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Odo CM, Vega LA, Mukherjee P, DebRoy S, Flores AR, Shelburne SA. Emergent emm4 group A Streptococcus evidences a survival strategy during interaction with immune effector cells. Infect Immun 2024; 92:e0015224. [PMID: 38888310 PMCID: PMC11238559 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00152-24] [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: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The major gram-positive pathogen group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a model organism for studying microbial epidemics as it causes waves of infections. Since 1980, several GAS epidemics have been ascribed to the emergence of clones producing increased amounts of key virulence factors such as streptolysin O (SLO). Herein, we sought to identify mechanisms underlying our recently identified temporal clonal emergence among emm4 GAS, given that emergent strains did not produce augmented levels of virulence factors relative to historic isolates. By creating and analyzing isoallelic strains, we determined that a conserved mutation in a previously undescribed gene encoding a putative carbonic anhydrase was responsible for the defective in vitro growth observed in the emergent strains. We also identified that the emergent strains survived better inside macrophages and killed macrophages at lower rates than the historic strains. Via the creation of isogenic mutant strains, we linked the emergent strain "survival" phenotype to the downregulation of the SLO encoding gene and upregulation of the msrAB operon which encodes proteins involved in defense against extracellular oxidative stress. Our findings are in accord with recent surveillance studies which found a high ratio of mucosal (i.e., pharyngeal) relative to invasive infections among emm4 GAS. Since ever-increasing virulence is unlikely to be evolutionarily advantageous for a microbial pathogen, our data further understanding of the well-described oscillating patterns of virulent GAS infections by demonstrating mechanisms by which emergent strains adapt a "survival" strategy to outcompete previously circulating isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chioma M. Odo
- Microbiology and Infectious Disease, MD Anderson UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Luis A. Vega
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Piyali Mukherjee
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sruti DebRoy
- Department of Infectious Disease, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Anthony R. Flores
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
- Center for Antimicrobial Resistance and Microbial Genomics, University of Texas Health Sciences Center Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Samuel A. Shelburne
- Department of Infectious Disease, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Genomic Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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2
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Odo CM, Vega LA, Mukherjee P, DebRoy S, Flores AR, Shelburne SA. Emergent emm4 group A Streptococcus evidences a survival strategy during interaction with immune effector cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.09.588776. [PMID: 38645060 PMCID: PMC11030381 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.09.588776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
The major gram-positive pathogen group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a model organism for studying microbial epidemics as it causes waves of infections. Since 1980, several GAS epidemics have been ascribed to the emergence of clones producing increased amounts of key virulence factors such as streptolysin O (SLO). Herein, we sought to identify mechanisms underlying our recently identified temporal clonal emergence amongst emm4 GAS, given that emergent strains did not produce augmented levels of virulence factors relative to historic isolates. Through the creation and analysis of isoallelic strains, we determined that a conserved mutation in a previously undescribed gene encoding a putative carbonic anhydrase was responsible for the defective in vitro growth observed in the emergent strains. We also identified that the emergent strains survived better inside macrophages and killed macrophages at lower rates relative to the historic strains. Via creation of isogenic mutant strains, we linked the emergent strain "survival" phenotype to the downregulation of the SLO encoding gene and upregulation of the msrAB operon which encodes proteins involved in defense against extracellular oxidative stress. Our findings are in accord with recent surveillance studies which found high ratio of mucosal (i.e., pharyngeal) relative to invasive infections amongst emm4 GAS. Inasmuch as ever-increasing virulence is unlikely to be evolutionary advantageous for a microbial pathogen, our data furthers understanding of the well described oscillating patterns of virulent GAS infections by demonstrating mechanisms by which emergent strains adapt a "survival" strategy to outcompete previously circulating isolates.
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Happonen L, Collin M. Immunomodulating Enzymes from Streptococcus pyogenes-In Pathogenesis, as Biotechnological Tools, and as Biological Drugs. Microorganisms 2024; 12:200. [PMID: 38258026 PMCID: PMC10818452 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010200] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes, or Group A Streptococcus, is an exclusively human pathogen that causes a wide variety of diseases ranging from mild throat and skin infections to severe invasive disease. The pathogenesis of S. pyogenes infection has been extensively studied, but the pathophysiology, especially of the more severe infections, is still somewhat elusive. One key feature of S. pyogenes is the expression of secreted, surface-associated, and intracellular enzymes that directly or indirectly affect both the innate and adaptive host immune systems. Undoubtedly, S. pyogenes is one of the major bacterial sources for immunomodulating enzymes. Major targets for these enzymes are immunoglobulins that are destroyed or modified through proteolysis or glycan hydrolysis. Furthermore, several enzymes degrade components of the complement system and a group of DNAses degrade host DNA in neutrophil extracellular traps. Additional types of enzymes interfere with cellular inflammatory and innate immunity responses. In this review, we attempt to give a broad overview of the functions of these enzymes and their roles in pathogenesis. For those enzymes where experimentally determined structures exist, the structural aspects of the enzymatic activity are further discussed. Lastly, we also discuss the emerging use of some of the enzymes as biotechnological tools as well as biological drugs and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotta Happonen
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Infection Medicine, Lund University, SE-22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Mattias Collin
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Infection Medicine, Lund University, SE-22184 Lund, Sweden
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4
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Wahlenmayer ER, Hammers DE. Streptococcal peptides and their roles in host-microbe interactions. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1282622. [PMID: 37915845 PMCID: PMC10617681 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1282622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The genus Streptococcus encompasses many bacterial species that are associated with hosts, ranging from asymptomatic colonizers and commensals to pathogens with a significant global health burden. Streptococci produce numerous factors that enable them to occupy their host-associated niches, many of which alter their host environment to the benefit of the bacteria. The ability to manipulate host immune systems to either evade detection and clearance or induce a hyperinflammatory state influences whether bacteria are able to survive and persist in a given environment, while also influencing the propensity of the bacteria to cause disease. Several bacterial factors that contribute to this inter-species interaction have been identified. Recently, small peptides have become increasingly appreciated as factors that contribute to Streptococcal relationships with their hosts. Peptides are utilized by streptococci to modulate their host environment in several ways, including by directly interacting with host factors to disrupt immune system function and signaling to other bacteria to control the expression of genes that contribute to immune modulation. In this review, we discuss the many contributions of Streptococcal peptides in terms of their ability to contribute to pathogenesis and disruption of host immunity. This discussion will highlight the importance of continuing to elucidate the functions of these Streptococcal peptides and pursuing the identification of new peptides that contribute to modulation of host environments. Developing a greater understanding of how bacteria interact with their hosts has the potential to enable the development of techniques to inhibit these peptides as therapeutic approaches against Streptococcal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel E. Hammers
- Biology Department, Houghton University, Houghton, NY, United States
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5
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Bergmann R, Gulotta G, Andreoni F, Sumitomo T, Kawabata S, Zinkernagel AS, Chhatwal GS, Nizet V, Rohde M, Uchiyama S. The group A Streptococcus interleukin-8 protease SpyCEP promotes bacterial intracellular survival by evasion of autophagy. INFECTIOUS MICROBES & DISEASES 2022; 4:116-123. [PMID: 37333426 PMCID: PMC10275413 DOI: 10.1097/im9.0000000000000098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy serves an innate immune function in defending the host against invading bacteria, including group A Streptococcus (GAS). Autophagy is regulated by numerous host proteins, including the endogenous negative regulator calpain, a cytosolic protease. Globally disseminated serotype M1T1 GAS strains associated with high invasive disease potential express numerous virulence factors and resist autophagic clearance. Upon in vitro infection of human epithelial cell lines with representative wild-type GAS M1T1 strain 5448 (M1.5448), we observed increased calpain activation linked to a specific GAS virulence factor, the IL-8 protease SpyCEP. Calpain activation inhibited autophagy and decreased capture of cytosolic GAS in autophagosomes. In contrast, the serotype M6 GAS strain JRS4 (M6.JRS4), which is highly susceptible to host autophagy-mediated killing, expresses low levels of SpyCEP and does not activate calpain. Overexpression of SpyCEP in M6.JRS4 stimulated calpain activation, inhibited autophagy and significantly decreased bacterial capture in autophagosomes. These paired loss- and gain-of-function studies reveal a novel role for the bacterial protease SpyCEP in enabling GAS M1 evasion of autophagy and host innate immune clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- René Bergmann
- Central Unit for Microscopy (ZEIM), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Giuseppe Gulotta
- Central Unit for Microscopy (ZEIM), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Federica Andreoni
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tomoko Sumitomo
- Department of Oral and Molecular Microbiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Suita-Osaka, Japan
| | - Shigetada Kawabata
- Department of Oral and Molecular Microbiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Suita-Osaka, Japan
| | - Annelies S. Zinkernagel
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gursharan S. Chhatwal
- Central Unit for Microscopy (ZEIM), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Victor Nizet
- Division of Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Manfred Rohde
- Central Unit for Microscopy (ZEIM), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Satoshi Uchiyama
- Central Unit for Microscopy (ZEIM), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
- Division of Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Ravins M, Ambalavanan P, Biswas D, Tan RYM, Lim KXZ, Kaufman Y, Anand A, Sharma A, Hanski E. Murine Soft Tissue Infection Model to Study Group A Streptococcus (GAS) Pathogenesis in Necrotizing Fasciitis. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2427:185-200. [PMID: 35619035 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1971-1_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Group A streptococcus (GAS) necrotizing fasciitis (NF) causes high morbidity and mortality despite prompt intravenous administration of antibiotics, surgical soft-tissue debridement, and supportive treatment in the intensive care unit. Since there is no effective vaccine against GAS infections, a comprehensive understanding of NF pathogenesis is required to design more efficient treatments. To increase our understanding of NF pathogenesis, we need a reliable animal model that mirrors, at least in part, the infectious process in humans. This chapter describes a reliable murine model of human NF that mimics the histopathology observed in humans, namely the destruction of soft tissue, a paucity of infiltrating neutrophils, and the presence of many gram-positive cocci at the center of the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Ravins
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Institute for Medical Research, Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Poornima Ambalavanan
- Singapore-HUJ Alliance for Research and Enterprise, MMID Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Debabrata Biswas
- Singapore-HUJ Alliance for Research and Enterprise, MMID Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rachel Ying Min Tan
- Singapore-HUJ Alliance for Research and Enterprise, MMID Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kimberly Xuan Zhen Lim
- Singapore-HUJ Alliance for Research and Enterprise, MMID Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yael Kaufman
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Institute for Medical Research, Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Aparna Anand
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Institute for Medical Research, Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Abhinay Sharma
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Institute for Medical Research, Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Emanuel Hanski
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Institute for Medical Research, Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
- Singapore-HUJ Alliance for Research and Enterprise, MMID Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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McKenna S, Huse KK, Giblin S, Pearson M, Majid Al Shibar MS, Sriskandan S, Matthews S, Pease JE. The Role of Streptococcal Cell-Envelope Proteases in Bacterial Evasion of the Innate Immune System. J Innate Immun 2021; 14:69-88. [PMID: 34649250 PMCID: PMC9082167 DOI: 10.1159/000516956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria possess the ability to evolve varied and ingenious strategies to outwit the host immune system, instigating an evolutionary arms race. Proteases are amongst the many weapons employed by bacteria, which specifically cleave and neutralize key signalling molecules required for a coordinated immune response. In this article, we focus on a family of S8 subtilisin-like serine proteases expressed as cell-envelope proteases (CEPs) by group A and group B streptococci. Two of these proteases known as Streptococcus pyogenes CEP (SpyCEP) and C5a peptidase cleave the chemokine CXCL8 and the complement fragment C5a, respectively. Both CXCL8 and C5a are potent neutrophil-recruiting chemokines, and by neutralizing their activity, streptococci evade a key defence mechanism of innate immunity. We review the mechanisms by which CXCL8 and C5a recruit neutrophils and the characterization of SpyCEP and C5a peptidase, including both in vitro and in vivo studies. Recently described structural insights into the function of this CEP family are also discussed. We conclude by examining the progress of prototypic vaccines incorporating SpyCEP and C5a peptidase in their preparation. Since streptococci-producing SpyCEP and C5a peptidase are responsible for a considerable global disease burden, targeting these proteases by vaccination strategies or by small-molecule antagonists should provide protection from and promote the resolution of streptococcal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie McKenna
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kristin Krohn Huse
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sean Giblin
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Max Pearson
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Shiranee Sriskandan
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Matthews
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - James Edward Pease
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Anand A, Sharma A, Ravins M, Biswas D, Ambalavanan P, Lim KXZ, Tan RYM, Johri AK, Tirosh B, Hanski E. Unfolded protein response inhibitors cure group A streptococcal necrotizing fasciitis by modulating host asparagine. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:13/605/eabd7465. [PMID: 34349034 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abd7465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Group A streptococcus (GAS) is among the top 10 causes of mortality from an infectious disease, producing mild to invasive life-threatening manifestations. Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is characterized by a rapid GAS spread into fascial planes followed by extensive tissue destruction. Despite prompt treatments of antibiotic administration and tissue debridement, mortality from NF is still high. Moreover, there is no effective vaccine against GAS, and early diagnosis of NF is problematic because its clinical presentations are not specific. Thus, there is a genuine need for effective treatments against GAS NF. Previously, we reported that GAS induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress to gain asparagine from the host. Here, we demonstrate that GAS-mediated asparagine induction and release occur through the PERK-eIF2α-ATF4 branch of the unfolded protein response. Inhibitors of PERK or integrated stress response (ISR) blocked the formation and release of asparagine by infected mammalian cells, and exogenously added asparagine overcame this inhibition. Moreover, in a murine model of NF, we show that the inhibitors minimized mortality when mice were challenged with a lethal dose of GAS and reduced bacterial counts and lesion size when mice were challenged with a sublethal dose. Immunohistopathology studies demonstrated that PERK/ISR inhibitors protected mice by enabling neutrophil infiltration into GAS-infected fascia and reducing the pro-inflammatory response that causes tissue damage. Inhibitor treatment was also effective in mice when started at 12 hours after infection. We conclude that host metabolic alteration induced by PERK or ISR inhibitors is a promising therapeutic strategy to treat highly invasive GAS infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Anand
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Institute for Medical Research, Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Abhinay Sharma
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Institute for Medical Research, Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Miriam Ravins
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Institute for Medical Research, Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Debabrata Biswas
- Singapore-HUJ Alliance for Research and Enterprise, MMID Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore 117576, Singapore.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National University of Singapore, Singapore 138602, Singapore
| | - Poornima Ambalavanan
- Singapore-HUJ Alliance for Research and Enterprise, MMID Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore 117576, Singapore.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National University of Singapore, Singapore 138602, Singapore
| | - Kimberly Xuan Zhen Lim
- Singapore-HUJ Alliance for Research and Enterprise, MMID Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore 117576, Singapore.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National University of Singapore, Singapore 138602, Singapore
| | - Rachel Ying Min Tan
- Singapore-HUJ Alliance for Research and Enterprise, MMID Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore 117576, Singapore.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National University of Singapore, Singapore 138602, Singapore
| | - Atul Kumar Johri
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Boaz Tirosh
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel.
| | - Emanuel Hanski
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Institute for Medical Research, Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel. .,Singapore-HUJ Alliance for Research and Enterprise, MMID Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore 117576, Singapore.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National University of Singapore, Singapore 138602, Singapore
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Streptococcus pyogenes ("Group A Streptococcus"), a Highly Adapted Human Pathogen-Potential Implications of Its Virulence Regulation for Epidemiology and Disease Management. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10060776. [PMID: 34205500 PMCID: PMC8234341 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococci; GAS) is an exclusively human pathogen. It causes a variety of suppurative and non-suppurative diseases in people of all ages worldwide. Not all can be successfully treated with antibiotics. A licensed vaccine, in spite of its global importance, is not yet available. GAS express an arsenal of virulence factors responsible for pathological immune reactions. The transcription of all these virulence factors is under the control of three types of virulence-related regulators: (i) two-component systems (TCS), (ii) stand-alone regulators, and (iii) non-coding RNAs. This review summarizes major TCS and stand-alone transcriptional regulatory systems, which are directly associated with virulence control. It is suggested that this treasure of knowledge on the genetics of virulence regulation should be better harnessed for new therapies and prevention methods for GAS infections, thereby changing its global epidemiology for the better.
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Jobichen C, Ying Chong T, Hui Ling T, Sivaraman J. The Autocatalytic Cleavage Domain Is Not Required for the Activity of ScpC, a Virulence Protease from Streptococcus pyogenes: A Structural Insight. Biochemistry 2021; 60:1564-1568. [PMID: 33929828 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.1c00185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Group A Streptococcus (GAS, or Streptococcus pyogenes) is a leading human bacterial pathogen with diverse clinical manifestations, ranging from mild to life-threatening and to severe immune sequela. These diseases, combined, account for more than half a million deaths per year, globally. To accomplish its vast pathogenic potential, GAS expresses a multitude of virulent proteins, including the pivotal virulence factor ScpC. ScpC is a narrow-range surface-exposed subtilisin-like serine protease that cleaves the last 14 C-terminal amino acids of interleukin 8 (IL-8 or CXCL8) and impairs essential IL-8 signaling processes. As a result, neutrophil migration, bacterial killing, and the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps are strongly impaired. Also, ScpC has been identified as a potential vaccine candidate. ScpC undergoes an autocatalytic cleavage between Gln244 and Ser245, resulting in two polypeptide chains that assemble together forming the active protease. Previously, we reported that the region harboring the autocatalytic cleavage site, stretching from Gln213 to Asp272, is completely disordered. Here, we show that a deletion mutant (ScpCΔ60) of this region forms a single polypeptide chain, whose crystal structure we determined at 2.9 Å resolution. Moreover, we show that ScpCΔ60 is an active protease capable of cleaving its substrate IL-8 in a manner comparable to that of the wild type. These studies improve our understanding of the proteolytic activity of ScpC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chacko Jobichen
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543
| | - Tan Ying Chong
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543
| | - Tai Hui Ling
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543
| | - J Sivaraman
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543
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Biswas D, Ambalavanan P, Ravins M, Anand A, Sharma A, Lim KXZ, Tan RYM, Lim HY, Sol A, Bachrach G, Angeli V, Hanski E. LL-37-mediated activation of host receptors is critical for defense against group A streptococcal infection. Cell Rep 2021; 34:108766. [PMID: 33657368 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) causes diverse human diseases, including life-threatening soft-tissue infections. It is accepted that the human antimicrobial peptide LL-37 protects the host by killing GAS. Here, we show that GAS extracellular protease ScpC N-terminally cleaves LL-37 into two fragments of 8 and 29 amino acids, preserving its bactericidal activity. At sub-bactericidal concentrations, the cleavage inhibits LL-37-mediated neutrophil chemotaxis, shortens neutrophil lifespan, and eliminates P2X7 and EGF receptors' activation. Mutations at the LL-37 cleavage site protect the peptide from ScpC-mediated splitting, maintaining all its functions. The mouse LL-37 ortholog CRAMP is neither cleaved by ScpC nor does it activate P2X7 or EGF receptors. Treating wild-type or CRAMP-null mice with sub-bactericidal concentrations of the non-cleavable LL-37 analogs promotes GAS clearance that is abolished by the administration of either P2X7 or EGF receptor antagonists. We demonstrate that LL-37-mediated activation of host receptors is critical for defense against GAS soft-tissue infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debabrata Biswas
- Singapore-HUJ Alliance for Research and Enterprise (SHARE), MMID Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Poornima Ambalavanan
- Singapore-HUJ Alliance for Research and Enterprise (SHARE), MMID Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Miriam Ravins
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Institute for Medical Research, Israel-Canada (IMRIC), The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Faculty of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Aparna Anand
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Institute for Medical Research, Israel-Canada (IMRIC), The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Faculty of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Abhinay Sharma
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Institute for Medical Research, Israel-Canada (IMRIC), The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Faculty of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Kimberly Xuan Zhen Lim
- Singapore-HUJ Alliance for Research and Enterprise (SHARE), MMID Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rachel Ying Min Tan
- Singapore-HUJ Alliance for Research and Enterprise (SHARE), MMID Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hwee Ying Lim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National University of Singapore, LSI Immunology Programme, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Asaf Sol
- The Institute of Dental Sciences, The Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Gilad Bachrach
- The Institute of Dental Sciences, The Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Veronique Angeli
- Singapore-HUJ Alliance for Research and Enterprise (SHARE), MMID Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National University of Singapore, LSI Immunology Programme, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Emanuel Hanski
- Singapore-HUJ Alliance for Research and Enterprise (SHARE), MMID Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Institute for Medical Research, Israel-Canada (IMRIC), The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Faculty of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel.
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Siemens N, Snäll J, Svensson M, Norrby-Teglund A. Pathogenic Mechanisms of Streptococcal Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1294:127-150. [PMID: 33079367 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-57616-5_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Necrotizing skin and soft tissue infections (NSTIs) are severe life-threatening and rapidly progressing infections. Beta-hemolytic streptococci, particularly S. pyogenes (group A streptococci (GAS)) but also S. dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis (SDSE, most group G and C streptococcus), are the main causative agents of monomicrobial NSTIs and certain types, such as emm1 and emm3, are over-represented in NSTI cases. An arsenal of bacterial virulence factors contribute to disease pathogenesis, which is a complex and multifactorial process. In this chapter, we summarize data that have provided mechanistic and immuno-pathologic insight into host-pathogens interactions that contribute to tissue pathology in streptococcal NSTIs. The role of streptococcal surface associated and secreted factors contributing to the hyper-inflammatory state and immune evasion, bacterial load in the tissue and persistence strategies, including intracellular survival and biofilm formation, as well as strategies to mimic NSTIs in vitro are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolai Siemens
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Infection Biology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.
| | - Johanna Snäll
- Department of Medicine, Center for Infectious Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Mattias Svensson
- Department of Medicine, Center for Infectious Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Anna Norrby-Teglund
- Department of Medicine, Center for Infectious Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
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13
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LaRock DL, Russell R, Johnson AF, Wilde S, LaRock CN. Group A Streptococcus Infection of the Nasopharynx Requires Proinflammatory Signaling through the Interleukin-1 Receptor. Infect Immun 2020; 88:e00356-20. [PMID: 32719155 PMCID: PMC7504964 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00356-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is the etiologic agent of numerous high-morbidity and high-mortality diseases. Infections are typically highly proinflammatory. During the invasive infection necrotizing fasciitis, this is in part due to the GAS protease SpeB directly activating interleukin-1β (IL-1β) independent of the canonical inflammasome pathway. The upper respiratory tract is the primary site for GAS colonization, infection, and transmission, but the host-pathogen interactions at this site are still largely unknown. We found that in the murine nasopharynx, SpeB enhanced IL-1β-mediated inflammation and the chemotaxis of neutrophils. However, neutrophilic inflammation did not restrict infection and instead promoted GAS replication and disease. Inhibiting IL-1β or depleting neutrophils, which both promote invasive infection, prevented GAS infection of the nasopharynx. Mice pretreated with penicillin became more susceptible to GAS challenge, and this reversed the attenuation from neutralization or depletion of IL-1β, neutrophils, or SpeB. Collectively, our results suggest that SpeB is essential to activate an IL-1β-driven neutrophil response. Unlike during invasive tissue infections, this is beneficial in the upper respiratory tract because it disrupts colonization resistance mediated by the microbiota. This provides experimental evidence that the notable inflammation of strep throat, which presents with significant swelling, pain, and neutrophil influx, is not an ineffectual immune response but rather is a GAS-directed remodeling of this niche for its pathogenic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris L LaRock
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Raedeen Russell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Anders F Johnson
- Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Program, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Shyra Wilde
- Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Program, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Christopher N LaRock
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Antimicrobial Resistance Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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14
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Matsumura T, Takahashi Y. The role of myeloid cells in prevention and control of group A streptococcal infections. BIOSAFETY AND HEALTH 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bsheal.2020.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
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15
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Matsumura T, Ikebe T, Arikawa K, Hosokawa M, Aiko M, Iguchi A, Togashi I, Kai S, Ohara S, Ohara N, Ohnishi M, Watanabe H, Kobayashi K, Takeyama H, Yamasaki S, Takahashi Y, Ato M. Sequential Sensing by TLR2 and Mincle Directs Immature Myeloid Cells to Protect against Invasive Group A Streptococcal Infection in Mice. Cell Rep 2020; 27:561-571.e6. [PMID: 30970258 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.03.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe invasive group A Streptococcus (GAS) infection evades anti-bacterial immunity by attenuating the cellular components of innate immune responses. However, this loss of protection is compensated for by interferon (IFN)-γ-producing immature myeloid cells (γIMCs), which are selectively recruited upon severe invasive GAS infection in mice. Here, we demonstrate that γIMCs provide this IFN-γ-mediated protection by sequentially sensing GAS through two distinct pattern recognition receptors. In a mouse model, GAS is initially recognized by Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), which promptly induces interleukin (IL)-6 production in γIMCs. γIMC-derived IL-6 promotes the upregulation of a recently identified GAS-sensing receptor, macrophage-inducible C-type lectin (Mincle), in an autocrine or paracrine manner. Notably, blockade of γIMC-derived IL-6 abrogates Mincle expression, downstream IFN-γ production, and γIMC-mediated protection against severe invasive GAS infection. Thus, γIMCs regulate host protective immunity against severe invasive GAS infection via a TLR2-IL-6-Mincle axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Matsumura
- Department of Immunology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan.
| | - Tadayoshi Ikebe
- Department of Bacteriology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Koji Arikawa
- Research Organization for Nano and Life Innovation, Waseda University, 513 Waseda-tsurumaki-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0041, Japan; Computational Bio Big-Data Open Innovation Laboratory, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 3-4-1 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-8555, Japan
| | - Masahito Hosokawa
- Research Organization for Nano and Life Innovation, Waseda University, 513 Waseda-tsurumaki-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0041, Japan; Institute for Advanced Research of Biosystem Dynamics, Waseda Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Waseda University, 2-2 Wakamatsu-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan
| | - Michio Aiko
- Department of Immunology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Aoi Iguchi
- Department of Immunology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan; Tokyo College of Biotechnology, 1-3-14 Kita-Kojiya, Ota-ku, Tokyo 144-0032, Japan
| | - Ikuko Togashi
- Department of Immunology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan; Tokyo College of Biotechnology, 1-3-14 Kita-Kojiya, Ota-ku, Tokyo 144-0032, Japan
| | - Sayaka Kai
- Department of Immunology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan; Dental School, Okayama University, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Sakiko Ohara
- Department of Immunology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan; Dental School, Okayama University, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Naoya Ohara
- Dental School, Okayama University, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama 700-8558, Japan; Department of Oral Microbiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Makoto Ohnishi
- Department of Bacteriology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Haruo Watanabe
- School of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, 4-3 Kozunomori, Narita-shi, Chiba 286-8686, Japan
| | - Kazuo Kobayashi
- Division of Public Health, Osaka Institute of Public Health, 1-3-69 Nakamichi, Higashinari-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 537-0025, Japan
| | - Haruko Takeyama
- Research Organization for Nano and Life Innovation, Waseda University, 513 Waseda-tsurumaki-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0041, Japan; Computational Bio Big-Data Open Innovation Laboratory, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 3-4-1 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-8555, Japan; Institute for Advanced Research of Biosystem Dynamics, Waseda Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Waseda University, 2-2 Wakamatsu-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan; Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, Waseda University, 2-2 Wakamatsu-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan
| | - Sho Yamasaki
- Division of Molecular Immunology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita-shi, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Division of Molecular Immunology, Immunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC), Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita-shi, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yoshimasa Takahashi
- Department of Immunology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Manabu Ato
- Department of Mycobacteriology, Leprosy Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 4-2-1 Aoba-cho, Higashimurayama-shi, Tokyo 189-0002, Japan
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16
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Piewngam P, Chiou J, Chatterjee P, Otto M. Alternative approaches to treat bacterial infections: targeting quorum-sensing. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2020; 18:499-510. [PMID: 32243194 PMCID: PMC11032741 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2020.1750951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The emergence of multi- and pan-drug-resistant bacteria represents a global crisis that calls for the development of alternative anti-infective strategies. These comprise anti-virulence approaches, which target pathogenicity without exerting a bacteriostatic or bactericidal effect and are claimed to reduce the development of resistance. Because in many pathogens, quorum-sensing (QS) systems control the expression of virulence factors, interference with QS, or quorum-quenching, is often proposed as a strategy with a broad anti-virulence effect.Areas covered: We discuss the role and regulatory targets of QS control in selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, focusing on those with clinical importance and QS control of virulence. We present the components of QS systems that form possible targets for the development of anti-virulence drugs and discuss recent research on quorum-quenching approaches to control bacterial infection.Expert opinion: While there has been extensive research on QS systems and quorum-quenching approaches, there is a paucity of in-vivo research using adequate animal models to substantiate applicability. In-vivo research on QS blockers needs to be intensified and optimized to use clinically relevant setups, in order to underscore that such drugs can be used effectively to overcome problems associated with the treatment of severe infections by antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pipat Piewngam
- Pathogen Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, U.S. National Institutes of Health, 50 South Drive, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, USA
| | - Janice Chiou
- Pathogen Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, U.S. National Institutes of Health, 50 South Drive, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, USA
| | - Priyanka Chatterjee
- Pathogen Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, U.S. National Institutes of Health, 50 South Drive, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, USA
| | - Michael Otto
- Pathogen Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, U.S. National Institutes of Health, 50 South Drive, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, USA
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17
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Xing X, Bi S, Fan X, Jin M, Liu W, Wang B. Intranasal Vaccination With Multiple Virulence Factors Promotes Mucosal Clearance of Streptococcus suis Across Serotypes and Protects Against Meningitis in Mice. J Infect Dis 2020; 220:1679-1687. [PMID: 31287878 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiz352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Streptococcus suis is an emerging zoonotic agent. Its natural habitat is the tonsils, which are the main portals of S. suis entry into the bloodstream of pigs. The remarkable variability of the bacteria and complex pathogenic mechanisms make the development of a vaccine a difficult task. METHOD Five conserved virulence factors involved in critical events of S. suis pathogenesis were combined and used as an intranasal vaccine (V5). The effect of V5 was investigated with intranasal and systemic challenge models. RESULTS V5 induced antibody and T-cell responses at the mucosal site and systemically. The immunity promoted clearance of S. suis from the nasopharynx independent of S. suis serotypes and reduced lethality after systemic challenge with S. suis serotype 2. Moreover, mice that survived sepsis from intravenous infection developed meningitis, whereas none of these mice showed neuropathological symptoms after V5 receipt. CONCLUSION Intranasal immunization with multiple conserved virulence factors decreases S. suis colonization at the nasopharynx across serotypes and inhibits the dissemination of the bacteria in the host. The protective mucosal immunity effects would potentially reduce the S. suis reservoir and prevent S. suis disease in pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Xing
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing
| | - Shuai Bi
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - Xin Fan
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - Meilin Jin
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenjun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - Beinan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
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18
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García López E, Martín-Galiano AJ. The Versatility of Opportunistic Infections Caused by Gemella Isolates Is Supported by the Carriage of Virulence Factors From Multiple Origins. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:524. [PMID: 32296407 PMCID: PMC7136413 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular basis of the pathogenesis of the opportunistic invasive infections caused by isolates of the Gemella genus remains largely unknown. Moreover, inconsistencies in the current species assignation were detected after genome-level comparison of 16 public Gemella isolates. A literature search detected that, between the two most pathogenic species, Gemella morbillorum causes about twice the number of cases compared to Gemella haemolysans. These two species shared their mean diseases - sepsis and endocarditis - but differed in causing other syndromes. A number of well-known virulence factors were harbored by all species, such as a manganese transport/adhesin sharing 83% identity from oral endocarditis-causing streptococci. Likewise, all Gemellae carried the genes required for incorporating phosphorylcholine into their cell walls and encoded some choline-binding proteins. In contrast, other proteins were species-specific, which may justify the known epidemiological differences. G. haemolysans, but not G. morbillorum, harbor a gene cluster potentially encoding a polysaccharidic capsule. Species-specific surface determinants also included Rib and MucBP repeats, hemoglobin-binding NEAT domains, peptidases of C5a complement factor and domains that recognize extracellular matrix molecules exposed in damaged heart valves, such as collagen and fibronectin. Surface virulence determinants were associated with several taxonomically dispersed opportunistic genera of the oral microbiota, such as Granulicatella, Parvimonas, and Streptococcus, suggesting the existence of a horizontally transferrable gene reservoir in the oral environment, likely facilitated by close proximity in biofilms and ultimately linked to endocarditis. The identification of the Gemella virulence pool should be implemented in whole genome-based protocols to rationally predict the pathogenic potential in ongoing clinical infections caused by these poorly known bacterial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto García López
- Departamento de Biotecnología Microbiana y de Plantas, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio J. Martín-Galiano
- Intrahospital Infections Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Spain
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Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes encodes multiple virulence factors and their presence is often related to the severity of the disease. We designed the system of four low-volume multiplex PCR reactions to detect genes encoding 20 virulence factors: spd3, sdc, sdaB, sdaD, speB, spyCEP, scpA, mac, sic, speL, speK, speM, speC, speI, speA, speH, speG, speJ, smeZ, and ssa. Classification of strains based on the virulence factors absence or presence correlates with PFGE MLST and emm typing results. The typing/detection system is fast and cost-effective, can be used to detect GAS virulence factors and as a rapid tool to effectively differentiate between strains.
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20
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Zhao Q, Wang J, Yin C, Zhang P, Zhang J, Shi M, Shen K, Xiao Y, Zhao Y, Yang X, Zhang Y. Near-Infrared Light-Sensitive Nano Neuro-Immune Blocker Capsule Relieves Pain and Enhances the Innate Immune Response for Necrotizing Infection. NANO LETTERS 2019; 19:5904-5914. [PMID: 31389707 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.9b01459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Sensory neurons promote profound suppressive effects on neutrophils during Streptococcus pyogenes infection and contribute to the pathogenesis of necrotizing infection ("flesh-eating disease"). Thus, the development of new antibacterial agents for necrotizing infection is promising because of the clear streptococcal neuro-immune communication. Herein, based on the immune escape membrane exterior and competitive membrane functions of the glioma cell membrane, a novel nano neuro-immune blocker capsule was designed to prevent neuronal activation and improve neutrophil immune responses for necrotizing infection. These nano neuro-immune blockers could neutralize streptolysin S, suppress neuron pain conduction and calcitonin gene-related peptide release, and recruit neutrophils to the infection site, providing a strong therapeutic effect against necrotizing infection. Furthermore, nano neuro-immune blockers could serve as an effective inflammatory regulator and antibacterial agent via photothermal effects under near-infrared irradiation. In the Streptococcus pyogenes-induced necrotizing fasciitis mouse model, nano neuro-immune blockers showed significant therapeutic efficacy by ameliorating sensitivity to pain and promoting the antibacterial effect of neutrophils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) and Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine, Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology , Wuhan University , Wuhan 430079 , China
| | - Jinyang Wang
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) and Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine, Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology , Wuhan University , Wuhan 430079 , China
| | - Chengcheng Yin
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) and Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine, Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology , Wuhan University , Wuhan 430079 , China
| | - Peng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) and Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine, Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology , Wuhan University , Wuhan 430079 , China
| | - Jinglun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) and Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine, Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology , Wuhan University , Wuhan 430079 , China
| | - Miusi Shi
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) and Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine, Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology , Wuhan University , Wuhan 430079 , China
| | - Kailun Shen
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) and Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine, Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology , Wuhan University , Wuhan 430079 , China
| | - Yin Xiao
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation , Queensland University of Technology , Kelvin Grove , Queensland 4059 , Australia
| | - Yanbing Zhao
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry and Materia Medica, College of Life Science and Technology , Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan 430074 , China
| | - Xiangliang Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry and Materia Medica, College of Life Science and Technology , Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan 430074 , China
| | - Yufeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) and Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine, Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology , Wuhan University , Wuhan 430079 , China
- Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine , Wuhan University , Wuhan , 430071 , China
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21
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The Role of Streptococcal and Staphylococcal Exotoxins and Proteases in Human Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11060332. [PMID: 31212697 PMCID: PMC6628391 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11060332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) are critical clinical conditions characterized by extensive necrosis of any layer of the soft tissue and systemic toxicity. Group A streptococci (GAS) and Staphylococcus aureus are two major pathogens associated with monomicrobial NSTIs. In the tissue environment, both Gram-positive bacteria secrete a variety of molecules, including pore-forming exotoxins, superantigens, and proteases with cytolytic and immunomodulatory functions. The present review summarizes the current knowledge about streptococcal and staphylococcal toxins in NSTIs with a special focus on their contribution to disease progression, tissue pathology, and immune evasion strategies.
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22
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Goldblatt J, Lawrenson RA, Muir L, Dattani S, Hoffland A, Tsuchiya T, Kanegasaki S, Sriskandan S, Pease JE. A Requirement for Neutrophil Glycosaminoglycans in Chemokine:Receptor Interactions Is Revealed by the Streptococcal Protease SpyCEP. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 202:3246-3255. [PMID: 31010851 PMCID: PMC6526389 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1801688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
SpyCEP-cleaved CXCL8 is unable to bind and activate CXCL8 receptors. Neutrophil glycosaminoglycans are required for migration along a CXCL8 gradient.
To evade the immune system, the lethal human pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes produces SpyCEP, an enzyme that cleaves the C-terminal α-helix of CXCL8, resulting in markedly impaired recruitment of neutrophils to sites of invasive infection. The basis for chemokine inactivation by SpyCEP is, however, poorly understood, as the core domain of CXCL8 known to interact with CXCL8 receptors is unaffected by enzymatic cleavage. We examined the in vitro migration of human neutrophils and observed that their ability to efficiently navigate a CXCL8 gradient was compromised following CXCL8 cleavage by SpyCEP. SpyCEP-mediated cleavage of CXCL8 also impaired CXCL8-induced migration of transfectants expressing the human chemokine receptors CXCR1 or CXCR2. Despite possessing an intact N terminus and preserved disulfide bonds, SpyCEP-cleaved CXCL8 had impaired binding to both CXCR1 and CXCR2, pointing to a requirement for the C-terminal α-helix. SpyCEP-cleaved CXCL8 had similarly impaired binding to the glycosaminoglycan heparin. Enzymatic removal of neutrophil glycosaminoglycans was observed to ablate neutrophil navigation of a CXCL8 gradient, whereas navigation of an fMLF gradient remained largely intact. We conclude, therefore, that SpyCEP cleavage of CXCL8 results in chemokine inactivation because of a requirement for glycosaminoglycan binding in productive chemokine:receptor interactions. This may inform strategies to inhibit the activity of SpyCEP, but may also influence future approaches to inhibit unwanted chemokine-induced inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Goldblatt
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom.,Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | | | - Luke Muir
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Saloni Dattani
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Ashley Hoffland
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom.,Asthma U.K. Centre in Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma, London, United Kingdom; and
| | - Tomoko Tsuchiya
- Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan
| | - Shiro Kanegasaki
- Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan
| | - Shiranee Sriskandan
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom;
| | - James E Pease
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom; .,Asthma U.K. Centre in Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma, London, United Kingdom; and
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23
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Lipoteichoic acid anchor triggers Mincle to drive protective immunity against invasive group A Streptococcus infection. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E10662-E10671. [PMID: 30352847 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1809100115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a Gram-positive bacterial pathogen that causes a range of diseases, including fatal invasive infections. However, the mechanisms by which the innate immune system recognizes GAS are not well understood. We herein report that the C-type lectin receptor macrophage inducible C-type lectin (Mincle) recognizes GAS and initiates antibacterial immunity. Gene expression analysis of myeloid cells upon GAS stimulation revealed the contribution of the caspase recruitment domain-containing protein 9 (CARD9) pathway to the antibacterial responses. Among receptors signaling through CARD9, Mincle induced the production of inflammatory cytokines, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and reactive oxygen species upon recognition of the anchor of lipoteichoic acid, monoglucosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG), produced by GAS. Upon GAS infection, Mincle-deficient mice exhibited impaired production of proinflammatory cytokines, severe bacteremia, and rapid lethality. GAS also possesses another Mincle ligand, diglucosyldiacylglycerol; however, this glycolipid interfered with MGDG-induced activation. These results indicate that Mincle plays a central role in protective immunity against acute GAS infection.
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Vajjala A, Biswas D, Tay WH, Hanski E, Kline KA. Streptolysin-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress promotes group A Streptococcal host-associated biofilm formation and necrotising fasciitis. Cell Microbiol 2018; 21:e12956. [PMID: 30239106 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a human pathogen that causes infections ranging from mild to fulminant and life-threatening. Biofilms have been implicated in acute GAS soft-tissue infections such as necrotising fasciitis (NF). However, most in vitro models used to study GAS biofilms have been designed to mimic chronic infections and insufficiently recapitulate in vivo conditions along with the host-pathogen interactions that might influence biofilm formation. Here, we establish and characterise an in vitro model of GAS biofilm development on mammalian cells that simulates microcolony formation observed in a mouse model of human NF. We show that on mammalian cells, GAS forms dense aggregates that display hallmark biofilm characteristics including a 3D architecture and enhanced tolerance to antibiotics. In contrast to abiotic-grown biofilms, host-associated biofilms require the expression of secreted GAS streptolysins O and S (SLO, SLS) that induce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the host. In an in vivo mouse model, the streptolysin null mutant is attenuated in both microcolony formation and bacterial spread, but pretreatment of soft-tissue with an ER stressor restores the ability of the mutant to form wild-type-like microcolonies that disseminate throughout the soft tissue. Taken together, we have identified a new role of streptolysin-driven ER stress in GAS biofilm formation and NF disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuradha Vajjala
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.,School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Debabrata Biswas
- Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Inflammation, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National University of Singapore (NUS)-The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJ), Singapore
| | - Wei Hong Tay
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.,Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Interdisciplinary Graduate School, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Emanuel Hanski
- Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Inflammation, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National University of Singapore (NUS)-The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJ), Singapore.,Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, The Institute for Medical Research, Israel-Canada (IMRIC), The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Kimberly A Kline
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.,School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
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Structure of ScpC, a virulence protease from Streptococcus pyogenes, reveals the functional domains and maturation mechanism. Biochem J 2018; 475:2847-2860. [DOI: 10.1042/bcj20180145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Group A Streptococcus (GAS; Streptococcus pyogenes) causes a wide range of infections, including pharyngitis, impetigo, and necrotizing fasciitis, and results in over half a million deaths annually. GAS ScpC (SpyCEP), a 180-kDa surface-exposed, subtilisin-like serine protease, acts as an essential virulence factor that helps S. pyogenes evade the innate immune response by cleaving and inactivating C-X-C chemokines. ScpC is thus a key candidate for the development of a vaccine against GAS and other pathogenic streptococcal species. Here, we report the crystal structures of full-length ScpC wild-type, the inactive mutant, and the ScpC–AEBSF inhibitor complex. We show ScpC to be a multi-domain, modular protein consisting of nine structural domains, of which the first five constitute the PR + A region required for catalytic activity. The four unique C-terminal domains of this protein are similar to collagen-binding and pilin proteins, suggesting an additional role for ScpC as an adhesin that might mediate the attachment of S. pyogenes to various host tissues. The Cat domain of ScpC is similar to subtilisin-like proteases with significant difference to dictate its specificity toward C-X-C chemokines. We further show that ScpC does not undergo structural rearrangement upon maturation. In the ScpC–inhibitor complex, the bound inhibitor breaks the hydrogen bond between active-site residues, which is essential for catalysis. Guided by our structure, we designed various epitopes and raised antibodies capable of neutralizing ScpC activity. Collectively, our results demonstrate the structure, maturation process, inhibition, and substrate recognition of GAS ScpC, and reveal the presence of functional domains at the C-terminal region.
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26
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Soderholm AT, Barnett TC, Korn O, Rivera-Hernandez T, Seymour LM, Schulz BL, Nizet V, Wells CA, Sweet MJ, Walker MJ. Group A Streptococcus M1T1 Intracellular Infection of Primary Tonsil Epithelial Cells Dampens Levels of Secreted IL-8 Through the Action of SpyCEP. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018; 8:160. [PMID: 29868516 PMCID: PMC5966554 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus; GAS) commonly causes pharyngitis in children and adults, with severe invasive disease and immune sequelae being an infrequent consequence. The ability of GAS to invade the host and establish infection likely involves subversion of host immune defenses. However, the signaling pathways and innate immune responses of epithelial cells to GAS are not well-understood. In this study, we utilized RNAseq to characterize the inflammatory responses of primary human tonsil epithelial (TEpi) cells to infection with the laboratory-adapted M6 strain JRS4 and the M1T1 clinical isolate 5448. Both strains induced the expression of genes encoding a wide range of inflammatory mediators, including IL-8. Pathway analysis revealed differentially expressed genes between mock and JRS4- or 5448-infected TEpi cells were enriched in transcription factor networks that regulate IL-8 expression, such as AP-1, ATF-2, and NFAT. While JRS4 infection resulted in high levels of secreted IL-8, 5448 infection did not, suggesting that 5448 may post-transcriptionally dampen IL-8 production. Infection with 5448ΔcepA, an isogenic mutant lacking the IL-8 protease SpyCEP, resulted in IL-8 secretion levels comparable to JRS4 infection. Complementation of 5448ΔcepA and JRS4 with a plasmid encoding 5448-derived SpyCEP significantly reduced IL-8 secretion by TEpi cells. Our results suggest that intracellular infection with the pathogenic GAS M1T1 clone induces a strong pro-inflammatory response in primary tonsil epithelial cells, but modulates this host response by selectively degrading the neutrophil-recruiting chemokine IL-8 to benefit infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia T. Soderholm
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Timothy C. Barnett
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Othmar Korn
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Tania Rivera-Hernandez
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Lisa M. Seymour
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Benjamin L. Schulz
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Victor Nizet
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Christine A. Wells
- Centre for Stem Cell Systems, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Matthew J. Sweet
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience and IMB Centre for Inflammation and Disease Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Mark J. Walker
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Blocking Neuronal Signaling to Immune Cells Treats Streptococcal Invasive Infection. Cell 2018; 173:1083-1097.e22. [PMID: 29754819 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2018.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 267] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2017] [Revised: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The nervous system, the immune system, and microbial pathogens interact closely at barrier tissues. Here, we find that a bacterial pathogen, Streptococcus pyogenes, hijacks pain and neuronal regulation of the immune response to promote bacterial survival. Necrotizing fasciitis is a life-threatening soft tissue infection in which "pain is out of proportion" to early physical manifestations. We find that S. pyogenes, the leading cause of necrotizing fasciitis, secretes streptolysin S (SLS) to directly activate nociceptor neurons and produce pain during infection. Nociceptors, in turn, release the neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) into infected tissues, which inhibits the recruitment of neutrophils and opsonophagocytic killing of S. pyogenes. Botulinum neurotoxin A and CGRP antagonism block neuron-mediated suppression of host defense, thereby preventing and treating S. pyogenes necrotizing infection. We conclude that targeting the peripheral nervous system and blocking neuro-immune communication is a promising strategy to treat highly invasive bacterial infections. VIDEO ABSTRACT.
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Kobayashi SD, Malachowa N, DeLeo FR. Neutrophils and Bacterial Immune Evasion. J Innate Immun 2018; 10:432-441. [PMID: 29642066 DOI: 10.1159/000487756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Neutrophils are an important component of the innate immune system and provide a front line of defense against bacterial infection. Although most bacteria are killed readily by neutrophils, some bacterial pathogens have the capacity to circumvent destruction by these host leukocytes. The ability of bacterial pathogens to avoid killing by neutrophils often involves multiple attributes or characteristics, including the production of virulence molecules. These molecules are diverse in composition and function, and collectively have the potential to alter or inhibit neutrophil recruitment, phagocytosis, bactericidal activity, and/or apoptosis. Here, we review the ability of bacteria to target these processes.
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29
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Complete Genome Sequence of Streptococcus pyogenes emm14 JS95, a Necrotizing Fasciitis Strain Isolated in Israel. GENOME ANNOUNCEMENTS 2017; 5:5/11/e00025-17. [PMID: 28302774 PMCID: PMC5356051 DOI: 10.1128/genomea.00025-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Here, we report the complete genome sequence of the Streptococcus pyogenes emm14 strain JS95, isolated from a patient with necrotizing fasciitis. The streptococcal invasion locus (sil), the first quorum-sensing system characterized in S. pyogenes, was identified in this strain.
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30
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Honda-Ogawa M, Sumitomo T, Mori Y, Hamd DT, Ogawa T, Yamaguchi M, Nakata M, Kawabata S. Streptococcus pyogenes Endopeptidase O Contributes to Evasion from Complement-mediated Bacteriolysis via Binding to Human Complement Factor C1q. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:4244-4254. [PMID: 28154192 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.749275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Revised: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes secretes various virulence factors for evasion from complement-mediated bacteriolysis. However, full understanding of the molecules possessed by this organism that interact with complement C1q, an initiator of the classical complement pathway, remains elusive. In this study, we identified an endopeptidase of S. pyogenes, PepO, as an interacting molecule, and investigated its effects on complement immunity and pathogenesis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and surface plasmon resonance analysis findings revealed that S. pyogenes recombinant PepO bound to human C1q in a concentration-dependent manner under physiological conditions. Sites of inflammation are known to have decreased pH levels, thus the effects of PepO on bacterial evasion from complement immunity was analyzed in a low pH condition. Notably, under low pH conditions, PepO exhibited a higher affinity for C1q as compared with IgG, and PepO inhibited the binding of IgG to C1q. In addition, pepO deletion rendered S. pyogenes more susceptible to the bacteriocidal activity of human serum. Also, observations of the morphological features of the pepO mutant strain (ΔpepO) showed damaged irregular surfaces as compared with the wild-type strain (WT). WT-infected tissues exhibited greater severity and lower complement activity as compared with those infected by ΔpepO in a mouse skin infection model. Furthermore, WT infection resulted in a larger accumulation of C1q than that with ΔpepO. Our results suggest that interaction of S. pyogenes PepO with C1q interferes with the complement pathway, which enables S. pyogenes to evade complement-mediated bacteriolysis under acidic conditions, such as seen in inflammatory sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariko Honda-Ogawa
- From the Department of Oral and Molecular Microbiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry
| | - Tomoko Sumitomo
- From the Department of Oral and Molecular Microbiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry
| | - Yasushi Mori
- From the Department of Oral and Molecular Microbiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry.,Division of Special Care Dentistry, Osaka University Dental Hospital, and
| | - Dalia Talat Hamd
- From the Department of Oral and Molecular Microbiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry
| | - Taiji Ogawa
- Department of Prosthodontics, Gerodontology and Oral Rehabilitation, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, 1-8 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Masaya Yamaguchi
- From the Department of Oral and Molecular Microbiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry
| | - Masanobu Nakata
- From the Department of Oral and Molecular Microbiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry
| | - Shigetada Kawabata
- From the Department of Oral and Molecular Microbiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry,
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31
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Global Analysis and Comparison of the Transcriptomes and Proteomes of Group A Streptococcus Biofilms. mSystems 2016; 1:mSystems00149-16. [PMID: 27933318 PMCID: PMC5141267 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00149-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Prokaryotes are thought to regulate their proteomes largely at the level of transcription. However, the results from this first set of global transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of paired microbial samples presented here show that this assumption is false for the majority of genes and their products in S. pyogenes. In addition, the tenuousness of the link between transcription and translation becomes even more pronounced when microbes exist in a biofilm or a stationary planktonic state. Since the transcriptome level does not usually equal the proteome level, the validity attributed to gene expression studies as well as proteomic studies in microbial analyses must be brought into question. Therefore, the results attained by either approach, whether RNA-seq or shotgun proteomics, must be taken in context and evaluated with particular care since they are by no means interchangeable. To gain a better understanding of the genes and proteins involved in group A Streptococcus (GAS; Streptococcus pyogenes) biofilm growth, we analyzed the transcriptome, cellular proteome, and cell wall proteome from biofilms at different stages and compared them to those of plankton-stage GAS. Using high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) shotgun proteomics, we found distinct expression profiles in the transcriptome and proteome. A total of 46 genes and 41 proteins showed expression across the majority of biofilm time points that was consistently higher or consistently lower than that seen across the majority of planktonic time points. However, there was little overlap between the genes and proteins on these two lists. In line with other studies comparing transcriptomic and proteomic data, the overall correlation between the two data sets was modest. Furthermore, correlation was poorest for biofilm samples. This suggests a high degree of regulation of protein expression by nontranscriptional mechanisms. This report illustrates the benefits and weaknesses of two different approaches to global expression profiling, and it also demonstrates the advantage of using proteomics in conjunction with transcriptomics to gain a more complete picture of global expression within biofilms. In addition, this report provides the fullest characterization of expression patterns in GAS biofilms currently available. IMPORTANCE Prokaryotes are thought to regulate their proteomes largely at the level of transcription. However, the results from this first set of global transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of paired microbial samples presented here show that this assumption is false for the majority of genes and their products in S. pyogenes. In addition, the tenuousness of the link between transcription and translation becomes even more pronounced when microbes exist in a biofilm or a stationary planktonic state. Since the transcriptome level does not usually equal the proteome level, the validity attributed to gene expression studies as well as proteomic studies in microbial analyses must be brought into question. Therefore, the results attained by either approach, whether RNA-seq or shotgun proteomics, must be taken in context and evaluated with particular care since they are by no means interchangeable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Döhrmann
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Jason N. Cole
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- The School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Victor Nizet
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
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33
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Pandey M, Mortensen R, Calcutt A, Powell J, Batzloff MR, Dietrich J, Good MF. Combinatorial Synthetic Peptide Vaccine Strategy Protects against Hypervirulent CovR/S Mutant Streptococci. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 196:3364-74. [PMID: 26969753 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1501994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Cluster of virulence responder/sensor (CovR/S) mutant group A streptococci (GAS) are serious human pathogens of multiple M protein strains that upregulate expression of virulence factors, including the IL-8 proteaseStreptococcus pyogenescell envelope proteinase (SpyCEP), thus blunting neutrophil-mediated killing and enabling ingress of bacteria from a superficial wound to deep tissue. We previously showed that a combination vaccine incorporating J8-DT (conserved peptide vaccine from the M protein) and a recombinant SpyCEP fragment protects against CovR/S mutants. To enhance the vaccine's safety profile, we identified a minimal epitope (S2) that was the target for anti-SpyCEP Abs that could protect IL-8 from SpyCEP-mediated proteolysis. Abs from healthy humans and from mice experimentally infected with GAS also recognized S2, albeit at low titers. Native SpyCEP may be poorly immunogenic (cryptic or subdominant), and it would be to the organism's advantage if the host did not induce a strong Ab response against it. However, S2 conjugated to diphtheria toxoid is highly immunogenic and induces Abs that recognize and neutralize SpyCEP. Hence, we describe a two-component peptide vaccine that induces Abs (anti-S2) that protect IL-8 from proteolysis and other Abs (anti-J8) that cause strain-independent killing in the presence of neutrophils. We show that either component alone is ineffectual in preventing skin infection and bacteremia due to CovR/S mutants but that the combination induces complete protection. This protection correlated with a significant influx of neutrophils to the infection site. The data strongly suggest that the lack of natural immunity to hypervirulent GAS strains in humans could be rectified by this combination vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Pandey
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland 4222, Australia;
| | - Rasmus Mortensen
- Department of Infectious Disease Immunology, Statens Serum Institut, 2300 Copenhagen, Denmark; and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ainslie Calcutt
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland 4222, Australia
| | - Jessica Powell
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland 4222, Australia
| | - Michael R Batzloff
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland 4222, Australia
| | - Jes Dietrich
- Department of Infectious Disease Immunology, Statens Serum Institut, 2300 Copenhagen, Denmark; and
| | - Michael F Good
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland 4222, Australia;
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34
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Barnett TC, Cole JN, Rivera-Hernandez T, Henningham A, Paton JC, Nizet V, Walker MJ. Streptococcal toxins: role in pathogenesis and disease. Cell Microbiol 2015; 17:1721-41. [PMID: 26433203 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Revised: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes), group B Streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) are host-adapted bacterial pathogens among the leading infectious causes of human morbidity and mortality. These microbes and related members of the genus Streptococcus produce an array of toxins that act against human cells or tissues, resulting in impaired immune responses and subversion of host physiological processes to benefit the invading microorganism. This toxin repertoire includes haemolysins, proteases, superantigens and other agents that ultimately enhance colonization and survival within the host and promote dissemination of the pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy C Barnett
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre and School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jason N Cole
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre and School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.,Department of Pediatrics and Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Tania Rivera-Hernandez
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre and School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Anna Henningham
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre and School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.,Department of Pediatrics and Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - James C Paton
- Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Victor Nizet
- Department of Pediatrics and Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Mark J Walker
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre and School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
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35
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Stetzner ZW, Li D, Feng W, Liu M, Liu G, Wiley J, Lei B. Serotype M3 and M28 Group A Streptococci Have Distinct Capacities to Evade Neutrophil and TNF-α Responses and to Invade Soft Tissues. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0129417. [PMID: 26047469 PMCID: PMC4457532 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0129417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [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: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 05/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The M3 Serotype of Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is one of the three most frequent serotypes associated with severe invasive GAS infections, such as necrotizing fasciitis, in the United States and other industrialized countries. The basis for this association and hypervirulence of invasive serotype M3 GAS is not fully understood. In this study, the sequenced serotype M3 strain, MGAS315, and serotype M28 strain, MGAS6180, were characterized in parallel to determine whether contemporary M3 GAS has a higher capacity to invade soft tissues than M28 GAS. In subcutaneous infection, MGAS315 invaded almost the whole skin, inhibited neutrophil recruitment and TNF-α production, and was lethal in subcutaneous infection of mice, whereas MGAS6180 did not invade skin, induced robust neutrophil infiltration and TNF-α production, and failed to kill mice. In contrast to MGAS6180, MGAS315 had covS G1370T mutation. Either replacement of the covS1370T gene with wild-type covS in MGAS315 chromosome or in trans expression of wild-type covS in MGAS315 reduced expression of CovRS-controlled virulence genes hasA, spyCEP, and sse by >10 fold. MGAS315 covSwt lost the capacity to extensively invade skin and to inhibit neutrophil recruitment and had attenuated virulence, indicating that the covS G1370T mutation critically contribute to the hypervirulence of MGAS315. Under the background of functional CovRS, MGAS315 covSwt still caused greater lesions than MGAS6180, and, consistently under the background of covS deletion, MGAS6180 ΔcovS caused smaller lesions than MGAS315 ΔcovS. Thus, contemporary invasive M3 GAS has a higher capacity to evade neutrophil and TNF-α responses and to invade soft tissue than M28 GAS and that this skin-invading capacity of M3 GAS is maximized by natural CovRS mutations. These findings enhance our understanding of the basis for the frequent association of M3 GAS with necrotizing fasciitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary W. Stetzner
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana 59718, United States of America
| | - Dengfeng Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana 59718, United States of America
| | - Wenchao Feng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana 59718, United States of America
| | - Mengyao Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana 59718, United States of America
| | - Guanghui Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana 59718, United States of America
| | - James Wiley
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana 59718, United States of America
| | - Benfang Lei
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana 59718, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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36
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Pandey M, Langshaw E, Hartas J, Lam A, Batzloff MR, Good MF. A Synthetic M Protein Peptide Synergizes with a CXC Chemokine Protease To Induce Vaccine-Mediated Protection against Virulent Streptococcal Pyoderma and Bacteremia. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 194:5915-25. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1500157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Fieber C, Kovarik P. Responses of innate immune cells to group A Streptococcus. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2014; 4:140. [PMID: 25325020 PMCID: PMC4183118 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2014.00140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Group A Streptococcus (GAS), also called Streptococcus pyogenes, is a Gram-positive beta-hemolytic human pathogen which causes a wide range of mostly self-limiting but also several life-threatening diseases. Innate immune responses are fundamental for defense against GAS, yet their activation by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and GAS-derived pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) is incompletely understood. In recent years, the use of animal models together with the powerful tools of human molecular genetics began shedding light onto the molecular mechanisms of innate immune defense against GAS. The signaling adaptor MyD88 was found to play a key role in launching the immune response against GAS in both humans and mice, suggesting that PRRs of the Toll-like receptor (TLR) family are involved in sensing this pathogen. The specific TLRs and their ligands have yet to be identified. Following GAS recognition, induction of cytokines such as TNF and type I interferons (IFNs), leukocyte recruitment, phagocytosis, and the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have been recognized as key events in host defense. A comprehensive knowledge of these mechanisms is needed in order to understand their frequent failure against GAS immune evasion strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pavel Kovarik
- Max F. Perutz Laboratories, Department of Microbiology, Immunobiology and Genetics, University of ViennaVienna, Austria
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Jimenez JC, Federle MJ. Quorum sensing in group A Streptococcus. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2014; 4:127. [PMID: 25309879 PMCID: PMC4162386 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2014.00127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Accepted: 08/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a widespread phenomenon in the microbial world that has important implications in the coordination of population-wide responses in several bacterial pathogens. In Group A Streptococcus (GAS), many questions surrounding QS systems remain to be solved pertaining to their function and their contribution to the GAS lifestyle in the host. The QS systems of GAS described to date can be categorized into four groups: regulator gene of glucosyltransferase (Rgg), Sil, lantibiotic systems, and LuxS/AI-2. The Rgg family of proteins, a conserved group of transcription factors that modify their activity in response to signaling peptides, has been shown to regulate genes involved in virulence, biofilm formation and competence. The sil locus, whose expression is regulated by the activity of signaling peptides and a putative two-component system (TCS), has been implicated on regulating genes involved with invasive disease in GAS isolates. Lantibiotic regulatory systems are involved in the production of bacteriocins and their autoregulation, and some of these genes have been shown to target both bacterial organisms as well as processes of survival inside the infected host. Finally AI-2 (dihydroxy pentanedione, DPD), synthesized by the LuxS enzyme in several bacteria including GAS, has been proposed to be a universal bacterial communication molecule. In this review we discuss the mechanisms of these four systems, the putative functions of their targets, and pose critical questions for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Cristobal Jimenez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Michael J Federle
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL, USA
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Andreoni F, Ogawa T, Ogawa M, Madon J, Uchiyama S, Schuepbach RA, Zinkernagel AS. The IL-8 protease SpyCEP is detrimental for Group A Streptococcus host-cells interaction and biofilm formation. Front Microbiol 2014; 5:339. [PMID: 25071751 PMCID: PMC4090674 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2014.00339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
SpyCEP-mediated chemokine degradation translates into more efficient spreading and increased severity of invasive Group A Streptococcus (GAS) infections, due to impaired neutrophil recruitment to the site of infection. SpyCEP is markedly up-regulated in invasive as compared to colonizing GAS isolates raising the question whether SpyCEP expression hinders bacterial attachment and thus colonization of the host. To address this question we used a molecular approach involving the use of homologous GAS strains either expressing or not SpyCEP or expressing an enzymatically inactive variant of SpyCEP. We found that expression of enzymatically functional SpyCEP lowered GAS adherence and invasion potential toward various epithelial and endothelial cells. SpyCEP also blunted biofilm formation capacity. Our data indicate that expression of SpyCEP decreases colonization and thus might be detrimental for the spreading of GAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Andreoni
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Taiji Ogawa
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mariko Ogawa
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jerzy Madon
- Surgical Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Satoshi Uchiyama
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Reto A Schuepbach
- Surgical Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Annelies S Zinkernagel
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich Zurich, Switzerland
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Baruch M, Belotserkovsky I, Hertzog BB, Ravins M, Dov E, McIver KS, Le Breton YS, Zhou Y, Cheng CY, Chen CY, Hanski E. An extracellular bacterial pathogen modulates host metabolism to regulate its own sensing and proliferation. Cell 2014; 156:97-108. [PMID: 24439371 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2013.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2013] [Revised: 09/16/2013] [Accepted: 11/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Successful infection depends on the ability of the pathogen to gain nutrients from the host. The extracellular pathogenic bacterium group A Streptococcus (GAS) causes a vast array of human diseases. By using the quorum-sensing sil system as a reporter, we found that, during adherence to host cells, GAS delivers streptolysin toxins, creating endoplasmic reticulum stress. This, in turn, increases asparagine (ASN) synthetase expression and the production of ASN. The released ASN is sensed by the bacteria, altering the expression of ∼17% of GAS genes of which about one-third are dependent on the two-component system TrxSR. The expression of the streptolysin toxins is strongly upregulated, whereas genes linked to proliferation are downregulated in ASN absence. Asparaginase, a widely used chemotherapeutic agent, arrests GAS growth in human blood and blocks GAS proliferation in a mouse model of human bacteremia. These results delineate a pathogenic pathway and propose a therapeutic strategy against GAS infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moshe Baruch
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Faculty of Medicine, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Ilia Belotserkovsky
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Faculty of Medicine, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Baruch B Hertzog
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Faculty of Medicine, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Miriam Ravins
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Faculty of Medicine, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Eran Dov
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Faculty of Medicine, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Kevin S McIver
- Department of Cell Biology & Molecular Genetics and Maryland Pathogen Research Institut, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Yoann S Le Breton
- Department of Cell Biology & Molecular Genetics and Maryland Pathogen Research Institut, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Yiting Zhou
- Mechanism of Inflammation Program, Center for Research Excellence & Technological Enterprise (CREATE), National University of Singapore and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI), Singapore 138602, Singapore
| | - Catherine Youting Cheng
- Mechanism of Inflammation Program, Center for Research Excellence & Technological Enterprise (CREATE), National University of Singapore and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI), Singapore 138602, Singapore
| | | | - Emanuel Hanski
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Faculty of Medicine, Jerusalem 91120, Israel; Mechanism of Inflammation Program, Center for Research Excellence & Technological Enterprise (CREATE), National University of Singapore and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI), Singapore 138602, Singapore.
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Molecular epidemiology of sil locus in clinical Streptococcus pyogenes strains. J Clin Microbiol 2014; 52:2003-10. [PMID: 24671796 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00290-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus [GAS]) causes a wide variety of diseases, ranging from mild noninvasive to severe invasive infections. Mutations in regulatory components have been implicated in the switch from colonization to invasive phenotypes. The inactivation of the sil locus, composed of six genes encoding a quorum-sensing complex, gives rise to a highly invasive strain. However, studies conducted on limited collections of GAS strains suggested that sil prevalence is around 15%; furthermore, whereas a correlation between the presence of sil and the genetic background was suggested, no link between the presence of a functional sil locus and the invasive status was assessed. We established a collection of 637 nonredundant strains covering all emm genotypes present in France and of known clinical history; 68%, 22%, and 10% were from invasive infections, noninvasive infections, and asymptomatic carriage, respectively. Among the 637 strains, 206 were sil positive. The prevalence of the sil locus varied according to the emm genotype, being present in >85% of the emm4, emm18, emm32, emm60, emm87, and emm90 strains and absent from all emm1, emm28, and emm89 strains. A random selection based on 2009 French epidemiological data indicated that 16% of GAS strains are sil positive. Moreover, due to mutations leading to truncated proteins, only 9% of GAS strains harbor a predicted functional sil system. No correlation was observed between the presence or absence of a functional sil locus and the strain invasiveness status.
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Kuhn ML, Prachi P, Minasov G, Shuvalova L, Ruan J, Dubrovska I, Winsor J, Giraldi M, Biagini M, Liberatori S, Savino S, Bagnoli F, Anderson WF, Grandi G. Structure and protective efficacy of the Staphylococcus aureus autocleaving protease EpiP. FASEB J 2014; 28:1780-93. [PMID: 24421400 DOI: 10.1096/fj.13-241737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Despite the global medical needs associated with Staphylococcus aureus infections, no licensed vaccines are currently available. We identified and characterized a protein annotated as an epidermin leader peptide processing serine protease (EpiP), as a novel S. aureus vaccine candidate. In addition, we determined the structure of the recombinant protein (rEpiP) by X-ray crystallography. The crystal structure revealed that rEpiP was cleaved somewhere between residues 95 and 100, and we found that the cleavage occurs through an autocatalytic intramolecular mechanism. The protein expressed by S. aureus cells also appeared to undergo a similar processing event. To determine whether the protein acts as a serine protease, we mutated the hypothesized catalytic serine 393 residue to alanine, generating rEpiP-S393A. The crystal structure of this mutant protein showed that the polypeptide chain was not cleaved and was not interacting stably with the active site. Indeed, rEpiP-S393A was shown to be impaired in its protease activity. Mice vaccinated with rEpiP were protected from S. aureus infection (34% survival, P=0.0054). Moreover, the protective efficacy generated by rEpiP and rEpiP-S393A was comparable, implying that the noncleaving mutant could be used for vaccination purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misty L Kuhn
- 2G.G., Novartis Vaccines, via Fiorentina 1, 53100, Siena, Italy.
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Cook LC, Federle MJ. Peptide pheromone signaling in Streptococcus and Enterococcus. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2013; 38:473-92. [PMID: 24118108 DOI: 10.1111/1574-6976.12046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2013] [Revised: 09/06/2013] [Accepted: 09/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Intercellular chemical signaling in bacteria, commonly referred to as quorum sensing (QS), relies on the production and detection of compounds known as pheromones to elicit coordinated responses among members of a community. Pheromones produced by Gram-positive bacteria are comprised of small peptides. Based on both peptide structure and sensory system architectures, Gram-positive bacterial signaling pathways may be classified into one of four groups with a defining hallmark: cyclical peptides of the Agr type, peptides that contain Gly-Gly processing motifs, sensory systems of the RNPP family, or the recently characterized Rgg-like regulatory family. The recent discovery that Rgg family members respond to peptide pheromones increases substantially the number of species in which QS is likely a key regulatory component. These pathways control a variety of fundamental behaviors including conjugation, natural competence for transformation, biofilm development, and virulence factor regulation. Overlapping QS pathways found in multiple species and pathways that utilize conserved peptide pheromones provide opportunities for interspecies communication. Here we review pheromone signaling identified in the genera Enterococcus and Streptococcus, providing examples of all four types of pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C Cook
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Kallistatin modulates immune cells and confers anti-inflammatory response to protect mice from group A streptococcal infection. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2013; 57:5366-72. [PMID: 23959316 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00322-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Group A streptococcus (GAS) infection may cause severe life-threatening diseases, including necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Despite the availability of effective antimicrobial agents, there has been a worldwide increase in the incidence of invasive GAS infection. Kallistatin (KS), originally found to be a tissue kallikrein-binding protein, has recently been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties. However, its efficacy in microbial infection has not been explored. In this study, we transiently expressed the human KS gene by hydrodynamic injection and investigated its anti-inflammatory and protective effects in mice via air pouch inoculation of GAS. The results showed that KS significantly increased the survival rate of GAS-infected mice. KS treatment reduced local skin damage and bacterial counts compared with those in mice infected with GAS and treated with a control plasmid or saline. While there was a decrease in immune cell infiltration of the local infection site, cell viability and antimicrobial factors such as reactive oxygen species actually increased after KS treatment. The efficiency of intracellular bacterial killing in neutrophils was directly enhanced by KS administration. Several inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 1β, and interleukin 6, in local infection sites were reduced by KS. In addition, KS treatment reduced vessel leakage, bacteremia, and liver damage after local infection. Therefore, our study demonstrates that KS provides protection in GAS-infected mice by enhancing bacterial clearance, as well as reducing inflammatory responses and organ damage.
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45
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Treloar KK, Simpson MJ. Sensitivity of edge detection methods for quantifying cell migration assays. PLoS One 2013; 8:e67389. [PMID: 23826283 PMCID: PMC3691172 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2013] [Accepted: 05/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Quantitative imaging methods to analyze cell migration assays are not standardized. Here we present a suite of two-dimensional barrier assays describing the collective spreading of an initially-confined population of 3T3 fibroblast cells. To quantify the motility rate we apply two different automatic image detection methods to locate the position of the leading edge of the spreading population after , and hours. These results are compared with a manual edge detection method where we systematically vary the detection threshold. Our results indicate that the observed spreading rates are very sensitive to the choice of image analysis tools and we show that a standard measure of cell migration can vary by as much as 25% for the same experimental images depending on the details of the image analysis tools. Our results imply that it is very difficult, if not impossible, to meaningfully compare previously published measures of cell migration since previous results have been obtained using different image analysis techniques and the details of these techniques are not always reported. Using a mathematical model, we provide a physical interpretation of our edge detection results. The physical interpretation is important since edge detection algorithms alone do not specify any physical measure, or physical definition, of the leading edge of the spreading population. Our modeling indicates that variations in the image threshold parameter correspond to a consistent variation in the local cell density. This means that varying the threshold parameter is equivalent to varying the location of the leading edge in the range of approximately 1–5% of the maximum cell density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina K. Treloar
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Matthew J. Simpson
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Characterization of streptococcal platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase variants that are involved in innate immune evasion. Infect Immun 2013; 81:3128-38. [PMID: 23774595 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00398-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human pathogen group A streptococcus (GAS) has developed mechanisms to subvert innate immunity. We recently reported that the secreted esterase produced by serotype M1 GAS (SsE(M1)) reduces neutrophil recruitment by targeting platelet-activating factor (PAF). SsE(M1) and SsE produced by serotype M28 GAS (SsE(M28)) have a 37% sequence difference. This study aims at determining whether SsE(M28) is also a PAF acetylhydrolase and participates in innate immune evasion. We also examined whether SsE evolved to target PAF by characterizing the PAF acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) activity and substrate specificity of SsE(M1), SsE(M28), SeE, the SsE homologue in Streptococcus equi, and human plasma PAF-AH (hpPAF-AH). PAF incubated with SsE(M28) or SeE was converted into lyso-PAF. SsE(M1) and SsE(M28) had kcat values of 373 s(-1) and 467 s(-1), respectively, that were ≥ 30-fold greater than that of hpPAF-AH (12 s(-1)). The comparison of SsE(M1), SsE(M28), and hpPAF-AH in kcat and Km in hydrolyzing triglycerides, acetyl esters, and PAF indicates that the SsE proteins are more potent hydrolases against PAF and have high affinity for PAF. SsE(M28) possesses much lower esterase activities against triglycerides and other esters than SsE(M1) but have similar potency with SsE(M1) in PAF hydrolysis. Deletion of sse(M28) in a covS deletion mutant of GAS increased neutrophil recruitment and reduced skin infection, whereas in trans expression of SsE(M28) in GAS reduced neutrophil infiltration and increased skin invasion in subcutaneous infection of mice. These results suggest that the SsE proteins evolved to target PAF for enhancing innate immune evasion and skin invasion.
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Regulation of inhibition of neutrophil infiltration by the two-component regulatory system CovRS in subcutaneous murine infection with group A streptococcus. Infect Immun 2013; 81:974-83. [PMID: 23319556 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01218-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypervirulent invasive group A streptococcus (GAS) isolates inhibit neutrophil infiltration more than pharyngitis isolates do, and the molecular basis of this difference is not well understood. This study was designed to first determine whether natural null mutation of the two-component regulatory system CovRS is responsible for the enhancement of the inhibition of neutrophil recruitment seen in hypervirulent GAS. Next, we examined the role of CovRS-regulated interleukin-8/CXC chemokine peptidase (SpyCEP), C5a peptidase (ScpA), and platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase (SsE) in the enhanced innate immune evasion. Invasive isolate MGAS5005 induces less neutrophil infiltration and produced a greater lesion area than pharyngitis isolate MGAS2221 in subcutaneous infections of mice. It is known that MGAS5005, but not MGAS2221, has a natural 1-bp deletion in the covS gene. Replacement of covS(Δ1bp) in MGAS5005 with wild-type covS resulted in the MGAS2221 phenotype. Deletion of covS from MGAS2221 resulted in the MGAS5005 phenotype. Tests of single, double, and triple deletion mutants of the MGAS5005 sse, spyCEP, and scpA genes found that SsE plays a more important role than SpyCEP and ScpA in the inhibition of neutrophil recruitment and that SsE, SpyCEP, and ScpA do not have synergistic effects on innate immune evasion by MGAS5005. Deletion of sse, but not spyCEP or scpA, of MGAS2221 enhances neutrophil recruitment. Thus, covS null mutations can cause substantial inhibition of neutrophil recruitment by enhancing the expression of the chemoattractant-degrading virulence factors, and SsE, but not SpyCEP or ScpA, is required for CovRS-regulated GAS inhibition of neutrophil infiltration.
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Abstract
Bacterial pathogens rely on proteolysis for variety of purposes during the infection process. In the cytosol, the main proteolytic players are the conserved Clp and Lon proteases that directly contribute to virulence through the timely degradation of virulence regulators and indirectly by providing tolerance to adverse conditions such as those experienced in the host. In the membrane, HtrA performs similar functions whereas the extracellular proteases, in close contact with host components, pave the way for spreading infections by degrading host matrix components or interfering with host cell signalling to short-circuit host cell processes. Common to both intra- and extracellular proteases is the tight control of their proteolytic activities. In general, substrate recognition by the intracellular proteases is highly selective which is, in part, attributed to the chaperone activity associated with the proteases either encoded within the same polypeptide or on separate subunits. In contrast, substrate recognition by extracellular proteases is less selective and therefore these enzymes are generally expressed as zymogens to prevent premature proteolytic activity that would be detrimental to the cell. These extracellular proteases are activated in complex cascades involving auto-processing and proteolytic maturation. Thus, proteolysis has been adopted by bacterial pathogens at multiple levels to ensure the success of the pathogen in contact with the human host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorte Frees
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Stigbøjlen 4, Frederiksberg, C 1870, Denmark
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49
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Kotloff KL. Streptococcus group A vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-1-4557-0090-5.00061-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
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50
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