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Bras G, Satala D, Juszczak M, Kulig K, Wronowska E, Bednarek A, Zawrotniak M, Rapala-Kozik M, Karkowska-Kuleta J. Secreted Aspartic Proteinases: Key Factors in Candida Infections and Host-Pathogen Interactions. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4775. [PMID: 38731993 PMCID: PMC11084781 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular proteases are key factors contributing to the virulence of pathogenic fungi from the genus Candida. Their proteolytic activities are crucial for extracting nutrients from the external environment, degrading host defenses, and destabilizing the internal balance of the human organism. Currently, the enzymes most frequently described in this context are secreted aspartic proteases (Saps). This review comprehensively explores the multifaceted roles of Saps, highlighting their importance in biofilm formation, tissue invasion through the degradation of extracellular matrix proteins and components of the coagulation cascade, modulation of host immune responses via impairment of neutrophil and monocyte/macrophage functions, and their contribution to antifungal resistance. Additionally, the diagnostic challenges associated with Candida infections and the potential of Saps as biomarkers were discussed. Furthermore, we examined the prospects of developing vaccines based on Saps and the use of protease inhibitors as adjunctive therapies for candidiasis. Given the complex biology of Saps and their central role in Candida pathogenicity, a multidisciplinary approach may pave the way for innovative diagnostic strategies and open new opportunities for innovative clinical interventions against candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazyna Bras
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland (M.Z.); (J.K.-K.)
| | - Dorota Satala
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland (M.Z.); (J.K.-K.)
| | - Magdalena Juszczak
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland (M.Z.); (J.K.-K.)
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Kamila Kulig
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland (M.Z.); (J.K.-K.)
| | - Ewelina Wronowska
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland (M.Z.); (J.K.-K.)
| | - Aneta Bednarek
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland (M.Z.); (J.K.-K.)
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Marcin Zawrotniak
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland (M.Z.); (J.K.-K.)
| | - Maria Rapala-Kozik
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland (M.Z.); (J.K.-K.)
| | - Justyna Karkowska-Kuleta
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland (M.Z.); (J.K.-K.)
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Elgammal Y, Salama EA, Seleem MN. Saquinavir potentiates itraconazole's antifungal activity against multidrug-resistant Candida auris in vitro andin vivo. Med Mycol 2023; 61:myad081. [PMID: 37558393 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myad081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida species are highly opportunistic yeasts that are responsible for serious invasive fungal infections among immunocompromised patients worldwide. Due to the increase in drug resistance and incidence of infections, there is an urgent need to develop new antifungals and to identify co-drugs that can sensitize drug-resistant Candida to antifungals. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of saquinavir on the activity of azole antifungals against C. auris. The in vitro interaction of saquinavir and three azole antifungals (itraconazole, voriconazole, and fluconazole) was evaluated against a panel of C. auris isolates. The itraconazole/saquinavir combination exhibited a synergistic (SYN) relationship against all C. auris isolates tested with the fractional inhibitory concentration index ranging from 0.03 to 0.27. Moreover, a time-kill kinetics assay revealed that saquinavir restored the itraconazole's fungistatic activity against C. auris. Furthermore, saquinavir restored itraconazole's antifungal activity against other clinically important Candida species. The mechanistic investigation indicated that saquinavir significantly inhibited efflux pumps, glucose utilization, and ATP synthesis in Candida. Finally, a murine model of C. auris infection was used to evaluate the efficacy of the itraconazole/saquinavir combination in the presence of ritonavir (as a pharmacokinetic enhancer). The combination significantly reduced the fungal burden in the kidneys by 0.93-log10 colony-forming units (88%) compared to itraconazole alone. This study identified that saquinavir exhibits a potent SYN relationship in combination with itraconazole against Candida species, which warrants further consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yehia Elgammal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Center for One Health Research, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Ehab A Salama
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Center for One Health Research, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Mohamed N Seleem
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Center for One Health Research, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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3
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Wójcik-Mieszawska S, Lewtak K, Skwarek E, Dębowski D, Gitlin-Domagalska A, Nowak J, Wydrych J, Pawelec J, Fiołka MJ. Autophagy of Candida albicans cells after the action of earthworm Venetin-1 nanoparticle with protease inhibitor activity. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14228. [PMID: 37648723 PMCID: PMC10468520 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41281-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The present studies show the effect of the Venetin-1 protein-polysaccharide complex obtained from the coelomic fluid of the earthworm Dendrobaena veneta on Candida albicans cells. They are a continuation of research on the mechanisms of action, cellular targets, and modes of cell death. After the action of Venetin-1, a reduced survival rate of the yeast cells was noted. The cells were observed to be enlarged compared to the controls and deformed. In addition, an increase in the number of cells with clearly enlarged vacuoles was noted. The detected autophagy process was confirmed using differential interference contrast, fluorescence microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Autophagic vesicles were best visible after incubation of fungus cells with the Venetin-1 complex at a concentration of 50 and 100 µg mL-1. The changes in the vacuoles were accompanied by changes in the size of mitochondria, which is probably related to the previously documented oxidative stress. The aggregation properties of Venetin-1 were characterized. Based on the results of the zeta potential at the Venetin-1/KCl interface, the pHiep = 4 point was determined, i.e. the zeta potential becomes positive above pH = 4 and is negative below this value, which may affect the electrostatic interactions with other particles surrounding Venetin-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Wójcik-Mieszawska
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Kinga Lewtak
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Ewa Skwarek
- Department of Radiochemistry and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Dawid Dębowski
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Agata Gitlin-Domagalska
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Jakub Nowak
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Jerzy Wydrych
- Department of Functional Anatomy and Cytobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Jarosław Pawelec
- Department of Functional Anatomy and Cytobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Marta J Fiołka
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland.
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4
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Kulshrestha A, Gupta P. Secreted aspartyl proteases family: a perspective review on the regulation of fungal pathogenesis. Future Microbiol 2023; 18:295-309. [PMID: 37097060 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2022-0143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Secreted aspartyl proteases (SAPs) are important enzymes for fungal pathogenicity, playing a significant role in infection and survival. This article provides insight into how SAPs facilitate the transformation of yeast cells into hyphae and engage in biofilm formation, invasion and degradation of host cells and proteins. SAPs and their isoenzymes are prevalent during fungal infections, making them a potential target for antifungal and antibiofilm therapies. By targeting SAPs, critical stages of fungal pathogenesis such as adhesion, hyphal development, biofilm formation, host invasion and immune evasion can potentially be disrupted. Developing therapies that target SAPs could provide an effective treatment option for a wide range of fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anmol Kulshrestha
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology, Raipur, 492010, India
| | - Pratima Gupta
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology, Raipur, 492010, India
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5
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Characterization of Virulence Factors in Candida Species Causing Candidemia in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9030353. [PMID: 36983521 PMCID: PMC10059995 DOI: 10.3390/jof9030353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Candidemia is often associated with high mortality, and Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, and Candida parapsilosis are common causes of this disease. The pathogenicity characteristics of specific Candida spp. that cause candidemia in Thailand are poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize the virulence factors of Candida spp. Thirty-eight isolates of different Candida species from blood cultures were evaluated for their virulence properties, including exoenzyme and biofilm production, cell surface hydrophobicity, tissue invasion, epithelial cell damage, morphogenesis, and phagocytosis resistance; the identity and frequency of mutations in ERG11 contributing to azole-resistance were also determined. C. albicans had the highest epithelial cell invasion rate and phospholipase activity, with true hyphae formation, whereas C. tropicalis produced the most biofilm, hydrophobicity, protease activity, and host cell damage and true hyphae formation. ERG11 mutations Y132F and S154F were observed in all azole-resistant C. tropicalis. C. glabrata had the most hemolytic activity while cell invasion was low with no morphologic transition. C. glabrata was more easily phagocytosed than other species. C. parapsilosis generated pseudohyphae but not hyphae and did not exhibit any trends in exoenzyme production. This knowledge will be crucial for understanding the pathogenicity of Candida spp. and will help to explore antivirulence-based treatment.
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Abdallah BM, Ali EM. Therapeutic Effect of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles Using Erodium glaucophyllum Extract against Oral Candidiasis: In Vitro and In Vivo Study. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27134221. [PMID: 35807474 PMCID: PMC9267989 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27134221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral candidiasis (OC) is a fungal infection caused by an opportunistic fungi Candida albicans, which is found in the normal flora of healthy people. In this study, we examined the anti-candidal effect of green synthesized silver nanoparticles using leaf extract of Erodium glaucophyllum (EG-AgNPs) against C. albicans in vitro and in vivo. EG-AgNPs were synthesized for the first time using E. glaucophyllum extract and characterized by imaging (transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-VIS spectroscopy, zeta potential, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). A mouse model of OC was used for in vivo study. The agar well diffusion method showed the anti-candidal activity of EG-AgNPs against C. albicans with MIC 50 µg/mL. EG-AgNPs inhibited the dimorphic transition of C. albicans and suppressed the formation of biofilm by 56.36% and 52%, respectively. Additionally, EG-AgNPs significantly inhibited the production of phospholipases and proteinases by 30% and 45%, respectively. EG-AgNPs cause cytoplasm disintegration and deterioration of cell wall as imaged by SEM and TEM. Interestingly, EG-AgNPs did not display any cytotoxicity on the human gingival fibroblast-1 HGF-1 cell line at MIC concentrations. Topical treatment of the tongue of the OC mouse model with EG-AgNPs showed significant reduction in candidal tissue invasion, less inflammatory changes, and no tissue modification, in association with marked low scare and hyphal counts as compared to control group. In conclusion, our data demonstrated the potent inhibitory action of EG-AgNPs on the growth and morphogenesis of C. albicans in vitro and in vivo. Thus, EG-AgNPs represent a novel plausible therapeutic approach for treatment of OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basem M. Abdallah
- Al Bilad Bank Scholarly Chair for Food Security in Saudi Arabia, The Deanship of Scientific Research, The Vice Presidency for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +966-(013)-5899430
| | - Enas M. Ali
- Al Bilad Bank Scholarly Chair for Food Security in Saudi Arabia, The Deanship of Scientific Research, The Vice Presidency for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo 12613, Egypt
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7
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Kalimuthu S, Alshanta OA, Krishnamoorthy AL, Pudipeddi A, Solomon AP, McLean W, Leung YY, Ramage G, Neelakantan P. Small molecule based anti-virulence approaches against Candida albicans infections. Crit Rev Microbiol 2022; 48:743-769. [PMID: 35232325 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2021.2025337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Fungi are considered "silent killers" due to the difficulty of, and delays in diagnosis of infections and lack of effective antifungals. This challenge is compounded by the fact that being eukaryotes, fungi share several similarities with human cellular targets, creating obstacles to drug discovery. Candida albicans, a ubiquitous microbe in the human body is well-known for its role as an opportunistic pathogen in immunosuppressed people. Significantly, C. albicans is resistant to all the three classes of antifungals that are currently clinically available. Over the past few years, a paradigm shift has been recommended in the management of C. albicans infections, wherein anti-virulence strategies are considered an alternative to the discovery of new antimycotics. Small molecules, with a molecular weight <900 Daltons, can easily permeate the cell membrane and modulate the signal transduction pathways to elicit desired virulence inhibitory actions against pathogens. This review dissects in-depth, the discoveries that have been made with small-molecule anti-virulence approaches to tackle C. albicans infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Om Alkhir Alshanta
- Glasgow Endodontology Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Glasgow, UK
| | - Akshaya Lakshmi Krishnamoorthy
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Quorum Sensing Laboratory, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed to be University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Akhila Pudipeddi
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Adline Princy Solomon
- Quorum Sensing Laboratory, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed to be University, Thanjavur, India
| | - William McLean
- Glasgow Endodontology Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Glasgow, UK
| | - Yiu Yan Leung
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gordon Ramage
- Glasgow Endodontology Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Glasgow, UK
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Dostál J, Brynda J, Vaňková L, Zia SR, Pichová I, Heidingsfeld O, Lepšík M. Structural determinants for subnanomolar inhibition of the secreted aspartic protease Sapp1p from Candida parapsilosis. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2021; 36:914-921. [PMID: 33843395 PMCID: PMC8043539 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2021.1906664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic Candida albicans yeasts frequently cause infections in hospitals. Antifungal drugs lose effectiveness due to other Candida species and resistance. New medications are thus required. Secreted aspartic protease of C. parapsilosis (Sapp1p) is a promising target. We have thus solved the crystal structures of Sapp1p complexed to four peptidomimetic inhibitors. Three potent inhibitors (Ki: 0.1, 0.4, 6.6 nM) resembled pepstatin A (Ki: 0.3 nM), a general aspartic protease inhibitor, in terms of their interactions with Sapp1p. However, the weaker inhibitor (Ki: 14.6 nM) formed fewer nonpolar contacts with Sapp1p, similarly to the smaller HIV protease inhibitor ritonavir (Ki: 1.9 µM), which, moreover, formed fewer H-bonds. The analyses have revealed the structural determinants of the subnanomolar inhibition of C. parapsilosis aspartic protease. Because of the high similarity between Saps from different Candida species, these results can further be used for the design of potent and specific Sap inhibitor-based antimycotic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiří Dostál
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Brynda
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Vaňková
- Laboratory of Ligand Engineering, Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., BIOCEV Research Center, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Syeda Rehana Zia
- Department of Chemistry, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Iva Pichová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Olga Heidingsfeld
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Lepšík
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
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9
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Santos ALS, Braga-Silva LA, Gonçalves DS, Ramos LS, Oliveira SSC, Souza LOP, Oliveira VS, Lins RD, Pinto MR, Muñoz JE, Taborda CP, Branquinha MH. Repositioning Lopinavir, an HIV Protease Inhibitor, as a Promising Antifungal Drug: Lessons Learned from Candida albicans-In Silico, In Vitro and In Vivo Approaches. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7060424. [PMID: 34071195 PMCID: PMC8229492 DOI: 10.3390/jof7060424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The repurposing strategy was applied herein to evaluate the effects of lopinavir, an aspartic protease inhibitor currently used in the treatment of HIV-infected individuals, on the globally widespread opportunistic human fungal pathogen Candida albicans by using in silico, in vitro and in vivo approaches in order to decipher its targets on fungal cells and its antifungal mechanisms of action. Secreted aspartic proteases (Saps) are the obviously main target of lopinavir. To confirm this hypothesis, molecular docking assays revealed that lopinavir bound to the Sap2 catalytic site of C. albicans as well as inhibited the Sap hydrolytic activity in a typically dose-dependent manner. The inhibition of Saps culminated in the inability of C. albicans yeasts to assimilate the unique nitrogen source (albumin) available in the culture medium, culminating with fungal growth inhibition (IC50 = 39.8 µM). The antifungal action of lopinavir was corroborated by distinct microscopy analyses, which evidenced drastic and irreversible changes in the morphology that justified the fungal death. Furthermore, our results revealed that lopinavir was able to (i) arrest the yeasts-into-hyphae transformation, (ii) disturb the synthesis of neutral lipids, including ergosterol, (iii) modulate the surface-located molecules, such as Saps and mannose-, sialic acid- and N-acetylglucosamine-containing glycoconjugates, (iv) diminish the secretion of hydrolytic enzymes, such as Saps and esterase, (v) negatively influence the biofilm formation on polystyrene surface, (vi) block the in vitro adhesion to epithelial cells, (vii) contain the in vivo infection in both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed mice and (viii) reduce the Sap production by yeasts recovered from kidneys of infected animals. Conclusively, the exposed results highlight that lopinavir may be used as a promising repurposing drug against C. albicans infection as well as may be used as a lead compound for the development of novel antifungal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- André L. S. Santos
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil; (L.A.B.-S.); (D.S.G.); (L.S.R.); (S.S.C.O.); (L.O.P.S.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica (PPGBq), Instituto de Química (IQ), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil
- Correspondence: (A.L.S.S.); (M.H.B.); Tel.: +55-21-3938-0366 (A.L.S.S.)
| | - Lys A. Braga-Silva
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil; (L.A.B.-S.); (D.S.G.); (L.S.R.); (S.S.C.O.); (L.O.P.S.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica (PPGBq), Instituto de Química (IQ), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil
| | - Diego S. Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil; (L.A.B.-S.); (D.S.G.); (L.S.R.); (S.S.C.O.); (L.O.P.S.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica (PPGBq), Instituto de Química (IQ), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil
| | - Lívia S. Ramos
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil; (L.A.B.-S.); (D.S.G.); (L.S.R.); (S.S.C.O.); (L.O.P.S.)
| | - Simone S. C. Oliveira
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil; (L.A.B.-S.); (D.S.G.); (L.S.R.); (S.S.C.O.); (L.O.P.S.)
| | - Lucieri O. P. Souza
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil; (L.A.B.-S.); (D.S.G.); (L.S.R.); (S.S.C.O.); (L.O.P.S.)
| | - Vanessa S. Oliveira
- Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Recife 50740-465, Brazil; (V.S.O.); (R.D.L.)
| | - Roberto D. Lins
- Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Recife 50740-465, Brazil; (V.S.O.); (R.D.L.)
| | - Marcia R. Pinto
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói 24210-130, Brazil;
| | - Julian E. Muñoz
- MICROS Group, Medicine Traslacional Institute, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia;
| | - Carlos P. Taborda
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-060, Brazil;
- Laboratório de Micologia Médica—LIM53/IMTSP, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Marta H. Branquinha
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil; (L.A.B.-S.); (D.S.G.); (L.S.R.); (S.S.C.O.); (L.O.P.S.)
- Correspondence: (A.L.S.S.); (M.H.B.); Tel.: +55-21-3938-0366 (A.L.S.S.)
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10
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The in vivo anti-Candida albicans activity of flavonoids. J Oral Biosci 2021; 63:120-128. [PMID: 33839266 DOI: 10.1016/j.job.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging drug-resistant strains of Candida albicans have led to the recurrence of fungal disease, rendering conventional drug therapies ineffective. Although in vitro studies on flavonoids as novel antifungal products have shown promising results, there is currently limited information regarding their in vivo effects. The aim of this review is to evaluate in vivo studies on the antifungal activity of flavonoids against C. albicans, as novel therapeutic agents. In this regard, we conducted broad searches of PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase covering the years 2009-2020. HIGHLIGHT Flavonoids represent new natural therapeutic compounds to treat oral candidiasis. Among subclasses of flavonoids, flavonols and chalcones appear to have the most significant antifungal activities. Oral administration of Canthin-6-one, a flavonol, has the potential to damage fungal cell membrane while having minimal toxic effects on mice. Similarly, topical oral application of lichochalcone-A, a chalcone, reduces oral candidiasis in mice. There appears to be structural similarities in the hydroxyl residues among compounds within the same subclass of flavonoids, which may contribute to antibiofilm activity. Oral topical application of flavonoids shows low toxicity and has clinical relevance as potential novel antifungal treatments. CONCLUSION Flavonoids are a group of natural products exhibiting antifungal activity. The subclasses flavonols and chalcones appear to have the most significant in vivo antifungal activity against C. albicans infections in mouse models. Specifically, quercetin (flavonol) has been applied via vaginal gavage in a murine vulvovaginal candidiasis model, whereas lichochalcone-A (chalcone) has shown topical oral application in C. albicans-inoculated mice. Both compounds show efficacy in fungal elimination via biofilm inhibition for their respective subclasses. The translational significance of these in vivo studies should be examined in clinical trials of selected potent compounds for the treatment of oral candidiasis. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the specific mechanisms of flavonoids as antifungal agents.
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11
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Shekatkar M, Kheur S, Gupta AA, Arora A, Raj AT, Patil S, Khan SS, Desai A, Carroll WB, Awan KH. Oral candidiasis in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients under highly active antiretroviral therapy. Dis Mon 2021; 67:101169. [PMID: 33640178 DOI: 10.1016/j.disamonth.2021.101169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus has plagued mankind since the 1980's when the first case was documented. Human immunodeficiency virus-induced immunocompromised state can lead to several systemic and local manifestations, which often culminates in mortality. Oral candidiasis was one of the most prevalent opportunistic infections noted in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients. The advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy has led to a significant reduction in both the mortality and the morbidity of infected patients. The combined antiretroviral therapy has also led to a decrease in the incidence of opportunistic infections including oral candidiasis. Thus, the presence of well-established oral candidiasis in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients under highly active antiretroviral therapy could be considered as an indicator of potential treatment failure. The present manuscript aims to review the published literature assessing the effect of highly active antiretroviral therapy on the incidence of oral candidiasis in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhura Shekatkar
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, India
| | - Supriya Kheur
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, India
| | - Archana A Gupta
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, India
| | - Aavishi Arora
- Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College, and Hospital, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, India
| | - A Thirumal Raj
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Sri Venkateswara Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, India
| | - Shankargouda Patil
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery and Diagnostic Sciences, Division of Oral Pathology, College of Dentistry, Jazan University, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Samar Saeed Khan
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery and Diagnostic Sciences, Division of Oral Pathology, College of Dentistry, Jazan University, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Ami Desai
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, People's College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, People's University; Bhopal, India
| | - William B Carroll
- College of Dental Medicine, Roseman University of Health Sciences, South Jordan, Utah, USA
| | - Kamran Habib Awan
- College of Dental Medicine, Roseman University of Health Sciences, South Jordan, Utah, USA.
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12
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Lohse MB, Gulati M, Craik CS, Johnson AD, Nobile CJ. Combination of Antifungal Drugs and Protease Inhibitors Prevent Candida albicans Biofilm Formation and Disrupt Mature Biofilms. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1027. [PMID: 32523574 PMCID: PMC7261846 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilms formed by the fungal pathogen Candida albicans are resistant to many of the antifungal agents commonly used in the clinic. Previous reports suggest that protease inhibitors, specifically inhibitors of aspartyl proteases, could be effective antibiofilm agents. We screened three protease inhibitor libraries, containing a total of 80 compounds for the abilities to prevent C. albicans biofilm formation and to disrupt mature biofilms. The compounds were screened individually and in the presence of subinhibitory concentrations of the most commonly prescribed antifungal agents for Candida infections: fluconazole, amphotericin B, or caspofungin. Although few of the compounds affected biofilms on their own, seven aspartyl protease inhibitors inhibited biofilm formation when combined with amphotericin B or caspofungin. Furthermore, nine aspartyl protease inhibitors disrupted mature biofilms when combined with caspofungin. These results suggest that the combination of standard antifungal agents together with specific protease inhibitors may be useful in the prevention and treatment of C. albicans biofilm infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew B Lohse
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Department of Biology, BioSynesis, Inc., San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Megha Gulati
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, United States
| | - Charles S Craik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Alexander D Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Clarissa J Nobile
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, United States
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13
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Lam-Ubol A, Rungsiyanont S, Vacharotayangul P, Sappayatosok K, Chankanka O. Oral manifestations, salivary flow rates and Candida species in Thai HIV-infected patients. J Clin Exp Dent 2019; 11:e138-e145. [PMID: 30805118 PMCID: PMC6383906 DOI: 10.4317/jced.55384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Effects of various Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) regimens on oral heath are unclear. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate effects of HAART on oral manifestations, salivary flow rates (SFR) and Candida species in HIV-infected patients who took mostly non-protease inhibitor-based HAART regimens. Material and Methods A cross-sectional study was performed on HIV-infected patients taking and never taken HAART who attended Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Centre (n = 48). Non-HIV subjects were recruited as control (n = 20). Oral conditions and salivary flow rates were evaluated using oral examination and measurement of unstimulated and stimulated saliva. In addition, Candida colonization counts (colony forming units; CFUs) and Candida species from the collected saliva were evaluated using CHROMagar. Results The most common oral manifestation in HIV-infected subjects taking HAART was hyperpigmentation. Unstimulated and stimulated SFR among the three groups were not statistically significant. Candida colonization was detected in 64%, 65% and 35% of HIV-infected subjects taking HAART, HAART-naïve, and non-HIV subjects, respectively. While 20% and 35% of HIV-infected subjects with and without HAART, respectively, had Candida CFUs higher than 500/ml, all non-HIV carriers had Candida CFUs lower than 500/ml. The most common Candida colonization species was C. albicans in HAART and non-HIV groups. Interestingly, HAART-naïve group was colonized more by non-albicans species. Conclusions HAART has minimal effects on oral health. While HAART may not prevent Candida colonization, it might lead to reduction of non-albicans species. Because maintaining low Candida counts is important, HAART administration and antifungal sensitivity test should be considered in HIV-infected patients. Key words:HIV, Candida, HAART, Oral manifestation, Salivary flow rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aroonwan Lam-Ubol
- Faculty of Dentistry, Srinakharinwirot University, 114 Sukhumvit 23, Wattana, Klongtoey Nua, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
| | - Sorasun Rungsiyanont
- Faculty of Dentistry, Srinakharinwirot University, 114 Sukhumvit 23, Wattana, Klongtoey Nua, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
| | - Piamkamon Vacharotayangul
- Faculty of Dentistry, Srinakharinwirot University, 114 Sukhumvit 23, Wattana, Klongtoey Nua, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
| | - Kraisorn Sappayatosok
- Faculty of Dentistry, Rangsit University, 52/347 Phaholyothin Road, Mueang Pathum Thani District, Pathum Thani 12000, Thailand
| | - Oitip Chankanka
- Faculty of Dentistry, Prince of Songkla University, 15 Karnjanavanich Raod, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
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14
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Castilho DG, Chaves AFA, Navarro MV, Conceição PM, Ferreira KS, da Silva LS, Xander P, Batista WL. Secreted aspartyl proteinase (PbSap) contributes to the virulence of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis infection. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006806. [PMID: 30260953 PMCID: PMC6177206 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is the most prevalent deep mycosis in Latin America and is caused by fungi from the Paracoccidioides genus. Virulence factors are important fungal characteristics that support the development of disease. Aspartyl proteases (Saps) are virulence factors in many human fungal pathogens that play an important role in the host invasion process. We report here that immunization with recombinant Sap from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (rPbSap) imparted a protective effect in an experimental PCM model. The rPbSap-immunized mice had decreased fungal loads, and their lung parenchyma were notably preserved. An aspartyl protease inhibitor (pepstatin A) significantly decreased pulmonary injury and reduced fungal loads in the lung. Additionally, we observed that pepstatin A enhanced the fungicidal and phagocytic profile of macrophages against P. brasiliensis. Furthermore, PbSAP expression was highly altered by environmental conditions, including thermal stress, dimorphism switching and low pH. Hence, our data suggest that PbSap is an important virulence regulator in P. brasiliensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Gonçalves Castilho
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Alison Felipe Alencar Chaves
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marina Valente Navarro
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Palloma Mendes Conceição
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Karen Spadari Ferreira
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Luiz Severino da Silva
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Patricia Xander
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Wagner Luiz Batista
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema, SP, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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15
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Altered gut microbiome composition in HIV infection: causes, effects and potential intervention. Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2018; 13:73-80. [PMID: 29045252 DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Aim of this review is to summarize the alterations occurring in gut microbiome composition after HIV infection, and to underline how intestinal dysbiosis can affect immune homeostasis, immune recovery, and persisting immune activation under antiretroviral therapy (ART). Many interventions have been suggested, mostly with inconclusive results. RECENT FINDINGS Recent evidence showed that gut microbiota from HIV-infected patients harbor reproducible differences compared to uninfected individuals. In this line, there is growing evidence that alterations in gut ecology during HIV infection correlate with persistence of immune defects and chronic inflammation. A reduced microbial diversity in feces of HIV-infected patients is highly associated with microbial translocation and monocyte activation markers; moreover, changes in mucosa-associated bacteria correlate with inflammation and T-cell activation. SUMMARY Studying the human host-microbiota interaction suggests that the consequences of HIV infection on microbial composition can influence immune status in HIV patients. ART induces microbiome changes that are independent of HIV infection, and some imply that ART may enhance dysbiosis. Studies and trials evaluated the effects of administering probiotics and prebiotics, finding a potential benefit on inflammation markers and immune cell activation. Emerging data on fecal microbial transplantation need to be assessed with further studies.
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16
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Palmeira VF, Goulart FRV, Granato MQ, Alviano DS, Alviano CS, Kneipp LF, Santos ALS. Fonsecaea pedrosoi Sclerotic Cells: Secretion of Aspartic-Type Peptidase and Susceptibility to Peptidase Inhibitors. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1383. [PMID: 30008700 PMCID: PMC6033999 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Fonsecaea pedrosoi is a dematiaceous fungus and the main causative agent of chromoblastomycosis that is a chronic disease usually affecting the human skin and subcutaneous tissues, which causes deformations and incapacities, being frequently refractory to available therapies. A typical globe-shaped, multiseptated and pigmented cells, known as sclerotic cells, are found in the lesions of infected individuals. In the present work, we have investigated the production of aspartic-type peptidase in F. pedrosoi sclerotic cells as well as the effect of peptidase inhibitors (PIs) on its enzymatic activity and viability. Our data showed that sclerotic cells are able to secrete pepstatin A-sensible aspartic peptidase when grown under chemically defined conditions. In addition, aspartic PIs (ritonavir, nelfinavir, indinavir, and saquinavir), which are clinically used in the HIV chemotherapy, significantly decreased the fungal peptidase activity, varying from 55 to 99%. Moreover, sclerotic cell-derived aspartic peptidase hydrolyzed human albumin, an important serum protein, as well as laminin, an extracellular matrix component, but not immunoglobulin G and fibronectin. It is well-known that aspartic peptidases play important physiological roles in fungal cells. With this task in mind, the effect of pepstatin A, a classical aspartic peptidase inhibitor, on the F. pedrosoi proliferation was evaluated. Pepstatin A inhibited the fungal viability in both cellular density- and drug-concentration manners. Moreover, HIV-PIs at 10 μM powerfully inhibited the viability (>65%) of F. pedrosoi sclerotic cells. The detection of aspartic peptidase produced by sclerotic cells, the parasitic form of F. pedrosoi, may contribute to reveal new virulence markers and potential targets for chromoblastomycosis therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanila F Palmeira
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Laboratório de Estrutura de Microrganismos, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fatima R V Goulart
- Laboratório de Estrutura de Microrganismos, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcela Q Granato
- Laboratório de Taxonomia, Bioquímica e Bioprospecção de Fungos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniela S Alviano
- Laboratório de Estrutura de Microrganismos, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Celuta S Alviano
- Laboratório de Estrutura de Microrganismos, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lucimar F Kneipp
- Laboratório de Taxonomia, Bioquímica e Bioprospecção de Fungos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - André L S Santos
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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17
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Cordeiro RDA, Serpa R, Mendes PBL, Evangelista AJDJ, Andrade ARC, Franco JDS, Pereira VDS, Alencar LPD, Oliveira JSD, Camargo ZPD, Lima Neto RGD, Castelo-Branco DDSCM, Brilhante RSN, Rocha MFG, Sidrim JJC. The HIV aspartyl protease inhibitor ritonavir impairs planktonic growth, biofilm formation and proteolytic activity in Trichosporon spp. BIOFOULING 2017; 33:640-650. [PMID: 28871863 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2017.1350947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated the effect of the protease inhibitor ritonavir (RIT) on Trichosporon asahii and Trichosporon inkin. Susceptibility to RIT was assessed by the broth microdilution assay and the effect of RIT on protease activity was evaluated using azoalbumin as substrate. RIT was tested for its anti-biofilm properties and RIT-treated biofilms were assessed regarding protease activity, ultrastructure and matrix composition. In addition, antifungal susceptibility, surface hydrophobicity and biofilm formation were evaluated after pre-incubation of planktonic cells with RIT for 15 days. RIT (200 μg ml-1) inhibited Trichosporon growth. RIT (100 μg ml-1) also reduced protease activity of planktonic and biofilm cells, decreased cell adhesion and biofilm formation, and altered the structure of the biofilm and the protein composition of the biofilm matrix. Pre-incubation with RIT (100 μg ml-1) increased the susceptibility to amphotericin B, and reduced surface hydrophobicity and cell adhesion. These results highlight the importance of proteases as promising therapeutic targets and reinforce the antifungal potential of protease inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosana Serpa
- a Medical Mycology Specialized Center , Federal University of Ceará , Fortaleza , Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Zoilo Pires de Camargo
- b Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology , Federal University of São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Marcos Fabio Gadelha Rocha
- a Medical Mycology Specialized Center , Federal University of Ceará , Fortaleza , Brazil
- d Post Graduate Program in Veterinary Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine , State University of Ceará , Fortaleza , Brazil
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18
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Palmeira VF, Alviano DS, Braga-Silva LA, Goulart FRV, Granato MQ, Rozental S, Alviano CS, Santos ALS, Kneipp LF. HIV Aspartic Peptidase Inhibitors Modulate Surface Molecules and Enzyme Activities Involved with Physiopathological Events in Fonsecaea pedrosoi. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:918. [PMID: 28579986 PMCID: PMC5437157 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Fonsecaea pedrosoi is the main etiological agent of chromoblastomycosis, a recalcitrant disease that is extremely difficult to treat. Therefore, new chemotherapeutics to combat this fungal infection are urgently needed. Although aspartic peptidase inhibitors (PIs) currently used in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have shown anti-F. pedrosoi activity their exact mechanisms of action have not been elucidated. In the present study, we have investigated the effects of four HIV-PIs on crucial virulence attributes expressed by F. pedrosoi conidial cells, including surface molecules and secreted enzymes, both of which are directly involved in the disease development. In all the experiments, conidia were treated with indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir and saquinavir (100 μM) for 24 h, and then fungal cells were used to evaluate the effects of HIV-PIs on different virulence attributes expressed by F. pedrosoi. In comparison to untreated controls, exposure of F. pedrosoi cells to HIV-PIs caused (i) reduction on the conidial granularity; (ii) irreversible surface ultrastructural alterations, such as shedding of electron dense and amorphous material from the cell wall, undulations/invaginations of the plasma membrane with and withdrawal of this membrane from the cell wall; (iii) a decrease in both mannose-rich glycoconjugates and melanin molecules and an increase in glucosylceramides on the conidial surface; (iv) inhibition of ergosterol and lanosterol production; (v) reduction in the secretion of aspartic peptidase, esterase and phospholipase; (vi) significant reduction in the viability of non-pigmented conidia compared to pigmented ones. In summary, HIV-PIs are efficient drugs with an ability to block crucial biological processes of F. pedrosoi and can be seriously considered as potential compounds for the development of new chromoblastomycosis chemotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanila F Palmeira
- Laboratório de Investigação de Peptidases, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de JaneiroRio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Laboratório de Estrutura de Microrganismos, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Universidade Federal do Rio de JaneiroRio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniela S Alviano
- Laboratório de Estrutura de Microrganismos, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Universidade Federal do Rio de JaneiroRio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lys A Braga-Silva
- Laboratório de Investigação de Peptidases, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de JaneiroRio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de JaneiroRio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fátima R V Goulart
- Laboratório de Estrutura de Microrganismos, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Universidade Federal do Rio de JaneiroRio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcela Q Granato
- Laboratório de Taxonomia, Bioquímica e Bioprospecção de Fungos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo CruzRio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sonia Rozental
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de JaneiroRio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Celuta S Alviano
- Laboratório de Estrutura de Microrganismos, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Universidade Federal do Rio de JaneiroRio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - André L S Santos
- Laboratório de Investigação de Peptidases, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de JaneiroRio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de JaneiroRio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lucimar F Kneipp
- Laboratório de Taxonomia, Bioquímica e Bioprospecção de Fungos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo CruzRio de Janeiro, Brazil
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19
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Seleem D, Pardi V, Murata RM. Review of flavonoids: A diverse group of natural compounds with anti-Candida albicans activity in vitro. Arch Oral Biol 2016; 76:76-83. [PMID: 27659902 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2016.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Revised: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Flavonoids are a subdivision of polyphenols, a versatile class of natural compounds that represent secondary metabolites from higher plants and are abundant in human diet. Various protective effects of flavonoids have been reported, including antimicrobial and antifungal activities. Due to the nature of oral candidiasis and the increased use of antifungal agents, several drug-resistant strains have emerged making it impractical to rely on one standard therapeutic regime. The aim of this review is to summarize the antifungal activity of some examples of the major subclasses of flavonoids in pure extract forms against C. albicans in vitro, as reported in literature over the past 10 years (2004-2015). In addition, this review outlines the potential mechanism of actions of flavonoids studied in vitro, which may contribute to a better understanding of flavonoids as multi-targets agents in the treatment and/or prevention of oral candidiasis in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia Seleem
- University of Southern California, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, Division of Periodontology, and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental Hygiene & Biomedical Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Vanessa Pardi
- University of Southern California, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, Division of Periodontology, and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental Hygiene & Biomedical Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ramiro Mendonça Murata
- East Carolina University, School of Dental Medicine, Department of Foundational Sciences, Greenville, NC, USA.
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20
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Seleem D, Benso B, Noguti J, Pardi V, Murata RM. In Vitro and In Vivo Antifungal Activity of Lichochalcone-A against Candida albicans Biofilms. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0157188. [PMID: 27284694 PMCID: PMC4902220 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral candidiasis (OC) is an opportunistic fungal infection with high prevalence among immunocompromised patients. Candida albicans is the most common fungal pathogen responsible for OC, often manifested in denture stomatitis and oral thrush. Virulence factors, such as biofilms formation and secretion of proteolytic enzymes, are key components in the pathogenicity of C. albicans. Given the limited number of available antifungal therapies and the increase in antifungal resistance, demand the search for new safe and effective antifungal treatments. Lichochalcone-A is a polyphenol natural compound, known for its broad protective activities, as an antimicrobial agent. In this study, we investigated the antifungal activity of lichochalcone-A against C. albicans biofilms both in vitro and in vivo. Lichochalcone-A (625 μM; equivalent to 10x MIC) significantly reduced C. albicans (MYA 2876) biofilm growth compared to the vehicle control group (1% ethanol), as indicated by the reduction in the colony formation unit (CFU)/ml/g of biofilm dry weight. Furthermore, proteolytic enzymatic activities of proteinases and phospholipases, secreted by C. albicans were significantly decreased in the lichochalcone-A treated biofilms. In vivo model utilized longitudinal imaging of OC fungal load using a bioluminescent-engineered C. albicans (SKCa23-ActgLUC) and coelenterazine substrate. Mice treated with lichochalcone-A topical treatments exhibited a significant reduction in total photon flux over 4 and 5 days post-infection. Similarly, ex vivo analysis of tongue samples, showed a significant decrease in CFU/ml/mg in tongue tissue sample of lichochalcone-A treated group, which suggest the potential of lichochalcone-A as a novel antifungal agent for future clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia Seleem
- Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, Division of Periodontology Diagnostic Sciences, Dental Hygiene and Biomedical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Bruna Benso
- School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Austral de Chile, Campus Isla Teja, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Juliana Noguti
- Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, Division of Periodontology Diagnostic Sciences, Dental Hygiene and Biomedical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Vanessa Pardi
- Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, Division of Periodontology Diagnostic Sciences, Dental Hygiene and Biomedical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Ramiro Mendonça Murata
- Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, Division of Periodontology Diagnostic Sciences, Dental Hygiene and Biomedical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Li SX, Armstrong A, Neff CP, Shaffer M, Lozupone CA, Palmer BE. Complexities of Gut Microbiome Dysbiosis in the Context of HIV Infection and Antiretroviral Therapy. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2016; 99:600-11. [PMID: 26940481 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Revised: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is associated with an altered gut microbiome that is not consistently restored with effective antiretroviral therapy (ART). Interpretation of the specific microbiome changes observed during HIV infection is complicated by factors like population, sample type, and ART-each of which may have dramatic effects on gut bacteria. Understanding how these factors shape the microbiome during HIV infection (which we refer to as the HIV-associated microbiome) is critical for defining its role in HIV disease, and for developing therapies that restore gut health during infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- S X Li
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Ajs Armstrong
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - C P Neff
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - M Shaffer
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,Computational Bioscience Program, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - C A Lozupone
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - B E Palmer
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Calugi C, Guarna A, Trabocchi A. Identification of constrained peptidomimetic chemotypes as HIV protease inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2014; 84:444-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2014.07.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2014] [Revised: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Sulfone derivatives reduce growth, adhesion and aspartic protease SAP2 gene expression. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2014; 30:2511-21. [DOI: 10.1007/s11274-014-1676-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/21/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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24
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Staniszewska M, Bondaryk M, Zielińska P, Urbańczyk-Lipkowska Z. The in vitro effects of new D186 dendrimer on virulence factors of Candida albicans. J Antibiot (Tokyo) 2014; 67:425-32. [PMID: 24690909 DOI: 10.1038/ja.2014.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Revised: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 02/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of drug-resistant Candida albicans strains necessitates identifying new antimycotics along with studying their modes of action. The influence of a new rationally designed dendrimer D186 containing N,N-dioctyl tail and four tryptophane residues on inhibition of planktonic cells, aspartic protease SAP5 expression and adhesion to epithelial cells was investigated. In vitro anti-Candida activities were determined against wild types, Δsap mutants and morphogenesis mutants: Δefg1, Δcph1 and Δcph1/Δefg1. MICs of D186 determined with M27-A3 protocol were in the range 2-16 μg ml(-1). Adherence assay of C. albicans to Caco-2 was performed in 24-well plate. Group I (MIC=8 μg ml(-1), inhibition=82.05-100%) was the most frequent followed by Group II (MIC=4 μg ml(-1), inhibition=99.64-100%) and Group III (MIC=2 μg ml(-1), inhibition=96.47-96.98%). SAP5 expression was analyzed using RT-PCR; relative quantification was normalized against ACT1 in cells after 18-h growth on Caco-2 cell line. D186 exhibited more potent inhibition activity (statistically significant P⩽0.05) against Δsap10 and Δsap9/Δsap10 (MIC=2 μg ml(-1)) than the remaining strains tested. Pretreating cells with D186 significantly inhibited adhesion of all Candida strains compared with their non-treated counterparts (P⩽0.05). D186 affected SAP5 expression of all strains suggesting that this gene is controlled by environmental conditions. A hypothesis can be formulated that the hydrophobicity of D186 and presence of four Trp residues favors its accumulation in the membrane causing membrane disruption, especially facilitated in mutants perturbed in the cell wall compositions. The D186 mode of action was attributed to reduced virulence in terms of adhesiveness and pathogenic potential related to SAP5 expression and morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Staniszewska
- National Institute of Public Health-National Institute of Hygiene, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Bondaryk
- National Institute of Public Health-National Institute of Hygiene, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paulina Zielińska
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
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Santos LO, Garcia-Gomes AS, Catanho M, Sodre CL, Santos ALS, Branquinha MH, d'Avila-Levy CM. Aspartic peptidases of human pathogenic trypanosomatids: perspectives and trends for chemotherapy. Curr Med Chem 2014; 20:3116-33. [PMID: 23298141 PMCID: PMC3837538 DOI: 10.2174/0929867311320250007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2012] [Accepted: 12/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Aspartic peptidases are proteolytic enzymes present in many organisms like vertebrates, plants, fungi, protozoa and in some retroviruses such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These enzymes are involved in important metabolic processes in microorganisms/virus and play major roles in infectious diseases. Although few studies have been performed in order to identify and characterize aspartic peptidase in trypanosomatids, which include the etiologic agents of leishmaniasis, Chagas’ disease and sleeping sickness, some beneficial properties of aspartic peptidase inhibitors have been described on fundamental biological events of these pathogenic agents. In this context, aspartic peptidase inhibitors (PIs) used in the current chemotherapy against HIV (e.g., amprenavir, indinavir, lopinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir and saquinavir) were able to inhibit the aspartic peptidase activity produced by different species of Leishmania. Moreover, the treatment of Leishmania promastigotes with HIV PIs induced several perturbations on the parasite homeostasis, including loss of the motility and arrest of proliferation/growth. The HIV PIs also induced an increase in the level of reactive oxygen species and the appearance of irreversible morphological alterations, triggering parasite death pathways such as programed cell death (apoptosis) and uncontrolled autophagy. The blockage of physiological parasite events as well as the induction of death pathways culminated in its incapacity to adhere, survive and escape of phagocytic cells. Collectively, these results support the data showing that parasites treated with HIV PIs have a significant reduction in the ability to cause in vivo infection. Similarly, the treatment of Trypanosoma cruzi cells with pepstatin A showed a significant inhibition on both aspartic peptidase activity and growth as well as promoted several and irreversible morphological changes. These studies indicate that aspartic peptidases can be promising targets in trypanosomatid cells and aspartic proteolytic inhibitors can be benefic chemotherapeutic agents against these human pathogenic microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- L O Santos
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz-IOC, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Arai R, Sugita T, Nishikawa A. The Anthracycline Antitumor Agents Doxorubicin and Daunorubicin Reduce the Activity ofCandida albicansPhospholipase B. Microbiol Immunol 2013; 48:665-7. [PMID: 15383703 DOI: 10.1111/j.1348-0421.2004.tb03477.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A pathogenic yeast, Candida albicans, causes life-threatening infection in immunocompromised patients. Inhibiting the production or release of phospholipase B by C. albicans should reduce direct host cell damage, and inhibit the release of eicosanoids from cells of this microorganism. Of the antitumor agents tested, doxorubicin and daunorubicin inhibited the activity of phospholipase B, and prostaglandin production by C. albicans. These two agents have the potential to inhibit the activity of C. albicans phospholipase B, although the inhibitory concentrations exceeded the clinical dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rika Arai
- Department of Microbiology, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, 2-522-1 Noshio, Kiyose, Tokyo 204-8588, Japan
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Kathwate GH, Karuppayil SM. Antifungal properties of the anti-hypertensive drug: Aliskiren. Arch Oral Biol 2013; 58:1109-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2013.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2012] [Revised: 01/31/2013] [Accepted: 02/09/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Wu H, Downs D, Ghosh K, Ghosh AK, Staib P, Monod M, Tang J. Candida albicans secreted aspartic proteases 4-6 induce apoptosis of epithelial cells by a novel Trojan horse mechanism. FASEB J 2013; 27:2132-44. [PMID: 23430844 PMCID: PMC6188231 DOI: 10.1096/fj.12-214353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2012] [Accepted: 02/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Systemic infection by the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans produces high mortality in immune-compromised people. Such infection starts with the penetration of the organism at the mucosal surfaces, facilitated by the secreted aspartic proteases (Saps) 4, 5, and 6. The functional mechanism of these virulence factors is unclear. We discovered that Saps 4-6 each contains amino acid motifs RGD/KGD to bind integrins on epithelial cell A549 and are internalized to endosomes and lysosomes. These processes are inhibited by RGD-containing peptides or by substituting RGD motifs of these Saps. The internalization of Saps 4-6 results in partial permeabilization of lysosomal membranes, measured by the redistribution of the lysosomal tropic dye acridine orange to the cytosol, and the triggering of apoptosis via caspase activation. Sap 2 and mutated Saps 4-6 contain no RGD motif, are ineffective in these processes, and a proteolytic inhibitor abolished Sap 4 activity in lysosome permeabilization. Same results were also seen for human tongue keratinocyte SCC-15 cells. Mucosal lesions from this fundamental new mechanism may permit C. albicans to enter the body and may be used to attack cells in immune defense during systemic infections. RGD-motif may also be incorporated in Sap inhibitors for Candidiasis drugs targeting to lysosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wu
- Protein Studies Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Deborah Downs
- Protein Studies Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Koena Ghosh
- Department of Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Inidana, USA
| | - Arun K. Ghosh
- Department of Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Inidana, USA
| | - Peter Staib
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany; and
| | - Michel Monod
- Laboratoire de Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jordan Tang
- Protein Studies Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
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29
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Samaranayake YH, Cheung BPK, Yau JYY, Yeung SKW, Samaranayake LP. Human serum promotes Candida albicans biofilm growth and virulence gene expression on silicone biomaterial. PLoS One 2013; 8:e62902. [PMID: 23704884 PMCID: PMC3660551 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0062902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2013] [Accepted: 03/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Systemic candidal infections are a common problem in hospitalized patients due to central venous catheters fabricated using silicone biomaterial (SB). We therefore evaluated the effect of human serum on C. albicans biofilm morphology, growth, and the expression of virulence-related genes on SB in vitro. Methods We cultivated C. albicans SC5314 (wild-type strain, WT) and its derivative HLC54 (hyphal mutant, HM) for 48 h in various conditions, including the presence or absence of SB discs, and human serum. The growth of planktonic and biofilm cells of both strains was monitored at three time points by a tetrazolium salt reduction assay and by scanning electron microscopy. We also analyzed by RT-PCR its expression of the virulence-related genes ALS3, HWP1, EAP1, ECE1, SAP1 - SAP10, PLB1, PLB2, PLC and PLD. Results At each time point, planktonic cells of WT strain cultured in yeast nitrogen base displayed a much higher expression of EAP1 and HWP1, and a moderately higher ALS3 expression, than HM cells. In planktonic cells, expression of the ten SAP genes was higher in the WT strain initially, but were highly expressed in the HM strain by 48 h. Biofilm growth of both strains on SB was promoted in the presence of human serum than in its absence. Significant upregulation of ALS3, HWP1, EAP1, ECE1, SAP1, SAP4, SAP6 - SAP10, PLB1, PLB2 and PLC was observed for WT biofilms grown on serum-treated SB discs for at least one time point, compared with biofilms on serum-free SB discs. Conclusions Human serum stimulates C. albicans biofilm growth on SB discs and upregulates the expression of virulence genes, particularly adhesion genes ALS3 and HWP1, and hydrolase-encoding genes SAP, PLB1 and PLB2. This response is likely to promote the colonization of this versatile pathogen within the human host.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Becky P. K. Cheung
- Oral Bio-sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Joyce Y. Y. Yau
- Oral Bio-sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shadow K. W. Yeung
- Oral Bio-sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Mehra T, Köberle M, Braunsdorf C, Mailänder-Sanchez D, Borelli C, Schaller M. Alternative approaches to antifungal therapies. Exp Dermatol 2013; 21:778-82. [PMID: 23078400 DOI: 10.1111/exd.12004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The expansive use of immunosuppressive medications in fields such as transplantational medicine and oncology, the higher frequency of invasive procedures in an ageing population and the HIV/AIDS pandemic have increased the frequency of systemic fungal infections. At the same time, increased resistance of pathogenic fungi to classical antifungal agents has led to sustained research efforts targeting alternative antifungal strategies. In this review, we focus on two promising approaches: cationic peptides and the targeting of fungal virulence factors. Cationic peptides are small, predominantly positively charged protein fragments that exert direct and indirect antifungal activities, one mechanism of action being the permeabilization of the fungal membrane. They include lysozyme, defensins and cathelicidins as well as novel synthetic peptides. Among fungal virulence factors, the targeting of candidal secreted aspartic proteinases seems to be a particularly promising approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarun Mehra
- Department of Dermatology, Eberhard-Karls-University, Tübingen, Germany
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Abstract
Since the early 1990's, the death rate from AIDS among adults has declined in most developed countries, largely because of newer antiretroviral therapies and improved access to these therapies. In addition, from 2006 to 2011, the total number of new cases of HIV infection worldwide has declined somewhat and has remained relatively constant. Nevertheless, because of the large numbers of existing and new cases of HIV infection, the dental practitioner and other healthcare practitioners will still be required to treat oral and periodontal conditions unique to HIV/AIDS as well as conventional periodontal diseases in HIV-infected adults and children. The oral and periodontal conditions most closely associated with HIV infection include oral candidiasis, oral hairy leukoplakia, Kaposi's sarcoma, salivary gland diseases, oral warts, other oral viral infections, linear gingival erythema and necrotizing gingival and periodontal diseases. While the incidence and prevalence of these oral lesions and conditions appear to be declining, in part because of antiretroviral therapy, dental and healthcare practitioners will need to continue to diagnose and treat the more conventional periodontal diseases in these HIV-infected populations. Finding low-cost and easily accessible and acceptable diagnostic and treatment approaches for both the microbiological and the inflammatory aspects of periodontal diseases in these populations are of particular importance, as the systemic spread of the local microbiota and inflammatory products of periodontal diseases may have adverse effects on both the progression of HIV infection and the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy approaches. Developing and assessing low-cost and accessible diagnostic and treatment approaches to periodontal diseases, particularly in developing countries, will require an internationally coordinated effort to design and conduct standardized clinical trials.
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Lin JN, Lin CC, Lai CH, Yang YL, Chen HT, Weng HC, Hsieh LY, Kuo YC, Lauderdale TL, Tseng FC, Lin HH, Lo HJ. Predisposing factors for oropharyngeal colonization of yeasts in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients: a prospective cross-sectional study. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2012; 46:129-35. [PMID: 22921200 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2012.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2011] [Revised: 10/27/2011] [Accepted: 01/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oropharyngeal candidiasis continues to be a major opportunistic infection in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. The objectives of this study were to investigate the prevalence, associated factors, and microbiologic features for oropharyngeal yeast colonization in HIV-infected patients. METHODS From October to December 2009, consecutive HIV-infected patients older than 18 years were recruited in this study. Demographic information, underlying conditions, and clinical histories were collected. Oropharyngeal swab cultures for yeasts and antifungal drug susceptibilities of the isolates were performed. RESULTS Of the 105 HIV-infected patients, 54 (51.4%) were colonized with yeasts, including 11 patients (20.4%) with more than one species. Among the 68 isolates, Candida albicans accounted for 73.5%, followed by Candida tropicalis (5.9%), Candida glabrata (5.9%), and Candida dubliniensis (4.4%). There were 7.5% and 6% Candida isolates resistant to fluconazole and voriconazole, respectively. All of the Candida isolates were susceptible to amphotericin B. A higher prevalence of yeast colonization was noted in patients with a CD4 cell count ≤200 cells/μL (p = 0.032). Multivariate regression analysis showed that intravenous drug use was an independent associated factor for oropharyngeal yeast colonization (odds ratio, 5.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.39-20.6; p = 0.015), as well as protease inhibitor-containing antiretroviral therapy (odds ratio, 3.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.41-9.12; p = 0.007). CONCLUSION Despite previous studies showing that protease inhibitors decreased Candida adhesion to epithelial cells in vitro, the current study found protease inhibitor-containing antiretroviral therapy predisposed to oropharyngeal yeast colonization in HIV-infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiun-Nong Lin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Calugi C, Guarna A, Trabocchi A. Insight into the structural similarity between HIV protease and secreted aspartic protease-2 and binding mode analysis of HIV-Candida albicans inhibitors. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2012; 28:936-43. [PMID: 22803674 DOI: 10.3109/14756366.2012.696245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The analysis of the structural similarity between Candida albicans Sap2 and HIV-1 aspartic proteases by molecular modeling gave insight into the common requirements for inhibition of both targets. Structure superimposition of Sap2 and HIV-1 protease confirmed the similarity between their active sites and flap regions. HIV-1 protease inhibitors herein investigated can fit the active site of Sap2, adopting very similar ligand-backbone conformations. In particular, key anchoring sites consisting of Gly85 in Sap2 and Ile50 in HIV-1 protease, both belonging to their corresponding flap regions, were found as elements of a similar binding-mode interaction. The knowledge of the molecular basis for binding to both Sap2 and HIV-1 proteases may ultimately lead to the development of single inhibitor acting on both targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Calugi
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence , Florence , Italy
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Demarchi IG, Cardozo DM, Aristides SMA, Moliterno RA, Silveira TGV, Cardoso RF, Bertolini DA, Svidzinski TIE, Teixeira JJV, Lonardoni MVC. Activity of antiretroviral drugs in human infections by opportunistic agents. BRAZ J PHARM SCI 2012. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-82502012000100019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is used in patients infected with HIV. This treatment has been shown to significantly decrease opportunist infections such as those caused by viruses, fungi and particularly, protozoa. The use of HAART in HIV-positive persons is associated with immune reconstitution as well as decreased prevalence of oral candidiasis and candidal carriage. Antiretroviral therapy benefits patients who are co-infected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8), Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis B virus (HBV), parvovirus B19 and cytomegalovirus (CMV). HAART has also led to a significant reduction in the incidence, and the modification of characteristics, of bacteremia by etiological agents such as Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase negative staphylococcus, non-typhoid species of Salmonella, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. HAART can modify the natural history of cryptosporidiosis and microsporidiosis, and restore mucosal immunity, leading to the eradication of Cryptosporidium parvum. A similar restoration of immune response occurs in infections by Toxoplasma gondii. The decline in the incidence of visceral leishmaniasis/HIV co-infection can be observed after the introduction of protease inhibitor therapy. Current findings are highly relevant for clinical medicine and may serve to reduce the number of prescribed drugs thereby improving the quality of life of patients with opportunistic diseases.
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Dostál J, Brynda J, Hrušková-Heidingsfeldová O, Pachl P, Pichová I, Rezáčová P. The crystal structure of protease Sapp1p from Candida parapsilosis in complex with the HIV protease inhibitor ritonavir. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2011; 27:160-5. [PMID: 22146051 DOI: 10.3109/14756366.2011.627508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Secreted aspartic proteases (Saps) are extracellular proteolytic enzymes that enhance the virulence of Candida pathogens. These enzymes therefore represent possible targets for therapeutic drug design. Saps are inhibited by nanomolar concentrations of the classical inhibitor of aspartic proteases pepstatin A and also by the inhibitors of the HIV protease, but with the K(i) of micromolar values or higher. To contribute to the discussion regarding whether HIV protease inhibitors can act against opportunistic mycoses by the inhibition of Saps, we determined the structure of Sapp1p from Candida parapsilosis in complex with ritonavir (RTV), a clinically used inhibitor of the HIV protease. The crystal structure refined at resolution 2.4 Å proved binding of RTV into the active site of Sapp1p and provided the structural information necessary to evaluate the stability and specificity of the protein-inhibitor interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiří Dostál
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic , v.v.i., Prague, Czech Republic
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36
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Quimby K, Lilly EA, Zacharek M, McNulty K, Leigh JE, Vazquez JE, Fidel PL. CD8 T cells and E-cadherin in host responses against oropharyngeal candidiasis. Oral Dis 2011; 18:153-61. [PMID: 21958417 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-0825.2011.01856.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) is the most common oral infection in HIV(+) persons. Previous studies suggest a role for CD8(+) T cells against OPC when CD4(+) T cells are lost, but enhanced susceptibility to infection occurs when CD8(+) T-cell migration is inhibited by reduced tissue E-cadherin. OBJECTIVE To conduct a longitudinal study of tissue CD8(+) T-cells and E-cadherin expression before, during, and after the episodes of OPC. METHODS Oral fungal burden was monitored and tissue was evaluated for CD8(+) T cells and E-cadherin over a 1-year period in HIV(+) persons with a history of, or an acute episode of, OPC. RESULTS While longitudinal analyses precluded formal interpretations, point prevalence analyses of the data set revealed that when patients experiencing OPC were successfully treated, tissue E-cadherin expression was similar to that in patients who had not experienced OPC, and higher numbers of CD8(+) T cells were distributed throughout OPC(-) tissue under normal expression of E-cadherin. CONCLUSION These results suggest that (1) reduction in tissue E-cadherin expression in patients with OPC(+) is not permanent, and (2) high numbers of CD8(+) T cells can be distributed throughout OPC(-) tissue under normal E-cadherin expression. Together, these results extend our previous studies and continue to support a role for CD8(+) T cells in host defense against OPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Quimby
- Department of Oral and Craniofacial Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences, Center School of Dentistry, New Orleans, LA, USA
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Büchold C, Hemberger Y, Heindl C, Welker A, Degel B, Pfeuffer T, Staib P, Schneider S, Rosenthal PJ, Gut J, Morschhäuser J, Bringmann G, Schirmeister T. New cis-configured aziridine-2-carboxylates as aspartic acid protease inhibitors. ChemMedChem 2011; 6:141-52. [PMID: 21082722 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201000370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
A series of 52 cis-configured 1-alkyl-3-phenylaziridine-2-carboxylates were synthesized as new pseudo-irreversible inhibitors of Candida albicans secreted aspartic acid protease 1 (SAP1), SAP2, SAP3, and SAP8. Some of the compounds, which were obtained as diastereomers with S,S- and R,R-configured aziridine rings by Cromwell synthesis of racemic (2R,3S+2S,3R)-dibromophenylpropionic acid ester with amines, followed by ester hydrolysis and coupling to hydrophobic amino acid esters, were separated by preparative HPLC. The absolute configuration of the aziridine ring was assigned by a combination of experimental circular dichroism (CD) investigations and quantum chemical CD calculations. In agreement with previous docking studies, the diastereomers all exhibit similar activity. The compounds were found to be more active against the related mammalian enzyme cathepsin D, presumably due to productive interactions of the N-alkyl substituent with the highly lipophilic S2 pocket. The most active inhibitors (5, 9, 10, 21, and 28), characterized by benzyl, cyclohexylmethyl, tert-butyl, or 1,4-dimethylpentyl moieties at the aziridine nitrogen atom, exhibit k(2nd) values between 500 and 900×10³ M⁻¹ min⁻¹ and K(i) values near or below 1 μM for cathepsin D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Büchold
- Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Germany
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Dos Santos ALS. Protease expression by microorganisms and its relevance to crucial physiological/pathological events. World J Biol Chem 2011; 2:48-58. [PMID: 21537490 PMCID: PMC3083995 DOI: 10.4331/wjbc.v2.i3.48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2011] [Revised: 02/21/2011] [Accepted: 02/28/2011] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The treatment of infections caused by fungi and trypanosomatids is difficult due to the eukaryotic nature of these microbial cells, which are similar in several biochemical and genetic aspects to host cells. Aggravating this scenario, very few antifungal and anti-trypanosomatidal agents are in clinical use and, therefore, therapy is limited by drug safety considerations and their narrow spectrum of activity, efficacy and resistance. The search for new bioactive agents against fungi and trypanosomatids has been expanded because progress in biochemistry and molecular biology has led to a better understanding of important and essential pathways in these microorganisms including nutrition, growth, proliferation, signaling, differentiation and death. In this context, proteolytic enzymes produced by these eukaryotic microorganisms are appointed and, in some cases, proven to be excellent targets for searching novel natural and/or synthetic pharmacological compounds, in order to cure or prevent invasive fungal/trypanosomatid diseases. With this task in mind, our research group and others have focused on aspartic-type proteases, since the activity of this class of hydrolytic enzymes is directly implicated in several facets of basic biological processes of both fungal and trypanosomatid cells as well as due to the participation in numerous events of interaction between these microorganisms and host structures. In the present paper, a concise revision of the beneficial effects of aspartic protease inhibitors, with emphasis on the aspartic protease inhibitors used in the anti-human immunodeficiency virus therapy, will be presented and discussed using our experience with the following microbial models: the yeast Candida albicans, the filamentous fungus Fonsecaea pedrosoi and the protozoan trypanosomatid Leishmania amazonensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Luis Souza Dos Santos
- André Luis Souza dos Santos, Laboratory of Multidisciplinary Studies on Microbial Biochemistry, Department of General Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology Prof. Paulo de Góes, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil
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Tsang CSP, Hong I. HIV protease inhibitors differentially inhibit adhesion of Candida albicans to acrylic surfaces. Mycoses 2011; 53:488-94. [PMID: 19538521 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0507.2009.01743.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), using HIV protease inhibitors, is commonly used in the management of HIV infection. HIV protease inhibitors also have a direct effect on a key virulence factor of Candida albicans, its secreted aspartyl proteinase (Sap). Although protease inhibitors can attenuate Candida adhesion to human epithelial cells, their effects on adhesion to acrylic substances, which is a common component of oral appliances, is unknown. This study investigated whether protease inhibitors affect C. albicans adhesion to acrylic substances. C. albicans suspensions were pretreated with different concentrations of saquinavir, ritonavir or indinavir for 1 h and allowed to adhere on acrylic strips, which had been pretreated with pooled human saliva for 30 min, for another hour in the presence of each drug. The test groups showed a significantly lower degree of adhesion than the controls. Adhesion was reduced by 50% at drug concentrations of 100, 100 and 20 μmol l(-1) for saquinavir, ritonavir and indinavir respectively. In conclusion, protease inhibitors attenuated C. albicans adhesion to an acrylic surface in vitro in a dose-dependent manner, and different protease inhibitors exhibited different degrees of inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S P Tsang
- Oral Rehabilitation, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Abstract
Candida tropicalis is one of the more common Candida causing human disease in tropical countries; the frequency of invasive disease varies by geography causing 3--66% of candidaemia. C. tropicalis is taxonomically close to C. albicans and shares many pathogenic traits. C. tropicalis is particularly virulent in neutropenic hosts commonly with hematogenous seeding to peripheral organs. For candidaemia and invasive candidiasis amphotericin B or an echinocandin are recommended as first-line treatment, with extended-spectrum triazoles acceptable alternatives. Primary fluconazole resistance is uncommon but may be induced on exposure. Physicians in regions where C. tropicalis is common need to be mindful of this lesser-described pathogen.
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Dos Santos ALS. HIV aspartyl protease inhibitors as promising compounds against Candida albicans André Luis Souza dos Santos. World J Biol Chem 2010; 1:21-30. [PMID: 21537366 PMCID: PMC3083943 DOI: 10.4331/wjbc.v1.i2.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2010] [Revised: 02/18/2010] [Accepted: 02/23/2010] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells of Candida albicans (C. albicans) can invade humans and may lead to mucosal and skin infections or to deep-seated mycoses of almost all inner organs, especially in immunocompromised patients. In this context, both the host immune status and the ability of C. albicans to modulate the expression of its virulence factors are relevant aspects that drive the candidal susceptibility or resistance; in this last case, culminating in the establishment of successful infection known as candidiasis. C. albicans possesses a potent armamentarium consisting of several virulence molecules that help the fungal cells to escape of the host immune responses. There is no doubt that the secretion of aspartyl-type proteases, designated as Saps, are one of the major virulence attributes produced by C. albicans cells, since these hydrolytic enzymes participate in a wide range of fungal physiological processes as well as in different facets of the fungal-host interactions. For these reasons, Saps clearly hold promise as new potential drug targets. Corroborating this hypothesis, the introduction of new anti-human immunodeficiency virus drugs of the aspartyl protease inhibitor-type (HIV PIs) have emerged as new agents for the inhibition of Saps. The introduction of HIV PIs has revolutionized the treatment of HIV disease, reducing opportunistic infections, especially candidiasis. The attenuation of candidal infections in HIV-infected individuals might not solely have resulted from improved immunological status, but also as a result of direct inhibition of C. albicans Saps. In this article, we review updates on the beneficial effects of HIV PIs against the human fungal pathogen C. albicans, focusing on the effects of these compounds on Sap activity, growth behavior, morphological architecture, cellular differentiation, fungal adhesion to animal cells and abiotic materials, modulation of virulence factors, experimental candidiasis infection, and their synergistic actions with classical antifungal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Luis Souza Dos Santos
- André Luis Souza dos Santos, Laboratory of Multidisciplinary Studies on Microbial Biochemistry, Department of General Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology Prof. Paulo de Góes, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil
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Cerqueira DF, Portela MB, Pomarico L, de Araújo Soares RM, de Souza IPR, Castro GF. OralCandidacolonization and its relation with predisposing factors in HIV-infected children and their uninfected siblings in Brazil: the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy. J Oral Pathol Med 2010; 39:188-94. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0714.2009.00857.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Braga-Silva LA, Mogami SSV, Valle RS, Silva-Neto ID, Santos ALS. Multiple effects of amprenavir against Candida albicans. FEMS Yeast Res 2009; 10:221-4. [PMID: 20030734 DOI: 10.1111/j.1567-1364.2009.00595.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Secreted aspartyl peptidases (Saps) are virulence attributes produced by Candida albicans that participate in multiple aspects of the fungal biology and pathogenesis. In the present paper, we have shown that amprenavir, a peptidase inhibitor used in HIV chemotherapy, inhibited Sap2 and growth of C. albicans and also promoted ultrastructural alterations. Esterase activity, sterol content, biofilm formation and the expression of surface mannose- and sialic acid-rich glycoconjugates were also reduced by amprenavir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lys A Braga-Silva
- Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Bioquímica Microbiana, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Instituto de Microbiologia Prof. Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Pomarico L, Cerqueira DF, de Araujo Soares RM, de Souza IPR, de Araujo Castro GFB, Socransky S, Haffajee A, Teles RP. Associations among the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy, oral candidiasis, oral Candida species and salivary immunoglobulin A in HIV-infected children. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 108:203-10. [PMID: 19615660 DOI: 10.1016/j.tripleo.2009.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2009] [Revised: 04/19/2009] [Accepted: 05/05/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim was to examine the impact of antiretroviral therapy on the prevalence of oral candidiasis, recovery of oral Candida spp. , and salivary levels of total secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) and Candida-specific SIgA in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children. STUDY DESIGN Sixty-six HIV+ and 40 HIV- children were cross-sectionally examined for the presence of oral lesions. Whole stimulated saliva samples were collected for the identification of Candida spp. using culture and measurement of total and specific SIgA using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS The HIV+ children had a higher prevalence of oral candidiasis (P < .05), higher frequency of detection of Candida spp. (P < .05), and higher levels of total (P < .05) and Candida-specific SIgA (P < .001) than the HIV- children. Among the HIV+ subjects, antiretroviral users had lower viral loads (P < .001) and lower levels of Candida spp. (P < .05) and total SIgA (P < .05) compared with antiretroviral nonusers. CONCLUSIONS The use of antiretroviral therapy was associated with decreases in the prevalence of oral candidiasis. This diminished exposure to Candida spp. was accompanied by decreases in levels of total and Candida-specific SIgA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Pomarico
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Sayer JM, Louis JM. Interactions of different inhibitors with active-site aspartyl residues of HIV-1 protease and possible relevance to pepsin. Proteins 2009; 75:556-68. [PMID: 18951411 DOI: 10.1002/prot.22271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The importance of the active site region aspartyl residues 25 and 29 of the mature HIV-1 protease (PR) for the binding of five clinical and three experimental protease inhibitors [symmetric cyclic urea inhibitor DMP323, nonhydrolyzable substrate analog (RPB) and the generic aspartic protease inhibitor acetyl-pepstatin (Ac-PEP)] was assessed by differential scanning calorimetry. DeltaT(m) values, defined as the difference in T(m) for a given protein in the presence and absence of inhibitor, for PR with DRV, ATV, SQV, RTV, APV, DMP323, RPB, and Ac-PEP are 22.4, 20.8, 19.3, 15.6, 14.3, 14.7, 8.7, and 6.5 degrees C, respectively. Binding of APV and Ac-PEP is most sensitive to the D25N mutation, as shown by DeltaT(m) ratios [DeltaT(m)(PR)/DeltaT(m)(PR(D25N))] of 35.8 and 16.3, respectively, whereas binding of DMP323 and RPB (DeltaT(m) ratios of 1-2) is least affected. Binding of the substrate-like inhibitors RPB and Ac-PEP is nearly abolished (DeltaT(m)(PR)/DeltaT(m)(PR(D29N)) > or = 44) by the D29N mutation, whereas this mutation only moderately affects binding of the smaller inhibitors (DeltaT(m) ratios of 1.4-2.2). Of the nine FDA-approved clinical HIV-1 protease inhibitors screened, APV, RTV, and DRV competitively inhibit porcine pepsin with K(i) values of 0.3, 0.6, and 2.14 microM, respectively. DSC results were consistent with this relatively weak binding of APV (DeltaT(m) 2.7 degrees C) compared with the tight binding of Ac-PEP (DeltaT(m) > or = 17 degrees C). Comparison of superimposed structures of the PR/APV complex with those of PR/Ac-PEP and pepsin/pepstatin A complexes suggests a role for Asp215, Asp32, and Ser219 in pepsin, equivalent to Asp25, Asp25', and Asp29 in PR in the binding and stabilization of the pepsin/APV complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane M Sayer
- Laboratory of Chemical Physics, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH, DHHS, Bethesda, MD 20892-0520, USA
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Macêdo DPC, Farias AMDA, Lima Neto RGD, Silva VKAD, Leal AFG, Neves RP. [Opportunistic yeast infections and enzymatic profile of the etiological agents]. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2009; 42:188-91. [PMID: 19448940 DOI: 10.1590/s0037-86822009000200019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2008] [Accepted: 03/20/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Yeast infections are common in immunocompromised patients, although emerging species have been changing the epidemiological profile. The ability to secrete proteinases has been associated with pathogenicity within the genus Candida. This study had the aims of diagnosing yeast infections in immunocompromised patients and evaluating the virulence of the etiological agents, based on a proteinase secretion assay using bovine serum albumin as a substrate. Out of a total of 104 patients studied, 19 presented episodes of yeast infection. The respiratory tract (63.2%), followed by the urinary tract (10.5%), were the most common sites of infection. Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis and emerging species such as Candida krusei and Candida guilliermondii were isolated. Five isolates of Candida parapsilosis and one of Candida albicans and Candida guilliermondii exhibited high enzymatic activity. We conclude that enzymatic characterization of Candida isolates may be a useful prognostic marker, especially among immunocompromised individuals, since yeast infections in such patients are generally serious.
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Abstract
The Candida albicans cell wall maintains the structural integrity of the organism in addition to providing a physical contact interface with the environment. The major components of the cell wall are fibrillar polysaccharides and proteins. The proteins of the cell wall are the focus of this review. Three classes of proteins are present in the candidal cell wall. One group of proteins attach to the cell wall via a glycophosphatidylinositol remnant or by an alkali-labile linkage. A second group of proteins with N-terminal signal sequences but no covalent attachment sequences are secreted by the classical secretory pathway. These proteins may end up in the cell wall or in the extracellular space. The third group of proteins lack a secretory signal, and the pathway(s) by which they become associated with the surface is unknown. Potential constituents of the first two classes have been predicted from analysis of genome sequences. Experimental analyses have identified members of all three classes. Some members of each class selected for consideration of confirmed or proposed function, phenotypic analysis of a mutant, and regulation by growth conditions and transcription factors are discussed in more detail.
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Lian CH, Liu WD. Differential expression of Candida albicans secreted aspartyl proteinase in human vulvovaginal candidiasis. Mycoses 2008; 50:383-90. [PMID: 17714358 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0507.2007.01384.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The opportunistic pathogen Candida albicans secretes aspartic proteinases (Saps), which raises a particular interest because of their role as virulence factors. Candida albicans possesses at least 10 members of a SAP gene family, all of which have been sequenced. Although the expression of the SAP genes has been extensively characterised under laboratory growth conditions and Saps contribute to the virulence of C. albicans in animal models of infection, few studies have analysed the difference of the in vivo expression of these proteinases in recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC), vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and asymptomatic Candida carriers. The RT-PCR protocol was used to determine which of the SAP 1 to SAP 7 genes are expressed by C. albicans during asymptomatic Candida carriage, VVC and RVVC infection in this study. We found SAP 2, the SAP 4-6 and SAP 7 were the predominant proteinase genes expressed in the sample of both Candida carriers and patients with VVC and RVVC. SAP 2 and SAP 4-6 mRNA were detected in all subjects. SAP 1 and SAP 3 transcripts were observed only in patients with VVC and RVVC. SAP 7 mRNA expressions were detected in several of the patients and carriers samples. All seven SAP genes were simultaneously expressed in some patients with VVC and RVVC. This study demonstrates the differential expression of the secreted aspartic proteinases (Saps) genes during colonisation and VVC and RVVC infection in humans and correlates the expression of specific Candida species virulence genes with active disease and anatomical location.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cui Hong Lian
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing City, China
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Tronchin G, Pihet M, Lopes-Bezerra LM, Bouchara JP. Adherence mechanisms in human pathogenic fungi. Med Mycol 2008; 46:749-72. [DOI: 10.1080/13693780802206435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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Tetracycline-inducible expression of individual secreted aspartic proteases in Candida albicans allows isoenzyme-specific inhibitor screening. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2007; 52:146-56. [PMID: 17954688 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01072-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The yeast Candida albicans possesses a gene family that encodes secreted aspartic proteases (Saps), which are important for the virulence of this human fungal pathogen. Inhibitors of the Saps could therefore be used as novel antimycotic agents for the treatment of C. albicans infections. In the present study, we established a bioassay which allows testing of the activity of potential protease inhibitors against specific Sap isoenzymes by their ability to inhibit protease-dependent growth of C. albicans. In a medium containing bovine serum albumin (BSA) as the sole source of nitrogen, C. albicans specifically expresses the Sap2p isoenzyme, which degrades the BSA and thereby enables the fungus to grow. As the other SAP genes are not significantly expressed under these conditions, mutants lacking SAP2 are unable to utilize BSA as a nitrogen source and cannot grow in such a medium. To investigate whether forced expression of SAP genes other than SAP2 would also allow growth on BSA, we constructed a set of strains expressing each of the 10 SAP genes from a tetracycline-inducible promoter in a sap2Delta mutant background. Expression of Sap1p, Sap2p, Sap3p, Sap4p, Sap5p, Sap6p, Sap8p, and a C-terminally truncated, secreted Sap9p restored the growth of the sap2Delta mutant with different efficiencies. This set of strains was then used to test the activities of various aspartic protease inhibitors against specific Sap isoenzymes by monitoring growth on BSA in the presence of the inhibitors. While pepstatin blocked the activity of all of the Saps tested, the human immunodeficiency virus protease inhibitors ritonavir and saquinavir inhibited growth of the strains expressing Sap1p to Sap3p and Sap1p, respectively, but not that of strains expressing other Saps. Therefore, the strain set can be used to test the activity of new protease inhibitors against individual C. albicans Sap isoenzymes by their ability to block the growth of the pathogen.
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