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Itzek A, Weißbach V, Meintrup D, Rieß B, van der Linden M, Borgmann S. Epidemiological and Clinical Features of Streptococcus dysgalactiae ssp. equisimilis stG62647 and Other emm Types in Germany. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12040589. [PMID: 37111475 PMCID: PMC10143538 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12040589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis (SDSE) is an important β-hemolytic pathogen historically described as mainly affecting animals. Studies epidemiologically assessing the pathogenicity in the human population in Germany are rare. (2) Methods: the present study combines national surveillance data from 2010 to 2022 with a single-center clinical study conducted from 2016 to 2022, focusing on emm type, Lancefield antigen, antimicrobial resistance, patient characteristics, disease severity, and clinical infection markers. (3) Results: The nationwide reported invasive SDSE infections suggest an increasing infection burden for the German population. One particular emm type, stG62647, increased over the study period, being the dominant type in both study cohorts, suggesting a mutation-driven outbreak of a virulent clone. The patient data show that men were more affected than women, although in the single-center cohort, this trend was reversed for patients with stG62647 SDSE. Men affected by stG62647 developed predominantly fascial infections, whereas women suffering from superficial and fascial non-stG62647 SDSE infections were significantly younger than other patients. Increasing age was a general risk factor for invasive SDSE infections. (4) Conclusions: further studies are needed to further elucidate the raised questions regarding outbreak origin, underlying molecular mechanisms as well as sex-dependent pathogen adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Itzek
- German National Reference Center for Streptococci, Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Victoria Weißbach
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Ingolstadt Hospital, 85049 Ingolstadt, Germany
| | - David Meintrup
- Faculty of Engineering and Management, University of Applied Sciences Ingolstadt, 85049 Ingolstadt, Germany
| | - Beate Rieß
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Ingolstadt Hospital, 85049 Ingolstadt, Germany
| | - Mark van der Linden
- German National Reference Center for Streptococci, Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Stefan Borgmann
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Ingolstadt Hospital, 85049 Ingolstadt, Germany
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2
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Hirose Y, Kolesinski P, Hiraoka M, Uchiyama S, Zurich RH, Kumaraswamy M, Bjanes E, Ghosh P, Kawabata S, Nizet V. Contribution of Streptococcus pyogenes M87 protein to innate immune resistance and virulence. Microb Pathog 2022; 169:105636. [PMID: 35724830 PMCID: PMC9878354 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes is a pre-eminent human pathogen, and classified by the hypervariable sequence of the emm gene encoding the cell surface M protein. Among a diversity of M/emm types, the prevalence of the M/emm87 strain has been steadily increasing in invasive S. pyogenes infections. Although M protein is the major virulence factor for globally disseminated M/emm1 strain, it is unclear if or how the corresponding M protein of M/emm87 strain (M87 protein) functions as a virulence factor. Here, we use targeted mutagenesis to show that the M87 protein contributes to bacterial resistance to neutrophil and whole blood killing and promotes the release of mature IL-1β from macrophages. While deletion of emm87 did not influence epithelial cell adherence and nasal colonization, it significantly reduced S. pyogenes-induced mortality and bacterial loads in a murine systemic infection model. Our data suggest that emm87 is involved in pathogenesis by modulating the interaction between S. pyogenes and innate immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujiro Hirose
- Department of Oral and Molecular Microbiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Suita, Osaka 5650871, Japan,Department of Pediatrics, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Piotr Kolesinski
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Masanobu Hiraoka
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA,Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Wakayama 6418509, Japan
| | - Satoshi Uchiyama
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Raymond H. Zurich
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Monika Kumaraswamy
- Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA,Infectious Diseases Section, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Elisabet Bjanes
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Partho Ghosh
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Shigetada Kawabata
- Department of Oral and Molecular Microbiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Suita, Osaka 5650871, Japan,Correspondence: Victor Nizet, , TEL: +18585347408, Shigetada Kawabata, , TEL: +81668792896
| | - Victor Nizet
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA,Skaggs School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA,Correspondence: Victor Nizet, , TEL: +18585347408, Shigetada Kawabata, , TEL: +81668792896
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3
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Abachi S, Macé S, Lee S, Rupasinghe HV. Cranberry and Sumac Extracts Exhibit Antibacterial and Anti-Adhesive Effects Against Streptococcus pyogenes. J Med Food 2022; 25:426-434. [DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2021.0047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Soheila Abachi
- Department of Plant, Food, and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Sabrina Macé
- IFREMER, BRM, EM3B Laboratory, Nantes, CEDEX 3, France
| | - Song Lee
- Department of Applied Oral Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - H.P. Vasantha Rupasinghe
- Department of Plant, Food, and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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4
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Indraratna AD, Everest-Dass A, Skropeta D, Sanderson-Smith M. OUP accepted manuscript. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2022; 46:6519265. [PMID: 35104861 PMCID: PMC9075583 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuac001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Host carbohydrates, or glycans, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of many bacterial infections. Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a Gram-positive bacterium that readily colonises the skin and oropharynx, and is a significant cause of mortality in humans. While the glycointeractions orchestrated by many other pathogens are increasingly well-described, the understanding of the role of human glycans in GAS disease remains incomplete. Although basic investigation into the mechanisms of GAS disease is ongoing, several glycointeractions have been identified and are examined herein. The majority of research in this context has focussed on bacterial adherence, however, glycointeractions have also been implicated in carbohydrate metabolism; evasion of host immunity; biofilm adaptations; and toxin-mediated haemolysis. The involvement of human glycans in these diverse avenues of pathogenesis highlights the clinical value of understanding glycointeractions in combatting GAS disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuk D Indraratna
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Northfields Ave, Keiraville New South Wales 2522, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Keiraville, New South Wales, 2522, Australia
| | - Arun Everest-Dass
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Parklands Drive, Southport, Queensland, 4215, Australia
| | - Danielle Skropeta
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Northfields Ave, Keiraville New South Wales 2522, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Keiraville, New South Wales, 2522, Australia
| | - Martina Sanderson-Smith
- Corresponding author: Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Bld 32, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Keiraville, New South Wales, 2522, Australia. Tel: +61 2 42981935; E-mail:
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5
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Kant S, Pancholi V. Novel Tyrosine Kinase-Mediated Phosphorylation With Dual Specificity Plays a Key Role in the Modulation of Streptococcus pyogenes Physiology and Virulence. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:689246. [PMID: 34950110 PMCID: PMC8689070 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.689246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus, GAS) genomes do not contain a gene encoding a typical bacterial-type tyrosine kinase (BY-kinase) but contain an orphan gene-encoding protein Tyr-phosphatase (SP-PTP). Hence, the importance of Tyr-phosphorylation is underappreciated and not recognized for its role in GAS pathophysiology and pathogenesis. The fact that SP-PTP dephosphorylates Abl-tyrosine kinase-phosphorylated myelin basic protein (MBP), and SP-STK (S. pyogenes Ser/Thr kinase) also autophosphorylates its Tyr101-residue prompted us to identify a putative tyrosine kinase and Tyr-phosphorylation in GAS. Upon a genome-wide search of kinases possessing a classical Walker motif, we identified a non-canonical tyrosine kinase M5005_Spy_1476, a ∼17 kDa protein (153 aa) (SP-TyK). The purified recombinant SP-TyK autophosphorylated in the presence of ATP. In vitro and in vivo phosphoproteomic analyses revealed two key phosphorylated tyrosine residues located within the catalytic domain of SP-TyK. An isogenic mutant lacking SP-TyK derived from the M1T1 strain showed a retarded growth pattern. It displayed defective cell division and long chains with multiple parallel septa, often resulting in aggregates. Transcriptomic analysis of the mutant revealed 287 differentially expressed genes responsible for GAS pathophysiology and pathogenesis. SP-TyK also phosphorylated GAS CovR, WalR, SP-STP, and SDH/GAPDH proteins with dual specificity targeting their Tyr/Ser/Thr residues as revealed by biochemical and mass-spectrometric-based phosphoproteomic analyses. SP-TyK-phosphorylated CovR bound to PcovR efficiently. The mutant displayed sustained release of IL-6 compared to TNF-α during co-culturing with A549 lung cell lines, attenuation in mice sepsis model, and significantly reduced ability to adhere to and invade A549 lung cells and form biofilms on abiotic surfaces. SP-TyK, thus, plays a critical role in fine-tuning the regulation of key cellular functions essential for GAS pathophysiology and pathogenesis through post-translational modifications and hence, may serve as a promising target for future therapeutic developments.
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6
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Wilde S, Johnson AF, LaRock CN. Playing With Fire: Proinflammatory Virulence Mechanisms of Group A Streptococcus. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:704099. [PMID: 34295841 PMCID: PMC8290871 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.704099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Group A Streptococcus is an obligate human pathogen that is a major cause of infectious morbidity and mortality. It has a natural tropism for the oropharynx and skin, where it causes infections with excessive inflammation due to its expression of proinflammatory toxins and other virulence factors. Inflammation directly contributes to the severity of invasive infections, toxic shock syndrome, and the induction of severe post-infection autoimmune disease caused by autoreactive antibodies. This review discusses what is known about how the virulence factors of Group A Streptococcus induce inflammation and how this inflammation can promote disease. Understanding of streptococcal pathogenesis and the role of hyper-immune activation during infection may provide new therapeutic targets to treat the often-fatal outcome of severe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shyra Wilde
- Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Program, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Anders F Johnson
- Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Program, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Christopher N LaRock
- Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Program, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, and Antibiotic Resistance Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
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7
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Cornax I, Zulk J, Olson J, Fulde M, Nizet V, Patras KA. Novel Models of Streptococcus canis Colonization and Disease Reveal Modest Contributions of M-Like (SCM) Protein. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9010183. [PMID: 33467030 PMCID: PMC7829700 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9010183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus canis is a common colonizing bacterium of the urogenital tract of cats and dogs that can also cause invasive disease in these animal populations and in humans. Although the virulence mechanisms of S. canis are not well-characterized, an M-like protein, SCM, has recently identified been as a potential virulence factor. SCM is a surface-associated protein that binds to host plasminogen and IgGs suggesting its possible importance in host-pathogen interactions. In this study, we developed in vitro and ex vivo blood component models and murine models of S. canis vaginal colonization, systemic infection, and dermal infection to compare the virulence potential of the zoonotic S. canis vaginal isolate G361 and its isogenic SCM-deficient mutant (G361∆scm). We found that while S. canis establishes vaginal colonization and causes invasive disease in vivo, the contribution of the SCM protein to virulence phenotypes in these models is modest. We conclude that SCM is dispensable for invasive disease in murine models and for resistance to human blood components ex vivo, but may contribute to mucosal persistence, highlighting a potential contribution to the recently appreciated genetic diversity of SCM across strains and hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Cornax
- Department of Pediatrics, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (I.C.); (J.O.); (V.N.)
| | - Jacob Zulk
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Joshua Olson
- Department of Pediatrics, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (I.C.); (J.O.); (V.N.)
| | - Marcus Fulde
- Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Centre of Infection Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Victor Nizet
- Department of Pediatrics, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (I.C.); (J.O.); (V.N.)
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Kathryn A Patras
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- Correspondence:
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8
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LaRock DL, Russell R, Johnson AF, Wilde S, LaRock CN. Group A Streptococcus Infection of the Nasopharynx Requires Proinflammatory Signaling through the Interleukin-1 Receptor. Infect Immun 2020; 88:e00356-20. [PMID: 32719155 PMCID: PMC7504964 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00356-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is the etiologic agent of numerous high-morbidity and high-mortality diseases. Infections are typically highly proinflammatory. During the invasive infection necrotizing fasciitis, this is in part due to the GAS protease SpeB directly activating interleukin-1β (IL-1β) independent of the canonical inflammasome pathway. The upper respiratory tract is the primary site for GAS colonization, infection, and transmission, but the host-pathogen interactions at this site are still largely unknown. We found that in the murine nasopharynx, SpeB enhanced IL-1β-mediated inflammation and the chemotaxis of neutrophils. However, neutrophilic inflammation did not restrict infection and instead promoted GAS replication and disease. Inhibiting IL-1β or depleting neutrophils, which both promote invasive infection, prevented GAS infection of the nasopharynx. Mice pretreated with penicillin became more susceptible to GAS challenge, and this reversed the attenuation from neutralization or depletion of IL-1β, neutrophils, or SpeB. Collectively, our results suggest that SpeB is essential to activate an IL-1β-driven neutrophil response. Unlike during invasive tissue infections, this is beneficial in the upper respiratory tract because it disrupts colonization resistance mediated by the microbiota. This provides experimental evidence that the notable inflammation of strep throat, which presents with significant swelling, pain, and neutrophil influx, is not an ineffectual immune response but rather is a GAS-directed remodeling of this niche for its pathogenic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris L LaRock
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Raedeen Russell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Anders F Johnson
- Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Program, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Shyra Wilde
- Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Program, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Christopher N LaRock
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Antimicrobial Resistance Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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9
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Mukherjee S, Ramesh A. Dual-label flow cytometry-based host cell adhesion assay to ascertain the prospect of probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum in niche-specific antibacterial therapy. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2017; 163:1822-1834. [PMID: 29091578 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.000561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Host cell adhesion assays that provide quantitative insight on the potential of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to inhibit adhesion of intestinal pathogens can be leveraged for the development of niche-specific anti-adhesion therapy. Herein, we report a dual-colour flow cytometry (FCM) analysis to assess the ability of probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum strains to impede adhesion of Enterococcus faecalis, Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus onto HT-29 cells. FCM in conjunction with a hierarchical cluster analysis could discern the anti-adhesion potential of L. plantarum strains, wherein the efficacy of L. plantarum DF9 was on a par with the probiotic L. rhamnosus GG. Combination of FCM with principal component analysis illustrated the relative influence of LAB strains on adhesion parameters kd and em of the pathogen and identified probiotic LAB suitable for anti-adhesion intervention. The analytical merit of the FCM analysis was captured in host cell adhesion assays that measured relative elimination of adhered LAB vis-à-vis pathogens, on exposure to either LAB bacteriocins or therapeutic antibiotics. It is envisaged that the dual-colour FCM-based adhesion assay described herein would enable a fundamental understanding of the host cell adhesion process and stimulate interest in probiotic LAB as safe anti-adhesion therapeutic agents against gastrointestinal pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandipan Mukherjee
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India
| | - Aiyagari Ramesh
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India
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Herrera AL, Suso K, Allison S, Simon A, Schlenker E, Huber VC, Chaussee MS. Binding host proteins to the M protein contributes to the mortality associated with influenza- Streptococcus pyogenes superinfections. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2017; 163:1445-1456. [PMID: 28942759 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.000532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The mortality associated with influenza A virus (IAV) is often due to the development of secondary bacterial infections known as superinfections. The group A streptococcus (GAS) is a relatively uncommon cause of IAV superinfections, but the mortality of these infections is high. We used a murine model to determine whether the surface-localized GAS M protein contributes to the outcome of IAV-GAS superinfections. A comparison between wild-type GAS and an M protein mutant strain (emm3) showed that the M3 protein was essential to virulence. To determine whether the binding, or recruitment, of host proteins to the bacterial surface contributed to virulence, GAS was suspended with BALF collected from mice that had recovered from a sub-lethal infection with IAV. Following intranasal inoculation of naïve mice, the mortality associated with the wild-type strain, but not the emm3 mutant strain, was greater compared to mice inoculated with GAS suspended with either BALF from uninfected mice or PBS. Further analyses showed that both albumin and fibrinogen (Fg) were more abundant in the respiratory tract 8 days after IAV infection, that M3 bound both proteins to the bacterial surface, and that suspension of GAS with either protein increased GAS virulence in the absence of antecedent IAV infection. Overall, the results showed that M3 is essential to the virulence of GAS in an IAV superinfection and suggested that increased abundance of albumin and Fg in the respiratory tract following IAV infection enhanced host susceptibility to secondary GAS infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Herrera
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, The Sanford School of Medicine of the University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
| | - Kuta Suso
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, The Sanford School of Medicine of the University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
| | - Stephanie Allison
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, The Sanford School of Medicine of the University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
| | - Abby Simon
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, The Sanford School of Medicine of the University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
| | - Evelyn Schlenker
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, The Sanford School of Medicine of the University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
| | - Victor C Huber
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, The Sanford School of Medicine of the University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
| | - Michael S Chaussee
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, The Sanford School of Medicine of the University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
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11
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Ghosh P. Variation, Indispensability, and Masking in the M protein. Trends Microbiol 2017; 26:132-144. [PMID: 28867148 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The M protein is the major surface-associated virulence factor of group A Streptococcus (GAS) and an antigenically variable target of host immunity. How selection pressures to escape immune recognition, maintain indispensable functions, and mask vulnerabilities have shaped the sequences of the >220M protein types is unclear. Recent experiments have shed light on this question by showing that, hidden within the antigenic variability of many M protein types, are sequence patterns conserved for recruiting human C4b-binding protein (C4BP). Other host factors may be recruited in a similar manner by conserved but hidden sequence patterns in the M protein. The identification of such patterns may be applicable to the development of a GAS vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Partho Ghosh
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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12
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Kuo CF, Tsao N, Hsieh IC, Lin YS, Wu JJ, Hung YT. Immunization with a streptococcal multiple-epitope recombinant protein protects mice against invasive group A streptococcal infection. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0174464. [PMID: 28355251 PMCID: PMC5371370 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus; GAS) causes clinical diseases, including pharyngitis, scarlet fever, impetigo, necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. A number of group A streptococcus vaccine candidates have been developed, but only one 26-valent recombinant M protein vaccine has entered clinical trials. Differing from the design of a 26-valent recombinant M protein vaccine, we provide here a vaccination using the polyvalence epitope recombinant FSBM protein (rFSBM), which contains four different epitopes, including the fibronectin-binding repeats domain of streptococcal fibronectin binding protein Sfb1, the C-terminal immunogenic segment of streptolysin S, the C3-binding motif of streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin B, and the C-terminal conserved segment of M protein. Vaccination with the rFSBM protein successfully prevented mortality and skin lesions caused by several emm strains of GAS infection. Anti-FSBM antibodies collected from the rFSBM-immunized mice were able to opsonize at least six emm strains and can neutralize the hemolytic activity of streptolysin S. Furthermore, the internalization of GAS into nonphagocytic cells is also reduced by anti-FSBM serum. These findings suggest that rFSBM can be applied as a vaccine candidate to prevent different emm strains of GAS infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Feng Kuo
- Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Nina Tsao
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - I-Chen Hsieh
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yee-Shin Lin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Jiunn-Jong Wu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Biotechnology and Laboratory Science in Medicine, School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Hung
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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13
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Blood Group Antigen Recognition via the Group A Streptococcal M Protein Mediates Host Colonization. mBio 2017; 8:mBio.02237-16. [PMID: 28119471 PMCID: PMC5263248 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02237-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus [GAS]) is responsible for over 500,000 deaths worldwide each year. The highly virulent M1T1 GAS clone is one of the most frequently isolated serotypes from streptococcal pharyngitis and invasive disease. The oral epithelial tract is a niche highly abundant in glycosylated structures, particularly those of the ABO(H) blood group antigen family. Using a high-throughput approach, we determined that a strain representative of the globally disseminated M1T1 GAS clone 5448 interacts with numerous, structurally diverse glycans. Preeminent among GAS virulence factors is the surface-expressed M protein. M1 protein showed high affinity for several terminal galactose blood group antigen structures. Deletion mutagenesis shows that M1 protein mediates glycan binding via its B repeat domains. Association of M1T1 GAS with oral epithelial cells varied significantly as a result of phenotypic differences in blood group antigen expression, with significantly higher adherence to those cells expressing H antigen structures compared to cells expressing A, B, or AB antigen structures. These data suggest a novel mechanism for GAS attachment to host cells and propose a link between host blood group antigen expression and M1T1 GAS colonization. IMPORTANCE There has been a resurgence in group A streptococcal (GAS) invasive disease, which has been paralleled by the emergence of the highly virulent M1T1 GAS clone. Intensive research has focused on mechanisms that contribute to the invasive nature of this serotype, while the mechanisms that contribute to host susceptibility to disease and bacterial colonization and persistence are still poorly understood. The M1T1 GAS clone is frequently isolated from the throat, an environment highly abundant in blood group antigen structures. This work examined the interaction of the M1 protein, the preeminent GAS surface protein, against a wide range of host-expressed glycan structures. Our data suggest that susceptibility to infection by GAS in the oral tract may correlate with phenotypic differences in host blood group antigen expression. Thus, variations in host blood group antigen expression may serve as a selective pressure contributing to the dissemination and overrepresentation of M1T1 GAS.
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Brouwer S, Barnett TC, Rivera-Hernandez T, Rohde M, Walker MJ. Streptococcus pyogenes adhesion and colonization. FEBS Lett 2016; 590:3739-3757. [PMID: 27312939 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.12254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Revised: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus, GAS) is a human-adapted pathogen responsible for a wide spectrum of disease. GAS can cause relatively mild illnesses, such as strep throat or impetigo, and less frequent but severe life-threatening diseases such as necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. GAS is an important public health problem causing significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. The main route of GAS transmission between humans is through close or direct physical contact, and particularly via respiratory droplets. The upper respiratory tract and skin are major reservoirs for GAS infections. The ability of GAS to establish an infection in the new host at these anatomical sites primarily results from two distinct physiological processes, namely bacterial adhesion and colonization. These fundamental aspects of pathogenesis rely upon a variety of GAS virulence factors, which are usually under strict transcriptional regulation. Considerable progress has been made in better understanding these initial infection steps. This review summarizes our current knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of GAS adhesion and colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Brouwer
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Timothy C Barnett
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Tania Rivera-Hernandez
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Manfred Rohde
- Central Facility for Microscopy, Helmholtz Centre For Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Mark J Walker
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
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Bessen DE. Tissue tropisms in group A Streptococcus: what virulence factors distinguish pharyngitis from impetigo strains? Curr Opin Infect Dis 2016; 29:295-303. [PMID: 26895573 PMCID: PMC5373551 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0000000000000262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Group A streptococci (GAS) are a common cause of pharyngitis and impetigo, and distinct throat strains and skin strains have been long recognized. This review aims to describe recent advances in molecular differences between throat and skin strains, and the pathogenic mechanisms used by virulence factors that may distinguish between these two groups. RECENT FINDINGS Recent findings include a new typing scheme for GAS strains based on sequence clusters of genes encoding the entire surface-exposed portion of M protein; correlations between emm-based typing schemes, clinical disease and surface adhesins; covalent bond formation mediated by GAS pili and other adhesins in binding to host ligands; a key role for superantigens in oropharyngeal infection via binding major histocompatibility complex class II antigen; and migration of GAS-specific Th17 cells from the upper respiratory tract to the brain, which may be relevant to autoimmune sequelae. SUMMARY The gap between molecular markers of disease (correlation) and virulence mechanisms (causation) in the establishment of tissue tropisms for GAS infection currently remains wide, but the gap also continues to narrow. Whole genome sequencing combined with mutant construction and improvements in animal models for oropharyngeal infection by GAS may help pave the way for new discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debra E Bessen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College, New York, USA
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Epidemiology Analysis of Streptococcus pyogenes in a Hospital in Southern Taiwan by Use of the Updated emm Cluster Typing System. J Clin Microbiol 2015; 54:157-62. [PMID: 26560544 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.02089-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
emm typing is the most widely used molecular typing method for the human pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus [GAS]). emm typing is based on a small variable region of the emm gene; however, the emm cluster typing system defines GAS types according to the nearly complete sequence of the emm gene. Therefore, emm cluster typing is considered to provide more information regarding the functional and structural properties of M proteins in different emm types of GAS. In the present study, 677 isolates collected between 1994 and 2008 in a hospital in southern Taiwan were analyzed by the emm cluster typing system. emm clusters A-C4, E1, E6, and A-C3 were the most prevalent emm cluster types and accounted for 67.4% of total isolates. emm clusters A-C4 and E1 were associated with noninvasive diseases, whereas E6 was significantly associated with both invasive and noninvasive manifestations. In addition, emm clusters D4, E2, and E3 were significantly associated with invasive manifestations. Furthermore, we found that the functional properties of M protein, including low fibrinogen-binding and high IgG-binding activities, were correlated significantly with invasive manifestations. In summary, the present study provides updated epidemiological information on GAS emm cluster types in southern Taiwan.
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The FasX Small Regulatory RNA Negatively Regulates the Expression of Two Fibronectin-Binding Proteins in Group A Streptococcus. J Bacteriol 2015; 197:3720-30. [PMID: 26391206 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00530-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 09/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED The group A Streptococcus (GAS; Streptococcus pyogenes) causes more than 700 million human infections each year. The success of this pathogen can be traced in part to the extensive arsenal of virulence factors that are available for expression in temporally and spatially specific manners. To modify the expression of these virulence factors, GAS use both protein- and RNA-based regulators, with the best-characterized RNA-based regulator being the small regulatory RNA (sRNA) FasX. FasX is a 205-nucleotide sRNA that contributes to GAS virulence by enhancing the expression of the thrombolytic secreted virulence factor streptokinase and by repressing the expression of the collagen-binding cell surface pili. Here, we have expanded the FasX regulon, showing that this sRNA also negatively regulates the expression of the adhesion- and internalization-promoting, fibronectin-binding proteins PrtF1 and PrtF2. FasX posttranscriptionally regulates the expression of PrtF1/2 through a mechanism that involves base pairing to the prtF1 and prtF2 mRNAs within their 5' untranslated regions, overlapping the mRNA ribosome-binding sites. Thus, duplex formation between FasX and the prtF1 and prtF2 mRNAs blocks ribosome access, leading to an inhibition of mRNA translation. Given that FasX positively regulates the expression of the spreading factor streptokinase and negatively regulates the expression of the collagen-binding pili and of the fibronectin-binding PrtF1/2, our data are consistent with FasX functioning as a molecular switch that governs the transition of GAS between the colonization and dissemination stages of infection. IMPORTANCE More than half a million deaths each year are a consequence of infections caused by GAS. Insights into how this pathogen regulates the production of proteins during infection may facilitate the development of novel therapeutic or preventative regimens aimed at inhibiting this activity. Here, we have expanded insight into the regulatory activity of the GAS small RNA FasX. In addition to identifying that FasX reduces the abundance of the cell surface-located fibronectin-binding proteins PrtF1/2, fibronectin is present in high abundance in human tissues, and we have determined the mechanism behind this regulation. Importantly, as FasX is the only mechanistically characterized regulatory RNA in GAS, it serves as a model RNA in this and related pathogens.
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Šmitran A, Vuković D, Gajić I, Marinković J, Ranin L. Effects of penicillin and erythromycin on adherence of invasive and noninvasive isolates of Streptococcus pyogenes to laminin. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2015; 110:684-6. [PMID: 26270594 PMCID: PMC4569834 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760150092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 07/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the possible relationship between the invasiveness of group A
Streptococcus (GAS) strains and their abilities to adhere to
laminin and assessed the effects of subinhibitory concentrations of penicillin and
erythromycin on the ability of GAS to adhere to laminin. The adherence of noninvasive
and highly invasive isolates of GAS to laminin was significantly higher than the
adherence displayed by isolates of low invasiveness. Antibiotic treatment caused
significant reductions in adherence to laminin in all three groups of strains.
Penicillin was more successful in reducing the adherence abilities of the tested GAS
strains than erythromycin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Šmitran
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Banja Luka, Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska, BA
| | - Dragana Vuković
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, RS
| | - Ina Gajić
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, RS
| | - Jelena Marinković
- Institute of Medical Statistics and Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, RS
| | - Lazar Ranin
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, RS
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Generic determinants of Streptococcus colonization and infection. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2015; 33:361-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2014.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2014] [Revised: 09/10/2014] [Accepted: 09/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Henningham A, Döhrmann S, Nizet V, Cole JN. Mechanisms of group A Streptococcus resistance to reactive oxygen species. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2015; 39:488-508. [PMID: 25670736 PMCID: PMC4487405 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuu009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as group A Streptococcus (GAS), is an exclusively human Gram-positive bacterial pathogen ranked among the ‘top 10’ causes of infection-related deaths worldwide. GAS commonly causes benign and self-limiting epithelial infections (pharyngitis and impetigo), and less frequent severe invasive diseases (bacteremia, toxic shock syndrome and necrotizing fasciitis). Annually, GAS causes 700 million infections, including 1.8 million invasive infections with a mortality rate of 25%. In order to establish an infection, GAS must counteract the oxidative stress conditions generated by the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) at the infection site by host immune cells such as neutrophils and monocytes. ROS are the highly reactive and toxic byproducts of oxygen metabolism, including hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide anion (O2•−), hydroxyl radicals (OH•) and singlet oxygen (O2*), which can damage bacterial nucleic acids, proteins and cell membranes. This review summarizes the enzymatic and regulatory mechanisms utilized by GAS to thwart ROS and survive under conditions of oxidative stress. This review discusses the mechanisms utilized by the bacterial pathogen group A Streptococcus to detoxify reactive oxygen species and survive in the human host under conditions of oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Henningham
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA The School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia The Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Simon Döhrmann
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Victor Nizet
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
| | - Jason N Cole
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA The School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia The Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
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