Sequences required for expression of Bordetella pertussis virulence factors share homology with prokaryotic signal transduction proteins

EvgS/EvgA, the unorthodox two-component system regulating bacterial multiple resistance

IMPORTANCE

EvgS/EvgA, one of the five unorthodox two-component systems in Escherichia coli, plays an essential role in adjusting bacterial behaviors to adapt to the changing environment. Multiple resistance regulated by EvgS/EvgA endows bacteria to survive in adverse conditions such as acidic pH, multidrug, and heat. In this minireview, we summarize the specific structures and regulation mechanisms of EvgS/EvgA and its multiple resistance. By discussing several unresolved issues and proposing our speculations, this review will be helpful and enlightening for future directions about EvgS/EvgA.

Bordetella bronchiseptica diguanylate cyclase BdcB inhibits the type three secretion system and impacts the immune response

Bordetella bronchiseptica is a gram-negative bacterium that causes respiratory diseases in different animals, including mice, making B. bronchiseptica the gold-standard model to investigate host-pathogen interaction at the molecular level. B. bronchiseptica utilizes many different mechanisms to precisely regulate the expression of virulence factors. Cyclic di-GMP is a second messenger synthesized by diguanylate cyclases and degraded by phosphodiesterases that regulates the expression of multiple virulence factors including biofilm formation. As in other bacteria, we have previously shown that c-di-GMP regulates motility and biofilm formation in B. bronchiseptica. This work describes the diguanylate cyclase BdcB (Bordetella diguanylate cyclase B) as an active diguanylate cyclase that promotes biofilm formation and inhibits motility in B. bronchiseptica. The absence of BdcB increased macrophage cytotoxicity in vitro and induced a greater production of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 by macrophages. Our study reveals that BdcB regulates the expression of components of T3SS, an important virulence factor of B. bronchiseptica. The Bb∆bdcB mutant presented increased expression of T3SS-mediated toxins such as bteA, responsible for cytotoxicity. Our in vivo results revealed that albeit the absence of bdcB did not affect the ability of B. bronchiseptica to infect and colonize the respiratory tract of mice, mice infected with Bb∆bdcB presented a significantly higher pro-inflammatory response than those infected with wild type B. bronchiseptica.

Roles of Two-Component Signal Transduction Systems in Shigella Virulence

Two-component signal transduction systems (TCSs) are widespread types of protein machinery, typically consisting of a histidine kinase membrane sensor and a cytoplasmic transcriptional regulator that can sense and respond to environmental signals. TCSs are responsible for modulating genes involved in a multitude of bacterial functions, including cell division, motility, differentiation, biofilm formation, antibiotic resistance, and virulence. Pathogenic bacteria exploit the capabilities of TCSs to reprogram gene expression according to the different niches they encounter during host infection. This review focuses on the role of TCSs in regulating the virulence phenotype of Shigella, an intracellular pathogen responsible for severe human enteric syndrome. The pathogenicity of Shigella is the result of the complex action of a wide number of virulence determinants located on the chromosome and on a large virulence plasmid. In particular, we will discuss how five TCSs, EnvZ/OmpR, CpxA/CpxR, ArcB/ArcA, PhoQ/PhoP, and EvgS/EvgA, contribute to linking environmental stimuli to the expression of genes related to virulence and fitness within the host. Considering the relevance of TCSs in the expression of virulence in pathogenic bacteria, the identification of drugs that inhibit TCS function may represent a promising approach to combat bacterial infections.

Acid-Sensing Histidine Kinase With a Redox Switch

The EvgS/EvgA two-component signal transduction system in Escherichia coli is activated under mildly acidic pH conditions. Upon activation, this system induces the expression of a number of genes that confer acid resistance. The EvgS histidine kinase sensor has a large periplasmic domain that is required for perceiving acidic signals. In addition, we have previously proposed that the cytoplasmic linker region of EvgS is also involved in the activation of this sensor. The cytoplasmic linker region resembles a Per-ARNT-Sim (PAS) domain, which is known to act as a molecular sensor that is responsive to chemical and physical stimuli and regulates the activity of diverse effector domains. Our EvgS/EvgA reporter assays revealed that under EvgS-activating mildly acidic pH conditions, EvgS was activated only during aerobic growth conditions, and not during anaerobic growth. Studies using EvgS mutants revealed that C671A and C683A mutations in the cytoplasmic PAS domain activated EvgS even under anaerobic conditions. Furthermore, among the electron carriers of the electron transport chain, ubiquinone was required for EvgS activation. The present study proposes a model of EvgS activation by oxidation and suggests that the cytoplasmic PAS domain serves as an intermediate redox switch for this sensor.

The BvgS PAS Domain, an Independent Sensory Perception Module in the Bordetella bronchiseptica BvgAS Phosphorelay

To detect and respond to the diverse environments they encounter, bacteria often use two-component regulatory systems (TCS) to coordinate essential cellular processes required for survival. In pathogenic Bordetella species, the BvgAS TCS regulates expression of hundreds of genes, including those encoding all known protein virulence factors, and its kinase activity is essential for respiratory infection. Maintenance of BvgS kinase activity in the lower respiratory tract (LRT) depends on the function of another TCS, PlrSR. While the periplasmic Venus flytrap domains of BvgS have been implicated in responding to so-called modulating signals in vitro (nicotinic acid and MgSO₄), a role for the cytoplasmic Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) domain in signal perception has not previously been demonstrated. By comparing B. bronchiseptica strains with mutations in the PAS domain-encoding region of bvgS with wild-type bacteria in vitro and in vivo, we found that although the PAS domain is not required to sense modulating signals in vitro, it is required for the inactivation of BvgS that occurs in the absence of PlrS in the LRTs of mice, suggesting that the BvgS PAS domain functions as an independent signal perception domain. Our data also indicate that the BvgS PAS domain is important for controlling absolute levels of BvgS kinase activity and the efficiency of the response to modulating signals in vitro Our results provide evidence that BvgS integrates sensory inputs from both the periplasm and the cytoplasm to control precise gene expression patterns under diverse environmental conditions.IMPORTANCE Despite high rates of vaccination, pertussis, a severe, highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, has reemerged as a significant health threat. In Bordetella pertussis and the closely related species Bordetella bronchiseptica, activity of the BvgAS two-component regulatory system is critical for colonization of the mammalian respiratory tract. We show here that the cytoplasmic PAS domain of BvgS can function as an independent signal perception domain that influences BvgS activity in response to environmental conditions. Our work is significant because it reveals a critical, yet previously unrecognized, role for the PAS domain in the BvgAS phosphorelay and provides a greater understanding of virulence regulation in Bordetella.

Albumin, in the Presence of Calcium, Elicits a Massive Increase in Extracellular Bordetella Adenylate Cyclase Toxin

Pertussis (whooping cough), caused by Bordetella pertussis, is resurging in the United States and worldwide. Adenylate cyclase toxin (ACT) is a critical factor in establishing infection with B. pertussis and acts by specifically inhibiting the response of myeloid leukocytes to the pathogen. We report here that serum components, as discovered during growth in fetal bovine serum (FBS), elicit a robust increase in the amount of ACT, and ≥90% of this ACT is localized to the supernatant, unlike growth without FBS, in which ≥90% is associated with the bacterium. We have found that albumin, in the presence of physiological concentrations of calcium, acts specifically to enhance the amount of ACT and its localization to the supernatant. Respiratory secretions, which contain albumin, promote an increase in amount and localization of active ACT that is comparable to that elicited by serum and albumin. The response to albumin is not mediated through regulation of ACT at the transcriptional level or activation of the Bvg two-component system. As further illustration of the specificity of this phenomenon, serum collected from mice that lack albumin does not stimulate an increase in ACT. These data, demonstrating that albumin and calcium act synergistically in the host environment to increase production and release of ACT, strongly suggest that this phenomenon reflects a novel host-pathogen interaction that is central to infection with B. pertussis and other Bordetella species.

The extent of the temperature-induced membrane remodeling in two closely related Bordetella species reflects their adaptation to diverse environmental niches

Changes in environmental temperature represent one of the major stresses faced by microorganisms as they affect the function of the cytoplasmic membrane. In this study, we have analyzed the thermal adaptation in two closely related respiratory pathogens Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella bronchiseptica Although B. pertussis represents a pathogen strictly adapted to the human body temperature, B. bronchiseptica causes infection in a broad range of animals and survives also outside of the host. We applied GC-MS to determine the fatty acids of both Bordetella species grown at different temperatures and analyzed the membrane fluidity by fluorescence anisotropy measurement. In parallel, we also monitored the effect of growth temperature changes on the expression and production of several virulence factors. In response to low temperatures, B. pertussis adapted its fatty acid composition and membrane fluidity to a considerably lesser extent when compared with B. bronchiseptica Remarkably, B. pertussis maintained the production of virulence factors at 24 °C, whereas B. bronchiseptica cells resumed the production only upon temperature upshift to 37 °C. This growth temperature-associated differential modulation of virulence factor production was linked to the phosphorylation state of transcriptional regulator BvgA. The observed differences in low-temperature adaptation between B. pertussis and B. bronchiseptica may result from selective adaptation of B. pertussis to the human host. We propose that the reduced plasticity of the B. pertussis membranes ensures sustained production of virulence factors at suboptimal temperatures and may play an important role in the transmission of the disease.

Bacterial Metabolism in the Host Environment: Pathogen Growth and Nutrient Assimilation in the Mammalian Upper Respiratory Tract

Pathogens evolve in specific host niches and microenvironments that provide the physical and nutritional requirements conducive to their growth. In addition to using the host as a source of food, bacterial pathogens must avoid the immune response to their presence. The mammalian upper respiratory tract is a site that is exposed to the external environment, and is readily colonized by bacteria that live as resident flora or as pathogens. These bacteria can remain localized, descend to the lower respiratory tract, or traverse the epithelium to disseminate throughout the body. By virtue of their successful colonization of the respiratory epithelium, these bacteria obtain the nutrients needed for growth, either directly from host resources or from other microbes. This chapter describes the upper respiratory tract environment, including its tissue and mucosal structure, prokaryotic biota, and biochemical composition that would support microbial life. Neisseria meningitidis and the Bordetella species are discussed as examples of bacteria that have no known external reservoirs but have evolved to obligately colonize the mammalian upper respiratory tract.

Differential regulation of type III secretion and virulence genes in Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella bronchiseptica by a secreted anti-σ factor

The BvgAS phosphorelay regulates ∼10% of the annotated genomes of Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella bronchiseptica and controls their infectious cycles. The hierarchical organization of the regulatory network allows the integration of contextual signals to control all or specific subsets of BvgAS-regulated genes. Here, we characterize a regulatory node involving a type III secretion system (T3SS)-exported protein, BtrA, and demonstrate its role in determining fundamental differences in T3SS phenotypes among Bordetella species. We show that BtrA binds and antagonizes BtrS, a BvgAS-regulated extracytoplasmic function (ECF) sigma factor, to couple the secretory activity of the T3SS apparatus to gene expression. In B. bronchiseptica, a remarkable spectrum of expression states can be resolved by manipulating btrA, encompassing over 80 BtrA-activated loci that include genes encoding toxins, adhesins, and other cell surface proteins, and over 200 BtrA-repressed genes that encode T3SS apparatus components, secretion substrates, the BteA effector, and numerous additional factors. In B. pertussis, BtrA retains activity as a BtrS antagonist and exerts tight negative control over T3SS genes. Most importantly, deletion of btrA in B. pertussis revealed T3SS-mediated, BteA-dependent cytotoxicity, which had previously eluded detection. This effect was observed in laboratory strains and in clinical isolates from a recent California pertussis epidemic. We propose that the BtrA-BtrS regulatory node determines subspecies-specific differences in T3SS expression among Bordetella species and that B. pertussis is capable of expressing a full range of T3SS-dependent phenotypes in the presence of appropriate contextual cues.

Interspecies variations in Bordetella catecholamine receptor gene regulation and function

Bordetella bronchiseptica can use catecholamines to obtain iron from transferrin and lactoferrin via uptake pathways involving the BfrA, BfrD, and BfrE outer membrane receptor proteins, and although Bordetella pertussis has the bfrD and bfrE genes, the role of these genes in iron uptake has not been demonstrated. In this study, the bfrD and bfrE genes of B. pertussis were shown to be functional in B. bronchiseptica, but neither B. bronchiseptica bfrD nor bfrE imparted catecholamine utilization to B. pertussis. Gene fusion analyses found that expression of B. bronchiseptica bfrA was increased during iron starvation, as is common for iron receptor genes, but that expression of the bfrD and bfrE genes of both species was decreased during iron limitation. As shown previously for B. pertussis, bfrD expression in B. bronchiseptica was also dependent on the BvgAS virulence regulatory system; however, in contrast to the case in B. pertussis, the known modulators nicotinic acid and sulfate, which silence Bvg-activated genes, did not silence expression of bfrD in B. bronchiseptica. Further studies using a B. bronchiseptica bvgAS mutant expressing the B. pertussis bvgAS genes revealed that the interspecies differences in bfrD modulation are partly due to BvgAS differences. Mouse respiratory infection experiments determined that catecholamine utilization contributes to the in vivo fitness of B. bronchiseptica and B. pertussis. Additional evidence of the in vivo importance of the B. pertussis receptors was obtained from serologic studies demonstrating pertussis patient serum reactivity with the B. pertussis BfrD and BfrE proteins.

Complete genome sequence of a clinical Bordetella pertussis isolate from Brazil

There has been a resurgence in the number of pertussis cases in Brazil and around the world. Here, the genome of a clinical Bordetella pertussis strain (Bz181) that was recently isolated in Brazil is reported. Analysis of the virulence-associated genes defining the pre- and post-vaccination lineages revealed the presence of the prn2-ptxS1A-fim3B-ptxP3 allelic profile in Bz181, which is characteristic of the current pandemic lineage. A putative metallo-β-lactamase gene presenting all of the conserved zinc-binding motifs that characterise the catalytic site was identified, in addition to a multidrug efflux pump of the RND family that could confer resistance to erythromycin, which is the antibiotic of choice for treating pertussis disease.

Virulence regulation with Venus flytrap domains: structure and function of the periplasmic moiety of the sensor-kinase BvgS

Two-component systems (TCS) represent major signal-transduction pathways for adaptation to environmental conditions, and regulate many aspects of bacterial physiology. In the whooping cough agent Bordetella pertussis, the TCS BvgAS controls the virulence regulon, and is therefore critical for pathogenicity. BvgS is a prototypical TCS sensor-kinase with tandem periplasmic Venus flytrap (VFT) domains. VFT are bi-lobed domains that typically close around specific ligands using clamshell motions. We report the X-ray structure of the periplasmic moiety of BvgS, an intricate homodimer with a novel architecture. By combining site-directed mutagenesis, functional analyses and molecular modeling, we show that the conformation of the periplasmic moiety determines the state of BvgS activity. The intertwined structure of the periplasmic portion and the different conformation and dynamics of its mobile, membrane-distal VFT1 domains, and closed, membrane-proximal VFT2 domains, exert a conformational strain onto the transmembrane helices, which sets the cytoplasmic moiety in a kinase-on state by default corresponding to the virulent phase of the bacterium. Signaling the presence of negative signals perceived by the periplasmic domains implies a shift of BvgS to a distinct state of conformation and activity, corresponding to the avirulent phase. The response to negative modulation depends on the integrity of the periplasmic dimer, indicating that the shift to the kinase-off state implies a concerted conformational transition. This work lays the bases to understand virulence regulation in Bordetella. As homologous sensor-kinases control virulence features of diverse bacterial pathogens, the BvgS structure and mechanism may pave the way for new modes of targeted therapeutic interventions.

Complement evasion by Bordetella pertussis: implications for improving current vaccines

Bordetella pertussis causes whooping cough or pertussis, a highly contagious disease of the respiratory tract. Despite high vaccination coverage, reported cases of pertussis are rising worldwide and it has become clear that the current vaccines must be improved. In addition to the well-known protective role of antibodies and T cells during B. pertussis infection, innate immune responses such as the complement system play an essential role in B. pertussis killing. In order to evade this complement activation and colonize the human host, B. pertussis expresses several molecules that inhibit complement activation. Interestingly, one of the known complement evasion proteins, autotransporter Vag8, is highly expressed in the recently emerged B. pertussis isolates. Here, we describe the current knowledge on how B. pertussis evades complement-mediated killing. In addition, we compare this to complement evasion strategies used by other bacterial species. Finally, we discuss the consequences of complement evasion by B. pertussis on adaptive immunity and how identification of the bacterial molecules and the mechanisms involved in complement evasion might help improve pertussis vaccines.

Genetically detoxified pertussis toxin (PT-9K/129G): implications for immunization and vaccines

Pertussis toxin (PT) is one of the major virulence factors of Bordetella pertussis and the primary component of all pertussis vaccines available to date. Because of its various noxious effects the toxin needs to be detoxified. In all currently available vaccines, detoxification is achieved by treatment with high quantity of chemical agents such as formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde or hydrogen peroxide. Although effective in detoxification, this chemical treatment alters dramatically the immunological properties of the toxin. In contrast, PT genetically detoxified through the substitution of two residues necessary for its enzymatic activity maintains all functional and immunological properties. This review describes in detail the characteristics of this PT-9K/129G mutant and shows that it is non-toxic and a superior immunogen compared with chemically detoxified PT. Importantly, data from an efficacy trial show that the PT-9K/129G-based vaccine induces earlier and longer-lasting protection, further supporting the hypothesis that PT-9K/129G represents an ideal candidate for future pertussis vaccine formulations.

Strong inhibition of fimbrial 3 subunit gene transcription by a novel downstream repressive element in Bordetella pertussis

The Bvg-regulated promoters for the fimbrial subunit genes fim2 and fim3 of Bordetella pertussis behave differently from each other both in vivo and in vitro. In vivo Pfim2 is significantly stronger than Pfim3 , even though predictions based on the DNA sequences of BvgA-binding motifs and core promoter elements would indicate the opposite. In vitro Pfim3 demonstrated robust BvgA∼P-dependent transcriptional activation, while none was seen with Pfim2 . This apparent contradiction was investigated further. By swapping sequence elements we created a number of hybrid promoters and assayed their strength in vivo. We found that, while Pfim3 promoter elements upstream of the +1 transcriptional start site do indeed direct Bvg-activated transcription more efficiently than those of Pfim2 , the overall promoter strength of Pfim3  in vivo is reduced due to sequences downstream of +1 that inhibit transcription more than 250-fold. This element, the DRE (downstream repressive element), was mapped to the 15 bp immediately downstream of the Pfim3 +1. Placing the DRE in different promoter contexts indicated that its activity was not specific to fim promoters, or even to Bvg-regulated promoters. However it does appear to be specific to Bordetella species in that it did not function in Escherichia coli.

Evidence for phenotypic bistability resulting from transcriptional interference of bvgAS in Bordetella bronchiseptica

Bordetella species cause respiratory infections in mammals. Their master regulatory system BvgAS controls expression of at least three distinct phenotypic phases in response to environmental cues. The Bvg⁺ phase is necessary and sufficient for respiratory infection while the Bvg⁻ phase is required for survival ex vivo. We obtained large colony variants (LCVs) from the lungs of mice infected with B. bronchiseptica strain RBX9, which contains an in-frame deletion mutation in fhaB, encoding filamentous haemagglutinin. RBX9 also yielded LCVs when switched from Bvg⁻ phase conditions to Bvg⁺ phase conditions in vitro. We determined that LCVs are composed of both Bvg⁺ and Bvg⁻ phase bacteria and that they result from defective bvgAS positive autoregulation. The LCV phenotype was linked to the presence of a divergent promoter 5' to bvgAS, suggesting a previously undescribed mechanism of transcriptional interference that, in this case, leads to feedback-based bistability (FBM). Our results also indicate that a small proportion of RBX9 bacteria modulates to the Bvg⁻ phase in vivo. In addition to providing insight into transcriptional interference and FBM, our data provide an example of an in-frame deletion mutation exerting a 'polar' effect on nearby genes.

Role of Bordetella pertussis RseA in the cell envelope stress response and adenylate cyclase toxin release

Bordetella pertussis is the bacterial agent of the human disease such as whooping cough. In many bacteria, the extracellular function sigma factor σ^E is central to the response to envelope stress, and its activity is negatively controlled by the RseA anti-sigma factor. In this study, the role of RseA in B. pertussis envelope stress responses was investigated. Compared with the wild-type strain, an rseA mutant showed elevated resistance to envelope stress and enhanced growth at 25 °C. rpoH and other predicted σ^E target genes demonstrated increased transcription in the rseA mutant compared with the wild-type parent. Transcription of those genes was also increased in wild-type B. pertussis and Escherichia coli under envelope stress, whereas no stress-induced increase in transcription was observed in the rseA mutant. rseA inactivation was also associated with altered levels of certain proteins in culture supernatant fluids, which showed increased adenylate cyclase toxin (CyaA) levels. The increased CyaA in the mutant was correlated with an apparent increased stability of the extracellular toxin and increased production of CyaA-containing outer membrane vesicles. Consistent with this, compared with the wild-type strain, rseA mutant cells produced increased numbers of large surface-associated vesicles.

Pathoadaptive mutations in Salmonella enterica isolated after serial passage in mice

How pathogenic bacteria adapt and evolve in the complex and variable environment of the host remains a largely unresolved question. Here we have used whole genome sequencing of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium LT2 populations serially passaged in mice to identify mutations that adapt bacteria to systemic growth in mice. We found unique pathoadaptive mutations in two global regulators, phoQ and stpA, which increase the competitive indexes of the bacteria 3- to 5-fold. Also, all mouse-adapted lineages had changed the orientation of the hin invertable element, resulting in production of a FliC type of flagellum. Competition experiments in mice with locked flagellum mutants showed that strains expressing the FliC type of flagellum had a 5-fold increase in competitive index as compared to those expressing FljB type flagellum. Combination of the flagellum cassette inversion with the stpA mutation increased competitive indexes up to 20-fold. These experiments show that Salmonella can rapidly adapt to a mouse environment by acquiring a few mutations of moderate individual effect that when combined confer substantial increases in growth.

Transcriptional profiling of the iron starvation response in Bordetella pertussis provides new insights into siderophore utilization and virulence gene expression

Serological studies of patients with pertussis and the identification of antigenic Bordetella pertussis proteins support the hypothesis that B. pertussis perceives an iron starvation cue and expresses multiple iron source utilization systems in its natural human host environment. Furthermore, previous studies using a murine respiratory tract infection model showed that several of these B. pertussis iron systems are required for colonization and persistence and are differentially expressed over the course of infection. The present study examined genome-wide changes in B. pertussis gene transcript abundance in response to iron starvation in vitro. In addition to known iron source utilization genes, we identified a previously uncharacterized iron-repressed cytoplasmic membrane transporter system, fbpABC, that is required for the utilization of multiple structurally distinct siderophores including alcaligin, enterobactin, ferrichrome, and desferrioxamine B. Expression of type III secretion system genes was also found to be upregulated during iron starvation in both B. pertussis strain Tohama I and Bordetella bronchiseptica strain RB50. In a survey of type III secretion system protein production by an assortment of B. pertussis laboratory-adapted and low-passage clinical isolate strains, iron limitation increased the production and secretion of the type III secretion system-specific translocation apparatus tip protein Bsp22 in all Bvg-proficient strains. These results indicate that iron starvation in the infected host is an important environmental cue influencing not only Bordetella iron transport gene expression but also the expression of other important virulence-associated genes.

Roles of cyclic diguanylate in the regulation of bacterial pathogenesis

Cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP) is a bacterial second messenger of growing recognition involved in the regulation of a number of complex physiological processes. This review describes the biosynthesis and hydrolysis of c-di-GMP and several mechanisms of regulation of c-di-GMP metabolism. The contribution of c-di-GMP to regulating biofilm formation and motility, processes that affect pathogenesis of many bacteria, is described, as is c-di-GMP regulation of virulence gene expression. Finally, ways in which c-di-GMP may mediate these regulatory effects are proposed.

Mechanisms of cyclic-di-GMP signaling in bacteria

Cyclic-di-GMP is a ubiquitous second messenger in bacteria. The recent discovery that c-di-GMP antagonistically controls motility and virulence of single, planktonic cells on one hand and cell adhesion and persistence of multicellular communities on the other has spurred interest in this regulatory compound. Cellular levels of c-di-GMP are controlled through the opposing activities of diguanylate cyclases and phosphodiesterases, which represent two large families of output domains found in bacterial one- and two-component systems. This review concentrates on structural and functional aspects of diguanylate cyclases and phosphodiesterases, and on their role in transmitting environmental stimuli into a range of different cellular functions. In addition, we examine several well-established model systems for c-di-GMP signaling, including Pseudomonas, Vibrio, Caulobacter, and Salmonella.

Dual signaling functions of the hybrid sensor kinase RpfC of Xanthomonas campestris involve either phosphorelay or receiver domain-protein interaction

The hybrid sensor kinase RpfC positively regulates the expression of a range of virulent genes and negatively modulates the synthesis of the quorum sensing signal diffusible signal factor (DSF) in Xanthomonas campestris. Three conserved amino acid residues of RpfC implicated in phosphorelay (His(198) in the histidine kinase domain, Asp(512) in the receiver domain, and His(657) in the histidine phosphotransfer domain) were essential for activation of the production of extracellular enzymes and extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) virulence factors but were not essential for repression of DSF biosynthesis. Domain deletion and subsequent in trans expression analysis revealed that the receiver domain of RpfC alone was sufficient to repress DSF overproduction in an rpfC deletion mutant. Further deletion and alanine scanning mutagenesis analyses identified a peptide of 107 amino acids and three amino acid residues (Gln(496), Glu(504), and Ile(552)) involved in modulating DSF production. Co-immunoprecipitation and far Western blot analyses suggested an interaction between the receiver domain and RpfF, the enzyme involved in DSF biosynthesis. These data support a model in which RpfC modulates two different functions (virulence factor synthesis and DSF synthesis) by utilization of a conserved phosphorelay system and a novel domain-specific protein-protein interaction mechanism, respectively. This latter mechanism represents an added dimension to conventional two-component signaling paradigms.

Signaling by the arc two-component system provides a link between the redox state of the quinone pool and gene expression

The Arc two-component system is a complex signal transduction system that plays a key role in regulating energy metabolism at the level of transcription in bacteria. This system comprises the ArcB protein, a tripartite membrane-associated sensor kinase, and the ArcA protein, a typical response regulator. Under anoxic growth conditions, ArcB autophosphorylates and transphosphorylates ArcA, which in turn represses or activates the expression of its target operons. Under aerobic conditions, ArcB acts as a phosphatase that catalyzes the dephosphorylation of ArcA-P and thereby releasing its transcriptional regulation. The events for Arc signaling, including signal reception and kinase regulation, signal transmission, amplification, as well as signal output and decay are discussed.

Comparative toll-like receptor 4-mediated innate host defense to Bordetella infection

Bordetella pertussis, B. parapertussis, and B. bronchiseptica are closely related species associated with respiratory disease in humans and other mammals. While B. bronchiseptica has a wide host range, B. pertussis and B. parapertussis evolved separately from a B. bronchiseptica-like progenitor to naturally infect only humans. Despite very different doubling times in vitro, all three establish similar levels of infection in the mouse lung within 72 h. Recent work has revealed separate roles for Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in immunity to B. pertussis and B. bronchiseptica, while no role for TLR4 during B. parapertussis infection has been described. Here we compared the requirement for TLR4 in innate host defense to these organisms using the same mouse infection model. While B. bronchiseptica causes lethal disease in TLR4-deficient mice, B. pertussis and B. parapertussis do not. Correspondingly, TLR4 is critical in limiting B. bronchiseptica but not B. pertussis or B. parapertussis bacterial numbers during the first 72 h. Interestingly, B. bronchiseptica induces a TLR4-dependent cytokine response that is considerably larger than that induced by B. pertussis or B. parapertussis. Analysis of their endotoxins using RAW cells suggests that B. bronchiseptica lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is 10- and 100-fold more stimulatory than B. pertussis or B. parapertussis LPS, respectively. The difference in LPS stimulus is more pronounced when using HEK293 cells expressing human TLR4. Thus, it appears that in adapting to infect humans, B. pertussis and B. parapertussis independently modified their LPS to reduce TLR4-mediated responses, which may compensate for slower growth rates and facilitate host colonization.

Adenylate cyclase toxin (ACT) from Bordetella hinzii: characterization and differences from ACT of Bordetella pertussis

Bordetella hinzii is a commensal respiratory microorganism in poultry but is increasingly being recognized as an opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised humans. Although associated with a variety of disease states, practically nothing is known about the mechanisms employed by this bacterium. In this study, we show by DNA sequencing and reverse transcription-PCR that both commensal and clinical strains of B. hinzii possess and transcriptionally express cyaA, the gene encoding adenylate cyclase toxin (ACT) in other pathogenic Bordetella species. By Western blotting, we also found that B. hinzii produces full-length ACT protein in quantities that are comparable to those made by B. pertussis. In contrast to B. pertussis ACT, however, ACT from B. hinzii is less extractable from whole bacteria, nonhemolytic, has a 50-fold reduction in adenylate cyclase activity, and is unable to elevate cyclic AMP levels in host macrophages (nontoxic). The decrease in enzymatic activity is attributable, at least in part, to a decreased binding affinity of B. hinzii ACT for calmodulin, the eukaryotic activator of B. pertussis ACT. In addition, we demonstrate that the lack of intoxication by B. hinzii ACT may be due to the absence of expression of cyaC, the gene encoding the accessory protein required for the acylation of B. pertussis ACT. These results demonstrate the expression of ACT by B. hinzii and represent the first characterization of a potential virulence factor of this organism.

Phg, a novel member of the autotransporter family present in Bordetella species

Several proteins encoded in the genomes of Bordetella species show significant sequence similarity to the autotransporter domains of surface exposed or secreted virulence factors of bordetellae such as pertactin, tracheal colonization factor or Vag8. One of these putative autotransporters, provisionally termed Phg, is encoded by the pertactin homologous gene (phg), which is highly conserved in Bordetella pertussis, B. bronchiseptica and B. parapertussis, but absent in B. avium and B. petrii. In contrast to homologues with documented functions in host interaction and virulence, several key amino acids probably involved in proteolytic processing of the autotransporter domain are not conserved in Phg. The transcription start site of phg was identified by primer extension analysis, but differential transcription of phg could not be detected in B. bronchiseptica strains under conditions that lead to enhanced expression of other known Bordetella autotransporter proteins. A mutant of B. pertussis was constructed in which major parts of phg are substituted by a kanamycin resistance cassette. Virulence testing of this mutant in a mouse respiratory infection model showed the same colonization properties as the wild-type strain.

Demonstration of differential virulence gene promoter activation in vivo in Bordetella pertussis using RIVET

Bordetella pertussis, the etiologic agent of whooping cough, causes disease by employing an array of virulence factors controlled by the BvgA-BvgS two-component signal transduction system. Regulation by this system has been extensively characterized in vitro, where bvg-activated genes are repressed in a process known as phenotypic modulation. Differential regulation of these genes by the response regulator BvgA results in promoters that are activated early, middle, or late after being released from modulation. However, the in vivo environmental signal and regulation pattern has not been described. In order to investigate BvgAS-mediated regulation of B. pertussis virulence factors in vivo using the mouse aerosol challenge model, we have adapted the recombinase-based in vivo technology (RIVET) system for use in B. pertussis. We have demonstrated that these strains show resolution during in vitro growth under non-modulating conditions. In addition, we have demonstrated that modulating strains by growth on media containing MgSO4 does not affect virulence in the mouse aerosol challenge model. We have therefore used the RIVET system to reveal the time-course of gene expression in vivo for selected B. pertussis virulence factors (cya, fha, prn and ptx). Our data indicate that this method can be effectively used to monitor and compare in vivo and in vitro gene expression in B. pertussis, and that temporal regulation patterns previously observed in vitro are mirrored in vivo.

A novel two-component system controls the expression of Pseudomonas aeruginosa fimbrial cup genes

Biofilm formation by the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa requires the expression of a number of surface adhesive components. The expression of surface organelles facilitating biofilm formation is controlled by environmental signals acting through transcriptional regulatory networks. We analysed the expression of a family of P. aeruginosa adhesins encoded by three distinct fimbrial gene clusters (cupA, cupB and cupC). Using transposon mutagenesis, we have identified several regulatory loci that upregulated cupB and cupC transcription. One such locus contains three components, RocS1, RocR and RocA1, which represent a variant of a classical two-component signal transduction pathway. RocS1 is a sensor kinase, RocA1 is a DNA binding response regulator that activates cup genes, and RocR is an antagonist of RocA1 activity. Using a two-hybrid assay, we have shown that RocS1 interacts with receiver domains of both RocA1 and RocR. Expression of the Cup system in response to environmental stimuli is accomplished by a novel mechanism in which the sensor kinase activates its cognate response regulator through a phosphorelay pathway, while an additional repressor protein modulates this interaction.

Solution structure and dynamics of LuxU from Vibrio harveyi, a phosphotransferase protein involved in bacterial quorum sensing

The marine bacterium Vibrio harveyi controls its bioluminescence by a process known as quorum sensing. In this process, autoinducer molecules are detected by membrane-bound sensor kinase/response regulator proteins (LuxN and LuxQ) that relay a signal via a series of protein phosphorylation reactions to another response regulator protein, LuxO. Phosphorylated LuxO indirectly represses the expression of the proteins responsible for bioluminescence. Integral to this quorum sensing process is the function of the phosphotransferase protein, LuxU. LuxU acts to shuttle the phosphate from the membrane-bound proteins, LuxN and LuxQ, to LuxO. LuxU is a 114 amino acid residue monomeric protein. Solution NMR was used to determine the three-dimensional structure of LuxU. LuxU contains a four-helix bundle topology with the active-site histidine residue (His58) located on alpha-helix C and exposed to solution. The active site represents a cluster of positively charged residues located on an otherwise hydrophobic protein face. NMR spin-relaxation experiments identify a collection of flexible residues localized on the same region of LuxU as His58. The studies described here represent the first structural characterization of an isolated, monomeric bacterial phosphotransferase protein.

Functional characterization of the BvgAS two-component system of Bordetella holmesii

The BvgAS two-component system is the master regulator of virulence gene expression in the mammalian pathogens Bordetella pertussis, Bordetella parapertussis and Bordetella bronchiseptica. This paper reports the partial cloning and characterization of the bvgAS loci of the 'new' Bordetella species Bordetella holmesii, Bordetella trematum and Bordetella hinzii, which are increasingly recognized as opportunistic pathogens in humans. It is demonstrated that the cytoplasmic signalling domains of the BvgS histidine kinases of B. pertussis and B. holmesii are functionally interchangeable, while signal perception by the two sensor proteins seems to be different. Furthermore, it is shown that, despite the high similarity of the BvgA proteins of B. pertussis and B. holmesii, promoter recognition by the response regulator proteins differs substantially in these organisms.

Activation of the vrg6 promoter of Bordetella pertussis by RisA

The BvgAS two-component system positively regulates the expression of the virulence genes of Bordetella pertussis and negatively regulates a second set of genes whose function is unknown. The BvgAS-mediated regulation of the bvg-repressed genes is accomplished through the activation of expression of the negative regulator, BvgR. A second two-component regulatory system, RisAS, is required for expression of the bvg-repressed surface antigens VraA and VraB. We examined the roles of BvgR and RisA in the regulation of four bvg-repressed genes in B. pertussis. Our analyses demonstrated that all four genes are repressed by the product of the bvgR locus and are activated by the product of the risA locus. Deletion analysis of the vrg6 promoter identified the upstream and downstream boundaries of the promoter and, in contrast to previously published results, demonstrated that sequences downstream of the start of transcription are not required for the regulation of expression of vrg6. Gel mobility-shift experiments demonstrated sequence-specific binding of RisA to the vrg6 and vrg18 promoters, and led to the identification of two putative RisA binding sites. Finally, transcriptional analysis and Western blot analysis demonstrated that BvgR regulates neither the expression nor the stability of RisA.

Evaluation of the role of the Bvg intermediate phase in Bordetella pertussis during experimental respiratory infection

The BvgAS system of Bordetella pertussis was traditionally considered to mediate a transition between two phenotypic phases (Bvg(+) and Bvg(-)) in response to environmental signals. We characterized a third state, the intermediate (Bvg(i)) phase, which can be induced by introducing a 1-bp substitution into bvgS (the bvgS-I1 mutation) or by growing B. pertussis under conditions intermediate between those leading to the Bvg(+) and Bvg(-) phases. Like B. bronchiseptica, B. pertussis displays in its Bvg(i) phase a characteristic colony morphology and hemolytic activity and expresses a Bvg(i)-phase-specific polypeptide called BipA, whose synthesis is regulated by bvgAS at the transcriptional level. Based on our results, we hypothesize that the Bvg(i) phase of B. pertussis may be involved in facilitating transmission between hosts. Thus, a B. pertussis mutant carrying the bvgS-I1 mutation (GMT1i) persisted at wild-type levels only in the upper murine respiratory tract. Interestingly, a bipA deletion derivative of GMT1i displayed a reduced ability to colonize the nasal cavity of mice compared with GMT1i. However, in experimental mixed infections GMT1i expressing the Bvg(i) phase could establish an initial colonization in the nose and trachea of mice as efficiently as GMT1, but the wild-type strain outcompeted GMT1i at a later time point at all sites of the respiratory tract, suggesting that the Bvg(i) phase does not serve as a phenotypic phase specialized in colonization. Finally, even though B. pertussis expresses in vitro the Bvg(i) phase at the human nasal temperature, anti-BipA antibodies were undetectable in a large collection of sera from pertussis patients.

The type III secreted protein BopD in Bordetella bronchiseptica is complexed with BopB for pore formation on the host plasma membrane

The cytotoxicity of Bordetella bronchiseptica to infected cells is known to be dependent on a B. bronchiseptica type III secretion system. Although BopB, BopN, BopD, and Bsp22 have been identified as type III secreted proteins, these proteins remain to be characterized. In this study, in order to clarify the function of BopD during Bordetella infection, a BopD mutant was generated. Although secretion of BopD into the culture supernatant was completely abolished by the bopD mutation, the secretion of other type III secreted proteins was not affected by this mutation. It has been reported that severe cytotoxicity, including cell detachment from the substrata, and release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) into the supernatant are induced in L2 cells by wild-type B. bronchiseptica infection, and these phenotypes are dependent on the type III secretion system. In contrast, neither cell detachment nor LDH release was induced in L2 cells infected with the BopD mutant. Furthermore, the hemolytic activity of the BopD mutant was greatly impaired compared with that of the wild-type strain. On the basis of the results of coimmunoprecipitation assays with anti-BopB antibodies, we conclude that BopD has the ability to associate with BopB. Finally, we show that the BopD-BopB complex is responsible for the pore formation in the host plasma membrane that functions as the conduit for the transition of effector proteins into host cells.

BopB is a type III secreted protein in Bordetella bronchiseptica and is required for cytotoxicity against cultured mammalian cells

The cytotoxicity of Bordetella bronchiseptica to infected cells is known to be dependent on a B. bronchiseptica type III secretion system. Although the precise mechanism of the type III secretion system is unknown, BopN, BopD and Bsp22 have been identified as type III secreted proteins. In order to identify other proteins secreted via the type III secretion machinery in Bordetella, a type III mutant was generated, and its secretion profile was compared with that of the wild-type strain. The results showed that the wild-type strain, but not the type III mutant, secreted a 40-kDa protein into the culture supernatant. This protein was identified as BopB by the analysis of its N-terminal amino acid sequence. Severe cytotoxicity such as necrosis was induced in L2 cells by infection with the wild-type B. bronchiseptica. In contrast, this effect was not observed by the BopB mutant infection. The haemolytic activity of the BopB mutant was greatly impaired compared with that of the wild-type strain. The results of a digitonin assay strongly suggested that BopB was translocated into HeLa cells infected with the wild-type strain. Taken together, our results demonstrate that Bordetella secretes BopB via a type III secretion system during infection. BopB may play a role in the formation of pores in the host plasma membrane which serve as a conduit for the translocation of effector proteins into host cells.

Analysis of bvgR expression in Bordetella pertussis

Bordetella pertussis, the causative agent of whooping cough, produces a wide array of factors that are associated with its ability to cause disease. The expression and regulation of these virulence factors are dependent upon the bvg locus, which encodes three proteins: BvgA, a 23-kDa cytoplasmic protein; BvgS, a 135-kDa transmembrane protein; and BvgR, a 32-kDa protein. It is hypothesized that BvgS responds to environmental signals and interacts with BvgA, a transcriptional regulator, which upon modification by BvgS binds to specific promoters and activates transcription. An additional class of genes is repressed by the products of the bvg locus. The repression of these genes is dependent upon the third gene, bvgR. Expression of bvgR is dependent upon the function of BvgA and BvgS. This led to the hypothesis that the binding of phosphorylated BvgA to the bvgR promoter activates the expression of bvgR. We undertook an analysis of the transcriptional activation of bvgR expression. We identified the bvgR transcript by Northern blot analysis and identified the start site of transcription by primer extension. We determined that transcriptional activation of the bvgR promoter in an in vitro transcription system requires the addition of phosphorylated BvgA. Additionally, we have identified cis-acting regions that are required for BvgA activation of the bvgR promoter by in vitro footprinting and in vivo deletion and linker scanning analyses. A model of BvgA binding to the bvgR promoter is presented.

Vir90, a virulence-activated gene coding for a Bordetella pertussis iron-regulated outer membrane protein

Bordetella pertussis undergoes phenotypic changes modulated by the bvgAS locus, which regulates the expression of many genes related to virulence and immunogenicity. We previously reported the N-terminal sequence of a 90 kDa bvg-regulated outer membrane protein (OMP) of B. pertussis (SWISS-PROT accession No. p81549), a novel potential virulence factor that we named Vir90. The open reading frames (ORFs) which potentially code for Vir90 in B. pertussis, B. parapertussis and B. bronchiseptica were identified by computer analysis of the genomic sequences available for the three Bordetella species. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the vir90 upstream region revealed the presence of a putative promoter, a BvgA binding site and a putative Fur binding site. The B. pertussis Vir90 protein showed significant homology with ferrisiderophore receptors from Gram-negative bacteria. An antiserum raised against Vir90His recombinant protein recognized the 90-kDa protein in immunoblots of OMPs from these three virulent Bordetella species. The accumulation of the Vir90 protein increased 4-fold under low iron growth conditions. Therefore, the vir90 gene is expressed in the tested species and its expression is regulated positively by the BvgAS system and negatively under high iron concentration, likely by Fur.

An aromatic amino acid auxotrophic mutant of Bordetella bronchiseptica is attenuated and immunogenic in a mouse model of infection

We have constructed an aromatic amino acid auxotrophic mutant of Bordetella bronchiseptica, harbouring mutations in aroA and trpE to investigate the use of such a strain as a live-attenuated vaccine. B. bronchiseptica aroA trpE was unable to grow in minimal medium without aromatic supplementation. Compared to the parental wild-type strain, the mutant displayed significantly reduced abilities to invade and survive within the mouse macrophage-like cell line J774A.1 in vitro and in the murine respiratory tract following experimental intranasal infection. Mice vaccinated with B. bronchiseptica aroA trpE displayed significant dose-dependent increases in B. bronchiseptica-specific antibody responses, and exhibited increases in the number of B. bronchiseptica-reactive spleen cells in lymphoproliferation assays. Immunised animals were protected against lung colonisation after challenge with the wild-type parental strain. With such a broad host range displayed by B. bronchiseptica, the attenuated strain constructed in this study may not only be used for the prevention of B. bronchiseptica-associated disease, but also for the potential delivery of heterologous antigen.

Alcaligin siderophore production by Bordetella bronchiseptica strain RB50 is not repressed by the BvgAS virulence control system

A previous study found that alcaligin siderophore production by Bordetella bronchiseptica strain RB50 is Bvg repressed. In contrast, we report that alcaligin production by RB50 does not require Bvg phenotypic phase modulation and that isogenic Bvg(Con) and Bvg(-) phase-locked mutants both produce alcaligin in response to iron starvation.

Comparative phenotypic analysis of the Bordetella parapertussis isolate chosen for genomic sequencing

The genomes of three closely related bordetellae are currently being sequenced, thus providing an opportunity for comparative genomic approaches driven by an understanding of the comparative biology of these three bacteria. Although the other strains being sequenced are well studied, the strain of Bordetella parapertussis chosen for sequencing is a recent human clinical isolate (strain 12822) that has yet to be characterized in detail. This investigation reports the first phenotypic characterization of this strain, which will likely become the prototype for this species in comparison with the prototype strains of B. pertussis (Tohama I), B. bronchiseptica (RB50), and other isolates of B. parapertussis. Multiple in vitro and in vivo assays distinguished each species. B. parapertussis was more similar to B. bronchiseptica than to B. pertussis in many assays, including in BvgS signaling characteristics, presence of urease activity, regulation of urease expression by BvgAS, virulence in the respiratory tracts of immunocompromised mice, induction of anti-Bordetella antibodies, and serum antimicrobial resistance. In other assays, B. parapertussis was distinct from all other species (in pigment production) or more similar to B. pertussis (by lack of motility and cytotoxicity to a macrophage-like cell line). These results begin to provide phenotypes that can be related to genetic differences identified in the genomic sequences of bordetellae.

Identification of novel factors involved in colonization and acid tolerance of Vibrio cholerae

Despite over 100 years of study, the intestinal pathogen Vibrio cholerae still causes epidemic disease in areas of the world where there is poor sanitation. While cholera toxin and the toxin-coregulated pilus (TCP) are known to be essential for full virulence, the role that other factors play has remained ill-defined. Herein, we describe a large-scale signature-tagged mutagenesis (STM) screen utilizing 100 pools of 96 mutants each to identify factors involved in colonization of the infant mouse small intestine. A total of 164 mutants representing transposition events into 95 different open reading frames were shown to be recovered at greatly reduced numbers from the infant mouse model. Analysis of the sites of insertion revealed multiple independent mutations within the rfb gene cluster, needed for synthesis of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and the tcp gene cluster, needed for synthesis of the TCP. More importantly, in addition to these previously known colonization factors, we identified many genes whose activity in colonization was not previously appreciated. These can be divided into a number of functional groups, which include production of factors involved in metabolic activities, regulation of cellular processes, transport, adaptation to stress and unknown functions. In addition, we describe the reiterative use of STM, whereby colonization-defective mutants were assembled into virulence-attenuated pools (VAPs), which were used to begin to reveal roles that the identified virulence factors play in the infection process. Nine new factors were shown to be crucial for the V. cholerae acid tolerance response, which has previously been hypothesized to be important for epidemic spread of cholera. Competition assays of these nine acid tolerance response (ATR)-defective mutants revealed that mutations in gshB, hepA and recO result in a 1000-fold reduction in colonization.

Two regions of GerE required for promoter activation in Bacillus subtilis

GerE from Bacillus subtilis is the smallest member of the LuxR-FixJ family of transcription activators. Its 74-amino-acid sequence is similar over its entire length to the DNA binding domain of this protein family, including a putative helix-turn-helix (HTH) motif. In this report, we sought to define regions of GerE involved in promoter activation. We examined the effects of single alanine substitutions at 19 positions that were predicted by the crystal structure of GerE to be located on its surface. A single substitution of alanine for the phenylalanine at position 6 of GerE (F6A) resulted in decreased transcription in vivo and in vitro from the GerE-dependent cotC promoter. However, the F6A substitution had little effect on transcription from the GerE-dependent cotX promoter. In contrast, a single alanine substitution for the leucine at position 67 (L67A) reduced transcription from the cotX promoter, but not from the cotC promoter. The results of DNase I protection assays and in vitro transcription reactions lead us to suggest that the F6A and L67A substitutions define two regions of GerE, activation region 1 (AR1) and AR2, that are required for activation of the cotC and cotX promoters, respectively. A comparison of our results with those from studies of MalT and BvgA indicated that other members of the LuxR-FixJ family may use more than one surface to interact with RNA polymerase during promoter activation.

Polymorphism of Bordetella pertussis isolates circulating for the last 10 years in France, where a single effective whole-cell vaccine has been used for more than 30 years

We compared Bordetella pertussis isolates collected in France over the last 10 years, the vaccine strains used for more than 30 years, and isolates collected before the introduction of generalized vaccination. The analysis included serotyping, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of chromosomal DNA after digestion with XbaI and SpeI, and sequencing of the pt S1 gene, encoding the S1 subunit of pertussis toxin, and the prn gene, encoding the adhesin pertactin. We found that the incidence of infection increases every 3 years. Ninety-five per cent of the isolates analyzed express type 3 fimbriae. Most of the isolates circulating since 1991, unlike the vaccinal strains, express a type A pertussis toxin and a type 2 pertactin. The isolates could be classified into five major groups by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Most of these groups correlated with the pertactin type expressed by the isolates. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis is more discriminative than sequencing particular genes since it could differentiate isolates expressing type 2 pertactin into two subgroups: those circulating in 1993 to 1997 and those circulating in 1997 to 2001. This observation suggests that there has been continuous evolution of the B. pertussis population.

Bordetella pertussis autoregulates pertussis toxin production through the metabolism of cysteine

Pertussis toxin (Ptx) expression and secretion in Bordetella pertussis are regulated by a two-component signal transduction system encoded by the bvg regulatory locus. However, it is not known whether the metabolic pathways and growth state of the bacterium influence synthesis and secretion of Ptx and other virulence factors. We have observed a reduction in the concentration of Ptx per optical density unit midway in fermentation. Studies were conducted to identify possible factors causing this reduction and to develop culture conditions that optimize Ptx expression. Medium reconstitution experiments demonstrated that spent medium and a fraction of this medium containing components with a molecular weight of <3,000 inhibited the production of Ptx. A complete flux analysis of the intermediate metabolism of B. pertussis revealed that the sulfur-containing amino acids methionine and cysteine and the organic acid pyruvate accumulated in the media. In fermentation, a large amount of internal sulfate (SO4(2-)) was observed in early stage growth, followed by a rapid decrease as the cells entered into logarithmic growth. This loss was later followed by the accumulation of large quantities of SO4(2-) into the media in late-stage fermentation. Release of SO4(2-) into the media by the cells signaled the decoupling of cell growth and Ptx production. Under conditions that limited cysteine, a fivefold increase in Ptx production was observed. Addition of barium chloride (BaCl2) to the culture further increased Ptx yield. Our results suggest that B. pertussis is capable of autoregulating the activity of the bvg regulon through its metabolism of cysteine. Reduction of the amount of cysteine in the media results in prolonged vir expression due to the absence of the negative inhibitor SO4(2-). Therefore, the combined presence and metabolism of cysteine may be an important mechanism in the pathogenesis of B. pertussis.