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Namjoshi P, Lubembe DM, Sultana H, Neelakanta G. Antibody-blocking of a tick transporter impairs Anaplasma phagocytophilum colonization in Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9003. [PMID: 38637614 PMCID: PMC11026487 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59315-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The invasive Asian longhorned tick Haemaphysalis longicornis that vectors and transmits several animal pathogens is significantly expanding in the United States. Recent studies report that these ticks also harbor human pathogens including Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Babesia microti, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Therefore, studies that address the interactions of these ticks with human pathogens are important. In this study, we report the characterization of H. longicornis organic anion-transporting polypeptides (OATPs) in interactions of these ticks with A. phagocytophilum. Using OATP-signature sequence, we identified six OATPs in the H. longicornis genome. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that H. longicornis OATPs are closer to other tick orthologs rather than to mammalian counterparts. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that OATPs are highly expressed in immature stages when compared to mature stages of these ticks. In addition, we noted that the presence of A. phagocytophilum upregulates a specific OATP in these ticks. We also noted that exogenous treatment of H. longicornis with xanthurenic acid, a tryptophan metabolite, influenced OATP expression in these ticks. Immunoblotting analysis revealed that antibody generated against Ixodes scapularis OATP cross-reacted with H. longicornis OATP. Furthermore, treatment of H. longicornis with OATP antibody impaired colonization of A. phagocytophilum in these ticks. These results not only provide evidence that the OATP-tryptophan pathway is important for A. phagocytophilum survival in H. longicornis ticks but also indicate OATP as a promising candidate for the development of a universal anti-tick vaccine to target this bacterium and perhaps other rickettsial pathogens of medical importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prachi Namjoshi
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Donald M Lubembe
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, Egerton University, Egerton, Kenya
| | - Hameeda Sultana
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Girish Neelakanta
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA.
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2
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Rosche KL, Hurtado J, Fisk EA, Vosbigian KA, Warren AL, Sidak-Loftis LC, Wright SJ, Ramirez-Zepp E, Park JM, Shaw DK. PERK-mediated antioxidant response is key for pathogen persistence in ticks. mSphere 2023; 8:e0032123. [PMID: 37733353 PMCID: PMC10597351 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00321-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
A crucial phase in the life cycle of tick-borne pathogens is the time spent colonizing and persisting within the arthropod. Tick immunity is emerging as a key force shaping how transmissible pathogens interact with the vector. How pathogens remain in the tick despite immunological pressure remains unknown. In persistently infected Ixodes scapularis, we found that Borrelia burgdorferi (causative agent of Lyme disease) and Anaplasma phagocytophilum (causative agent of granulocytic anaplasmosis) activate a cellular stress pathway mediated by the endoplasmic reticulum receptor PKR-like ER kinase (PERK) and the central regulatory molecule eIF2α. Disabling the PERK pathway through pharmacological inhibition and RNA interference (RNAi) significantly decreased microbial numbers. In vivo RNAi of the PERK pathway not only reduced the number of A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi colonizing larvae after a bloodmeal but also significantly reduced the number of bacteria that survive the molt. An investigation into PERK pathway-regulated targets revealed that A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi induce activity of the antioxidant response regulator, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Tick cells deficient for nrf2 expression or PERK signaling showed accumulation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in addition to reduced microbial survival. Supplementation with antioxidants rescued the microbicidal phenotype caused by blocking the PERK pathway. Altogether, our study demonstrates that the Ixodes PERK pathway is activated by transmissible microbes and facilitates persistence in the arthropod by potentiating an Nrf2-regulated antioxidant environment. IMPORTANCE Recent advances demonstrate that the tick immune system recognizes and limits the pathogens they transmit. Innate immune mediators such as antimicrobial peptides and reactive oxygen/nitrogen species are produced and restrict microbial survival. It is currently unclear how pathogens remain in the tick, despite this immune assault. We found that an antioxidant response controlled by the PERK branch of the unfolded protein response is activated in ticks that are persistently infected with Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease) or Anaplasma phagocytophilum (granulocytic anaplasmosis). The PERK pathway induces the antioxidant response transcription factor, Nrf2, which coordinates a gene network that ultimately neutralizes reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Interfering with this signaling cascade in ticks causes a significant decline in pathogen numbers. Given that innate immune products can cause collateral damage to host tissues, we speculate that this is an arthropod-driven response aimed at minimizing damage to "self" that also inadvertently benefits the pathogen. Collectively, our findings shed light on the mechanistic push and pull between tick immunity and pathogen persistence within the arthropod vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin L. Rosche
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Joanna Hurtado
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Elis A. Fisk
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Kaylee A. Vosbigian
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Ashley L. Warren
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Lindsay C. Sidak-Loftis
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Sarah J. Wright
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Elisabeth Ramirez-Zepp
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Jason M. Park
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Dana K. Shaw
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
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3
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Rosche KL, Hurtado J, Fisk EA, Vosbigian KA, Warren AL, Sidak-Loftis LC, Wright SJ, Ramirez-Zepp E, Park JM, Shaw DK. PERK-mediated antioxidant response is key for pathogen persistence in ticks. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.30.542958. [PMID: 37398437 PMCID: PMC10312570 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.30.542958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
A crucial phase in the lifecycle of tick-borne pathogens is the time spent colonizing and persisting within the arthropod. Tick immunity is emerging as a key force shaping how transmissible pathogens interact with the vector. How pathogens remain in the tick despite immunological pressure remains unknown. In persistently infected Ixodes scapularis , we found that Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease) and Anaplasma phagocytophilum (granulocytic anaplasmosis) activate a cellular stress pathway mediated by the endoplasmic reticulum receptor PERK and the central regulatory molecule, eIF2α. Disabling the PERK pathway through pharmacological inhibition and RNAi significantly decreased microbial numbers. In vivo RNA interference of the PERK pathway not only reduced the number of A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi colonizing larvae after a bloodmeal, but also significantly reduced the number of bacteria that survive the molt. An investigation into PERK pathway-regulated targets revealed that A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi induce activity of the antioxidant response regulator, Nrf2. Tick cells deficient for nrf2 expression or PERK signaling showed accumulation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in addition to reduced microbial survival. Supplementation with antioxidants rescued the microbicidal phenotype caused by blocking the PERK pathway. Altogether, our study demonstrates that the Ixodes PERK pathway is activated by transmissible microbes and facilitates persistence in the arthropod by potentiating an Nrf2-regulated antioxidant environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin L. Rosche
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Joanna Hurtado
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Elis A. Fisk
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Kaylee A. Vosbigian
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Ashley L. Warren
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Lindsay C. Sidak-Loftis
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Sarah J. Wright
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Elisabeth Ramirez-Zepp
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Jason M. Park
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Dana K. Shaw
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
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4
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Mahesh PP, Namjoshi P, Sultana H, Neelakanta G. Immunization against arthropod protein impairs transmission of rickettsial pathogen from ticks to the vertebrate host. NPJ Vaccines 2023; 8:79. [PMID: 37253745 PMCID: PMC10229574 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-023-00678-y] [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: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Human anaplasmosis caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum is one of the most common tick-borne diseases in the United States. The black-legged ticks, Ixodes scapularis, vector and transmit this bacterium to humans. In this study, we provide evidence that targeting I. scapularis membrane-bound organic anion transporting polypeptide 4056 (IsOATP4056) with an anti-vector vaccine affects transmission of A. phagocytophilum from ticks to the vertebrate host. Anaplasma phagocytophilum induces expression of IsOATP4056 in ticks and tick cells. Increased membrane localization of IsOATP4056 was evident in A. phagocytophilum-infected tick cells. Treatment with high dose (10 µg/ml) but not low dose (5 µg/ml) of EL-6 antibody that targets the largest extracellular loop of IsOATP4056 showed cytotoxic effects in tick cells but not in human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT). Passive immunization, tick-mediated transmission and in vitro studies performed with mice ordered from two commercial vendors and with tick cells showed that EL-6 antibody not only impairs A. phagocytophilum transmission from ticks to the murine host but also aids in the reduction in the bacterial loads within engorged ticks and in tick cells by activation of arthropod Toll pathway. Furthermore, reduced molting efficiency was noted in ticks fed on EL-6 antibody-immunized mice. Collectively, these results provide a good candidate for the development of anti-tick vaccine to target the transmission of A. phagocytophilum and perhaps other tick-borne pathogens of medical importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- P P Mahesh
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Prachi Namjoshi
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Hameeda Sultana
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Girish Neelakanta
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA.
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5
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Rickettsial pathogen inhibits tick cell death through tryptophan metabolite mediated activation of p38 MAP kinase. iScience 2022; 26:105730. [PMID: 36582833 PMCID: PMC9792911 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum modulates various cell signaling pathways in mammalian cells for its survival. In this study, we report that A. phagocytophilum modulates tick tryptophan pathway to activate arthropod p38 MAP kinase for the survival of both this bacterium and its vector host. Increased level of tryptophan metabolite, xanthurenic acid (XA), was evident in A. phagocytophilum-infected ticks and tick cells. Lower levels of cell death markers and increased levels of total and phosphorylated p38 MAPK was noted in A. phagocytophilum-infected ticks and tick cells. Treatment with XA increased phosphorylated p38 MAPK levels and reduced cell death in A. phagocytophilum-infected tick cells. Furthermore, treatment with p38 MAPK inhibitor affected bacterial replication, decreased phosphorylated p38 MAPK levels and increased tick cell death. However, XA reversed these effects. Taken together, we provide evidence that rickettsial pathogen modulates arthropod tryptophan and p38 MAPK pathways to inhibit cell death for its survival in ticks.
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Loterio RK, Zamboni DS, Newton HJ. Keeping the host alive - lessons from obligate intracellular bacterial pathogens. Pathog Dis 2021; 79:6424899. [PMID: 34755855 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftab052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammals have evolved sophisticated host cell death signaling pathways as an important immune mechanism to recognize and eliminate cell intruders before they establish their replicative niche. However, intracellular bacterial pathogens that have co-evolved with their host have developed a multitude of tactics to counteract this defense strategy to facilitate their survival and replication. This requires manipulation of pro-death and pro-survival host signaling pathways during infection. Obligate intracellular bacterial pathogens are organisms that absolutely require an eukaryotic host to survive and replicate, and therefore they have developed virulence factors to prevent diverse forms of host cell death and conserve their replicative niche. This review encapsulates our current understanding of these host-pathogen interactions by exploring the most relevant findings of Anaplasma spp., Chlamydia spp., Rickettsia spp. and Coxiella burnetii modulating host cell death pathways. A detailed comprehension of the molecular mechanisms through which these obligate intracellular pathogens manipulate regulated host cell death will not only increase the current understanding of these difficult-to-study pathogens but also provide insights into new tools to study regulated cell death and the development of new therapeutic approaches to control infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robson Kriiger Loterio
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, FMRP/USP. Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14049-900, Brazil.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, 3000, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dario S Zamboni
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, FMRP/USP. Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Hayley J Newton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, 3000, Victoria, Australia
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7
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Salje J. Cells within cells: Rickettsiales and the obligate intracellular bacterial lifestyle. Nat Rev Microbiol 2021; 19:375-390. [PMID: 33564174 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-020-00507-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The Rickettsiales are a group of obligate intracellular vector-borne Gram-negative bacteria that include many organisms of clinical and agricultural importance, including Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Wolbachia, Rickettsia spp. and Orientia tsutsugamushi. This Review provides an overview of the current state of knowledge of the biology of these bacteria and their interactions with host cells, with a focus on pathogenic species or those that are otherwise important for human health. This includes a description of rickettsial genomics, bacterial cell biology, the intracellular lifestyles of Rickettsiales and the mechanisms by which they induce and evade the innate immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne Salje
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. .,Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. .,Public Health Research Institute, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA.
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8
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Disruption of VirB6 Paralogs in Anaplasma phagocytophilum Attenuates Its Growth. J Bacteriol 2020; 202:JB.00301-20. [PMID: 32928930 PMCID: PMC7648143 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00301-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Knowledge of the T4SS is derived from model systems, such as Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The structure of the T4SS in Rickettsiales differs from the classical arrangement. These differences include missing and duplicated components with structural alterations. Particularly, two sequenced virB6-4 genes encode unusual C-terminal structural extensions resulting in proteins of 4,322 (GenBank accession number AGR79286.1) and 9,935 (GenBank accession number ANC34101.1) amino acids. To understand how the T4SS is used in A. phagocytophilum, we describe the expression of the virB6 paralogs and explore their role as the bacteria replicate within its host cell. Conclusions about the importance of these paralogs for colonization of human and tick cells are supported by the deficient phenotype of an A. phagocytophilum mutant isolated from a sequence-defined transposon insertion library. Many pathogenic bacteria translocate virulence factors into their eukaryotic hosts by means of type IV secretion systems (T4SS) spanning the inner and outer membranes. Genes encoding components of these systems have been identified within the order Rickettsiales based upon their sequence similarities to other prototypical systems. Anaplasma phagocytophilum strains are obligate intracellular, tick-borne bacteria that are members of this order. The organization of these components at the genomic level was determined in several Anaplasma phagocytophilum strains, showing overall conservation, with the exceptions of the virB2 and virB6 genes. The virB6 loci are characterized by the presence of four virB6 copies (virB6-1 through virB6-4) arranged in tandem within a gene cluster known as the sodB-virB operon. Interestingly, the virB6-4 gene varies significantly in length among different strains due to extensive tandem repeats at the 3′ end. To gain an understanding of how these enigmatic virB6 genes function in A. phagocytophilum, we investigated their expression in infected human and tick cells. Our results show that these genes are expressed by A. phagocytophilum replicating in both cell types and that VirB6-3 and VirB6-4 proteins are surface exposed. Analysis of an A. phagocytophilum mutant carrying the Himar1 transposon within the virB6-4 gene demonstrated that the insertion not only disrupted its expression but also exerted a polar effect on the sodB-virB operon. Moreover, the altered expression of genes within this operon was associated with the attenuated in vitro growth of A. phagocytophilum in human and tick cells, indicating the importance of these genes in the physiology of this obligate intracellular bacterium in such different environments. IMPORTANCE Knowledge of the T4SS is derived from model systems, such as Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The structure of the T4SS in Rickettsiales differs from the classical arrangement. These differences include missing and duplicated components with structural alterations. Particularly, two sequenced virB6-4 genes encode unusual C-terminal structural extensions resulting in proteins of 4,322 (GenBank accession number AGR79286.1) and 9,935 (GenBank accession number ANC34101.1) amino acids. To understand how the T4SS is used in A. phagocytophilum, we describe the expression of the virB6 paralogs and explore their role as the bacteria replicate within its host cell. Conclusions about the importance of these paralogs for colonization of human and tick cells are supported by the deficient phenotype of an A. phagocytophilum mutant isolated from a sequence-defined transposon insertion library.
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9
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Dixon CE, Bedenice D. Transplacental infection of a foal with
Anaplasma phagocytophilum. EQUINE VET EDUC 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C. E. Dixon
- Department of Clinical Sciences Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University North Grafton Massachusetts USA
| | - D. Bedenice
- Department of Clinical Sciences Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University North Grafton Massachusetts USA
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10
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Turck JW, Taank V, Neelakanta G, Sultana H. Ixodes scapularis Src tyrosine kinase facilitates Anaplasma phagocytophilum survival in its arthropod vector. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 10:838-847. [PMID: 31000483 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum, the agent of human anaplasmosis, is an obligate intracellular bacterium that uses multiple survival strategies to persist in Ixodes scapularis ticks. Our previous study showed that A. phagocytophilum efficiently induced the tyrosine phosphorylation of several Ixodes proteins that includes extended phosphorylation of actin at tyrosine residue Y178. In order to identify the tyrosine kinase responsible for the A. phagocytophilum induced tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins, we combed the I. scapularis genome and identified a non-receptor Src tyrosine kinase ortholog. I. scapularis Src kinase showed high degree of amino acid sequence conservation with Dsrc from Drosophila melanogaster. We noted that at different developmental stages of I. scapularis ticks, larvae expressed significantly higher levels of src transcripts in comparison to the other stages. We found that A. phagocytophilum significantly reduced Src levels in unfed nymphs and in nymphs while blood feeding (48 h during feeding) in comparison to the levels noted to relative uninfected controls. However, A. phagocytophilum increased Src levels in fully engorged larvae and nymphs (48 h post feeding) and in vitro tick cells in comparison to the relative uninfected controls. Inhibition of Src kinase expression and activity by treatment with src-dsRNA or Src-inhibitor, respectively, significantly reduced A. phagocytophilum loads in ticks and tick cells. Overall, our study provides evidence for the important role of I. scapularis Src kinase in facilitating A. phagocytophilum colonization and survival in the arthropod vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy W Turck
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Vikas Taank
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Girish Neelakanta
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA; Center for Molecular Medicine, College of Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA.
| | - Hameeda Sultana
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA; Center for Molecular Medicine, College of Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA.
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11
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Otten C, Brilli M, Vollmer W, Viollier PH, Salje J. Peptidoglycan in obligate intracellular bacteria. Mol Microbiol 2018; 107:142-163. [PMID: 29178391 PMCID: PMC5814848 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Peptidoglycan is the predominant stress-bearing structure in the cell envelope of most bacteria, and also a potent stimulator of the eukaryotic immune system. Obligate intracellular bacteria replicate exclusively within the interior of living cells, an osmotically protected niche. Under these conditions peptidoglycan is not necessarily needed to maintain the integrity of the bacterial cell. Moreover, the presence of peptidoglycan puts bacteria at risk of detection and destruction by host peptidoglycan recognition factors and downstream effectors. This has resulted in a selective pressure and opportunity to reduce the levels of peptidoglycan. In this review we have analysed the occurrence of genes involved in peptidoglycan metabolism across the major obligate intracellular bacterial species. From this comparative analysis, we have identified a group of predicted 'peptidoglycan-intermediate' organisms that includes the Chlamydiae, Orientia tsutsugamushi, Wolbachia and Anaplasma marginale. This grouping is likely to reflect biological differences in their infection cycle compared with peptidoglycan-negative obligate intracellular bacteria such as Ehrlichia and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, as well as obligate intracellular bacteria with classical peptidoglycan such as Coxiella, Buchnera and members of the Rickettsia genus. The signature gene set of the peptidoglycan-intermediate group reveals insights into minimal enzymatic requirements for building a peptidoglycan-like sacculus and/or division septum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Otten
- The Centre for Bacterial Cell BiologyInstitute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneNE2 4AXUK
| | - Matteo Brilli
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE)University of Padova. Agripolis ‐ V.le dell'Università, 16 | 35020 Legnaro PadovaItaly
- Present address:
Department of BiosciencesUniversity of Milan, via Celoria 26(MI)Italy
| | - Waldemar Vollmer
- The Centre for Bacterial Cell BiologyInstitute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneNE2 4AXUK
| | - Patrick H. Viollier
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular MedicineInstitute of Genetics & Genomics in Geneva (iGE3), University of GenevaGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Jeanne Salje
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global HealthUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Mahidol‐Oxford Tropical Medicine Research UnitMahidol UniversityBangkokThailand
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12
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Dumler JS, Sinclair SH, Pappas-Brown V, Shetty AC. Genome-Wide Anaplasma phagocytophilum AnkA-DNA Interactions Are Enriched in Intergenic Regions and Gene Promoters and Correlate with Infection-Induced Differential Gene Expression. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2016; 6:97. [PMID: 27703927 PMCID: PMC5028410 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2016.00097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum, an obligate intracellular prokaryote, infects neutrophils, and alters cardinal functions via reprogrammed transcription. Large contiguous regions of neutrophil chromosomes are differentially expressed during infection. Secreted A. phagocytophilum effector AnkA transits into the neutrophil or granulocyte nucleus to complex with DNA in heterochromatin across all chromosomes. AnkA binds to gene promoters to dampen cis-transcription and also has features of matrix attachment region (MAR)-binding proteins that regulate three-dimensional chromatin architecture and coordinate transcriptional programs encoded in topologically-associated chromatin domains. We hypothesize that identification of additional AnkA binding sites will better delineate how A. phagocytophilum infection results in reprogramming of the neutrophil genome. Using AnkA-binding ChIP-seq, we showed that AnkA binds broadly throughout all chromosomes in a reproducible pattern, especially at: (i) intergenic regions predicted to be MARs; (ii) within predicted lamina-associated domains; and (iii) at promoters ≤ 3000 bp upstream of transcriptional start sites. These findings provide genome-wide support for AnkA as a regulator of cis-gene transcription. Moreover, the dominant mark of AnkA in distal intergenic regions known to be AT-enriched, coupled with frequent enrichment in the nuclear lamina, provides strong support for its role as a MAR-binding protein and genome “re-organizer.” AnkA must be considered a prime candidate to promote neutrophil reprogramming and subsequent functional changes that belie improved microbial fitness and pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Stephen Dumler
- Department of Pathology, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Valeria Pappas-Brown
- Department of Pathology, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Amol C Shetty
- Informatics Resource Center, Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland Baltimore, MD, USA
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Silveira JAG, Silvestre BT, Bastos CV, Ribeiro MFB. Isolation and attempted cultivation of an Anaplasma marginale strain from Brazilian brown brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira, Fisher, 1814) in the tick cell line IDE8. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2016; 7:1102-1108. [PMID: 27612925 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Revised: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to isolate and establish an Anaplasma marginale strain from Brazilian brown brocket deer, Mazama gouazoubira, in the Ixodes scapularis cell line IDE8. Blood from a free-living adult female M. gouazoubira naturally infected with A. marginale (MGI5) was inoculated intravenously into a splenectomized calf. When A. marginale rickettsemia was 2.5%, blood was collected and cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen with dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). IDE8 cell cultures were infected with calf blood inoculated with the A. marginale (MG15) isolate. The cultures were monitored by examination of Giemsa-stained cytocentrifuge smears. Light microscopy of stained IDE8 samples revealed the first inclusions of A. marginale (MGI5) at 48days post-inoculation (d.p.i). The IDE8-infected cells contained parasitophorous vacuoles with amorphous material and a few cocci-like organisms. A sample from IDE8-infected cells from the 16th subculture (336 d.p.i.) was analyzed by nPCR, nucleotide sequencing, electron microscopy, and an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). The IFAT highlighted some IDE8-infected cells with intense fluorescence in the parasitophorous vacuole, while in other cells, fluorescence was observed only at the periphery. DNA from a culture of the MG15 isolate was amplified with A. marginale msp4 gene primers, and nucleotide sequencing of the PCR product and BLAST software analysis further confirmed 100% identity with the MGI5 blood isolate (GenBank no. JN022558.1). Electron microscopy revealed increased numbers of lysosomes in the cytoplasm of IDE8 cells. Several cells exhibited large vacuoles containing cellular debris and amorphous material. After the 29th subculture, it was not possible to detect compatible Anaplasma structures by light microscopy, and subculture samples tested negative in nPCR. Despite the failure of the attempt to establish A. marginale (MGI5) in IDE8 cells, the results demonstrated the isolate's ability to infect, survive and multiply, although in limited numbers, in IDE8 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia A G Silveira
- Department of Parasitology, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Bruna T Silvestre
- Department of Parasitology, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Camila V Bastos
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Múcio F B Ribeiro
- Department of Parasitology, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Anaplasma phagocytophilum Manipulates Host Cell Apoptosis by Different Mechanisms to Establish Infection. Vet Sci 2016; 3:vetsci3030015. [PMID: 29056724 PMCID: PMC5606577 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci3030015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Revised: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an emerging zoonotic pathogen that causes human and animal granulocytic anaplasmosis and tick-borne fever of ruminants. This obligate intracellular bacterium evolved to use common strategies to establish infection in both vertebrate hosts and tick vectors. Herein, we discuss the different strategies used by the pathogen to modulate cell apoptosis and establish infection in host cells. In vertebrate neutrophils and human promyelocytic cells HL-60, both pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic factors have been reported. Tissue-specific differences in tick response to infection and differential regulation of apoptosis pathways have been observed in adult female midguts and salivary glands in response to infection with A. phagocytophilum. In tick midguts, pathogen inhibits apoptosis through the Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway, while in salivary glands, the intrinsic apoptosis pathways is inhibited but tick cells respond with the activation of the extrinsic apoptosis pathway. In Ixodes scapularis ISE6 cells, bacterial infection down-regulates mitochondrial porin and manipulates protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum and cell glucose metabolism to inhibit apoptosis and facilitate infection, whereas in IRE/CTVM20 tick cells, inhibition of apoptosis appears to be regulated by lower caspase levels. These results suggest that A. phagocytophilum uses different mechanisms to inhibit apoptosis for infection of both vertebrate and invertebrate hosts.
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Global DNA methylation changes and differential gene expression in Anaplasma phagocytophilum-infected human neutrophils. Clin Epigenetics 2015. [PMID: 26225157 PMCID: PMC4518890 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-015-0105-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an obligate intracellular prokaryotic pathogen that both infects and replicates within human neutrophils. The bacterium represses multiple antimicrobial functions while simultaneously increasing proinflammatory functions by reprogramming the neutrophil genome. Previous reports show that many observed phenotypic changes are in part explained by altered gene transcription. We recently identified that large chromosomal regions of the neutrophil genome are differentially expressed during A. phagocytophilum infection. Because of this, we sought to determine whether gene expression programs altered by infection were the result of changes in the host neutrophil DNA methylome. Results Within 24 h of infection, marked increases in DNA methylation were observed genome-wide as compared with mock-infected controls and pharmacologic inhibition of DNA methyltransferases resulted in decreased bacterial growth. New regions of DNA methylation were enriched at intron and exon junctions; however, intragenic methylation did not correlate with altered gene expression. In contrast, intergenic DNA methylation was associated with A. phagocytophilum-induced gene expression changes. Within the major histocompatibility complex locus on chromosome 6, a region with marked changes in infection-induced differential gene expression, new regions of methylation were localized to boundaries of active and inactive chromatin. Conclusions These data strongly suggest that A. phagocytophilum infection, in addition to altering histone structure, alters DNA methylation and the epigenome of its host cell to promote survival and replication, providing evidence that such bacterial infection can radically alter the epigenome of its host cell. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13148-015-0105-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Alberdi P, Ayllón N, Cabezas-Cruz A, Bell-Sakyi L, Zweygarth E, Stuen S, de la Fuente J. Infection of Ixodes spp. tick cells with different Anaplasma phagocytophilum isolates induces the inhibition of apoptotic cell death. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2015; 6:758-67. [PMID: 26183310 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2015.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Revised: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an intracellular rickettsial pathogen transmitted by Ixodes spp. ticks, which causes granulocytic anaplasmosis in humans, horses and dogs and tick-borne fever (TBF) in ruminants. In the United States, human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) is highly prevalent while TBF has not been reported. However, in Europe the situation is the opposite, with high prevalence for TBF in sheep and low prevalence of HGA. The origin of these differences has not been identified and our hypothesis is that different A. phagocytophilum isolates impact differently on tick vector capacity through inhibition of apoptosis to establish infection of the tick vector. In this study we used three different isolates of A. phagocytophilum of human, canine and ovine origin to infect the Ixodes ricinus-derived cell line IRE/CTVM20 and the Ixodes scapularis-derived cell line ISE6 in order to characterize the effect of infection on the level of tick cell apoptosis. Inhibition of apoptosis was observed by flow cytometry as early as 24h post-infection for both tick cell lines and all three isolates of A. phagocytophilum, suggesting that pathogen infection inhibits apoptotic pathways to facilitate infection independently of the origin of the A. phagocytophilum isolate and tick vector species. However, infection with A. phagocytophilum isolates inhibited the intrinsic apoptosis pathway at different levels in I. scapularis and I. ricinus cells. These results suggested an impact of vector-pathogen co-evolution on the adaptation of A. phagocytophilum isolates to grow in tick cells as each isolate grew better in the tick cell line derived from its natural vector species. These results increase our understanding of the mechanisms of A. phagocytophilum infection and multiplication and suggest that multiple mechanisms may affect disease prevalence in different geographical regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Alberdi
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC, CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain.
| | - Nieves Ayllón
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC, CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC, CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain; Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille (CIIL), INSERM U1019 - CNRS UMR 8204, Université Lille Nord de France, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Lesley Bell-Sakyi
- The Pirbright Institute, Ash Road, Pirbright, Woking, Surrey GU24 0NF, UK
| | - Erich Zweygarth
- Institute for Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Leopoldstrasse 5, 80802 Munich, Germany; Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - Snorre Stuen
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Sandnes, Norway
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC, CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain; Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
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17
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Ayllón N, Villar M, Galindo RC, Kocan KM, Šíma R, López JA, Vázquez J, Alberdi P, Cabezas-Cruz A, Kopáček P, de la Fuente J. Systems biology of tissue-specific response to Anaplasma phagocytophilum reveals differentiated apoptosis in the tick vector Ixodes scapularis. PLoS Genet 2015; 11:e1005120. [PMID: 25815810 PMCID: PMC4376793 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2014] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an emerging pathogen that causes human granulocytic anaplasmosis. Infection with this zoonotic pathogen affects cell function in both vertebrate host and the tick vector, Ixodes scapularis. Global tissue-specific response and apoptosis signaling pathways were characterized in I. scapularis nymphs and adult female midguts and salivary glands infected with A. phagocytophilum using a systems biology approach combining transcriptomics and proteomics. Apoptosis was selected for pathway-focused analysis due to its role in bacterial infection of tick cells. The results showed tissue-specific differences in tick response to infection and revealed differentiated regulation of apoptosis pathways. The impact of bacterial infection was more pronounced in tick nymphs and midguts than in salivary glands, probably reflecting bacterial developmental cycle. All apoptosis pathways described in other organisms were identified in I. scapularis, except for the absence of the Perforin ortholog. Functional characterization using RNA interference showed that Porin knockdown significantly increases tick colonization by A. phagocytophilum. Infection with A. phagocytophilum produced complex tissue-specific alterations in transcript and protein levels. In tick nymphs, the results suggested a possible effect of bacterial infection on the inhibition of tick immune response. In tick midguts, the results suggested that A. phagocytophilum infection inhibited cell apoptosis to facilitate and establish infection through up-regulation of the JAK/STAT pathway. Bacterial infection inhibited the intrinsic apoptosis pathway in tick salivary glands by down-regulating Porin expression that resulted in the inhibition of Cytochrome c release as the anti-apoptotic mechanism to facilitate bacterial infection. However, tick salivary glands may promote apoptosis to limit bacterial infection through induction of the extrinsic apoptosis pathway. These dynamic changes in response to A. phagocytophilum in I. scapularis tissue-specific transcriptome and proteome demonstrated the complexity of the tick response to infection and will contribute to characterize gene regulation in ticks. The continuous human exploitation of environmental resources and the increase in human outdoor activities, which have allowed for the contact with arthropod vectors normally present in the field, has promoted the emergence and resurgence of vector-borne pathogens. Among these, Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an emerging bacterial pathogen transmitted to humans and other vertebrate hosts by ticks as they take a blood meal that causes human granulocytic anaplasmosis in the United States, Europe and Asia, with increasing numbers of affected people every year. Tick response to pathogen infection has been only partially characterized. In this study, global tissue-specific response and apoptosis signaling pathways were characterized in tick nymphs and adult female midguts and salivary glands infected with A. phagocytophilum using a systems biology approach combining transcriptomics and proteomics. The results demonstrated dramatic and complex tissue-specific response to A. phagocytophilum in the tick vector Ixodes scapularis, which reflected pathogen developmental cycle and the impact on tick apoptosis pathways. These dynamic changes in response to A. phagocytophilum in I. scapularis tissue-specific transcriptome and proteome demonstrated the complexity of the tick response to infection and contributes information on tick-pathogen interactions and for development of novel control strategies for pathogen infection and transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nieves Ayllón
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC, CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Margarita Villar
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC, CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Ruth C. Galindo
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC, CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Katherine M. Kocan
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Radek Šíma
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, České Budějovice, The Czech Republic
| | - Juan A. López
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Vázquez
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Alberdi
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC, CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC, CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille (CIIL), Université Lille Nord de France, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Petr Kopáček
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, České Budějovice, The Czech Republic
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC, CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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18
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Restifo MM, Bedenice D, Thane KE, Mazan MR. Cavitary effusion associated with Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection in 2 equids. J Vet Intern Med 2015; 29:732-5. [PMID: 25711458 PMCID: PMC4895512 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.12552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2014] [Revised: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M M Restifo
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, 200 Westboro Rd., N. Grafton, MA, 01536
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Prevalence and Diversity among Anaplasma phagocytophilum Strains Originating from Ixodes ricinus Ticks from Northwest Norway. J Pathog 2014; 2014:824897. [PMID: 25215241 PMCID: PMC4158564 DOI: 10.1155/2014/824897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2014] [Revised: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 08/11/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The tick-borne pathogen Anaplasma phagocytophilum causes great concern for livestock farmers. Tick-borne fever is a widespread disease in Norway, and antibodies have been produced amongst sheep, roe deer, red deer, and moose. The main vector Ixodes ricinus is found along the Norwegian coastline as far north as the Arctic Circle. A total number of 1804 I. ricinus ticks were collected and the prevalence of the pathogen was determined by species-specific qPCR. The overall infection rate varied from 2.83% to 3.32%, but there were no significant differences (p = 0.01) in the overall infection rate in 2010, 2011, or 2012. A multilocus sequencing analysis was performed to further characterise the isolates. The genotyping of 27 strains resulted in classification into 19 different sequences types (ST), none of which was found in the MLST database. The nucleotide diversity was for every locus <0.01, and the number of SNPs was between 1 and 2.8 per 100 bp. The majority of SNPs were synonymous. A goeBURST analysis demonstrated that the strains from northwest Norway cluster together with other Norwegian strains in the MLST database and the strains that are included in this study constitute clonal complexes (CC) 9, 10, and 11 in addition to the singleton.
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20
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Sinclair SH, Rennoll-Bankert KE, Dumler JS. Effector bottleneck: microbial reprogramming of parasitized host cell transcription by epigenetic remodeling of chromatin structure. Front Genet 2014; 5:274. [PMID: 25177343 PMCID: PMC4132484 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2014.00274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Obligate intracellular pathogenic bacteria evolved to manipulate their host cells with a limited range of proteins constrained by their compact genomes. The harsh environment of a phagocytic defense cell is one that challenges the majority of commensal and pathogenic bacteria; yet, these are the obligatory vertebrate homes for important pathogenic species in the Anaplasmataceae family. Survival requires that the parasite fundamentally alter the native functions of the cell to allow its entry, intracellular replication, and transmission to a hematophagous arthropod. The small genomic repertoires encode several eukaryotic-like proteins, including ankyrin A (AnkA) of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Ank200 and tandem-repeat containing proteins of Ehrlichia chaffeensis that localize to the host cell nucleus and directly bind DNA. As a model, A. phagocytophilum AnkA appears to directly alter host cell gene expression by recruiting chromatin modifying enzymes such as histone deacetylases and methyltransferases or by acting directly on transcription in cis. While cis binding could feasibly alter limited ranges of genes and cellular functions, the complex and dramatic alterations in transcription observed with infection are difficult to explain on the basis of individually targeted genes. We hypothesize that nucleomodulins can act broadly, even genome-wide, to affect entire chromosomal neighborhoods and topologically associating chromatin domains by recruiting chromatin remodeling complexes or by altering the folding patterns of chromatin that bring distant regulatory regions together to coordinate control of transcriptional reprogramming. This review focuses on the A. phagocytophilum nucleomodulin AnkA, how it impacts host cell transcriptional responses, and current investigations that seek to determine how these multifunctional eukaryotic-like proteins facilitate epigenetic alterations and cellular reprogramming at the chromosomal level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara H Sinclair
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore, MD, USA ; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland Baltimore Baltimore, MD, USA ; Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore, MD, USA ; Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland Baltimore Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kristen E Rennoll-Bankert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland Baltimore Baltimore, MD, USA ; Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - J S Dumler
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore, MD, USA ; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland Baltimore Baltimore, MD, USA ; Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore, MD, USA ; Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland Baltimore Baltimore, MD, USA
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21
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Wang Y, Chen C, Zhang L. Molecular characterization of Msp2/P44 of Anaplasma phagocytophilum isolated from infected patients and Haemaphysalis longicornis in Laizhou Bay, Shandong Province, China. PLoS One 2013; 8:e78189. [PMID: 24167608 PMCID: PMC3805589 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0078189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2013] [Accepted: 09/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular characterization of the MSP2/P44 protein of Anaplasma phagocytophilum may determine not only if the bacterium is capable of invading hosts but also whether it generates antigenic variation for the purpose of escaping the host immune response, resulting in various pathologic injuries and serious clinical outcomes. Chinese anaplasmosis patients usually present with serious manifestations, and the fatality rate is as high as 26.5%. In this study, we amplified, cloned and sequenced the msp2/p44 genes of three Chinese A. phagocytophilum isolates from Laizhou Bay, Shandong Province, where human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) patients present severe clinical manifestations, and analyzed their genetic characterization and structural features. We also compared them with the HZ and Webster A. phagocytophilum strains. The sequences for both strains are available in GenBank. Analyses indicated that Chinese A. phagocytophilum isolates were significantly different from the HZ and Webster strains in terms of nucleotide sequences, amino acid sequences and protein secondary and tertiary structures. Moreover, the number of immunologic B-cell epitopes (19) of the MSP2 protein of the Chinese isolates was higher than that of the A. phagocytophilum strains HZ (16) and Webster (9). This genetic diversity of the MSP2/P44 protein of Chinese A. phagocytophilum isolates might be relevant and might have serious clinical outcomes. This observation could provide a clue to further understand the pathogenesis of Chinese A. phagocytophilum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Wang
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Province, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Rickettsiology, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, China CDC, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chuangfu Chen
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Province, People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail: (LJZ); (CFC)
| | - Lijuan Zhang
- Department of Rickettsiology, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, China CDC, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail: (LJZ); (CFC)
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22
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Detection of tick-borne pathogens in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), in questing ticks (Ixodes ricinus), and in ticks infesting roe deer in southern Germany. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2013; 4:320-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2013.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2012] [Revised: 01/09/2013] [Accepted: 01/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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23
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Geering B, Stoeckle C, Conus S, Simon HU. Living and dying for inflammation: neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils. Trends Immunol 2013; 34:398-409. [PMID: 23665135 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2013.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2013] [Revised: 03/22/2013] [Accepted: 04/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils play essential roles during microbe-induced and sterile inflammation. The severity of such inflammatory processes is controlled, at least in part, by factors that regulate cell death and survival of granulocytes. In recent years, major progress has been made in understanding the molecular mechanisms of granulocyte cell death and in identifying novel damage- and pathogen-associated molecular patterns as well as regulatory cytokines impacting granulocyte viability. Furthermore, an increased interest in innate immunity has boosted our overall understanding of granulocyte biology. In this review, we describe and compare factors and mechanisms regulating neutrophil, eosinophil, and basophil lifespan. Because dysregulation of death pathways in granulocytes can contribute to inflammation-associated immunopathology, targeting granulocyte lifespan could be therapeutically promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Geering
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Friedbuehlstrasse 49, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland
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24
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Galindo RC, Ayllón N, Smrdel KS, Boadella M, Beltrán-Beck B, Mazariegos M, García N, de la Lastra JMP, Avsic-Zupanc T, Kocan KM, Gortazar C, de la Fuente J. Gene expression profile suggests that pigs (Sus scrofa) are susceptible to Anaplasma phagocytophilum but control infection. Parasit Vectors 2012; 5:181. [PMID: 22935149 PMCID: PMC3453518 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2012] [Accepted: 08/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anaplasma phagocytophilum infects a wide variety of hosts and causes granulocytic anaplasmosis in humans, horses and dogs and tick-borne fever in ruminants. Infection with A. phagocytophilum results in the modification of host gene expression and immune response. The objective of this research was to characterize gene expression in pigs (Sus scrofa) naturally and experimentally infected with A. phagocytophilum trying to identify mechanisms that help to explain low infection prevalence in this species. Results For gene expression analysis in naturally infected pigs, microarray hybridization was used. The expression of differentially expressed immune response genes was analyzed by real-time RT-PCR in naturally and experimentally infected pigs. Results suggested that A. phagocytophilum infection affected cytoskeleton rearrangement and increased both innate and adaptive immune responses by up regulation of interleukin 1 receptor accessory protein-like 1 (IL1RAPL1), T-cell receptor alpha chain (TCR-alpha), thrombospondin 4 (TSP-4) and Gap junction protein alpha 1 (GJA1) genes. Higher serum levels of IL-1 beta, IL-8 and TNF-alpha in infected pigs when compared to controls supported data obtained at the mRNA level. Conclusions These results suggested that pigs are susceptible to A. phagocytophilum but control infection, particularly through activation of innate immune responses, phagocytosis and autophagy. This fact may account for the low infection prevalence detected in pigs in some regions and thus their low or no impact as a reservoir host for this pathogen. These results advanced our understanding of the molecular mechanisms at the host-pathogen interface and suggested a role for newly reported genes in the protection of pigs against A. phagocytophilum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth C Galindo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, Ciudad Real 13005, Spain
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Sukumaran B, Ogura Y, Pedra JHF, Kobayashi KS, Flavell RA, Fikrig E. Receptor interacting protein-2 contributes to host defense against Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 66:211-9. [PMID: 22747758 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-695x.2012.01001.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2012] [Revised: 06/18/2012] [Accepted: 06/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The Gram-negative obligate intracellular bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum is the causative agent of human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA), an emerging tick-borne infectious disease occurring worldwide. HGA is generally self-limiting; however, the underlying mechanisms, particularly the innate immune pathways that mediate the immune clearance of A. phagocytophilum, are less understood. We herein report an unexpected role for Receptor interacting protein-2 (Rip2), the adaptor protein for the Nod-like receptors (NLRs), Nod1/Nod2, in the host immune response against A. phagocytophilum infection. Although A. phagocytophilum genome is reported to lack the genes encoding the known ligands of Nod1 and Nod2, its infection upregulated the transcription of Rip2 in human primary neutrophils. Our results revealed that Rip2-deficient mice had significantly higher bacterial load than wild-type controls throughout the infection period. In addition, the Rip2-deficient mice took strikingly longer duration to clear A. phagocytophilum infection. Detailed analysis identified that interferon gamma (IFNγ) and interleukin (IL)-18 but not IL-12, macrophage inflammatory protein-2, and KC response were diminished in A. phagocytophilum-challenged Rip2-deficient mice. Together, these results revealed that Rip2 plays important roles in the immune control of A. phagocytophilum and may contribute to our understanding of the host response to Rickettsiales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bindu Sukumaran
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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Infection with Anaplasma phagocytophilum activates the phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/Akt and NF-κB survival pathways in neutrophil granulocytes. Infect Immun 2012; 80:1615-23. [PMID: 22252875 DOI: 10.1128/iai.05219-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum, a Gram-negative, obligate intracellular bacterium infects primarily neutrophil granulocytes. Infection with A. phagocytophilum leads to inhibition of neutrophil apoptosis and consequently contributes to the longevity of the host cells. Previous studies demonstrated that the infection inhibits the executionary apoptotic machinery in neutrophils. However, little attempt has been made to explore which survival signals are modulated by the pathogen. The aim of the present study was to clarify whether the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and NF-κB signaling pathways, which are considered as important survival pathways in neutrophils, are involved in A. phagocytophilum-induced apoptosis delay. Our data show that infection of neutrophils with A. phagocytophilum activates the PI3K/Akt pathway and suggest that this pathway, which in turn maintains the expression of the antiapoptotic protein Mcl-1, contributes to the infection-induced apoptosis delay. In addition, the PI3K/Akt pathway is involved in the activation of NF-κB in A. phagocytophilum-infected neutrophils. Activation of NF-κB leads to the release of interleukin-8 (IL-8) from infected neutrophils, which, in an autocrine manner, delays neutrophil apoptosis. In addition, enhanced expression of the antiapoptotic protein cIAP2 was observed in A. phagocytophilum-infected neutrophils. Taken together, the data indicate that upstream of the apoptotic cascade, signaling via the PI3K/Akt pathway plays a major role for apoptosis delay in A. phagocytophilum-infected neutrophils.
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Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection induces apoptosis in HL-60 cells. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2011; 27:2741-2746. [PMID: 22003270 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-011-0745-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum, the causative agent of human granulocytic anaplasmosis, is an obligate intra-cellular bacterium that survives in neutrophils by delaying apoptosis. The human promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL-60 has been the ultimate choice for culturing Anaplasma in vitro. In this study, we assessed the various events of drug-induced apoptosis in A. phagocytophilum-infected HL-60 cells. Anaplasma infection reduced the cell viability and increased the apoptosis in HL-60 cells and staurosporine or etoposide-induced apoptosis was further exacerbated with Anaplasma infection. Altogether our results suggest that A. phagocytophilum infection is proapoptotic in HL-60 cells unlike in neutrophils where it is antiapoptotic.
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Lin M, Kikuchi T, Brewer HM, Norbeck AD, Rikihisa Y. Global proteomic analysis of two tick-borne emerging zoonotic agents: anaplasma phagocytophilum and ehrlichia chaffeensis. Front Microbiol 2011; 2:24. [PMID: 21687416 PMCID: PMC3109344 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2011.00024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2010] [Accepted: 01/31/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia chaffeensis are obligatory intracellular α-proteobacteria that infect human leukocytes and cause potentially fatal emerging zoonoses. In the present study, we determined global protein expression profiles of these bacteria cultured in the human promyelocytic leukemia cell line, HL-60. Mass spectrometric (MS) analyses identified a total of 1,212 A. phagocytophilum and 1,021 E. chaffeensis proteins, representing 89.3 and 92.3% of the predicted bacterial proteomes, respectively. Nearly all bacterial proteins (≥99%) with known functions were expressed, whereas only approximately 80% of “hypothetical” proteins were detected in infected human cells. Quantitative MS/MS analyses indicated that highly expressed proteins in both bacteria included chaperones, enzymes involved in biosynthesis and metabolism, and outer membrane proteins, such as A. phagocytophilum P44 and E. chaffeensis P28/OMP-1. Among 113 A. phagocytophilum p44 paralogous genes, 110 of them were expressed and 88 of them were encoded by pseudogenes. In addition, bacterial infection of HL-60 cells up-regulated the expression of human proteins involved mostly in cytoskeleton components, vesicular trafficking, cell signaling, and energy metabolism, but down-regulated some pattern recognition receptors involved in innate immunity. Our proteomics data represent a comprehensive analysis of A. phagocytophilum and E. chaffeensis proteomes, and provide a quantitative view of human host protein expression profiles regulated by bacterial infection. The availability of these proteomic data will provide new insights into biology and pathogenesis of these obligatory intracellular pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingqun Lin
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, The Ohio State University Columbus, OH, USA
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Sultana H, Neelakanta G, Kantor FS, Malawista SE, Fish D, Montgomery RR, Fikrig E. Anaplasma phagocytophilum induces actin phosphorylation to selectively regulate gene transcription in Ixodes scapularis ticks. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 207:1727-43. [PMID: 20660616 PMCID: PMC2916137 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20100276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum, the agent of human anaplasmosis, persists in ticks and mammals. We show that A. phagocytophilum induces the phosphorylation of actin in an Ixodes ricinus tick cell line and Ixodes scapularis ticks, to alter the ratio of monomeric/filamentous (G/F) actin. A. phagocytophilum–induced actin phosphorylation was dependent on Ixodes p21-activated kinase (IPAK1)–mediated signaling. A. phagocytophilum stimulated IPAK1 activity via the G protein–coupled receptor Gβγ subunits, which mediated phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) activation. Disruption of Ixodes gβγ, pi3k, and pak1 reduced actin phosphorylation and bacterial acquisition by ticks. A. phagocytophilum–induced actin phosphorylation resulted in increased nuclear G actin and phosphorylated actin. The latter, in association with RNA polymerase II (RNAPII), enhanced binding of TATA box–binding protein to RNAPII and selectively promoted expression of salp16, a gene crucial for A. phagocytophilum survival. These data define a mechanism that A. phagocytophilum uses to selectively alter arthropod gene expression for its benefit and suggest new strategies to interfere with the life cycle of this intracellular pathogen, and perhaps other Rickettsia-related microbes of medical importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hameeda Sultana
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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Granquist EG, Aleksandersen M, Bergström K, Dumler SJ, Torsteinbø WO, Stuen S. A morphological and molecular study of Anaplasma phagocytophilum transmission events at the time of Ixodes ricinus tick bite. Acta Vet Scand 2010; 52:43. [PMID: 20565721 PMCID: PMC2904780 DOI: 10.1186/1751-0147-52-43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2010] [Accepted: 06/17/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anaplasma phagocytophilum is the causative agent of human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) in humans and tick-borne fever (TBF) in ruminants. The bacterium invades and replicates in phagocytes, especially in polymorphonuclear granulocytes. METHODS In the present study, skin biopsies and ticks (Ixodes ricinus) were collected from tick feeding lesions on 38 grazing lambs between two and three weeks after access to pastures. The histopathological changes associated with tick bites and A. phagocytophilum infection, were described. In addition the skin biopsies were examined by immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, samples from blood, skin biopsies and ticks were examined by serology, PCR amplification of msp2 (p44), genotyping of rrs (16S rRNA) variants, and compared with the results obtained from histological and immunohistochemical investigations. RESULTS Tick bites were associated with chronic and hyperplastic inflammatory skin lesions in this study. A. phagocytophilum present in skin lesions were mainly associated with neutrophils and macrophages. Bacteria were occasionally observed in the Tunica media and Tunica adventitia of small vessels, but were rarely found in association with endothelial cells. PCR and genotyping of organisms present in blood, ticks and skin biopsies suggested a haematogenous and a local spread of organisms at the tick attachment sites. CONCLUSIONS The present study describes different aspects of A. phagocytophilum infection at the site of tick bite, and indicates that A. phagocytophilum rarely associates with endothelium during the early pathogenesis of infection.
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Stuen S, Torsteinbø WO, Bergström K, Bårdsen K. Superinfection occurs in Anaplasma phagocytophilum infected sheep irrespective of infection phase and protection status. Acta Vet Scand 2009; 51:41. [PMID: 19857248 PMCID: PMC2772837 DOI: 10.1186/1751-0147-51-41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2009] [Accepted: 10/26/2009] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection in domestic ruminants is widespread in the coastal areas of southern Norway. The bacteria may persist in mammalian hosts. Several genetic variants of A. phagocytophilum exist. In the present study, we investigate whether superinfection occurs in the acute and persistent phase of the infection. Methods Five-month-old lambs of the Norwegian Dala breed were experimentally infected with two 16S rRNA gene variants of A. phagocytophilum, i.e. A. phagocytophilum variant 1 (GenBank accession number M73220) and variant 2 (GenBank acc. no. AF336220). Eighteen lambs were used, two lambs in each group. Eight groups were experimentally inoculated with either variant 1 or 2 on day 0. Six of these groups were then challenged with the other variant on either days 7, 42 or 84, respectively. One group was left uninfected. The occurrence of A. phagocytophilum in blood samples was determined using semi-nested PCR analysis and gene sequencing. Specific antibodies were measured by an indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay (IFA). Results A. phagocytophilum variant 1 and 2 differed significantly with regards to clinical reaction and cross-immunity in infected lambs. Both variants were found in the blood after challenge. However, variant 1 was detected most frequently. Conclusion The present experiment indicates that superinfection of different genotypes occurs during the acute as well as the persistent phase of an A. phagocytophilum infection, even in lambs protected against the challenged infection.
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Campoy E, Colombo MI. Autophagy in intracellular bacterial infection. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2009; 1793:1465-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2009.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2008] [Revised: 03/06/2009] [Accepted: 03/10/2009] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Anaplasma marginale elicit different gene expression responses in cultured tick cells. Comp Funct Genomics 2009:705034. [PMID: 19636428 PMCID: PMC2712686 DOI: 10.1155/2009/705034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2009] [Revised: 04/17/2009] [Accepted: 05/18/2009] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The genus Anaplasma (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) includes obligate tick-transmitted intracellular organisms, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Anaplasma marginale that multiply in both vertebrate and tick host cells. Recently, we showed that A. marginale affects the expression of tick genes that are involved in tick survival and pathogen infection and multiplication. However, the gene expression profile in A. phagocytophilum-infected tick cells is currently poorly characterized. The objectives of this study were to characterize tick gene expression profile in Ixodes scapularis ticks and cultured ISE6 cells in response to infection with A. phagocypthilum and to compare tick gene expression responses in A. phagocytophilum- and A. marginale-infected tick cells by microarray and real-time RT-PCR analyses. The results of these studies demonstrated modulation of tick gene expression by A. phagocytophilum and provided evidence of different gene expression responses in tick cells infected with A. phagocytophilum and A. marginale. These differences in Anaplasma-tick interactions may reflect differences in pathogen life cycle in the tick cells.
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Stuen S, Bråten M, Bergström K, Bårdsen K. Cyclic variation in lambs infected with Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Vet Rec 2008; 163:338-40. [PMID: 18791211 DOI: 10.1136/vr.163.11.338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S Stuen
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Kyrkjev 332/334 N-4325 Sandnes, Norway
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35
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Galindo RC, Muñoz PM, de Miguel MJ, Marin CM, Blasco JM, Gortazar C, Kocan KM, de la Fuente J. Differential expression of inflammatory and immune response genes in rams experimentally infected with a rough virulent strain of Brucella ovis. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2008; 127:295-303. [PMID: 19056128 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2008.10.326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2008] [Revised: 10/02/2008] [Accepted: 10/20/2008] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Infection of sheep with Brucella ovis results in ovine brucellosis, a disease characterized by infertility in rams, abortion in ewes and increased perinatal mortality in lambs. During the course of the infection both the ovine immune response and host cell gene expression are modified. The objective of this research was to conduct a preliminary characterization of differential gene expression in rams experimentally infected with B. ovis by microarray hybridization and real-time RT-PCR. Of the 600 ruminant inflammatory and immune response genes that were analyzed in the microarray, 20 and 14 genes displayed an expression fold change >1.75 with a P-value <0.05 at 15 and 60 days post-challenge (dpc), respectively. Of these genes, 16 were upregulated and 4 were downregulated in infected rams at 15 dpc. At 60 dpc, 11 and 3 genes were up- and down-regulated in infected rams, respectively. Only four genes, desmoglein, epithelial sodium channel, alpha subunit (ENaC-alpha), interleukin 18 binding protein (IL18BP) and macrophage migration inhibition factor (MIF) were found upregulated in infected rams at both 15 and 60 dpc. The analysis of differentially expressed genes demonstrated activation of inflammatory and innate immune pathways in infected animals. B. ovis infection also resulted in upregulation of genes involved in phagocytosis and downregulation of protective host defense mechanisms, both of which may contribute to the chronicity of B. ovis infection. The gene expression profiles differed between rams with severe and moderate B. ovis infection. This is the first analysis of differential gene expression in rough brucellae and particularly in B. ovis-infected rams. The characterization of the genes and their expression profiles in response to B. ovis infection further contributes to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of infection and the pathogenesis of brucellosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth C Galindo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
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36
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Criss AK, Seifert HS. Neisseria gonorrhoeae suppresses the oxidative burst of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Cell Microbiol 2008; 10:2257-70. [PMID: 18684112 PMCID: PMC2692872 DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-5822.2008.01205.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Symptomatic infection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Gc) results in a potent polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN)-driven inflammatory response, but the mechanisms by which Gc withstands PMN attack are poorly defined. Here we report that Gc can suppress the PMN oxidative burst, a central component of the PMN antimicrobial arsenal. Primary human PMNs remained viable after exposure to liquid-grown, exponential-phase, opacity-associated protein (Opa)-negative Gc of strains FA1090 and MS11 but did not generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), even after bacterial opsonization. Liquid-grown FA1090 Gc expressing OpaB, an Opa protein previously correlated with PMN ROS production, elicited a minor PMN oxidative burst. PMN ROS production in response to Opa(-) and OpaB+ Gc was markedly enhanced if bacteria were agar-grown or if liquid-grown bacteria were heat-killed. Liquid-grown Opa(-) Gc inhibited the PMN oxidative burst elicited by isogenic dead bacteria, formylated peptides or Staphylococcus aureus but did not inhibit PMN ROS production by OpaB+ Gc or phorbol esters. Suppression of the oxidative burst required Gc-PMN contact and bacterial protein synthesis but not phagocytosis. These results suggest that viable Gc directly inhibits PMN signalling pathways required for induction of the oxidative burst, which may contribute to gonococcal pathogenesis during inflammatory stages of gonorrhoeal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison K Criss
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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37
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Lee HC, Kioi M, Han J, Puri RK, Goodman JL. Anaplasma phagocytophilum-induced gene expression in both human neutrophils and HL-60 cells. Genomics 2008; 92:144-51. [PMID: 18603403 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2008.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2007] [Revised: 04/07/2008] [Accepted: 05/09/2008] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum (Ap), the etiologic agent of the tick-borne disease human granulocytic anaplasmosis, is an obligate intracellular pathogen unique in its ability to target and replicate within neutrophils. We define and compare the spectra of host gene expression in response to Ap infection of human neutrophils and of HL-60 cells using long (70-mer)-oligonucleotide array technology. In addition to apoptosis-related genes, genes involved in signaling pathways, transcriptional regulation, immune response, host defense, cell adhesion, and cytoskeleton were modulated in neutrophils infected with Ap. Ap infection affected the same pathways in HL-60 cells but transcriptional changes occurred more slowly and in a reduced spectrum of genes. Gene expression changes detected by microarray were confirmed for randomly selected genes by QRT-PCR and Western blot studies. These studies demonstrate for the first time that the ERK pathway is activated in Ap-infected neutrophils and also define multiple pathways that are activated during intracellular Ap infection, which together serve to prolong the cell survival that is needed to allow bacterial replication and survival in neutrophils, which otherwise would rapidly apoptose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hin C Lee
- Division of Cellular and Gene Therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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38
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Galindo RC, Ayoubi P, García-Pérez AL, Naranjo V, Kocan KM, Gortazar C, de la Fuente J. Differential expression of inflammatory and immune response genes in sheep infected with Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2008; 126:27-34. [PMID: 18640728 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2008.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2008] [Revised: 05/20/2008] [Accepted: 06/11/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum infects a wide variety of host species and causes the diseases tick-borne fever (TBF) in ruminants and granulocytic anaplasmosis in humans, horses and dogs. TBF in sheep has become one of the more prevalent tick-borne diseases in some regions of Europe. A. phagocytophilum infection modifies host gene expression and immune response. The objective of this research was to characterize differential gene expression in sheep experimentally and naturally infected with A. phagocytophilum by microarray hybridization and real-time RT-PCR. The results of these studies demonstrated in sheep the activation of inflammatory and innate immune pathways and the impairment of adaptive immunity during A. phagocytophilum infection. The characterization of the genes and their expression profiles in sheep in response to A. phagocytophilum infection advances our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of pathogen infection and the pathogenesis of TBF. Collectively, these results expand current information on the mammalian host response to A. phagocytophilum infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth C Galindo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
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Lello J, Hussell T. Functional group/guild modelling of inter-specific pathogen interactions: a potential tool for predicting the consequences of co-infection. Parasitology 2008; 135:825-39. [PMID: 18477416 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182008000383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Although co-infection is the norm in most human and animal populations, clinicians currently have no practical tool to assist them in choosing the best treatment strategy for such patients. Given the vast range of potential pathogens which may co-infect the host, obtaining such a practical tool may seem an intractable problem. In ecology the joint concepts of functional groups and guilds have been used to conceptually simplify complex ecosystems, in order to understand how their component parts interact and may be manipulated. Here we propose a mechanism by which to apply these concepts to pathogen co-infection systems. Further, we describe how these groups could be incorporated into a mathematical modelling framework which, after validation, could be used as a clinical tool to predict the outcome of any particular combination of pathogens co-infecting a host.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Lello
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Biomedical Sciences Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3US.
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40
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Manzano-Roman R, Almazán C, Naranjo V, Bloui EF, Kocan KM, de la Fuente J. Expression of perilipin in human promyelocytic cells in response to Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection results in modified lipid metabolism. J Med Microbiol 2008; 57:159-163. [PMID: 18201980 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.47504-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The obligate intracellular pathogen Anaplasma phagocytophilum is transmitted by ticks and causes human granulocytic anaplasmosis, tick-borne fever of ruminants, and equine and canine granulocytic anaplasmosis. In a previous study, the perilipin (PLIN) gene was identified as one of the genes differentially expressed in human promyelocytic HL-60 cells in response to infection with A. phagocytophilum. PLIN is a major adipocyte lipid droplet-associated phosphoprotein that plays a central role in lipolysis and cholesterol synthesis. Host cholesterol and other lipids are required by A. phagocytophilum for infection and multiplication in human cells. In this study, it was hypothesized that PLIN may be involved in infection of human HL-60 cells by A. phagocytophilum. To test this hypothesis, a combination of real-time RT-PCR, immunofluorescence and RNA interference was used to study the expression of PLIN. The results of these studies demonstrated that A. phagocytophilum modulates lipid metabolism by increasing PLIN mRNA levels and facilitates infection of HL-60 cells. The results of these studies expand our knowledge of the role of lipid metabolism in A. phagocytophilum infection and multiplication in HL-60 cells and suggest a mechanism by which A. phagocytophilum modulates lipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raúl Manzano-Roman
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Consuelo Almazán
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Km. 5 carretera Victoria-Mante, CP 87000 Cd. Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico
| | - Victoria Naranjo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Edmour F Bloui
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Katherine M Kocan
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - José de la Fuente
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain.,Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
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de la Fuente J, Manzano-Roman R, Blouin EF, Naranjo V, Kocan KM. Sp110 transcription is induced and required by Anaplasma phagocytophilum for infection of human promyelocytic cells. BMC Infect Dis 2007; 7:110. [PMID: 17883869 PMCID: PMC2039740 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-7-110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2007] [Accepted: 09/20/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The tick-borne intracellular pathogen, Anaplasma phagocytophilum (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) causes human granulocytic anaplasmosis after infection of polymorphonuclear leucocytes. The human Sp110 gene is a member of the nuclear body (NB) components that functions as a nuclear hormone receptor transcriptional coactivator and plays an important role in immunoprotective mechanisms against pathogens in humans. In this research, we hypothesized that Sp110 may be involved in the infection of human promyelocytic HL-60 cells with A. phagocytophilum. Methods The human Sp110 and A. phagocytophilum msp4 mRNA levels were evaluated by real-time RT-PCR in infected human HL-60 cells sampled at 0, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours post-infection. The effect of Sp110 expression on A. phagocytophilum infection was determined by RNA interference (RNAi). The expression of Sp110 was silenced in HL-60 cells by RNAi using pre-designed siRNAs using the Nucleofector 96-well shuttle system (Amaxa Biosystems, Gaithersburg, MD, USA). The A. phagocytophilum infection levels were evaluated in HL-60 cells after RNAi by real-time PCR of msp4 and normalizing against human Alu sequences. Results While Sp110 mRNA levels increased concurrently with A. phagocytophilum infections in HL-60 cells, the silencing of Sp110 expression by RNA interference resulted in decreased infection levels. Conclusion These results demonstrated that Sp110 expression is required for A. phagocytophilum infection and multiplication in HL-60 cells, and suggest a previously undescribed mechanism by which A. phagocytophilum modulates Sp110 mRNA levels to facilitate establishment of infection of human HL-60 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- José de la Fuente
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Raúl Manzano-Roman
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Edmour F Blouin
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Victoria Naranjo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Katherine M Kocan
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
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Abstract
Animal skin separates the inner world of the body from the largely hostile outside world and is actively involved in the defence against microbes. However, the skin is no perfect defence barrier and many microorganisms have managed to live on or within the skin as harmless passengers or as disease-causing pathogens. Microbes have evolved numerous strategies that allow them to gain access to the layers underneath the epidermis where they either multiply within the dermis or move to distant destinations within the body for replication. A number of viruses, bacteria and parasites use arthropod vectors, like ticks or mosquitoes, to deliver them into the dermis while taking their blood meal. Within the dermis, successful pathogens subvert the function of a variety of skin resident cells or cells of the innate immune system that rush to the site of infection. In this review several interactions with cells of the skin by medically relevant vector-borne pathogens are discussed to highlight the different ways in which these pathogens have come to survive within the skin and to usurp the defence mechanisms of the host for their own ends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freddy Frischknecht
- Department of Parasitology, Hygiene Institute, Heidelberg University School of Medicine, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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43
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Pedra JHF, Tao J, Sutterwala FS, Sukumaran B, Berliner N, Bockenstedt LK, Flavell RA, Yin Z, Fikrig E. IL-12/23p40-dependent clearance of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in the murine model of human anaplasmosis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 50:401-10. [PMID: 17521390 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-695x.2007.00270.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Human anaplasmosis is an emerging infectious disease transmitted by ticks that can be potentially fatal in the immunocompromised and the elderly. The mechanisms of defense against the causative agent, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, are not completely understood; however, interferon (IFN)-gamma plays an important role in pathogen clearance. Here, we show that IFN-gamma is regulated through an early IL-12/23p40-dependent mechanism. Interleukin (IL)-12/23p40 is regulated in macrophages and dendritic cells after activation by microbial agonists and cytokines and constitutes a subunit of IL-12 and IL-23. IL-12/23p40-deficient mice displayed an increased A. phagocytophilum burden, accelerated thrombocytopenia and increased neutrophil numbers in the spleen at day 6 postinfection. Infection of MyD88- and mitogen-activated kinase kinase 3 (MKK3)-deficient mice suggested that the early susceptibility due to IL-12/23p40 deficiency was not dependent on signaling through MyD88 or MKK3. The lack of IL-12/23p40 reduced IFN-gamma production in both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells although the effect was more pronounced in CD4(+) T cells. Our data suggest that the immune response against A. phagocytophilum is a multifactorial and cooperative process. The IL-12/23p40 subunit drives the CD4(+) Th1 immune response in the early phase of infection and IL-12/23p40-independent mechanisms ultimately contribute to pathogen elimination from the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joao H F Pedra
- Section of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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44
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Abstract
Many microbial pathogens evolved to circumvent the attack of neutrophils, which are essential effector cells of the innate immune system. Here we review six major strategies that pathogenic bacteria and fungi use to evade neutrophil defences: (i) turning on survival and stress responses, (ii) avoiding contact, (iii) preventing phagocytosis, (iv) surviving intracellularly, (v) inducing cell death and (vi) evading killing by neutrophil extracellular traps. For each category we give examples and further focus on one particular pathogenic microbe in more detail. Pathogens include Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Yersinia ssp., Helicobacter pylori, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantin F Urban
- Department of Cellular Microbiology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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45
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Scorpio DG, von Loewenich FD, Göbel H, Bogdan C, Dumler JS. Innate immune response to Anaplasma phagocytophilum contributes to hepatic injury. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2006; 13:806-9. [PMID: 16829620 PMCID: PMC1489578 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00092-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In mice, Anaplasma phagocytophilum control is independent of phagocyte oxidase (phox), inducible NO synthase (NOS2), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and MyD88 Toll-like receptor signaling. We show that despite evasion of these host responses, phox, NOS2, TNF, and MyD88 are activated and contribute to inflammation and hepatic injury more than A. phagocytophilum itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana G Scorpio
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross 459, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA.
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46
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Lee HC, Goodman JL. Anaplasma phagocytophilum causes global induction of antiapoptosis in human neutrophils. Genomics 2006; 88:496-503. [PMID: 16876385 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2006.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2006] [Revised: 06/02/2006] [Accepted: 06/07/2006] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum (Ap), the agent of the tick-borne disease human granulocytic anaplasmosis, is an obligate intracellular pathogen unique in its ability to target and replicate within neutrophils. It profoundly inhibits neutrophil apoptosis, prolonging neutrophil survival from hours to days. To determine the basis of antiapoptosis, we compared gene expression in Ap-infected vs mock-infected human neutrophils. Antiapoptosis genes were consistently and significantly up-regulated (2- to 15-fold) within 1-3 h. These genes synergistically inhibit apoptosis through several interconnected pathways, including p38MAPK (MAP2K3), ERK (IER3), PI3K (PRKCD), and NF-kappaB (BCL2A1, NFKB1, NFKBIA, GADD45B). Both extrinsic death receptor (TNFAIP3, CFLAR, SOD2) and intrinsic mitochondrial (BCL2A1, PIM2, BIRC3) pathways were affected as confirmed by reductions in both caspase 3 and caspase 8 activities. Several important antiapoptotic genes noted to be up-regulated in Ap-infected neutrophils were not up-regulated during Ap infection of HL-60 cells (which is not antiapoptotic). In conclusion, just as apoptosis may be triggered through multiple molecular pathways, effective antiapoptosis of neutrophils is achieved rapidly and redundantly by this intracellular pathogen dependent on cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hin C Lee
- Division of Cellular and Gene Therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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47
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Simons MP, Nauseef WM, Griffith TS, Apicella MA. Neisseria gonorrhoeae delays the onset of apoptosis in polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Cell Microbiol 2006; 8:1780-90. [PMID: 16803582 DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-5822.2006.00748.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonococcus) infection results in recruitment of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) to the urethral lumen. Recent work from our laboratory demonstrated that N. gonorrhoeae resists killing and replicates within PMNs. In this study, we examined the effect of gonococci on PMN viability. Using both transmission electron microscopy and light microscopy, we observed nuclear condensation after 6 h in PMNs that were resting or challenged with opsonized zymosan particles (OPZ). In contrast, N. gonorrhoeae delayed nuclear condensation in PMNs for 12 h (13% apoptotic PMNs vs. 90% for resting and 94% for OPZ-stimulated PMNs). Additionally, DNA fragmentation was reduced in PMNs challenged with gonococci for 12 h (28% apoptosis vs. 52% for resting and 98% for OPZ-stimulated PMNs). However, 74% of PMNs challenged with gonococci had condensed nuclei and 67% had fragmented DNA after 24 h. Caspase activity (total caspase, caspase-3/7, caspase-9) was reduced at 4 h and mitochondrial integrity was preserved at 2 h in PMNs challenged with N. gonorrhoeae. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that mRNA levels of X-IAP and cIAP-2 remained high after challenge with gonococci, but were downregulated in OPZ-stimulated PMNs. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that N. gonorrhoeae delayed apoptosis in PMNs, perhaps as a strategy to allow intracellular replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark P Simons
- Department of Microbiology, Inflammation Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
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48
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Stuen S, Dahl H, Bergström K, Moum T. Unidirectional suppression of Anaplasma phagocytophilum genotypes in infected lambs. CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY IMMUNOLOGY 2006; 12:1448-50. [PMID: 16339070 PMCID: PMC1317076 DOI: 10.1128/cdli.12.12.1448-1450.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Five-month-old lambs were simultaneously infected with different doses of two 16S rRNA genetic variants of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and thereafter followed for clinical observation and blood sampling. The result of the study indicates a unidirectional suppression of genotypes in infected lambs, at least during a certain period of an A. phagocytophilum infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snorre Stuen
- Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Sandnes, Norway.
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49
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Sukumaran B, Narasimhan S, Anderson JF, DePonte K, Marcantonio N, Krishnan MN, Fish D, Telford SR, Kantor FS, Fikrig E. An Ixodes scapularis protein required for survival of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in tick salivary glands. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 203:1507-17. [PMID: 16717118 PMCID: PMC2118316 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20060208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum is the agent of human anaplasmosis, the second most common tick-borne illness in the United States. This pathogen, which is closely related to obligate intracellular organisms in the genera Rickettsia, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma, persists in ticks and mammalian hosts; however, the mechanisms for survival in the arthropod are not known. We now show that A. phagocytophilum induces expression of the Ixodes scapularis salp16 gene in the arthropod salivary glands during vector engorgement. RNA interference–mediated silencing of salp16 gene expression interfered with the survival of A. phagocytophilum that entered ticks fed on A. phagocytophilum–infected mice. A. phagocytophilum migrated normally from A. phagocytophilum–infected mice to the gut of engorging salp16-deficient ticks, but up to 90% of the bacteria that entered the ticks were not able to successfully infect I. scapularis salivary glands. These data demonstrate the specific requirement of a pathogen for a tick salivary protein to persist within the arthropod and provide a paradigm for understanding how Rickettsia-like pathogens are maintained within vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bindu Sukumaran
- Section of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine,Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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50
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Sukumaran B, Carlyon JA, Cai JL, Berliner N, Fikrig E. Early transcriptional response of human neutrophils to Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection. Infect Immun 2006; 73:8089-99. [PMID: 16299303 PMCID: PMC1307096 DOI: 10.1128/iai.73.12.8089-8099.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum, an unusual obligate intracellular pathogen that persists within neutrophils, causes human anaplasmosis (previously known as human granulocytic ehrlichiosis). To study the effects of this pathogen on the transcriptional profile of its host cell, we performed a comprehensive DNA microarray analysis of the early (4-h) transcriptional response of human neutrophils to A. phagocytophilum infection. A. phagocytophilum infection resulted in the up- and down-regulation of 177 and 67 neutrophil genes, respectively. These data were verified by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR of selected genes. Notably, the up-regulation of many antiapoptotic genes, including the BCL2A1, BIRC3, and CFLAR genes, and the down-regulation of the proapoptotic TNFSF10 gene were observed. Genes involved in inflammation, innate immunity, cytoskeletal remodeling, and vesicular transport also exhibited differential expression. Vascular endothelial growth factor was also induced. These data suggest that A. phagocytophilum may alter selected host pathways in order to facilitate its survival within human neutrophils. To gain further insight into the bacterium's influence on host cell gene expression, this report presents a detailed comparative analysis of our data and other gene expression profiling studies of A. phagocytophilum-infected neutrophils and promyelocytic cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bindu Sukumaran
- Section of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, The Anlyan Center for Medical Research and Education, New Haven, CT 06520-8031, USA
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