1
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Hoque MN, Faisal GM, Das ZC, Sakif TI, Al Mahtab M, Hossain MA, Islam T. Genomic features and pathophysiological impact of a multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus warneri variant in murine mastitis. Microbes Infect 2024; 26:105285. [PMID: 38154518 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2023.105285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Non-aureus staphylococci (NAS) represent a major etiological agent in dairy animal mastitis, yet their role and impact remain insufficiently studied. This study aimed to elucidate the genomic characteristics of a newly identified multidrug-resistant NAS strain, specifically Staphylococcus warneri G1M1F, isolated from murine feces in an experimental mastitis model. Surprisingly, NAS species accounted for 54.35 % of murine mastitis cases, with S. warneri being the most prevalent at 40.0 %. S. warneri G1M1F exhibited resistance to 10 major antibiotics. Whole-genome sequencing established a genetic connection between G1M1F and S. warneri strains isolated previously from various sources including mastitis milk in dairy animals, human feces and blood across diverse geographical regions. Genomic analysis of S. warneri G1M1F unveiled 34 antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), 30 virulence factor genes (VFGs), and 278 metabolic features. A significant portion of identified ARGs (64 %) conferred resistance through antibiotic efflux pumps, while VFGs primarily related to bacterial adherence and biofilm formation. Inoculation with G1M1F in mice resulted in pronounced inflammatory lesions in mammary and colon tissues, indicating pathogenic potential. Our findings highlight distinctive genomic traits in S. warneri G1M1F, signifying the emergence of a novel multidrug-resistant NAS variant. These insights contribute to understanding NAS-related mastitis pathophysiology and inform strategies for effective treatment in dairy animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Nazmul Hoque
- Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Reproductive Health, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU), Gazipur 1706, Bangladesh.
| | - Golam Mahbub Faisal
- Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Reproductive Health, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU), Gazipur 1706, Bangladesh
| | - Ziban Chandra Das
- Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Reproductive Health, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU), Gazipur 1706, Bangladesh
| | | | - Mamun Al Mahtab
- Interventional Hepatology Division, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - M Anwar Hossain
- Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Tofazzal Islam
- Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (IBGE), BSMRAU, Gazipur 1706, Bangladesh
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2
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Motta C, Pellegrini A, Camaione S, Geoghegan J, Speziale P, Barbieri G, Pietrocola G. von Willebrand factor-binding protein (vWbp)-activated factor XIII and transglutaminase 2 (TG2) promote cross-linking between FnBPA from Staphylococcus aureus and fibrinogen. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11683. [PMID: 37468579 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38972-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The secreted von Willebrand factor-binding protein (vWbp) from Staphylococcus aureus interacts with the coagulation factors prothrombin and fibrinogen (Fbg), leading to the non-proteolytic transglutaminase activation of Factor XIII (FXIII). In this study we found that vWbp-activated FXIII catalyses the incorporation of amino-donor dansylcadaverine into region A of fibronectin-binding protein A (FnBPA). Incubation of Fbg with recombinant region A of S. aureus Fbg-binding proteins FnBPA, FnBPB, ClfA or ClfB in presence of vWbp-activated FXIII resulted in the formation of high molecular heteropolymers with FnBPA only, suggesting a specificity of the cross-linking reaction between fibrin(ogen) and the staphylococcal surface. As previously observed, cross-linking sites were mapped to the α-chain and the N1 subdomain of fibrin(ogen) and region A of FnBPA, respectively. Comparable results were obtained when tissue tranglutaminase-2 (TG2) was tested for cross-linking of FnBPA and Fbg. Of note, FnBPA-mediated covalent cross-linking promoted by vWbp-activated FXIII was also observed when bacteria were allowed to attach to fibrin(ogen). Together these findings suggest a novel pathogenetic mechanism by which the transglutaminase action of FXIII and/or TG2 contributes to entrapment and persistence of S. aureus in blood and host tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Motta
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Camaione
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Joan Geoghegan
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Pietro Speziale
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giulia Barbieri
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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3
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Chen X, Hu C, Shu Z, Wang X, Zhao Y, Song W, Chen X, Jin M, Xiu Y, Guo X, Kong X, Jiang Y, Guan J, Gongga L, Wang L, Wang B. Isovanillic acid protects mice against Staphylococcus aureus by targeting vWbp and Coa. Future Microbiol 2023; 18:735-749. [PMID: 37526178 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2022-0219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: Our primary objective was to investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of isovanillic acid in mice infected with Staphylococcus aureus Newman. Methods: In vitro coagulation assays were used to validate vWbp and Coa as inhibitory targets of isovanillic acid. The binding mechanism of isovanillic acid to vWbp and Coa was investigated using molecular docking and point mutagenesis. Importantly, a lethal pneumonia mouse model was used to assess the effect of isovanillic acid on survival and pathological injury in mice. Results & Conclusion: Isovanillic acid reduced the virulence of S. aureus by directly binding to inhibit the clotting activity of vWbp and Coa, thereby reducing lung histopathological damage and improving the survival rate in mice with pneumonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangqian Chen
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Chunjie Hu
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, China
- Proctology Department, Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Zunhua Shu
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, China
- The Third Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Xingye Wang
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Yicheng Zhao
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, China
- Center for Pathogen Biology & Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun,130021, China
| | - Wu Song
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Xiaoyu Chen
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Mengli Jin
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Yang Xiu
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Xuerui Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Xiangri Kong
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Yijing Jiang
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Jiyu Guan
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Lanzi Gongga
- Tibet University Medical College, Tibet, 850000, China
| | - Li Wang
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Bingmei Wang
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, China
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4
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Francis D, Bhairaddy A, Joy A, Hari GV, Francis A. Secretory proteins in the orchestration of microbial virulence: The curious case of Staphylococcus aureus. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2023; 133:271-350. [PMID: 36707204 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2022.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Microbial virulence showcases an excellent model for adaptive changes that enable an organism to survive and proliferate in a hostile environment and exploit host resources to its own benefit. In Staphylococcus aureus, an opportunistic pathogen of the human host, known for the diversity of the disease conditions it inflicts and the rapid evolution of antibiotic resistance, virulence is a consequence of having a highly plastic genome that is amenable to quick reprogramming and the ability to express a diverse arsenal of virulence factors. Virulence factors that are secreted to the host milieu effectively manipulate the host conditions to favor bacterial survival and growth. They assist in colonization, nutrient acquisition, immune evasion, and systemic spread. The structural and functional characteristics of the secreted virulence proteins have been shaped to assist S. aureus in thriving and disseminating effectively within the host environment and exploiting the host resources to its best benefit. With the aim of highlighting the importance of secreted virulence proteins in bacterial virulence, the present chapter provides a comprehensive account of the role of the major secreted proteins of S. aureus in orchestrating its virulence in the human host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dileep Francis
- Department of Life Sciences, Kristu Jayanti College, Autonomous, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
| | - Anusha Bhairaddy
- Department of Life Sciences, Kristu Jayanti College, Autonomous, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Atheene Joy
- Department of Life Sciences, Kristu Jayanti College, Autonomous, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Ashik Francis
- Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
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5
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Risser F, López-Morales J, Nash MA. Adhesive Virulence Factors of Staphylococcus aureus Resist Digestion by Coagulation Proteases Thrombin and Plasmin. ACS BIO & MED CHEM AU 2022; 2:586-599. [PMID: 36573096 PMCID: PMC9782320 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomedchemau.2c00042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is an invasive and life-threatening pathogen that has undergone extensive coevolution with its mammalian hosts. Its molecular adaptations include elaborate mechanisms for immune escape and hijacking of the coagulation and fibrinolytic pathways. These capabilities are enacted by virulence factors including microbial surface components recognizing adhesive matrix molecules (MSCRAMMs) and the plasminogen-activating enzyme staphylokinase (SAK). Despite the ability of S. aureus to modulate coagulation, until now the sensitivity of S. aureus virulence factors to digestion by proteases of the coagulation system was unknown. Here, we used protein engineering, biophysical assays, and mass spectrometry to study the susceptibility of S. aureus MSCRAMMs to proteolytic digestion by human thrombin, plasmin, and plasmin/SAK complexes. We found that MSCRAMMs were highly resistant to proteolysis, and that SAK binding to plasmin enhanced this resistance. We mapped thrombin, plasmin, and plasmin/SAK cleavage sites of nine MSCRAMMs and performed biophysical, bioinformatic, and stability analysis to understand structural and sequence features common to protease-susceptible sites. Overall, our study offers comprehensive digestion patterns of S. aureus MSCRAMMs by thrombin, plasmin, and plasmin/SAK complexes and paves the way for new studies into this resistance and virulence mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Risser
- Institute
of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland,Department
of Biosystems Sciences and Engineering, ETH Zurich, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Joanan López-Morales
- Institute
of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland,Department
of Biosystems Sciences and Engineering, ETH Zurich, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michael A. Nash
- Institute
of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland,Department
of Biosystems Sciences and Engineering, ETH Zurich, 4058 Basel, Switzerland,E-mail:
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6
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Staphylococcus aureus increases platelet reactivity in patients with infective endocarditis. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12933. [PMID: 35902612 PMCID: PMC9334290 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16681-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Thromboembolism is frequent in infective endocarditis (IE). However, the optimal antithrombotic regimen in IE is unknown. Staphylococcus aureus (SA) is the leading cause of IE. First studies emphasize increased platelet reactivity by SA. In this pilot study, we hypothesized that platelet reactivity is increased in patients with SA− IE, which could be abrogated by antiplatelet medication. We conducted a prospective, observatory, single-center cohort study in 114 patients with IE, with four cohorts: (1) SA coagulase positive IE without aspirin (ASA) medication, (2) coagulase negative IE without ASA, (3) SA coagulase positive IE with ASA, (4) coagulase negative IE with ASA. Platelet function was measured by Multiplate electrode aggregometry, blood clotting by ROTEM thromboelastometry. Bleeding events were assessed according to TIMI classification. In ASA-naïve patients, aggregation with ADP was increased with coag. pos. IE (coagulase negative: 39.47 ± 4.13 AUC vs. coagulase positive: 59.46 ± 8.19 AUC, p = 0.0219). This was abrogated with ASA medication (coagulase negative: 42.4 ± 4.67 AUC vs. coagulase positive: 45.11 ± 6.063 AUC p = 0.7824). Aspirin did not increase bleeding in SA positive patients. However, in SA negative patients with aspirin, red blood cell transfusions were enhanced. SA coagulase positive IE is associated with increased platelet reactivity. This could be abrogated by aspirin without increased bleeding risk. The results of this pilot study suggest that ASA might be beneficial in SA coagulase positive IE. This needs to be confirmed in clinical trials.
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7
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Lerche CJ, Schwartz F, Pries-Heje MM, Fosbøl EL, Iversen K, Jensen PØ, Høiby N, Hyldegaard O, Bundgaard H, Moser C. Potential Advances of Adjunctive Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Infective Endocarditis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:805964. [PMID: 35186793 PMCID: PMC8851036 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.805964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with infective endocarditis (IE) form a heterogeneous group by age, co-morbidities and severity ranging from stable patients to patients with life-threatening complications with need for intensive care. A large proportion need surgical intervention. In-hospital mortality is 15-20%. The concept of using hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in other severe bacterial infections has been used for many decades supported by various preclinical and clinical studies. However, the availability and capacity of HBOT may be limited for clinical practice and we still lack well-designed studies documenting clinical efficacy. In the present review we highlight the potential beneficial aspects of adjunctive HBOT in patients with IE. Based on the pathogenesis and pathophysiological conditions of IE, we here summarize some of the important mechanisms and effects by HBOT in relation to infection and inflammation in general. In details, we elaborate on the aspects and impact of HBOT in relation to the host response, tissue hypoxia, biofilm, antibiotics and pathogens. Two preclinical (animal) studies have shown beneficial effect of HBOT in IE, but so far, no clinical study has evaluated the feasibility of HBOT in IE. New therapeutic options in IE are much needed and adjunctive HBOT might be a therapeutic option in certain IE patients to decrease morbidity and mortality and improve the long-term outcome of this severe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Johann Lerche
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Virus and Microbiology Special Diagnostics, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- *Correspondence: Christian Johann Lerche,
| | - Franziska Schwartz
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mia Marie Pries-Heje
- Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Emil Loldrup Fosbøl
- Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kasper Iversen
- Department of Cardiology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Peter Østrup Jensen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Costerton Biofilm Center, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Høiby
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Costerton Biofilm Center, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ole Hyldegaard
- Department of Anaesthesia, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henning Bundgaard
- Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Claus Moser
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Costerton Biofilm Center, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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8
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Maddur AA, Voehler M, Panizzi P, Meiler J, Bock PE, Verhamme IM. Mapping of the fibrinogen-binding site on the staphylocoagulase C-terminal repeat region. J Biol Chem 2021; 298:101493. [PMID: 34915025 PMCID: PMC8761706 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrin (Fbn) deposits are a hallmark of staphylocoagulase (SC)-positive endocarditis. Binding of the N terminus of Staphylococcus aureus SC to host prothrombin triggers formation of an active SC·prothrombin∗ complex that cleaves host fibrinogen to Fbn. In addition, the C-terminal domain of the prototypical SC contains one pseudorepeat (PR) and seven repeats (R1 → R7) that bind fibrinogen/Fbn fragment D (frag D) by a mechanism that is unclear. Here, we define affinities and stoichiometries of frag D binding to C-terminal SC constructs, using fluorescence equilibrium binding, NMR titration, alanine scanning, and native PAGE. We found that constructs containing the PR and single repeats bound frag D with KD ∼50 to 130 nM and a 1:1 stoichiometry, indicating a conserved binding site bridging the PR and each repeat. NMR titration of PR-R7 with frag D revealed that residues 22 to 49, bridging PR and R7, constituted the minimal peptide (MP) for binding, corroborated by alanine scanning, and binding of labeled MP to frag D. MP alignment with the PR-R and inter-repeat junctions identified critical conserved residues. Full-length PR-(R1 → R7) bound frag D with KD ∼20 nM and a stoichiometry of 1:5, whereas constructs containing the PR and various three repeats competed with PR-(R1 → R7) for frag D binding, with a 1:3 stoichiometry. These findings are consistent with binding at PR-R and R-R junctions with modest inter-repeat sequence variability. CD of PR-R7 and PR-(R1 → R7) suggested a disordered flexible structure, allowing binding of multiple fibrin(ogen) molecules. Taken together, these results provide insights into pathogen localization on host fibrin networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashoka A. Maddur
- FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, College Station, Texas, USA,For correspondence: Ingrid M. Verhamme; Ashoka A. Maddur
| | - Markus Voehler
- Vanderbilt Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Peter Panizzi
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Jens Meiler
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA,Institute for Drug Discovery, Leipzig University Medical School, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Paul E. Bock
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Ingrid M. Verhamme
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA,For correspondence: Ingrid M. Verhamme; Ashoka A. Maddur
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9
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Alfeo MJ, Pagotto A, Barbieri G, Foster TJ, Vanhoorelbeke K, De Filippis V, Speziale P, Pietrocola G. Staphylococcus aureus iron-regulated surface determinant B (IsdB) protein interacts with von Willebrand factor and promotes adherence to endothelial cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22799. [PMID: 34815454 PMCID: PMC8611056 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02065-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is the cause of a spectrum of diseases in humans and animals. The molecular basis of this pathogenicity lies in the expression of a variety of virulence factors, including proteins that mediate adherence to the host plasma and extracellular matrix proteins. In this study, we discovered that the iron-regulated surface determinant B (IsdB) protein, besides being involved in iron transport and vitronectin binding, interacts with von Willebrand Factor (vWF). IsdB-expressing bacteria bound to both soluble and immobilized vWF. The binding of recombinant IsdB to vWF was blocked by heparin and reduced at high ionic strength. Furthermore, treatment with ristocetin, an allosteric agent that promotes the exposure of the A1 domain of vWF, potentiates the binding of IsdB to vWF. Both near-iron transporter motifs NEAT1 and NEAT2 of IsdB individually bound recombinant A1 domain with KD values in the micromolar range. The binding of IsdB and adhesion of S. aureus expressing IsdB to monolayers of activated endothelial cells was significantly inhibited by a monoclonal antibody against the A1 domain and by IsdB reactive IgG from patients with staphylococcal endocarditis. This suggests the importance of IsdB in adherence of S. aureus to the endothelium colonization and as potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariangela J Alfeo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Biochemistry Unit, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 3/b, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna Pagotto
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Via Marzolo 5, 35131, Padua, Italy
| | - Giulia Barbieri
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Timothy J Foster
- Microbiology Department, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Karen Vanhoorelbeke
- Laboratory for Thrombosis Research, KU Leuven Campus Kulak Kortrijk, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Vincenzo De Filippis
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Via Marzolo 5, 35131, Padua, Italy
| | - Pietro Speziale
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Biochemistry Unit, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 3/b, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giampiero Pietrocola
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Biochemistry Unit, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 3/b, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
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10
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Xiang H, Yang P, Wang L, Li J, Wang T, Xue J, Wang D, Ma H. Isovitexin Is a Direct Inhibitor of Staphylococcus aureus Coagulase. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 31:1350-1357. [PMID: 34409949 PMCID: PMC9706020 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2105.05013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a major pathogen that causes human pneumonia, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. S. aureus coagulase (Coa) triggers the polymerization of fibrin by activating host prothrombin, which then converts fibrinogen to fibrin and contributes to S. aureus pathogenesis and persistent infection. In our research, we demonstrate that isovitexin, an active traditional Chinese medicine component, can inhibit the coagulase activity of Coa but does not interfere with the growth of S. aureus. Furthermore, we show through thermal shift and fluorescence quenching assays that isovitexin directly binds to Coa. Dynamic simulation and structure-activity relationship analyses suggest that V191 and P268 are key amino acid residues responsible for the binding of isovitexin to Coa. Taken together, these data indicate that isovitexin is a direct Coa inhibitor and a promising candidate for drug development against S. aureus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Xiang
- College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, P.R. China,College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, P.R. China,The Key Laboratory of New Veterinary Drug Research and Development of Jilin Province, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, P.R. China
| | - Panpan Yang
- College of Basic Medical Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, P.R. China
| | - Li Wang
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, P.R. China
| | - Jiaxin Li
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, P.R. China
| | - Tiedong Wang
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, P.R. China
| | - Junze Xue
- College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, P.R. China,College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, P.R. China,The Key Laboratory of New Veterinary Drug Research and Development of Jilin Province, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, P.R. China
| | - Dacheng Wang
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, P.R. China,Corresponding author Phone: +86-431-84532812 E-mail:
| | - Hongxia Ma
- College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, P.R. China,College of Life Science, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, P.R. China,The Engineering Research Center of Bioreactor and Drug Development, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, P.R. China,Corresponding author Phone: +86-431-84532812 E-mail:
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11
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Pickering AC, Yebra G, Gong X, Goncheva MI, Wee BA, MacFadyen AC, Muehlbauer LF, Alves J, Cartwright RA, Paterson GK, Fitzgerald JR. Evolutionary and Functional Analysis of Coagulase Positivity among the Staphylococci. mSphere 2021; 6:e0038121. [PMID: 34346700 PMCID: PMC8386474 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00381-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The bacterial genus Staphylococcus comprises a large group of pathogenic and nonpathogenic species associated with an array of host species. Staphylococci are differentiated into coagulase-positive or coagulase-negative groups based on the capacity to promote clotting of plasma, a phenotype historically associated with the ability to cause disease. However, the genetic basis of this important diagnostic and pathogenic trait across the genus has not been examined to date. Here, we selected 54 representative staphylococcal species and subspecies to examine coagulation of plasma derived from six representative host species. In total, 13 staphylococcal species mediated coagulation of plasma from at least one host species including one previously identified as coagulase negative (Staphylococcus condimenti). Comparative genomic analysis revealed that coagulase activity correlated with the presence of a gene (vwb) encoding the von Willebrand binding protein (vWbp) whereas only the Staphylococcus aureus complex contained a gene encoding staphylocoagulase (Coa), the classical mediator of coagulation. Importantly, S. aureus retained vwb-dependent coagulase activity in an S. aureus strain deleted for coa whereas deletion of vwb in Staphylococcus pseudintermedius resulted in loss of coagulase activity. Whole-genome-based phylogenetic reconstruction of the Staphylococcus genus revealed that the vwb gene has been acquired on at least four different occasions during the evolution of the Staphylococcus genus followed by allelic diversification via mutation and recombination. Allelic variants of vWbp from selected coagulase-positive staphylococci mediated coagulation in a host-dependent manner indicative of host-adaptive evolution. Taken together, we have determined the genetic and evolutionary basis of staphylococcal coagulation, revealing vWbp to be its archetypal determinant. IMPORTANCE The ability of some species of staphylococci to promote coagulation of plasma is a key pathogenic and diagnostic trait. Here, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the coagulase positivity of the staphylococci and its evolutionary genetic basis. We demonstrate that the von Willebrand binding protein rather than staphylocoagulase is the archetypal coagulation factor of the staphylococci and that the vwb gene has been acquired several times independently during the evolution of the staphylococci. Subsequently, vwb has undergone adaptive diversification to facilitate host-specific functionality. Our findings provide important insights into the evolution of pathogenicity among the staphylococci and the genetic basis for a defining diagnostic phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy C. Pickering
- The Roslin Institute and Edinburgh Infectious Diseases, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Gonzalo Yebra
- The Roslin Institute and Edinburgh Infectious Diseases, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Xiangyu Gong
- The Roslin Institute and Edinburgh Infectious Diseases, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Mariya I. Goncheva
- The Roslin Institute and Edinburgh Infectious Diseases, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Bryan A. Wee
- The Roslin Institute and Edinburgh Infectious Diseases, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Alison C. MacFadyen
- The Roslin Institute and Edinburgh Infectious Diseases, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Lukas F. Muehlbauer
- The Roslin Institute and Edinburgh Infectious Diseases, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Joana Alves
- The Roslin Institute and Edinburgh Infectious Diseases, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Robyn A. Cartwright
- The Roslin Institute and Edinburgh Infectious Diseases, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Gavin K. Paterson
- The Roslin Institute and Edinburgh Infectious Diseases, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - J. Ross Fitzgerald
- The Roslin Institute and Edinburgh Infectious Diseases, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, Scotland, United Kingdom
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12
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Kearney KJ, Ariëns RAS, Macrae FL. The Role of Fibrin(ogen) in Wound Healing and Infection Control. Semin Thromb Hemost 2021; 48:174-187. [PMID: 34428799 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1732467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Fibrinogen, one of the most abundant plasma proteins playing a key role in hemostasis, is an important modulator of wound healing and host defense against microbes. In the current review, we address the role of fibrin(ogen) throughout the process of wound healing and subsequent tissue repair. Initially fibrin(ogen) acts as a provisional matrix supporting incoming leukocytes and acting as reservoir for growth factors. It later goes on to support re-epithelialization, angiogenesis, and fibroplasia. Importantly, removal of fibrin(ogen) from the wound is essential for wound healing to progress. We also discuss how fibrin(ogen) functions through several mechanisms to protect the host against bacterial infection by providing a physical barrier, entrapment of bacteria in fibrin(ogen) networks, and by directing immune cell function. The central role of fibrin(ogen) in defense against bacterial infection has made it a target of bacterial proteins, evolved to interact with fibrin(ogen) to manipulate clot formation and degradation for the purpose of promoting microbial virulence and survival. Further understanding of the dual roles of fibrin(ogen) in wound healing and infection could provide novel means of therapy to improve recovery from surgical or chronic wounds and help to prevent infection from highly virulent bacterial strains, including those resistant to antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine J Kearney
- Discovery and Translational Science Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Robert A S Ariëns
- Discovery and Translational Science Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom.,Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Fraser L Macrae
- Discovery and Translational Science Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
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13
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Butt JH, Fosbøl EL, Verhamme P, Gerds TA, Iversen K, Bundgaard H, Bruun NE, Larsen AR, Petersen A, Andersen PS, Skov RL, Gislason GH, Torp-Pedersen C, Køber L, Olesen JB. Dabigatran and the Risk of Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia: A Nationwide Cohort Study. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 73:480-486. [PMID: 32478836 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment with dabigatran, an oral direct thrombin inhibitor, reduces the virulence of Staphylococcus aureus in in vitro and in vivo models. However, it remains to be determined whether dabigatran reduces the risk of S. aureus infections in humans. We investigated the incidence rate of S. aureus bacteremia (SAB) in patients with atrial fibrillation treated with the direct thrombin inhibitor dabigatran compared with patients treated with the factor Xa-inhibitors rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban. METHODS In this observational cohort study, 112 537 patients with atrial fibrillation who initiated treatment with direct oral anticoagulants (August 2011-December 2017) were identified from Danish nationwide registries. The incidence rates of SAB in patients treated with dabigatran versus patients treated with the factor Xa-inhibitors were examined by multivariable Cox regression accounting for time-dynamic changes in exposure status during follow-up. RESULTS A total of 112 537 patients were included. During a median follow-up of 2.0 years, 186 patients in the dabigatran group and 356 patients in the factor Xa-inhibitor group were admitted with SAB. The crude incidence rate of SAB was lower in the dabigatran group compared with the factor Xa-inhibitor group (22.8 [95% confidence interval [CI], 19.7-26.3] and 33.8 [95% CI, 30.5-37.6] events per 10 000 person-years, respectively). In adjusted analyses, dabigatran was associated with a significantly lower incidence rate of SAB compared with factor Xa-inhibitors (incidence rate ratio, .76; 95% CI, .63-.93). CONCLUSIONS Treatment with dabigatran was associated with a significantly lower incidence rate of SAB compared with treatment with factor Xa-inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jawad H Butt
- Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Emil L Fosbøl
- Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter Verhamme
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thomas A Gerds
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,The Danish Heart Foundation, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kasper Iversen
- Department of Cardiology, Herlev and Gentofte University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Henning Bundgaard
- Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Eske Bruun
- Department of Cardiology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Clinical Institute, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | | | | | - Paal S Andersen
- Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | | | - Gunnar H Gislason
- The Danish Heart Foundation, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Cardiology, Herlev and Gentofte University Hospital, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Christian Torp-Pedersen
- Department of Cardiology and Clinical Investigation, Nordsjællands Hospital, Hillerød, Denmark.,Department of Cardiology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Lars Køber
- Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jonas B Olesen
- Department of Cardiology, Herlev and Gentofte University Hospital, Hellerup, Denmark
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14
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Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus can target a variety of tissues, causing life-threatening infections. The basis for this diversity stems from the microorganism’s ability to spread in the vascular system throughout the body. To survive in blood, S. aureus coats itself with a fibrinogen (Fg)/fibrin shield. The protective shield is assembled by the coordinated actions of a number of Fg-binding bacterial proteins that manipulate the host’s blood coagulation system. Several of the Fg binders appear redundant, sharing similar functional motifs. This observation led us to screen for the presence of novel proteins with significant amino acid identities to von Willebrand factor-binding protein (vWbp), a key component in the shield assembly machinery. One identified protein showed significant sequence identity with the C-terminal region of vWbp, and we consequently named it vWbp homologous protein (vhp). The vhp gene lies within a cluster of genes that encode other virulence factors in S. aureus. Although each isolate only contains one copy of the vhp gene, S. aureus has at least three distinct alleles, vhpA, B, and C, that are present in the core genome. All three vhp isoforms bind Fg with high affinity, targeting a site located in the D fragment of Fg. We further identified an ∼79 amino acid-long, conserved segment within the C-terminal region of vWbp that shares high sequence identities (54 to 67%) with the vhps and binds soluble Fg with high affinity. Further analysis of this conserved motif and the intact vhps revealed intriguing differences in the Fg binding behavior, perhaps suggesting that these proteins have similar but discrete functions in the shield assembly.
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15
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Panizzi P, Krohn-Grimberghe M, Keliher E, Ye YX, Grune J, Frodermann V, Sun Y, Muse CG, Bushey K, Iwamoto Y, van Leent MMT, Meerwaldt A, Toner YC, Munitz J, Maier A, Soultanidis G, Calcagno C, Pérez-Medina C, Carlucci G, Riddell KP, Barney S, Horne G, Anderson B, Maddur-Appajaiah A, Verhamme IM, Bock PE, Wojtkiewicz GR, Courties G, Swirski FK, Church WR, Walz PH, Tillson DM, Mulder WJM, Nahrendorf M. Multimodal imaging of bacterial-host interface in mice and piglets with Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis. Sci Transl Med 2021; 12:12/568/eaay2104. [PMID: 33148623 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aay2104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Acute bacterial endocarditis is a rapid, difficult to manage, and frequently lethal disease. Potent antibiotics often cannot efficiently kill Staphylococcus aureus that colonizes the heart's valves. S. aureus relies on virulence factors to evade therapeutics and the host's immune response, usurping the host's clotting system by activating circulating prothrombin with staphylocoagulase and von Willebrand factor-binding protein. An insoluble fibrin barrier then forms around the bacterial colony, shielding the pathogen from immune cell clearance. Targeting virulence factors may provide previously unidentified avenues to better diagnose and treat endocarditis. To tap into this unused therapeutic opportunity, we codeveloped therapeutics and multimodal molecular imaging to probe the host-pathogen interface. We introduced and validated a family of small-molecule optical and positron emission tomography (PET) reporters targeting active thrombin in the fibrin-rich environment of bacterial colonies. The imaging agents, based on the clinical thrombin inhibitor dabigatran, are bound to heart valve vegetations in mice. Using optical imaging, we monitored therapy with antibodies neutralizing staphylocoagulase and von Willebrand factor-binding protein in mice with S. aureus endocarditis. This treatment deactivated bacterial defenses against innate immune cells, decreased in vivo imaging signal, and improved survival. Aortic or tricuspid S. aureus endocarditis in piglets was also successfully imaged with clinical PET/magnetic resonance imaging. Our data map a route toward adjuvant immunotherapy for endocarditis and provide efficient tools to monitor this drug class for infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Panizzi
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Marvin Krohn-Grimberghe
- Center for Systems Biology and Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.,University Heart Center Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Edmund Keliher
- Center for Systems Biology and Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Yu-Xiang Ye
- Center for Systems Biology and Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Jana Grune
- Center for Systems Biology and Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Vanessa Frodermann
- Center for Systems Biology and Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Yuan Sun
- Center for Systems Biology and Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Charlotte G Muse
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | | | - Yoshiko Iwamoto
- Center for Systems Biology and Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Mandy M T van Leent
- Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Department of Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Anu Meerwaldt
- Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Department of Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Yohana C Toner
- Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Department of Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Jazz Munitz
- Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Department of Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Alexander Maier
- Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Department of Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Georgios Soultanidis
- Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Department of Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Claudia Calcagno
- Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Department of Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Carlos Pérez-Medina
- Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Department of Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.,Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardivasculares, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Giuseppe Carlucci
- Bernard and Irene Schwarz Center for Biomedical Imaging, New York University, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Kay P Riddell
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Sharron Barney
- Department of Clinical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Glenn Horne
- Department of Clinical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Brian Anderson
- Swine Research and Education Center, Department of Animal Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Ashoka Maddur-Appajaiah
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Ingrid M Verhamme
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Paul E Bock
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Gregory R Wojtkiewicz
- Center for Systems Biology and Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Gabriel Courties
- Center for Systems Biology and Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Filip K Swirski
- Center for Systems Biology and Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | | | - Paul H Walz
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - D Michael Tillson
- Department of Clinical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Willem J M Mulder
- Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Department of Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.,Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.,Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5612 AZ Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Matthias Nahrendorf
- Center for Systems Biology and Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA. .,Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
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16
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Lerche CJ, Schwartz F, Theut M, Fosbøl EL, Iversen K, Bundgaard H, Høiby N, Moser C. Anti-biofilm Approach in Infective Endocarditis Exposes New Treatment Strategies for Improved Outcome. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:643335. [PMID: 34222225 PMCID: PMC8249808 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.643335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Infective endocarditis (IE) is a life-threatening infective disease with increasing incidence worldwide. From early on, in the antibiotic era, it was recognized that high-dose and long-term antibiotic therapy was correlated to improved outcome. In addition, for several of the common microbial IE etiologies, the use of combination antibiotic therapy further improves outcome. IE vegetations on affected heart valves from patients and experimental animal models resemble biofilm infections. Besides the recalcitrant nature of IE, the microorganisms often present in an aggregated form, and gradients of bacterial activity in the vegetations can be observed. Even after appropriate antibiotic therapy, such microbial formations can often be identified in surgically removed, infected heart valves. Therefore, persistent or recurrent cases of IE, after apparent initial infection control, can be related to biofilm formation in the heart valve vegetations. On this background, the present review will describe potentially novel non-antibiotic, antimicrobial approaches in IE, with special focus on anti-thrombotic strategies and hyperbaric oxygen therapy targeting the biofilm formation of the infected heart valves caused by Staphylococcus aureus. The format is translational from preclinical models to actual clinical treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Johann Lerche
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Franziska Schwartz
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marie Theut
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Emil Loldrup Fosbøl
- Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kasper Iversen
- Department of Cardiology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Henning Bundgaard
- Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Høiby
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Costerton Biofilm Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Claus Moser
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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17
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Monoclonal Antibodies Targeting Surface-Exposed and Secreted Proteins from Staphylococci. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9050459. [PMID: 34064471 PMCID: PMC8147999 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9050459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococci (specifically Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis) are the causative agents of diseases ranging from superficial skin and soft tissue infections to severe conditions such as fatal pneumonia, bacteremia, sepsis and endocarditis. The widespread and indiscriminate use of antibiotics has led to serious problems of resistance to staphylococcal disease and has generated a renewed interest in alternative therapeutic agents such as vaccines and antibodies. Staphylococci express a large repertoire of surface and secreted virulence factors, which provide mechanisms (adhesion, invasion and biofilm development among others) for both bacterial survival in the host and evasion from innate and adaptive immunity. Consequently, the development of antibodies that target specific antigens would provide an effective protective strategy against staphylococcal infections. In this review, we report an update on efforts to develop anti-staphylococci monoclonal antibodies (and their derivatives: minibodies, antibody–antibiotic conjugates) and the mechanism by which such antibodies can help fight infections. We also provide an overview of mAbs used in clinical trials and highlight their therapeutic potential in various infectious contexts.
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18
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Host fibrinogen drives antimicrobial function in Staphylococcus aureus peritonitis through bacterial-mediated prothrombin activation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 118:2009837118. [PMID: 33443167 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2009837118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood-clotting protein fibrinogen has been implicated in host defense following Staphylococcus aureus infection, but precise mechanisms of host protection and pathogen clearance remain undefined. Peritonitis caused by staphylococci species is a complication for patients with cirrhosis, indwelling catheters, or undergoing peritoneal dialysis. Here, we sought to characterize possible mechanisms of fibrin(ogen)-mediated antimicrobial responses. Wild-type (WT) (Fib+) mice rapidly cleared S. aureus following intraperitoneal infection with elimination of ∼99% of an initial inoculum within 15 min. In contrast, fibrinogen-deficient (Fib-) mice failed to clear the microbe. The genotype-dependent disparity in early clearance resulted in a significant difference in host mortality whereby Fib+ mice uniformly survived whereas Fib- mice exhibited high mortality rates within 24 h. Fibrin(ogen)-mediated bacterial clearance was dependent on (pro)thrombin procoagulant function, supporting a suspected role for fibrin polymerization in this mechanism. Unexpectedly, the primary host initiator of coagulation, tissue factor, was found to be dispensable for this antimicrobial activity. Rather, the bacteria-derived prothrombin activator vWbp was identified as the source of the thrombin-generating potential underlying fibrin(ogen)-dependent bacterial clearance. Mice failed to eliminate S. aureus deficient in vWbp, but clearance of these same microbes in WT mice was restored if active thrombin was administered to the peritoneal cavity. These studies establish that the thrombin/fibrinogen axis is fundamental to host antimicrobial defense, offer a possible explanation for the clinical observation that coagulase-negative staphylococci are a highly prominent infectious agent in peritonitis, and suggest caution against anticoagulants in individuals susceptible to peritoneal infections.
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19
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Persistence and progression of staphylococcal infection in the presence of public goods. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2020; 6:55. [PMID: 33247129 PMCID: PMC7699630 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-020-00168-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a prominent etiological agent of suppurative abscesses. In principle, abscess formation and purulent exudate are classical physiological features of healing and tissue repair. However, S. aureus deploys two coagulases that can usurp this classical host response and form distinct abscess lesions. Here, we establish that during coinfection with coagulase producers and non-producers, coagulases are shared public goods that contribute to staphylococcal persistence, abscess formation, and disease progression. Coagulase-negative mutants that do not produce the public goods themselves are able to exploit those cooperatively secreted by producers and thereby thrive during coinfection at the expense of others. This study shows the importance of social interactions among pathogens concerning clinical outcomes.
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20
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Steinert M, Ramming I, Bergmann S. Impact of Von Willebrand Factor on Bacterial Pathogenesis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:543. [PMID: 33015097 PMCID: PMC7494747 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.00543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a mechano-sensitive protein with crucial functions in normal hemostasis, which are strongly dependant on the shear-stress mediated defolding and multimerization of VWF in the blood stream. Apart from bleeding disorders, higher plasma levels of VWF are often associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases. Herein, the disease symptoms are attributed to the inflammatory response of the activated endothelium and share high similarities to the reaction of the host vasculature to systemic infections caused by pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae. The bacteria recruit circulating VWF, and by binding to immobilized VWF on activated endothelial cells in blood flow, they interfere with the physiological functions of VWF, including platelet recruitment and coagulation. Several bacterial VWF binding proteins have been identified and further characterized by biochemical analyses. Moreover, the development of a combination of sophisticated cell culture systems simulating shear stress levels of the blood flow with microscopic visualization also provided valuable insights into the interaction mechanism between bacteria and VWF-strings. In vivo studies using mouse models of bacterial infection and zebrafish larvae provided evidence that the interaction between bacteria and VWF promotes bacterial attachment, coagulation, and thrombus formation, and thereby contributes to the pathophysiology of severe infectious diseases such as infective endocarditis and bacterial sepsis. This mini-review summarizes the current knowledge of the interaction between bacteria and the mechano-responsive VWF, and corresponding pathophysiological disease symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Steinert
- Institut für Mikrobiologie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany.,Department of Infection Biology, Helmholtz Center for Infection Diseases, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Isabell Ramming
- Institut für Mikrobiologie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Simone Bergmann
- Institut für Mikrobiologie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
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21
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Maddur AA, Kroh HK, Aschenbrenner ME, Gibson BHY, Panizzi P, Sheehan JH, Meiler J, Bock PE, Verhamme IM. Specificity and affinity of the N-terminal residues in staphylocoagulase in binding to prothrombin. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:5614-5625. [PMID: 32156702 PMCID: PMC7186164 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.012588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In Staphylococcus aureus-caused endocarditis, the pathogen secretes staphylocoagulase (SC), thereby activating human prothrombin (ProT) and evading immune clearance. A previous structural comparison of the SC(1-325) fragment bound to thrombin and its inactive precursor prethrombin 2 has indicated that SC activates ProT by inserting its N-terminal dipeptide Ile1-Val2 into the ProT Ile16 pocket, forming a salt bridge with ProT's Asp194, thereby stabilizing the active conformation. We hypothesized that these N-terminal SC residues modulate ProT binding and activation. Here, we generated labeled SC(1-246) as a probe for competitively defining the affinities of N-terminal SC(1-246) variants preselected by modeling. Using ProT(R155Q,R271Q,R284Q) (ProTQQQ), a variant refractory to prothrombinase- or thrombin-mediated cleavage, we observed variant affinities between ∼1 and 650 nm and activation potencies ranging from 1.8-fold that of WT SC(1-246) to complete loss of function. Substrate binding to ProTQQQ caused allosteric tightening of the affinity of most SC(1-246) variants, consistent with zymogen activation through occupation of the specificity pocket. Conservative changes at positions 1 and 2 were well-tolerated, with Val1-Val2, Ile1-Ala2, and Leu1-Val2 variants exhibiting ProTQQQ affinity and activation potency comparable with WT SC(1-246). Weaker binding variants typically had reduced activation rates, although at near-saturating ProTQQQ levels, several variants exhibited limiting rates similar to or higher than that of WT SC(1-246). The Ile16 pocket in ProTQQQ appears to favor nonpolar, nonaromatic residues at SC positions 1 and 2. Our results suggest that SC variants other than WT Ile1-Val2-Thr3 might emerge with similar ProT-activating efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashoka A Maddur
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-2561.
| | - Heather K Kroh
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-2561
| | - Mary E Aschenbrenner
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-2561
| | - Breanne H Y Gibson
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-2561
| | - Peter Panizzi
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849
| | - Jonathan H Sheehan
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232
| | - Jens Meiler
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232; Institute for Drug Discovery, Departments of Chemistry and Computer Science, Leipzig University Medical School, SAC 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Paul E Bock
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-2561
| | - Ingrid M Verhamme
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-2561.
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Targeting staphylocoagulase with isoquercitrin protects mice from Staphylococcus aureus-induced pneumonia. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:3909-3919. [PMID: 32130467 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10486-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Staphylocoagulase (Coa) is a virulence factor of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) that promotes blood coagulation by activating prothrombin to convert fibrinogen to fibrin. Coa plays a crucial role in disease pathogenesis and is a promising target for the treatment of S. aureus infections. Here, we identified that isoquercitrin, a natural flavonol compound, can markedly reduce the activity of Coa at concentrations that have no effect on bacterial growth. Mechanistic studies employing molecular dynamics simulation revealed that isoquercitrin binds to Coa by interacting with Asp-181 and Tyr-188, thereby affecting the binding of Coa to prothrombin. Importantly, in vivo studies showed that isoquercitrin treatment significantly reduced the bacterial burden, pathological damage, and inflammation of lung tissue and improved the percentage of survival of mice infected with S. aureus Newman strain. These data suggest that isoquercitrin is a promising inhibitor of Coa that can be used for the development of therapeutic drugs to combat S. aureus infections.Key Points• Staphylocoagulase plays a key role in the pathogenesis of S. aureus infection.• We identified that isoquercitrin is a direct inhibitor of staphylocoagulase.• Isoquercitrin treatment can significantly attenuate S. aureus virulence in vivo.
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Qu S, Liu Y, Hu Q, Han Y, Hao Z, Shen J, Zhu K. Programmable antibiotic delivery to combat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus through precision therapy. J Control Release 2020; 321:710-717. [PMID: 32135225 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.02.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The rapid dissemination of life-threatening multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens calls for the development of new antibacterial agents and alternative strategies. The virulence factor secreted by bacteria plays a crucial role in the sophisticated processes during infections. Inspired by the unique capacity of many bacteria inducing clotting of plasma to initiate colonization, we propose a programmable antibiotic delivery system for precision therapy using methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) as a model. Coagulase utilized by MRSA to directly cleave fibrinogen into fibrin, is an ideal target not only for tracking bacterial status but for triggering the collapse of fibrinogen functionalized porous microspheres. Subsequently, staphylokinase, another virulence factor of MRSA, catalyzed hydrolysis of fibrin to further release the encapsulated antibiotics from microspheres. Our sequential triggered-release system exhibits high selectivity to distinguish live or dead MRSA from other pathogenic bacteria. Furthermore, such programmable microspheres clear 99% MRSA in 4 h, and show increased efficiency in a wound healing model in rats. Our study provides a programmable drug delivery system to precisely target bacterial pathogens using their intrinsic enzymatic cascades. This programmable platform with reduced selective stress of antibiotics on microbiota sheds light on the potential therapy for future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoqi Qu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Qiao Hu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yiming Han
- College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Zhihui Hao
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jianzhong Shen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Animal-Derived Food Safety and Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Kui Zhu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
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Stan RC, Bhatt DK, Camargo MM. Cellular Adaptation Relies on Regulatory Proteins Having Episodic Memory. Bioessays 2019; 42:e1900115. [DOI: 10.1002/bies.201900115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Razvan C. Stan
- Cantacuzino National Military‐Medical Institute for Research‐Development Bucharest 050096 Romania
- Department of ImmunologyUniversity of São Paulo São Paulo 05508‐900 Brazil
| | - Darshak K. Bhatt
- Faculty of Medical SciencesGroningen University Groningen 9700 AB The Netherlands
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25
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Chmagh AA, Abd Al-Abbas MJ. Comparison between the coagulase (coa and vwb) genes in Staphylococcus aureus and other staphylococci. GENE REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2019.100410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Thomas S, Liu W, Arora S, Ganesh V, Ko YP, Höök M. The Complex Fibrinogen Interactions of the Staphylococcus aureus Coagulases. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:106. [PMID: 31041195 PMCID: PMC6476931 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The two coagulases, von Willebrand factor binding protein (vWbp) and Coagulase (Coa), are critical virulence factors in several animal models of invasive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infections. These proteins are part of an intricate system of proteins that S. aureus uses to assemble a fibrinogen (Fg)/fibrin protective shield surrounding itself. This shield allows the microorganism to evade clearance by the host phagocytic cells. The coagulases can non-proteolytically activate the zymogen prothrombin to convert Fg to fibrin and promote the Fg/fibrin shield formation. The coagulases also bind directly to Fg and the interaction between Coa and Fg has been previously characterized in some detail. However, the mechanism(s) by which vWbp interacts with Fg remains unclear. Here, we show that vWbp and Coa have distinct interactions with Fg, despite being structurally similar. Coa binds with a significantly higher affinity to soluble Fg than to Fg coated on a plastic surface, whereas vWbp demonstrates no preference between the two forms of Fg. The two coagulases appear to target different sites on Fg, as they do not compete with each other in binding to Fg. Similar to Coa, both the N- and C-terminal halves of vWbp (vWbp-N, vWbp-C, respectively) harbor Fg-binding activities. The higher affinity Fg-binding activity resides in vWbp-N; whereas, the C-terminal region of Coa encompasses the major Fg-binding activity. Peptides constituting the previously identified Coa/Efb1 Fg-binding motif fail to inhibit vWbp-C from binding to Fg, indicating that vWbp-C lacks a functional homolog to this motif. Interestingly, the N-terminal prothrombin-binding domains of both coagulases recognize the Fg β-chain, but they appear to interact with different sequence motifs in the host protein. Collectively, our data provide insight into the complex interactions between Fg and the S. aureus coagulases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila Thomas
- Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Wen Liu
- Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Srishtee Arora
- Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Vannakambodi Ganesh
- Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ya-Ping Ko
- Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Magnus Höök
- Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Houston, TX, United States
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27
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Affiliation(s)
- Razvan C. Stan
- Immunology DepartmentUniversity of São Paulo Brazil
- Cantacuzino Military-Medical Research-Development National Institute, Bucharest Romania
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28
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Tam K, Torres VJ. Staphylococcus aureus Secreted Toxins and Extracellular Enzymes. Microbiol Spectr 2019; 7:10.1128/microbiolspec.GPP3-0039-2018. [PMID: 30873936 PMCID: PMC6422052 DOI: 10.1128/microbiolspec.gpp3-0039-2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a formidable pathogen capable of causing infections in different sites of the body in a variety of vertebrate animals, including humans and livestock. A major contribution to the success of S. aureus as a pathogen is the plethora of virulence factors that manipulate the host's innate and adaptive immune responses. Many of these immune modulating virulence factors are secreted toxins, cofactors for activating host zymogens, and exoenzymes. Secreted toxins such as pore-forming toxins and superantigens are highly inflammatory and can cause leukocyte cell death by cytolysis and clonal deletion, respectively. Coagulases and staphylokinases are cofactors that hijack the host's coagulation system. Exoenzymes, including nucleases and proteases, cleave and inactivate various immune defense and surveillance molecules, such as complement factors, antimicrobial peptides, and surface receptors that are important for leukocyte chemotaxis. Additionally, some of these secreted toxins and exoenzymes can cause disruption of endothelial and epithelial barriers through cell lysis and cleavage of junction proteins. A unique feature when examining the repertoire of S. aureus secreted virulence factors is the apparent functional redundancy exhibited by the majority of the toxins and exoenzymes. However, closer examination of each virulence factor revealed that each has unique properties that have important functional consequences. This chapter provides a brief overview of our current understanding of the major secreted virulence factors critical for S. aureus pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayan Tam
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, Alexandria Center for Life Science, New York, NY 10016
| | - Victor J Torres
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, Alexandria Center for Life Science, New York, NY 10016
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Trivedi U, Madsen JS, Everett J, Fell C, Russel J, Haaber J, Crosby HA, Horswill AR, Burmølle M, Rumbaugh KP, Sørensen SJ. Staphylococcus aureus coagulases are exploitable yet stable public goods in clinically relevant conditions. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E11771-E11779. [PMID: 30463950 PMCID: PMC6294911 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1804850115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Coagulation is an innate defense mechanism intended to limit blood loss and trap invading pathogens during infection. However, Staphylococcus aureus has the ability to hijack the coagulation cascade and generate clots via secretion of coagulases. Although many S. aureus have this characteristic, some do not. The population dynamics regarding this defining trait have yet to be explored. We report here that coagulases are public goods that confer protection against antimicrobials and immune factors within a local population or community, thus promoting growth and virulence. By utilizing variants of a methicillin-resistant S. aureus we infer that the secretion of coagulases is a cooperative trait, which is subject to exploitation by invading mutants that do not produce the public goods themselves. However, overexploitation, "tragedy of the commons," does not occur at clinically relevant conditions. Our micrographs indicate this is due to spatial segregation and population viscosity. These findings emphasize the critical role of coagulases in a social evolution context and provide a possible explanation as to why the secretion of these public goods is maintained in mixed S. aureus communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urvish Trivedi
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jonas S Madsen
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jake Everett
- Department of Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430
| | - Cody Fell
- Department of Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430
| | - Jakob Russel
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jakob Haaber
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Heidi A Crosby
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Alexander R Horswill
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Mette Burmølle
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kendra P Rumbaugh
- Department of Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430
| | - Søren J Sørensen
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark;
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Singh V, Phukan UJ. Interaction of host and Staphylococcus aureus protease-system regulates virulence and pathogenicity. Med Microbiol Immunol 2018; 208:585-607. [PMID: 30483863 DOI: 10.1007/s00430-018-0573-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus causes various health care- and community-associated infections as well as certain chronic TH2 driven inflammatory diseases. It is a potent pathogen with serious virulence and associated high morbidity. Severe pathogenicity is accredited to the S. aureus secreted virulence factors such as proteases and host protease modulators. These virulence factors promote adhesion and invasion of bacteria through damage of tight junction barrier and keratinocytes. They inhibit activation and transmigration of various immune cells such as neutrophils (and neutrophil proteases) to evade opsono-phagocytosis and intracellular bacterial killing. Additionally, they protect the bacteria from extracellular killing by disrupting integrity of extracellular matrix. Platelet activation and agglutination is also impaired by these factors. They also block the classical as well as alternative pathways of complement activation and assist in spread of infection through blood and tissue. As these factors are exquisite factors of S. aureus mediated disease development, we have focused on review of diversification of various protease-system associated virulence factors, their structural building, diverse role in disease development and available therapeutic counter measures. This review summarises the role of protease-associated virulence factors during invasion and progression of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vigyasa Singh
- Molecular Bioprospection Department, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, P.O. CIMAP, Lucknow, 226015, India
| | - Ujjal Jyoti Phukan
- School of Life Science, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India.
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An TJ, Benvenuti MA, Mignemi ME, Thomsen IP, Schoenecker JG. Pediatric Musculoskeletal Infection: Hijacking the Acute-Phase Response. JBJS Rev 2018; 4:01874474-201609000-00004. [PMID: 27760072 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.rvw.15.00099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Tissue injury activates the acute-phase response mediated by the liver, which promotes coagulation, immunity, and tissue regeneration. To survive and disseminate, musculoskeletal pathogens express virulence factors that modulate and hijack this response. As the acute-phase reactants required by these pathogens are most abundant in damaged tissue, these infections are predisposed to occur in tissues following traumatic or surgical injury. Staphylococcus aureus expresses the virulence factors coagulase and von Willebrand binding protein to stimulate coagulation and to form a fibrin abscess that protects it from host immune-cell phagocytosis. After the staphylococcal abscess community reaches quorum, which is the colony density that enables cell-to-cell communication and coordinated gene expression, subsequent expression of staphylokinase stimulates activation of fibrinolysis, which ruptures the abscess wall and results in bacterial dissemination. Unlike Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes expresses streptokinase and other virulence factors to activate fibrinolysis and to rapidly disseminate throughout the body, causing diseases such as necrotizing fasciitis. Understanding the virulence strategies of musculoskeletal pathogens will help to guide clinical diagnosis and decision-making through monitoring of acute-phase markers such as C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and fibrinogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J An
- Departments of Orthopaedics (M.E.M. and J.G.S.), Pediatrics (I.P.T. and J.G.S.), Pediatric Infectious Disease (I.P.T.), Pharmacology (J.G.S.), and Pathology (J.G.S.), Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (T.J.A. and M.A.B.), Nashville, Tennessee
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Exposure of blood to foreign surfaces induces reciprocal conversion of the plasma proteins factor XII (fXII) and plasma prekallikrein (PPK) to the proteases α-fXIIa and α-kallikrein. This process, called contact activation, has a range of effects on host defence mechanisms, including promoting coagulation. The nature of the triggering mechanism for contact activation is debated. One hypothesis predicts that fXII has protease activity, either intrinsically or upon surface-binding, that initiates contact activation. We tested this by assessing the proteolytic activity of a recombinant fXII variant that cannot be converted to α-fXIIa. RECENT FINDINGS The proteolytic activity of fXII-T (for 'triple' mutant), a variant with alanine substitutions for arginine at activation cleavage sites (Arg334, Arg344, and Arg353) was tested with known α-fXIIa substrates. FXII-T activates PPK in solution, and the reaction is enhanced by polyphosphate, an inducer of contact activation released from platelets. In the presence of polyphosphate, fXII-T converts fXII to α-fXIIa, and also converts the coagulation protein factor XI to its active form. SUMMARY The findings support the hypothesis that contact activation is initiated through activity intrinsic to single-chain fXII, and indicate that preexisting α-fXIIa is not required for induction of contact activation.
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Pontarollo G, Acquasaliente L, Peterle D, Frasson R, Artusi I, De Filippis V. Non-canonical proteolytic activation of human prothrombin by subtilisin from Bacillus subtilis may shift the procoagulant-anticoagulant equilibrium toward thrombosis. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:15161-15179. [PMID: 28684417 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.795245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2017] [Revised: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood coagulation is a finely regulated physiological process culminating with the factor Xa (FXa)-mediated conversion of the prothrombin (ProT) zymogen to active α-thrombin (αT). In the prothrombinase complex on the platelet surface, FXa cleaves ProT at Arg-271, generating the inactive precursor prethrombin-2 (Pre2), which is further attacked at Arg-320-Ile-321 to yield mature αT. Whereas the mechanism of physiological ProT activation has been elucidated in great detail, little is known about the role of bacterial proteases, possibly released in the bloodstream during infection, in inducing blood coagulation by direct proteolytic ProT activation. This knowledge gap is particularly concerning, as bacterial infections are frequently complicated by severe coagulopathies. Here, we show that addition of subtilisin (50 nm to 2 μm), a serine protease secreted by the non-pathogenic bacterium Bacillus subtilis, induces plasma clotting by proteolytically converting ProT into active σPre2, a nicked Pre2 derivative with a single cleaved Ala-470-Asn-471 bond. Notably, we found that this non-canonical cleavage at Ala-470-Asn-471 is instrumental for the onset of catalysis in σPre2, which was, however, reduced about 100-200-fold compared with αT. Of note, σPre2 could generate fibrin clots from fibrinogen, either in solution or in blood plasma, and could aggregate human platelets, either isolated or in whole blood. Our findings demonstrate that alternative cleavage of ProT by proteases, even by those secreted by non-virulent bacteria such as B. subtilis, can shift the delicate procoagulant-anticoagulant equilibrium toward thrombosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Pontarollo
- From the Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, via Marzolo 5, Padua 35131, Italy
| | - Laura Acquasaliente
- From the Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, via Marzolo 5, Padua 35131, Italy
| | - Daniele Peterle
- From the Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, via Marzolo 5, Padua 35131, Italy
| | - Roberta Frasson
- From the Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, via Marzolo 5, Padua 35131, Italy
| | - Ilaria Artusi
- From the Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, via Marzolo 5, Padua 35131, Italy
| | - Vincenzo De Filippis
- From the Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, via Marzolo 5, Padua 35131, Italy
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Pietrocola G, Nobile G, Rindi S, Speziale P. Staphylococcus aureus Manipulates Innate Immunity through Own and Host-Expressed Proteases. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017; 7:166. [PMID: 28529927 PMCID: PMC5418230 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neutrophils, complement system and skin collectively represent the main elements of the innate immune system, the first line of defense of the host against many common microorganisms. Bacterial pathogens have evolved strategies to counteract all these defense activities. Specifically, Staphylococcus aureus, a major human pathogen, secretes a variety of immune evasion molecules including proteases, which cleave components of the innate immune system or disrupt the integrity of extracellular matrix and intercellular connections of tissues. Additionally, S. aureus secretes proteins that can activate host zymogens which, in turn, target specific defense components. Secreted proteins can also inhibit the anti-bacterial function of neutrophils or complement system proteases, potentiating S. aureus chances of survival. Here, we review the current understanding of these proteases and modulators of host proteases in the functioning of innate immunity and describe the importance of these mechanisms in the pathology of staphylococcal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giampiero Pietrocola
- Unit of Biochemistry, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of PaviaPavia, Italy
| | - Giulia Nobile
- Unit of Biochemistry, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of PaviaPavia, Italy
| | - Simonetta Rindi
- Unit of Biochemistry, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of PaviaPavia, Italy
| | - Pietro Speziale
- Unit of Biochemistry, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of PaviaPavia, Italy
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35
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Missiakas D, Schneewind O. Staphylococcus aureus vaccines: Deviating from the carol. J Exp Med 2016; 213:1645-53. [PMID: 27526714 PMCID: PMC4995089 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20160569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus, a commensal of the human nasopharynx and skin, also causes invasive disease, most frequently skin and soft tissue infections. Invasive disease caused by drug-resistant strains, designated MRSA (methicillin-resistant S. aureus), is associated with failure of antibiotic therapy and elevated mortality. Here we review polysaccharide-conjugate and subunit vaccines that were designed to prevent S. aureus infection in patients at risk of bacteremia or surgical wound infection but failed to reach their clinical endpoints. We also discuss vaccines with ongoing trials for combinations of polysaccharide-conjugates and subunits. S. aureus colonization and invasive disease are not associated with the development of protective immune responses, which is attributable to a large spectrum of immune evasion factors. Two evasive strategies, assembly of protective fibrin shields via coagulases and protein A-mediated B cell superantigen activity, are discussed as possible vaccine targets. Although correlates for protective immunity are not yet known, opsonophagocytic killing of staphylococci by phagocytic cells offers opportunities to establish such criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Olaf Schneewind
- Department of Microbiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
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Crosby HA, Kwiecinski J, Horswill AR. Staphylococcus aureus Aggregation and Coagulation Mechanisms, and Their Function in Host-Pathogen Interactions. ADVANCES IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2016; 96:1-41. [PMID: 27565579 DOI: 10.1016/bs.aambs.2016.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The human commensal bacterium Staphylococcus aureus can cause a wide range of infections ranging from skin and soft tissue infections to invasive diseases like septicemia, endocarditis, and pneumonia. Muticellular organization almost certainly contributes to S. aureus pathogenesis mechanisms. While there has been considerable focus on biofilm formation and its role in colonizing prosthetic joints and indwelling devices, less attention has been paid to nonsurface-attached group behavior like aggregation and clumping. S. aureus is unique in its ability to coagulate blood, and it also produces multiple fibrinogen-binding proteins that facilitate clumping. Formation of clumps, which are large, tightly packed groups of cells held together by fibrin(ogen), has been demonstrated to be important for S. aureus virulence and immune evasion. Clumps of cells are able to avoid detection by the host's immune system due to a fibrin(ogen) coat that acts as a shield, and the size of the clumps facilitates evasion of phagocytosis. In addition, clumping could be an important early step in establishing infections that involve tight clusters of cells embedded in host matrix proteins, such as soft tissue abscesses and endocarditis. In this review, we discuss clumping mechanisms and regulation, as well as what is known about how clumping contributes to immune evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- H A Crosby
- University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - J Kwiecinski
- University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - A R Horswill
- University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
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Contribution of Staphylococcus aureus Coagulases and Clumping Factor A to Abscess Formation in a Rabbit Model of Skin and Soft Tissue Infection. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0158293. [PMID: 27336691 PMCID: PMC4918888 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus produces numerous factors that facilitate survival in the human host. S. aureus coagulase (Coa) and von Willebrand factor-binding protein (vWbp) are known to clot plasma through activation of prothrombin and conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin. In addition, S. aureus clumping factor A (ClfA) binds fibrinogen and contributes to platelet aggregation via a fibrinogen- or complement-dependent mechanism. Here, we evaluated the contribution of Coa, vWbp and ClfA to S. aureus pathogenesis in a rabbit model of skin and soft tissue infection. Compared to skin abscesses caused by the Newman wild-type strain, those caused by isogenic coa, vwb, or clfA deletion strains, or a strain deficient in coa and vwb, were significantly smaller following subcutaneous inoculation in rabbits. Unexpectedly, we found that fibrin deposition and abscess capsule formation appear to be independent of S. aureus coagulase activity in the rabbit infection model. Similarities notwithstanding, S. aureus strains deficient in coa and vwb elicited reduced levels of several proinflammatory molecules in human blood in vitro. Although a specific mechanism remains to be determined, we conclude that S. aureus Coa, vWbp and ClfA contribute to abscess formation in rabbits.
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38
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Ko YP, Flick MJ. Fibrinogen Is at the Interface of Host Defense and Pathogen Virulence in Staphylococcus aureus Infection. Semin Thromb Hemost 2016; 42:408-21. [PMID: 27056151 PMCID: PMC5514417 DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1579635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Fibrinogen not only plays a pivotal role in hemostasis but also serves key roles in antimicrobial host defense. As a rapidly assembled provisional matrix protein, fibrin(ogen) can function as an early line of host protection by limiting bacterial growth, suppressing dissemination of microbes to distant sites, and mediating host bacterial killing. Fibrinogen-mediated host antimicrobial activity occurs predominantly through two general mechanisms, namely, fibrin matrices functioning as a protective barrier and fibrin(ogen) directly or indirectly driving host protective immune function. The potential of fibrin to limit bacterial infection and disease has been countered by numerous bacterial species evolving and maintaining virulence factors that engage hemostatic system components within vertebrate hosts. Bacterial factors have been isolated that simply bind fibrinogen or fibrin, promote fibrin polymer formation, or promote fibrin dissolution. Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic gram-positive bacterium, the causative agent of a wide range of human infectious diseases, and a prime example of a pathogen exquisitely sensitive to host fibrinogen. Indeed, current data suggest fibrinogen serves as a context-dependent determinant of host defense or pathogen virulence in Staphylococcus infection whose ultimate contribution is dictated by the expression of S. aureus virulence factors, the path of infection, and the tissue microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Ping Ko
- Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Institute for Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Matthew J. Flick
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
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Thomer L, Schneewind O, Missiakas D. Pathogenesis of Staphylococcus aureus Bloodstream Infections. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY 2016; 11:343-64. [PMID: 26925499 PMCID: PMC5068359 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathol-012615-044351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus, a Gram-positive bacterium colonizing nares, skin, and the gastrointestinal tract, frequently invades the skin, soft tissues, and bloodstreams of humans. Even with surgical and antibiotic therapy, bloodstream infections are associated with significant mortality. The secretion of coagulases, proteins that associate with and activate the host hemostatic factor prothrombin, and the bacterial surface display of agglutinins, proteins that bind polymerized fibrin, are key virulence strategies for the pathogenesis of S. aureus bloodstream infections, which culminate in the establishment of abscess lesions. Pathogen-controlled processes, involving a wide spectrum of secreted factors, are responsible for the recruitment and destruction of immune cells, transforming abscess lesions into purulent exudate, with which staphylococci disseminate to produce new infectious lesions or to infect new hosts. Research on S. aureus bloodstream infections is a frontier for the characterization of protective vaccine antigens and the development of immune therapeutics aiming to prevent disease or improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Thomer
- Department of Microbiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637;
| | - Olaf Schneewind
- Department of Microbiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637;
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Dayan GH, Mohamed N, Scully IL, Cooper D, Begier E, Eiden J, Jansen KU, Gurtman A, Anderson AS. Staphylococcus aureus: the current state of disease, pathophysiology and strategies for prevention. Expert Rev Vaccines 2016; 15:1373-1392. [PMID: 27118628 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2016.1179583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is both a commensal organism and also an important opportunistic human pathogen, causing a variety of community and hospital-associated pathologies, such as bacteremia-sepsis, endocarditis, pneumonia, osteomyelitis, arthritis and skin diseases. The resurgence of S. aureus during the last decade in many settings has been facilitated not only by bacterial antibiotic resistance mechanisms but also by the emergence of new S. aureus clonal types with increased expression of virulence factors and the capacity to neutralize the host immune response. Prevention of the spread of S. aureus infection relies on the use of contact precautions and adequate procedures for infection control that so far have not been fully effective. Prevention using a prophylactic vaccine would complement these processes, having the potential to bring additional, significant progress toward decreasing invasive disease due to S. aureus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo H Dayan
- a Pfizer Vaccine Research and Development , Pearl River , NY , USA
| | - Naglaa Mohamed
- a Pfizer Vaccine Research and Development , Pearl River , NY , USA
| | - Ingrid L Scully
- a Pfizer Vaccine Research and Development , Pearl River , NY , USA
| | - David Cooper
- a Pfizer Vaccine Research and Development , Pearl River , NY , USA
| | - Elizabeth Begier
- a Pfizer Vaccine Research and Development , Pearl River , NY , USA
| | - Joseph Eiden
- a Pfizer Vaccine Research and Development , Pearl River , NY , USA
| | - Kathrin U Jansen
- a Pfizer Vaccine Research and Development , Pearl River , NY , USA
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41
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Davis RW, Brannen AD, Hossain MJ, Monsma S, Bock PE, Nahrendorf M, Mead D, Lodes M, Liles MR, Panizzi P. Complete genome of Staphylococcus aureus Tager 104 provides evidence of its relation to modern systemic hospital-acquired strains. BMC Genomics 2016; 17:179. [PMID: 26940863 PMCID: PMC4778325 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-016-2433-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infections range in severity due to expression of certain virulence factors encoded on mobile genetic elements (MGE). As such, characterization of these MGE, as well as single nucleotide polymorphisms, is of high clinical and microbiological importance. To understand the evolution of these dangerous pathogens, it is paramount to define reference strains that may predate MGE acquisition. One such candidate is S. aureus Tager 104, a previously uncharacterized strain isolated from a patient with impetigo in 1947. RESULTS We show here that S. aureus Tager 104 can survive in the bloodstream and infect naïve organs. We also demonstrate a procedure to construct and validate the assembly of S. aureus genomes, using Tager 104 as a proof-of-concept. In so doing, we bridged confounding gap regions that limited our initial attempts to close this 2.82 Mb genome, through integration of data from Illumina Nextera paired-end, PacBio RS, and Lucigen NxSeq mate-pair libraries. Furthermore, we provide independent confirmation of our segmental arrangement of the Tager 104 genome by the sole use of Lucigen NxSeq libraries filled by paired-end MiSeq reads and alignment with SPAdes software. Genomic analysis of Tager 104 revealed limited MGE, and a νSaβ island configuration that is reminiscent of other hospital acquired S. aureus genomes. CONCLUSIONS Tager 104 represents an early-branching ancestor of certain hospital-acquired strains. Combined with its earlier isolation date and limited content of MGE, Tager 104 can serve as a viable reference for future comparative genome studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard W Davis
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, 4306 Walker Building, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA.
| | - Andrew D Brannen
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, 4306 Walker Building, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA.
| | - Mohammad J Hossain
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, 101 Rouse Life Science Building, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA.
| | - Scott Monsma
- Lucigen Corporation, 2905 Parmenter St, Middleton, WI, 53562, USA.
| | - Paul E Bock
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
| | - Matthias Nahrendorf
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Simches Research Building, 185 Cambridge St., Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - David Mead
- Lucigen Corporation, 2905 Parmenter St, Middleton, WI, 53562, USA.
| | - Michael Lodes
- Lucigen Corporation, 2905 Parmenter St, Middleton, WI, 53562, USA.
| | - Mark R Liles
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, 101 Rouse Life Science Building, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA.
| | - Peter Panizzi
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, 4306 Walker Building, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA.
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42
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Livnat-Levanon N, I Gilson A, Ben-Tal N, Lewinson O. The uncoupled ATPase activity of the ABC transporter BtuC2D2 leads to a hysteretic conformational change, conformational memory, and improved activity. Sci Rep 2016; 6:21696. [PMID: 26905293 PMCID: PMC4765350 DOI: 10.1038/srep21696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
ABC transporters comprise a large and ubiquitous family of proteins. From bacteria to man they translocate solutes at the expense of ATP hydrolysis. Unlike other enzymes that use ATP as an energy source, ABC transporters are notorious for having high levels of basal ATPase activity: they hydrolyze ATP also in the absence of their substrate. It is unknown what are the effects of such prolonged and constant activity on the stability and function of ABC transporters or any other enzyme. Here we report that prolonged ATP hydrolysis is beneficial to the ABC transporter BtuC2D2. Using ATPase assays, surface plasmon resonance interaction experiments, and transport assays we observe that the constantly active transporter remains stable and functional for much longer than the idle one. Remarkably, during extended activity the transporter undergoes a slow conformational change (hysteresis) and gradually attains a hyperactive state in which it is more active than it was to begin with. This phenomenon is different from stabilization of enzymes by ligand binding: the hyperactive state is only reached through ATP hydrolysis, and not ATP binding. BtuC2D2 displays a strong conformational memory for this excited state, and takes hours to return to its basal state after catalysis terminates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurit Livnat-Levanon
- Rappaport Research Institute, Department of Biochemistry, The Bruce and Ruth Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Amy I Gilson
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Nir Ben-Tal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Oded Lewinson
- Rappaport Research Institute, Department of Biochemistry, The Bruce and Ruth Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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43
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Thomer L, Emolo C, Thammavongsa V, Kim HK, McAdow ME, Yu W, Kieffer M, Schneewind O, Missiakas D. Antibodies against a secreted product of Staphylococcus aureus trigger phagocytic killing. J Exp Med 2016; 213:293-301. [PMID: 26880578 PMCID: PMC4813671 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20150074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccines and antibody therapeutics targeting staphylococcal surface molecules have failed to achieve clinical efficacy against MRSA infection. Here, Thomer et al. show that the R domain of prothrombin directs fibrinogen to the surface of S. aureus, which generates a protective coat for the pathogen, inhibiting phagocytosis by immune cells. The use of R-specific antibodies allows for immune cell recognition and protects mice against lethal bloodstream infections by broad spectrum MRSA isolates. Host immunity against bacteria typically involves antibodies that recognize the microbial surface and promote phagocytic killing. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a frequent cause of lethal bloodstream infection; however, vaccines and antibody therapeutics targeting staphylococcal surface molecules have thus far failed to achieve clinical efficacy. S. aureus secretes coagulase (Coa), which activates host prothrombin and generates fibrin fibrils that protect the pathogen against phagocytosis by immune cells. Because of negative selection, the coding sequence for the prothrombin-binding D1-D2 domain is highly variable and does not elicit cross-protective immune responses. The R domain, tandem repeats of a 27-residue peptide that bind fibrinogen, is conserved at the C terminus of all Coa molecules, but its functional significance is not known. We show here that the R domain enables bloodstream infections by directing fibrinogen to the staphylococcal surface, generating a protective fibrin shield that inhibits phagocytosis. The fibrin shield can be marked with R-specific antibodies, which trigger phagocytic killing of staphylococci and protect mice against lethal bloodstream infections caused by a broad spectrum of MRSA isolates. These findings emphasize the critical role of coagulase in staphylococcal escape from opsonophagocytic killing and as a protective antigen for S. aureus vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Thomer
- Department of Microbiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Carla Emolo
- Department of Microbiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | | | - Hwan Keun Kim
- Department of Microbiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Molly E McAdow
- Department of Microbiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Wenqi Yu
- Department of Microbiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Matthew Kieffer
- Department of Microbiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Olaf Schneewind
- Department of Microbiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
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44
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Kobayashi SD, Malachowa N, DeLeo FR. Pathogenesis of Staphylococcus aureus abscesses. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2015; 185:1518-27. [PMID: 25749135 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2014.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Revised: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 11/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus causes many types of human infections and syndromes-most notably skin and soft tissue infections. Abscesses are a frequent manifestation of S. aureus skin and soft tissue infections and are formed, in part, to contain the nidus of infection. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (neutrophils) are the primary cellular host defense against S. aureus infections and a major component of S. aureus abscesses. These host cells contain and produce many antimicrobial agents that are effective at killing bacteria, but can also cause non-specific damage to host tissues and contribute to the formation of abscesses. By comparison, S. aureus produces several molecules that also contribute to the formation of abscesses. Such molecules include those that recruit neutrophils, cause host cell lysis, and are involved in the formation of the fibrin capsule surrounding the abscess. Herein, we review our current knowledge of the mechanisms and processes underlying the formation of S. aureus abscesses, including the involvement of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and provide a brief overview of therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott D Kobayashi
- Laboratory of Human Bacterial Pathogenesis, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana
| | - Natalia Malachowa
- Laboratory of Human Bacterial Pathogenesis, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana
| | - Frank R DeLeo
- Laboratory of Human Bacterial Pathogenesis, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana.
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45
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Go with the flow: S aureus and vascular infection. Blood 2014; 124:1549-51. [DOI: 10.1182/blood-2014-07-583864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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46
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Adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus to the vessel wall under flow is mediated by von Willebrand factor-binding protein. Blood 2014; 124:1669-76. [PMID: 24951431 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2014-02-558890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus to blood vessels under shear stress requires von Willebrand factor (VWF). Several bacterial factors have been proposed to interact with VWF, including VWF-binding protein (vWbp), a secreted coagulase that activates the host's prothrombin to generate fibrin. We measured the adhesion of S aureus Newman and a vWbp-deficient mutant (vwb) to VWF, collagen, and activated endothelial cells in a microparallel flow chamber. In vivo adhesion of S aureus was evaluated in the mesenteric circulation of wild-type (WT) and VWF-deficient mice. We found a shear-dependent increase in adhesion of S aureus to the (sub)endothelium that was dependent on interactions between vWbp and the A1-domain of VWF. Adhesion was further enhanced by coagulase-mediated fibrin formation that clustered bacteria and recruited platelets into bacterial microthrombi. In vivo, deficiency of vWbp or VWF as well as inhibition of coagulase activity reduced S aureus adhesion. We conclude that vWbp contributes to vascular adhesion of S aureus through 2 independent mechanisms: shear-mediated binding to VWF and activation of prothrombin to form S aureus-fibrin-platelet aggregates.
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47
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Fevre C, Bestebroer J, Mebius MM, de Haas CJC, van Strijp JAG, Fitzgerald JR, Haas PJA. Staphylococcus aureus proteins SSL6 and SElX interact with neutrophil receptors as identified using secretome phage display. Cell Microbiol 2014; 16:1646-65. [PMID: 24840181 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Revised: 05/02/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In order to cause colonization and invasive disease, pathogenic bacteria secrete proteins that modulate host immune defences. Identification and characterization of these proteins leads to a better understanding of the pathological processes underlying infectious and inflammatory diseases and is essential in the development of new strategies for their prevention and treatment. Current techniques to functionally characterize these proteins are laborious and inefficient. Here we describe a high-throughput functional selection strategy using phage display in order to identify immune evasion proteins. Using this technique we identified two previously uncharacterized proteins secreted by Staphylococcus aureus, SElX and SSL6 that bind to neutrophil surface receptors. SElX binds PSGL-1 on neutrophils and thereby inhibits the interaction between PSGL-1 and P-selectin, a crucial step in the recruitment of neutrophils to the site of infection. SSL6 is the first bacterial protein identified that binds CD47, a widely expressed cell surface protein recently described as an interesting target in anti-cancer therapy. Our findings provide new insights into the pathogenesis of S. aureus infections and support phage display as an efficient method to identify bacterial secretome proteins interacting with humoral or cellular immune components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Fevre
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO G04.614, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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48
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Panizzi P, Stone JR, Nahrendorf M. Endocarditis and molecular imaging. J Nucl Cardiol 2014; 21:486-95. [PMID: 24797384 PMCID: PMC4106242 DOI: 10.1007/s12350-014-9902-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 04/03/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Panizzi
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - James R. Stone
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Simches Research Building, 185 Cambridge St., Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Matthias Nahrendorf
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Simches Research Building, 185 Cambridge St., Boston, MA 02114, USA
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49
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Eggleston H, Panizzi P. Molecular imaging of bacterial infections in vivo: the discrimination of infection from inflammation. INFORMATICS (MDPI) 2014; 1:72-99. [PMID: 26985401 PMCID: PMC4790455 DOI: 10.3390/informatics1010072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Molecular imaging by definition is the visualization of molecular and cellular processes within a given system. The modalities and reagents described here represent a diverse array spanning both pre-clinical and clinical applications. Innovations in probe design and technologies would greatly benefit therapeutic outcomes by enhancing diagnostic accuracy and assessment of acute therapy. Opportunistic pathogens continue to pose a worldwide threat, despite advancements in treatment strategies, which highlights the continued need for improved diagnostics. In this review, we present a summary of the current clinical protocol for the imaging of a suspected infection, methods currently in development to optimize this imaging process, and finally, insight into endocarditis as a model of infectious disease in immediate need of improved diagnostic methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Eggleston
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849
| | - Peter Panizzi
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849
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50
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Thomer L, Becker S, Emolo C, Quach A, Kim HK, Rauch S, Anderson M, Leblanc JF, Schneewind O, Faull KF, Missiakas D. N-acetylglucosaminylation of serine-aspartate repeat proteins promotes Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection. J Biol Chem 2013; 289:3478-86. [PMID: 24344128 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.532655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus secretes products that convert host fibrinogen to fibrin and promote its agglutination with fibrin fibrils, thereby shielding bacteria from immune defenses. The agglutination reaction involves ClfA (clumping factor A), a surface protein with serine-aspartate (SD) repeats that captures fibrin fibrils and fibrinogen. Pathogenic staphylococci express several different SD proteins that are modified by two glycosyltransferases, SdgA and SdgB. Here, we characterized three genes of S. aureus, aggA, aggB (sdgA), and aggC (sdgB), and show that aggA and aggC contribute to staphylococcal agglutination with fibrin fibrils in human plasma. We demonstrate that aggB (sdgA) and aggC (sdgB) are involved in GlcNAc modification of the ClfA SD repeats. However, only sdgB is essential for GlcNAc modification, and an sdgB mutant is defective in the pathogenesis of sepsis in mice. Thus, GlcNAc modification of proteins promotes S. aureus replication in the bloodstream of mammalian hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Thomer
- From the Department of Microbiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637 and
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