in vitro growth of E. coli K1 and genes that contribute to the colonization of susceptible rats. The presence of bottlenecks to invasion of the blood and cerebrospinal compartments precluded insertion site sequencing analysis, but we identified genes for survival in serum.
Collapse
|
18
|
Knoop KA, Gustafsson JK, McDonald KG, Kulkarni DH, Coughlin PE, McCrate S, Kim D, Hsieh CS, Hogan SP, Elson CO, Tarr PI, Newberry RD. Microbial antigen encounter during a preweaning interval is critical for tolerance to gut bacteria. Sci Immunol 2017; 2:eaao1314. [PMID: 29246946 PMCID: PMC5759965 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.aao1314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
We have a mutually beneficial relationship with the trillions of microorganisms inhabiting our gastrointestinal tract. However, maintaining this relationship requires recognizing these organisms as affable and restraining inflammatory responses to these organisms when encountered in hostile settings. How and when the immune system develops tolerance to our gut microbial members is not well understood. We identify a specific preweaning interval in which gut microbial antigens are encountered by the immune system to induce antigen-specific tolerance to gut bacteria. For some bacterial taxa, physiologic encounters with the immune system are restricted to this interval, despite abundance of these taxa in the gut lumen at later times outside this interval. Antigen-specific tolerance to gut bacteria induced during this preweaning interval is stable and maintained even if these taxa are encountered later in life in an inflammatory setting. However, inhibiting microbial antigen encounter during this interval or extending these encounters beyond the normal interval results in a failure to induce tolerance and robust antigen-specific effector responses to gut bacteria upon reencounter in an inflammatory setting. Thus, we have identified a defined preweaning interval critical for developing tolerance to gut bacteria and maintaining the mutually beneficial relationship with our gut microbiota.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn A Knoop
- Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Jenny K Gustafsson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Keely G McDonald
- Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Devesha H Kulkarni
- Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Paige E Coughlin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Stephanie McCrate
- Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Dongyeon Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Chyi-Song Hsieh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Simon P Hogan
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Charles O Elson
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Phillip I Tarr
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Rodney D Newberry
- Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
| |
Collapse
|