The immunoglobulin D-binding part of the outer membrane protein MID from Moraxella catarrhalis comprises 238 amino acids and a tetrameric structure

Lymphocyte predominant cells detect Moraxella catarrhalis-derived antigens in nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma

Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) is a rare lymphoma of B-cell origin with frequent expression of functional B-cell receptors (BCRs). Here we report that expression cloning followed by antigen screening identifies DNA-directed RNA polymerase beta’ (RpoC) from Moraxella catarrhalis as frequent antigen of BCRs of IgD⁺ LP cells. Patients show predominance of HLA-DRB1*04/07 and the IgVH genes encode extraordinarily long CDR3s. High-titer, light-chain-restricted anti-RpoC IgG1/κ-type serum-antibodies are additionally found in these patients. RpoC and MID/hag, a superantigen co-expressed by Moraxella catarrhalis that is known to activate IgD⁺ B cells by binding to the Fc domain of IgD, have additive activation effects on the BCR, the NF-κB pathway and the proliferation of IgD⁺ DEV cells expressing RpoC-specific BCRs. This suggests an additive antigenic and superantigenic stimulation of B cells with RpoC-specific IgD⁺ BCRs under conditions of a permissive MHC-II haplotype as a model of NLPHL lymphomagenesis, implying future treatment strategies.

Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma with IgD+ lymphocyte-predominant (LP) cells is a rare clinical distinct lymphoma subset of B-cell origin. Here the authors show that antigens expressed by Moraxella catarrhalis are recognized by B cell receptors of IgD+ LP cells, suggesting the contribution of chronic antigen stimulation to lymphomagenesis.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa uses multiple receptors for adherence to laminin during infection of the respiratory tract and skin wounds

Pseudomonas aeruginosa efficiently adheres to human tissues, including the lungs and skin, causing infections that are difficult to treat. Laminin is a main component of the extracellular matrix, and in this study we defined bacterial laminin receptors on P. aeruginosa. Persistent clinical P. aeruginosa isolates from patients with cystic fibrosis, wounds or catheter-related urinary tract infections bound more laminin compared to blood isolates. Laminin receptors in the outer membrane were revealed by 2D-immunblotting, and the specificities of interactions were confirmed with ELISA and biolayer interferometry. Four new high-affinity laminin receptors were identified in the outer membrane; EstA, OprD, OprG and PA3923. Mutated bacteria devoid of these receptors adhered poorly to immobilized laminin. All bacterial receptors bound to the heparin-binding domains on LG4 and LG5 of the laminin alpha chain as assessed with truncated laminin fragments, transmission electron microscopy and inhibition by heparin. In conclusion, P. aeruginosa binds laminin via multiple surface receptors, and isolates from lungs of cystic fibrosis patients bound significantly more laminin compared to bacteria isolated from the skin and urine. Since laminin is abundant in both the lungs and skin, we suggest that laminin binding is an important mechanism in P. aeruginosa pathogenesis.

Moraxella catarrhalis outer membrane vesicles carry β-lactamase and promote survival of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae by inactivating amoxicillin

Moraxella catarrhalis is a common pathogen found in children with upper respiratory tract infections and in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease during exacerbations. The bacterial species is often isolated together with Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are released by M. catarrhalis and contain phospholipids, adhesins, and immunomodulatory compounds such as lipooligosaccharide. We have recently shown that M. catarrhalis OMVs exist in patients upon nasopharyngeal colonization. As virtually all M. catarrhalis isolates are β-lactamase positive, the goal of this study was to investigate whether M. catarrhalis OMVs carry β-lactamase and to analyze if OMV consequently can prevent amoxicillin-induced killing. Recombinant β-lactamase was produced and antibodies were raised in rabbits. Transmission electron microscopy, flow cytometry, and Western blotting verified that OMVs carried β-lactamase. Moreover, enzyme assays revealed that M. catarrhalis OMVs contained active β-lactamase. OMVs (25 μg/ml) incubated with amoxicillin for 1 h completely hydrolyzed amoxicillin at concentrations up to 2.5 μg/ml. In functional experiments, preincubation of amoxicillin (10× MIC) with M. catarrhalis OMVs fully rescued amoxicillin-susceptible M. catarrhalis, S. pneumoniae, and type b or nontypeable H. influenzae from β-lactam-induced killing. Our results suggest that the presence of amoxicillin-resistant M. catarrhalis originating from β-lactamase-containing OMVs may pave the way for respiratory pathogens that by definition are susceptible to β-lactam antibiotics.

Multicomponent Moraxella catarrhalis outer membrane vesicles induce an inflammatory response and are internalized by human epithelial cells

Moraxella catarrhalis is an emerging human respiratory pathogen in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and in children with acute otitis media. The specific secretion machinery known as outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) is a mechanism by which Gram-negative pathogens interact with host cells during infection. We identified 57 proteins in M. catarrhalis OMVs using a proteomics approach combining two-dimensional SDS-PAGE and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry analysis. The OMVs contained known surface proteins such as ubiquitous surface proteins (Usp) A1/A2, and Moraxella IgD-binding protein (MID). Most of the proteins are adhesins/virulence factors triggering the immune response, but also aid bacteria to evade the host defence. FITC-stained OMVs bound to lipid raft domains in alveolar epithelial cells and were internalized after interaction with Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), suggesting a delivery to the host tissue of a large and complex group of OMV-attributed proteins. Interestingly, OMVs modulated the pro-inflammatory response in epithelial cells, and UspA1-bearing OMVs were found to specifically downregulate the reaction. When mice were exposed to OMVs, a pulmonary inflammation was clearly seen. Our findings indicate that Moraxella OMVs are highly biologically active, transport main bacterial virulence factors and may modulate the epithelial pro-inflammatory response.

Effects of NOD-like receptors in human B lymphocytes and crosstalk between NOD1/NOD2 and Toll-like receptors

NLRs are recently discovered PRRs detecting substructures of peptidoglycans and triggering innate immunity. NLRs are expressed in several cell types, but the presence in human B lymphocytes is still unknown. This study aimed to investigate expression and function of NLRs in human B lymphocytes. B cells were isolated and analyzed for mRNA and protein expression. The functional responsiveness of NOD1 and NOD2 was investigated upon stimulation with the cognate ligands, with or without stimulation via IgM/IgD/CD40 and/or selected TLR agonists. A differential expression of NLRs was demonstrated in blood-derived and tonsillar B cells, whereas no variations were found among naive, germinal center, or memory B cells. Stimulation with the ligands alone did not induce B cell activation. However, upon concomitant BCR triggering, an increase in proliferation was seen, together with an induction of cell surface markers (CD27, CD69, CD71, CD80, CD86, and CD95) and prolonged survival. Peripheral B cells were activated by NOD1 and NOD2 ligands, whereas tonsil-derived B cells responded solely to NOD1. In contrast, costimulation with CD40L failed to induce activation. Additionally, it was found that NLR ligands could enhance TLR-induced proliferation of B cells. The present study demonstrates expression of functional NLRs in human B cells. We show that NOD1 and NOD2 have the ability to augment the BCR-induced activation independently of physical T cell help. Hence, NLRs represent a new pathway for B cell activation and a potentially important host defense system against bacterial infections.

B cell activation by outer membrane vesicles--a novel virulence mechanism

Secretion of outer membrane vesicles (OMV) is an intriguing phenomenon of Gram-negative bacteria and has been suggested to play a role as virulence factors. The respiratory pathogens Moraxella catarrhalis reside in tonsils adjacent to B cells, and we have previously shown that M. catarrhalis induce a T cell independent B cell response by the immunoglobulin (Ig) D-binding superantigen MID. Here we demonstrate that Moraxella are endocytosed and killed by human tonsillar B cells, whereas OMV have the potential to interact and activate B cells leading to bacterial rescue. The B cell response induced by OMV begins with IgD B cell receptor (BCR) clustering and Ca(2+) mobilization followed by BCR internalization. In addition to IgD BCR, TLR9 and TLR2 were found to colocalize in lipid raft motifs after exposure to OMV. Two components of the OMV, i.e., MID and unmethylated CpG-DNA motifs, were found to be critical for B cell activation. OMV containing MID bound to and activated tonsillar CD19(+) IgD(+) lymphocytes resulting in IL-6 and IgM production in addition to increased surface marker density (HLA-DR, CD45, CD64, and CD86), whereas MID-deficient OMV failed to induce B cell activation. DNA associated with OMV induced full B cell activation by signaling through TLR9. Importantly, this concept was verified in vivo, as OMV equipped with MID and DNA were found in a 9-year old patient suffering from Moraxella sinusitis. In conclusion, Moraxella avoid direct interaction with host B cells by redirecting the adaptive humoral immune response using its superantigen-bearing OMV as decoys.

Hag mediates adherence of Moraxella catarrhalis to ciliated human airway cells

Moraxella catarrhalis is a human pathogen causing otitis media in infants and respiratory infections in adults, particularly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The surface protein Hag (also designated MID) has previously been shown to be a key adherence factor for several epithelial cell lines relevant to pathogenesis by M. catarrhalis, including NCIH292 lung cells, middle ear cells, and A549 type II pneumocytes. In this study, we demonstrate that Hag mediates adherence to air-liquid interface cultures of normal human bronchial epithelium (NHBE) exhibiting mucociliary activity. Immunofluorescent staining and laser scanning confocal microscopy experiments demonstrated that the M. catarrhalis wild-type isolates O35E, O12E, TTA37, V1171, and McGHS1 bind principally to ciliated NHBE cells and that their corresponding hag mutant strains no longer associate with cilia. The hag gene product of M. catarrhalis isolate O35E was expressed in the heterologous genetic background of a nonadherent Haemophilus influenzae strain, and quantitative assays revealed that the adherence of these recombinant bacteria to NHBE cultures was increased 27-fold. These experiments conclusively demonstrate that the hag gene product is responsible for the previously unidentified tropism of M. catarrhalis for ciliated NHBE cells.

Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae protein E binds vitronectin and is important for serum resistance

Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) commonly causes local disease in the upper and lower respiratory tract and has recently been shown to interfere with both the classical and alternative pathways of complement activation. The terminal pathway of the complement system is regulated by vitronectin that is a component of both plasma and the extracellular matrix. In this study, we identify protein E (PE; 16 kDa), which is a recently characterized ubiquitous outer membrane protein, as a vitronectin-binding protein of NTHi. A PE-deficient NTHi mutant had a markedly reduced survival in serum compared with the PE-expressing isogenic NTHi wild type. Moreover, the PE-deficient mutant showed a significantly decreased binding to both soluble and immobilized vitronectin. In parallel, PE-expressing Escherichia coli bound soluble vitronectin and adhered to immobilized vitronectin compared with controls. Surface plasmon resonance technology revealed a K(D) of 0.4 microM for the interaction between recombinant PE and immobilized vitronectin. Moreover, the PE-dependent vitronectin-binding site was located at the heparin-binding domains of vitronectin and the major vitronectin-binding domain was found in the central core of PE (aa 84-108). Importantly, vitronectin bound to the surface of NTHi 3655 reduced membrane attack complex-induced hemolysis. In contrast to incubation with normal human serum, NTHi 3655 showed a reduced survival in vitronectin-depleted human serum, thus demonstrating that vitronectin mediates a protective role at the bacterial surface. Our findings show that PE, by binding vitronectin, may play an important role in NTHi pathogenesis.

Superantigen- and TLR-dependent activation of tonsillar B cells after receptor-mediated endocytosis

Classical B lymphocyte activation is dependent on BCR cross-linking in combination with physical interaction with Th cells. Other B cell molecules that contribute to the activation are complement, cytokine, and TLRs recognizing specific pathogen-associated molecular patterns. Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis is a common Gram-negative respiratory pathogen that induces proliferation in human IgD-expressing B cells independently of T cell help. The activation is initiated by the B cell superantigen Moraxella IgD-binding protein (MID) through a nonimmune cross-linking of IgD. However, IgD cross-linking alone is not sufficient to induce proliferation. In this study, we characterized the significance of TLRs in superantigen-dependent B cell activation using whole bacteria or rMID in the presence or absence of TLR ligands. IgD cross-linking by MID sensitized B cells obtained from children with tonsillar hyperplasia for mainly TLR9, whereas TLRs 1, 2, 6, and 7 were less important. The Moraxella-induced activation was inhibited when a dominant-negative TLR9 ligand was added. Interestingly, BCR-mediated endocytosis of whole Moraxella and degradation of live bacteria in naive B cells were observed with fluorescence, confocal, and transmission electron microscopy. This unique observation proved the strong intracellular TLR9 response as well as highlighted the Ag-presenting function of B cells. In conclusion, our findings suggest an important role of TLRs in the adaptive immune response and reveal novel insights into the T cell-independent B cell activation induced by bacteria.

Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae adhesin protein E: characterization and biological activity

The adhesin protein E (PE) of the human respiratory pathogen nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) exists in all clinical isolates. In the present study, NTHi adherence to epithelial cells of various origins was further analyzed. The number of intraepithelial PE-deficient NTHi was decreased compared with PE-expressing NTHi. Interestingly, PE-expressing NTHi or Escherichia coli transformants, in addition to soluble recombinant PE22-160 without a lipid moiety, induced a proinflammatory cell response. The adhesive PE domain was defined within PE84-108, and preincubation of epithelial cells with this peptide blocked adhesion of several clinical NTHi isolates. Mice immunized with PE84-108 cleared NTHi up to 8-fold more efficiently on pulmonary challenge than did mice immunized with a control peptide. Finally, anti-PE mouse antibodies from vaccinated mice prevented NTHi adhesion. Our data suggest that the ubiquitous adhesin PE plays an important role in the pathogenesis of NTHi infection.

Identification of domains of the Hag/MID surface protein recognized by systemic and mucosal antibodies in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease following clearance of Moraxella catarrhalis

Moraxella catarrhalis is a common cause of respiratory tract infection in the setting of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Adults with COPD acquire and clear strains of M. catarrhalis from the respiratory tract continuously and develop strain-specific protection following clearance of a strain. In previous work, we identified Hag/MID (Moraxella immunoglobulin D-binding protein), a large multifunctional surface protein that acts as an adhesin and hemagglutinin, as a target of antibody responses in adults with COPD after clearance of M. catarrhalis. The goal of the present study was to characterize the domains of Hag/MID to which humans make antibodies, including both systemic and mucosal antibody responses. Analysis of recombinant peptide constructs, which spanned the M. catarrhalis strain O35E Hag/MID protein, with well-characterized serum and sputum samples revealed that most adults with COPD made antibodies directed toward a region of the molecule bounded by amino acids 706 to 863. Serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgA purified from sputum both recognized the same domain. Some flanking sequence of this fragment was necessary for the epitope(s) in this region to maintain its conformation to bind human antibodies. These results reveal that humans consistently generate both systemic and mucosal antibody responses to an immunodominant region of the Hag/MID molecule, which was previously shown to overlap with several biologically relevant domains, including epithelial cell adherence, IgD binding, collagen binding, and hemagglutination.

Regions important for the adhesin activity of Moraxella catarrhalis Hag

BACKGROUND

The Moraxella catarrhalis Hag protein, an Oca autotransporter adhesin, has previously been shown to be important for adherence of this respiratory tract pathogen to human middle ear and A549 lung cells.

RESULTS

The present study demonstrates that adherence of M. catarrhalis isogenic hag mutant strains to the human epithelial cell lines Chang (conjunctival) and NCIH292 (lung) is reduced by 50-93%. Furthermore, expressing Hag in a heterologous Escherichia coli background substantially increased the adherence of recombinant bacteria to NCIH292 cells and murine type IV collagen. Hag did not, however, increase the attachment of E. coli to Chang cells. These results indicate that Hag directly mediates adherence to NCIH292 lung cells and collagen, but is not sufficient to confer binding to conjunctival monolayers. Several in-frame deletions were engineered within the hag gene of M. catarrhalis strain O35E and the resulting proteins were tested for their ability to mediate binding to NCIH292 monolayers, middle ear cells, and type IV collagen. These experiments revealed that epithelial cell and collagen binding properties are separable, and that residues 385-705 of this ~2,000 amino acid protein are important for adherence to middle ear and NCIH292 cells. The region of O35E-Hag encompassing aa 706 to 1194 was also found to be required for adherence to collagen. In contrast, beta-roll repeats present in Hag, which are structural features conserved in several Oca adhesins and responsible for the adhesive properties of Yersinia enterocolitica YadA, are not important for Hag-mediated adherence.

CONCLUSION

Hag is a major adherence factor for human cells derived from various anatomical sites relevant to pathogenesis by M. catarrhalis and its structure-function relationships differ from those of other, closely-related autotransporter proteins.

Characterization of the IgD binding site of encapsulated Haemophilus influenzae serotype b

Encapsulated Haemophilus influenzae is a causative agent of invasive disease, such as meningitis and septicemia. Several interactions exist between H. influenzae and the human host. H. influenzae has been reported to bind IgD in a nonimmune manner, but the responsible protein has not yet been identified. To define the binding site on IgD for H. influenzae, full-length IgD and four chimeric IgDs with interspersed IgG sequences and Ag specificity for dansyl chloride were expressed in stably transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells. The binding of recombinant IgD to a panel of encapsulated H. influenzae serotype b (Hib) and nontypeable strains were investigated using a whole cell ELISA and flow cytometry. IgD binding was detected in 50% of the encapsulated Hib strains examined, whereas nontypeable H. influenzae did not interact with IgD. Finally, mapping experiments using the chimeric IgD/IgG indicated that IgD CH1 aa 198-224 were involved in the interaction between IgD and H. influenzae. Thus, by using recombinant IgD and chimeras with defined Ag specificity, we have confirmed that Hib specifically binds IgD, and that this binding involves the IgD CH1 region.

Moraxella catarrhalis outer membrane protein CD elicits antibodies that inhibit CD binding to human mucin and enhance pulmonary clearance of M. catarrhalis in a mouse model

The outer membrane protein CD of Moraxella catarrhalis is considered to be a potential vaccine antigen against Moraxella infection. We purified the native CD from isolate O35E, administered it to mice, and detected considerable titers of anti-CD antibodies. Anti-CD sera were cross-reactive towards six different M. catarrhalis isolates and promoted bacterial clearance of O35E in a pulmonary challenge model. To circumvent the difficulty of generating large quantities of CD from M. catarrhalis for vaccine use, the CD gene from O35E was cloned into Escherichia coli, and the recombinant CD, expressed without a signal sequence or fusion tags, represented approximately 70% of the total E. coli proteins. The recombinant CD formed inclusion bodies that were solubilized with 6 M urea and then purified by ion-exchange chromatography, a procedure that produced soluble CD of high purity and yield. Mice immunized with the purified recombinant CD had significant titers of anti-CD antibodies that were cross-reactive towards 24 different M. catarrhalis isolates. Upon challenge, these mice showed enhanced bacterial clearance of both O35E and a heterologous M. catarrhalis isolate, TTA24. In an in vitro assay, antisera to either the native or the recombinant CD inhibited the binding activity of CD to human tracheobronchial mucin in a serum concentration-dependent manner, and the extent of inhibition appeared to correlate with the corresponding anti-CD antibody titer and whole-cell enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay titer. Our results demonstrate that the recombinant CD is a promising vaccine candidate for preventing Moraxella infection.

Purification of IgD from human serum--a novel application of recombinant M. catarrhalis IgD-binding protein (MID)

Moraxella catarrhalis IgD-binding protein (MID) is a multimeric outer membrane protein belonging to the family of autotransporters. The IgD-binding domain of MID is located between amino acids MID 962-1200 and binds to amino acids 198-224 of the IgD C(H)1 region. In the present study, we describe a method to purify IgD from serum with high levels of IgD using a two-step affinity chromatography process. The first step involves depletion of MID-specific antibodies of all classes from serum using the non-IgD-binding fragment MID(1000-1200). This step is followed by selective capture of IgD with MID(962-1200). Furthermore, we demonstrate that the eluted IgD is pure, intact and functional for use in downstream applications. Our approach reduces the non-specificity commonly associated with lectin-based IgD purification regimes that rely on glycosylation of the IgD molecule.

Comparison of the serological responses to Moraxella catarrhalis immunoglobulin D-binding outer membrane protein and the ubiquitous surface proteins A1 and A2

Moraxella catarrhalis immunoglobulin D-binding protein (MID) is a complex antigen with unique immunoglobulin D (IgD)-binding, adhesion, and hemagglutination properties. Previous studies have shown that antibodies raised against MID764-913 in rabbits inhibited M. catarrhalis adhesion to human alveolar epithelial cells, and immunization with MID764-913 resulted in an increased pulmonary clearance in a murine model. Strong immune responses against MID have also consistently been shown in humans. Here, the MID-specified IgG responses were compared to those of ubiquitous surface proteins A1 and A2 (UspA1/A2) using a series of recombinant fragments that spanned all three proteins. Sera were obtained from young children, aged 6 months to 1 year (n=8) and 2 to 3 years (n=15), and healthy adults (n=16). Acute- and convalescent-phase sera from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with M. catarrhalis infective exacerbations (n=23) were also analyzed. Young children, who are at risk of M. catarrhalis infection, had low levels of anti-MID and anti-UspA1/A2 antibodies. Healthy adults and the majority of COPD patients (16/23) had high levels of antibodies directed against, among others, the adhesive domain of MID and the fibronectin- and C3-binding domains of UspA1/A2. Among eight COPD patients in whom a rise in antibody levels could be detected, these functional domains were also the main regions targeted by the antibodies. In addition, human IgG directed against MID was bactericidal and anti-MID antibodies were additive to antibodies targeting UspA1/A2. Hence, the functional domains in these three antigens may have significant potential in a future vaccine against M. catarrhalis.

The IgD CH1 region contains the binding site for the human respiratory pathogenMoraxella catarrhalis IgD-binding protein MID

The Moraxella catarrhalis IgD-binding protein (MID) has a unique specificity for human IgD, and the sequence with maximal IgD binding is located within the amino acids MID962-1200. In the present paper, we examined the MID binding site on IgD using a series of recombinant Ig. Full-length IgD, IgD F(ab')2, and an IgD F(ab') C290R mutant lacking the inter-heavy-chain cysteine 290 were manufactured. Furthermore, a series of IgD/IgG chimeras were constructed. ELISA, dot blot and flow cytometry were used to study the binding of purified Ig to native MID, recombinant MID962-1200 or to Moraxella with or without MID. MID962-1200 bound both the IgD F(ab')2 and F(ab') C290R, indicating that the binding occurred independently of antibody structure. When amino acids 157-224 of the IgD CH1 region were substituted with IgG sequences, binding by M. catarrhalis or recombinant MID962-1200 was abolished. Subsequent smaller substitutions of IgD CH1 157-224 with IgG sequences led us to conclude that IgD CH1 amino acids 198-206 were crucial for the interaction between MID and IgD.

Ionic binding of C3 to the human pathogen Moraxella catarrhalis is a unique mechanism for combating innate immunity

Moraxella catarrhalis ubiquitous surface proteins A1 and A2 (UspA1/A2) interfere with the classical pathway of the complement system by binding C4b-binding protein. In this study we demonstrate that M. catarrhalis UspA1 and A2 noncovalently and in a dose-dependent manner bind both the third component of complement (C3) from EDTA-treated serum and methylamine-treated C3. In contrast, related Moraxella subspecies (n = 13) or other human pathogenic bacteria (n = 13) do not bind C3 or methylamine-treated C3. Experiments with recombinant proteins and M. catarrhalis mutants devoid of UspA1/A2 revealed that UspA1/A2 exert their actions by absorbing and neutralizing C3 from serum and restrain complement activation. UspA2 was responsible for most of the effect, and the Moraxella mutant lacking UspA2 was more sensitive to the lytic effect of human serum compared with the wild type. Interestingly, among the large number of bacteria analyzed, only M. catarrhalis has this unique ability to interfere with the innate immune system of complement by binding C3.

The IgD-binding domain of the Moraxella IgD-binding protein MID (MID962-1200) activates human B cells in the presence of T cell cytokines

Moraxella catarrhalis immunoglobulin D (IgD)-binding protein (MID) is an outer membrane protein with specific affinity for soluble and cell-bound human IgD. Here, we demonstrate that mutated M. catarrhalis strains devoid of MID show a 75% decreased activation of human B cells as compared with wild-type bacteria. In contrast to MID-expressing Moraxella, the MID-deficient Moraxella mutants did not bind to human CD19+ IgD+ B cells. The smallest MID fragment with preserved IgD-binding capacity comprises 238 amino acids (MID(962-1200)). To prove the specificity of MID(962-1200) for IgD, a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line expressing membrane-anchored human IgD was manufactured. MID(962-1200) bound strongly to the recombinant IgD on CHO cells. Moreover, MID(962-1200) stimulated peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL) proliferation 5- and 15-fold at 0.1 and 1.0 microg/ml, respectively. This activation could be blocked completely by antibodies directed against the CD40 ligand (CD154). MID(962-1200) also activated purified B cells in the presence of interleukin (IL)-2 or IL-4. An increased IL-6 production was seen after stimulation with MID(962-1200), as revealed by a human cytokine protein array. MID(962-1200) fused to green fluorescent protein (GFP) bound to human B cells and activated PBL to the same degree as MID(962-1200). Taken together, MID is the only IgD-binding protein in Moraxella. Furthermore, the novel T cell-independent antigen MID(962-1200) may, together with MID(962-1200)-GFP, be considered as promising reagents in the study of IgD-dependent B cell activation.

Semi-extended solution structure of human myeloma immunoglobulin D determined by constrained X-ray scattering

Human immunoglobulin D (IgD) occurs most abundantly as a membrane-bound antibody on the surface of mature B cells (mIgD). IgD possesses the longest hinge sequence of all the human antibody isotypes, with 64 residues connecting the Fab and Fc fragments. A novel rapid purification scheme of secreted IgD from the serum of an IgD myeloma patient using thiophilic (T-gel) and lectin affinity chromatography gave a stable, homogeneous IgD preparation. Synchrotron X-ray scattering and analytical ultracentrifugation of IgD identified the solution arrangement of its Fab and Fc fragments, and thereby its hinge structure. The Guinier X-ray radius of gyration R(G) of 6.9(+/-0.1)nm showed that IgD is more extended in solution than the immunoglobulin subclass IgA1 (R(G) of 6.1-6.2nm). Its distance distribution function P(r) showed a single peak at 4.7nm and a maximum dimension of 23nm. Velocity experiments gave a sedimentation coefficient of 6.3S, which is similar to that for IgA1 at 6.2S. The complete IgD structure was modelled using molecular dynamics to generate IgD hinge structures, to which homology models for the Fab and Fc fragments were connected. Good scattering curve fits were obtained with 18 semi-extended best fit IgD models that were filtered from 8500 trial models. These best-fit models showed that the IgD hinge does not correspond to an extended polypeptide structure. The averaged solution structure arrangement of the Fab and Fc fragments in IgD is principally T-shaped and flexible, with contribution from Y-shaped and inverted Y-shaped structures. Although the linear sequence of the IgD hinge is much longer, comparison with previous scattering modelling of IgA1 and IgA2(m)1 suggests that the hinge of IgA1 and IgD are more similar than might have been expected, Both possess flexible T-shaped solution structures, probably reflecting the presence of restraining O-linked sugars.

Alpha1-antitrypsin inhibits Moraxella catarrhalis MID protein-induced tonsillar B cell proliferation and IL-6 release

Alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) is a major circulating and tissues inhibitor of serine proteinases implicated in the regulation of inflammation and host defence. There is now increasing evidence that AAT may also exhibit anti-inflammatory activities independent of its protease inhibitor function. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of native (inhibitory) and polymerized (non-inhibitory) forms of AAT on MID (Moraxella IgD binding protein)-induced human tonsillar B cell activation in vitro. We found that 0.5 microg/ml MID induces B cell proliferation and stimulates IL-6 release (p<0.001) relative to non-stimulated controls. Both native and polymerized AAT (0.5 mg/ml) inhibited MID-stimulated B cell proliferation in a similar manner (by 70%, p<0.001), whereas MID-induced IL-6 release was more strongly suppressed by polymerized (9.9-fold, p<0.001) as compared to native AAT (2.8-fold, p<0.01). Electrophoretic analysis of cell culture media did not indicate any interaction between AAT and MID, and flow cytometry data showed no competition for the same receptor. The effects of AATs were observed whether added together with MID or 2h after MID-addition to cell cultures. Thus, our data demonstrate that AAT inhibits MID-induced B cell activation in vitro that is unrelated to its protease inhibitory activity and is not dependent on MID binding to the cell surface.

The CD19 Molecule is Crucial for MID-Dependent Activation of Tonsillar B Cells from Children

The Moraxella immunoglobulin (Ig) D-binding protein (MID) induces a strong proliferative response in human peripheral blood IgD+ B cells from adults isolated by positive selection using anti-CD19-conjugated microbeads. Here, we show that tonsillar B cells from children isolated with positive selection are unable to respond to MID stimulation. The proliferative response was very low or absent at various concentrations of MID tested and at different time points analysed, whereas the MID response of tonsillar B cells from adults isolated with positive selection was considerably higher. Tonsillar B cells from children isolated with positive selection responded to formalin-fixed preparations of Moraxella catarrhalis and Staphylococcus aureus Cowan strain I. In comparison to cells isolated with positive selection, a much higher proliferative response was recorded in tonsillar B cells from children isolated with negative selection, indicating that occupation of the CD19 molecule (i.e. positive selection) inhibited the response. Indeed, the addition of anti-CD19 monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) to MID-activated tonsillar B cells from children isolated with negative selection strongly inhibited the proliferative response. In contrast, anti-CD21 MoAb at the same concentration did only show a minor inhibition on the MID-induced response. Pre-incubation of tonsillar B cells isolated from children with anti-CD19 or anti-CD21 MoAb did not affect the binding of biotin-conjugated MID as analysed by flow cytometry. These results suggest that MID-activated tonsillar B cells from children have a strong requirement for signalling through the CD19 molecule. Future experiments will further reveal the importance of CD19 and possibly other molecules for optimal activation of tonsillar B cells isolated from both children and adults.

The Emerging PathogenMoraxella catarrhalisInteracts with Complement Inhibitor C4b Binding Protein through Ubiquitous Surface Proteins A1 and A2

Moraxella catarrhalis ubiquitous surface protein A2 (UspA2) mediates resistance to the bactericidal activity of normal human serum. In this study, an interaction between the complement fluid phase regulator of the classical pathway, C4b binding protein (C4BP), and M. catarrhalis mutants lacking UspA1 and/or UspA2 was analyzed by flow cytometry and a RIA. Two clinical isolates of M. catarrhalis expressed UspA2 at a higher density than UspA1. The UspA1 mutants showed a decreased C4BP binding (37.6% reduction), whereas the UspA2-deficient Moraxella mutants displayed a strongly reduced (94.6%) C4BP binding compared with the wild type. In addition, experiments with recombinantly expressed UspA1(50-770) and UspA2(30-539) showed that C4BP (range, 1-1000 nM) bound to the two proteins in a dose-dependent manner. The equilibrium constants (K(D)) for the UspA1(50-770) and UspA2(30-539) interactions with a single subunit of C4BP were 13 microM and 1.1 microM, respectively. The main isoform of C4BP contains seven identical alpha-chains and one beta-chain linked together with disulfide bridges, and the alpha-chains contain eight complement control protein (CCP) modules. The UspA1 and A2 bound to the alpha-chain of C4BP, and experiments with C4BP lacking CCP2, CCP5, or CCP7 showed that these three CCPs were important for the Usp binding. Importantly, C4BP bound to the surface of M. catarrhalis retained its cofactor activity as determined by analysis of C4b degradation. Taken together, M. catarrhalis interferes with the classical complement activation pathway by binding C4BP to UspA1 and UspA2.

The Moraxella catarrhalis porin-like outer membrane protein CD is an adhesin for human lung cells

The outer membrane protein CD (OMPCD) of Moraxella catarrhalis is an outer membrane protein with several attributes of a potential vaccine antigen. We isolated four transposon mutants of strain O35E on the basis of their reduced binding to A549 human lung cells in microcolony formation assays, and we determined that they contain a transposon in ompCD. We also found that these transposon insertions had pleiotropic effects: mutants grew slower, became serum sensitive, bound approximately 10-fold less to A549 cells, and appeared transparent when grown on solid medium. We confirmed that these various phenotypes could be attributed solely to disruption of ompCD by constructing the isogenic strain O35E.CD1. O35E-ompCD was cloned, and recombinant Escherichia coli bacteria expressing the gene product exhibited a 10-fold increase in adherence to A549 cells. This is the first report of M. catarrhalis ompCD mutants, and our findings demonstrate that this gene product is an adhesin for human lung cells.

The Hag protein of Moraxella catarrhalis strain O35E is associated with adherence to human lung and middle ear cells

Previous studies have demonstrated that the Moraxella catarrhalis surface antigen UspA1 is an adhesin for Chang human conjunctival cells. The present report demonstrates that lack of UspA1 expression does not affect the adherence of strain O35E to A549 human lung cells or primary cultures of human middle ear epithelial (HMEE) cells. These results imply that another molecule mediates the adherence of M. catarrhalis to these two cell lines. To identify this adhesin, strain O35E was mutagenized with a transposon and 1,000 mutants were screened in a microcolony formation assay using A549 cells. Nine independent isolates exhibited an 8- to 19-fold reduction in adherence and contained a transposon in the same locus. Nucleotide sequence data and PCR analysis indicated that the transposons were inserted in different locations in the gene encoding the surface protein Hag. Quantitative assays using one representative transposon mutant, O35E.TN2, showed considerably decreased binding to A549 as well as HMEE cells. However, this mutant adhered at wild-type levels to Chang conjunctival cells. These findings suggest that the M. catarrhalis Hag protein is an adhesin for cell lines derived from human lung and middle ear tissues.

Identification of a Moraxella catarrhalis outer membrane protein exhibiting both adhesin and lipolytic activities

The UspA1 and Hag proteins have previously been shown to be involved in the ability of the Moraxella catarrhalis wild-type strain O35E to bind to human Chang and A549 cells, respectively. In an effort to identify novel adhesins, we generated a plasmid library of M. catarrhalis DNA fragments, which was introduced into a nonadherent Escherichia coli strain. Recombinant E. coli bacteria were subsequently enriched for clones that gained the ability to bind to Chang and A549 cells, yielding the plasmid pELFOS190. Transposon mutagenesis of this plasmid identified the potential adhesin gene mcaP (M. catarrhalis adherence protein). Sequence analysis revealed that McaP is related to autotransporter proteins and has substantial similarity with the GDSL family of lipolytic enzymes, particularly the Moraxella bovis phospholipase B. Expression of the mcaP gene product by E. coli increased adherence to Chang, A549, and 16HBE14o(-) polarized human bronchial cells 50- to 100-fold. Spectrophotometric assays with p-nitrophenol derivatives also demonstrated that McaP is an esterase. Furthermore, thin-layer chromatography revealed that McaP cleaves both phosphatidylcholine and lysophosphatidylcholine. McaP releases fatty acids and glycerophosphorylcholine upon cleavage of phosphatidylcholine, thus exhibiting phospholipase B activity. The construction and characterization of isogenic M. catarrhalis O35E mutants demonstrated that the lack of McaP expression abolishes esterase activity and considerably decreases adherence to several human cell lines.

The immunoglobulin D-binding protein MID from Moraxella catarrhalis is also an adhesin

The Moraxella catarrhalis immunoglobulin D (IgD)-binding protein (MID) is a 200-kDa outer membrane protein displaying a unique and specific affinity for human IgD. MID is found in the majority of M. catarrhalis strains. In the present paper, we show that MID-expressing M. catarrhalis strains agglutinate human erythrocytes and bind to type II alveolar epithelial cells. In contrast, M. catarrhalis isolates with low MID expression levels and two mutants deficient in MID, but with readily detectable UspA1 expression, do not agglutinate erythrocytes and have a 50% lower adhesive capacity. To examine the adhesive part of MID, the protein was dissected into nine fragments covering the entire molecule. The truncated MID proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli, purified, and used for raising polyclonal antibodies in rabbits. Interestingly, by using recombinant fragments, we show that the hemagglutinating and adhesive part of MID is localized within the 150-amino-acid fragment MID(764-913). In addition, antibodies against full-length MID, MID(764-913), or a 30-amino-acid consensus sequence (MID(775-804)) inhibited adhesion to alveolar epithelial cells. Antibodies against UspA1, an outer membrane protein expressed in essentially all M. catarrhalis strains, also inhibited adhesion, suggesting that both MID and UspA1 are needed for optimal attachment to epithelial cells. Taken together, in addition to MID-dependent IgD binding, we have demonstrated that the outer membrane protein MID is a novel adhesin that would be a suitable target for a future vaccine against M. catarrhalis.

The Moraxella catarrhalis immunoglobulin D-binding protein MID has conserved sequences and is regulated by a mechanism corresponding to phase variation

The prevalence of the Moraxella catarrhalis immunoglobulin D (IgD)-binding outer membrane protein MID and its gene was determined in 91 clinical isolates and in 7 culture collection strains. Eighty-four percent of the clinical Moraxella strains expressed MID-dependent IgD binding. The mid gene was detected in all strains as revealed by homology of the signal peptide sequence and a conserved area in the 3' end of the gene. When MID proteins from five different strains were compared, an identity of 65.3 to 85.0% and a similarity of 71.2 to 89.1% were detected. Gene analyses showed several amino acid repeat motifs in the open reading frames, and MID could be called a putative autotransport protein. Interestingly, homopolymeric [polyguanine [poly(G)]] tracts were detected at the 5' ends within the open reading frames. By flow cytometry, using human IgD and fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated anti-IgD polyclonal antibodies, most strains showed two peaks: one high- and one low-intensity peak. All isolates expressing high levels of MID had 1, 2, or 3 triplets of G's in their poly(G) tracts, while strains not expressing MID had 4, 7, 8, or 10 G's in their poly(G) tracts or point mutations causing a putative preterminated translation. Northern blot analysis revealed that the mid gene was regulated at the transcriptional level. Experiments with nonclumping variants of M. catarrhalis proved that bacteria lost their MID expression by removing a G in their poly(G) tracts. Moraxella strains isolated from the nasopharynx or from blood and sputum specimens expressed MID at approximately the same frequency. In addition, no variation was observed between strains of different geographical origins (Australia, Europe, Japan, or the United States). MID and the mid gene were found solely in M. catarrhalis, whereas related Neisseria and Moraxella species did not express MID. Taken together, MID appears to be a conserved protein that can be found in essentially all M. catarrhalis strains. Furthermore, MID is governed by poly(G) tracts when bacteria undergo phase variation.