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Fageräng B, Götz MP, Cyranka L, Lau C, Nilsson PH, Mollnes TE, Garred P. The Inflammatory Response Induced by Aspergillus fumigatus Conidia Is Dependent on Complement Activation: Insight from a Whole Blood Model. J Innate Immun 2024; 16:324-336. [PMID: 38768576 PMCID: PMC11250388 DOI: 10.1159/000539368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We aimed to elucidate the inflammatory response of Aspergillus fumigatus conidia in a whole-blood model of innate immune activation and to compare it with the well-characterized inflammatory reaction to Escherichia coli. METHODS Employing a human lepirudin whole-blood model, we analyzed complement and leukocyte activation by measuring the sC5b-9 complex and assessing CD11b expression. A 27-multiplex system was used for quantification of cytokines. Selective cell removal from whole blood and inhibition of C3, C5, and CD14 were also applied. RESULTS Our findings demonstrated a marked elevation in sC5b-9 and CD11b post-A. fumigatus incubation. Thirteen cytokines (TNF, IL-1β, IL-1ra, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, IFNγ, MCP-1, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, FGF-basic, and G-CSF) showed increased levels. A generally lower level of cytokine release and CD11b expression was observed with A. fumigatus conidia than with E. coli. Notably, monocytes were instrumental in releasing all cytokines except MCP-1. IL-1ra was found to be both monocyte and granulocyte-dependent. Pre-inhibiting with C3 and CD14 inhibitors resulted in decreased release patterns for six cytokines (TNF, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, MIP-1α, and MIP-1β), with minimal effects by C5-inhibition. CONCLUSION A. fumigatus conidia induced complement activation comparable to E. coli, whereas CD11b expression and cytokine release were lower, underscoring distinct inflammatory responses between these pathogens. Complement C3 inhibition attenuated cytokine release indicating a C3-level role of complement in A. fumigatus immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Fageräng
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Immunology, Section 7631, Rigshospitalet, and Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maximilian Peter Götz
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Immunology, Section 7631, Rigshospitalet, and Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Leon Cyranka
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Immunology, Section 7631, Rigshospitalet, and Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Corinna Lau
- Research Laboratory, Nordland Hospital, Bodø, Norway
| | - Per H. Nilsson
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Linnæus Center of Biomaterials Chemistry, Linnæus University, Kalmar, Sweden
- Department of Chemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Tom Eirik Mollnes
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Research Laboratory, Nordland Hospital, Bodø, Norway
| | - Peter Garred
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Immunology, Section 7631, Rigshospitalet, and Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Earle K, Valero C, Conn DP, Vere G, Cook PC, Bromley MJ, Bowyer P, Gago S. Pathogenicity and virulence of Aspergillus fumigatus. Virulence 2023; 14:2172264. [PMID: 36752587 PMCID: PMC10732619 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2172264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary infections caused by the mould pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus are a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Compromised lung defences arising from immunosuppression, chronic respiratory conditions or more recently, concomitant viral or bacterial pulmonary infections are recognised risks factors for the development of pulmonary aspergillosis. In this review, we will summarise our current knowledge of the mechanistic basis of pulmonary aspergillosis with a focus on emerging at-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayleigh Earle
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Clara Valero
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Daniel P. Conn
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - George Vere
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Peter C. Cook
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Michael J. Bromley
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Paul Bowyer
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Sara Gago
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Sztandera-Tymoczek M, Wdowiak-Wróbel S, Świderska U, Palusińska-Szysz M, Szuster-Ciesielska A. Potential Proallergenic Activity of Phytopathogenic Erysiphe palczewskii and Erysiphe convolvuli in in vitro Studies. J Inflamm Res 2023; 16:5039-5060. [PMID: 37933334 PMCID: PMC10625751 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s425383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Allergic diseases have reached epidemic proportions globally, affecting nearly 30% of the world's population. One of the most prominent sources of allergens is fungi, causing up to 6% of respiratory diseases in the general population. However, the cause of respiratory allergies is not always identifiable. Therefore, we studied the ability of two representatives of common powdery mildew (Erysiphales), Erysiphe palczewskii and Erysiphe convolvuli, to induce a proinflammatory response in in vitro models of the upper and lower respiratory tract. Materials and Methods Two cell lines, BEAS-2B and A549, were used to mimic upper and lower respiratory epithelial cells. The toxicity of fungal extracts was assessed with MTT and flow cytometry assay. The production of reactive oxygen species in the cells was measured with flow cytometry. ELISA tests were used to determine the production of proinflammatory cytokines. The presence of the cell integrity marker was assessed with the immunofluorescence method. Results In both cell lines, the extract of E. palczewskii and E. convolvuli microfungi induced marked production of proinflammatory IL-1β, TNF-α, and GM-CSF cytokines involved in developing allergic reactions. The higher levels of these cytokines with higher reactive oxygen species synthesis positively correlated with the disruption of epithelial cell junctions. Conclusion We conclude that E. palczewskii and E. convolvuli microfungi have strong proinflammatory and proallergenic potential, but this finding needs in vivo confirmation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Sztandera-Tymoczek
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Sylwia Wdowiak-Wróbel
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Urszula Świderska
- Department of Botany, Mycology and Ecology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Marta Palusińska-Szysz
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Szuster-Ciesielska
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
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Venugopalan LP, Aimanianda V, Namperumalsamy VP, Prajna L, Kuppamuthu D, Jayapal JM. Comparative proteome analysis identifies species-specific signature proteins in Aspergillus pathogens. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023:10.1007/s00253-023-12559-4. [PMID: 37166481 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12559-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus are important human pathogens that can infect the lung and cornea. During infection, Aspergillus dormant conidia are the primary morphotype that comes in contact with the host. As the conidial surface-associated proteins (CSPs) and the extracellular proteins during the early stages of growth play a crucial role in establishing infection, we profiled and compared these proteins between a clinical strain of A. flavus and a clinical strain of A. fumigatus. We identified nearly 100 CSPs in both Aspergillus, and these non-covalently associated surface proteins were able to stimulate the neutrophils to secrete interleukin IL-8. Mass spectrometry analysis identified more than 200 proteins in the extracellular space during the early stages of conidial growth and germination (early exoproteome). The conidial surface proteins and the early exoproteome of A. fumigatus were enriched with immunoreactive proteins and those with pathogenicity-related functions while that of the A. flavus were primarily enzymes involved in cell wall reorganization and binding. Comparative proteome analysis of the CSPs and the early exoproteome between A. flavus and A. fumigatus enabled the identification of a common core proteome and potential species-specific signature proteins. Transcript analysis of selected proteins indicate that the transcript-protein level correlation does not exist for all proteins and might depend on factors such as membrane-anchor signals and protein half-life. The probable signature proteins of A. flavus and A. fumigatus identified in this study can serve as potential candidates for developing species-specific diagnostic tests. KEY POINTS: • CSPs and exoproteins could differentiate A. flavus and A. fumigatus. • A. fumigatus conidial surface harbored more antigenic proteins than A. flavus. • Identified species-specific signature proteins of A. flavus and A. fumigatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmi Prabha Venugopalan
- Department of Proteomics, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Anna Nagar, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Present address: Centre for Biotechnology, Anna University, Chennai, India
| | - Vishukumar Aimanianda
- Unité des Aspergillus, Institut Pasteur, 75015, Paris, France
- Present address: Unité de recherche Mycologie Moléculaire, UMR2000, Institut Pasteur, 75015, Paris, France
| | | | - Lalitha Prajna
- Department of Ocular Microbiology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Anna Nagar, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Dharmalingam Kuppamuthu
- Department of Proteomics, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Anna Nagar, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jeya Maheshwari Jayapal
- Department of Proteomics, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Anna Nagar, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Okaa UJ, Bertuzzi M, Fortune-Grant R, Thomson DD, Moyes DL, Naglik JR, Bignell E. Aspergillus fumigatus Drives Tissue Damage via Iterative Assaults upon Mucosal Integrity and Immune Homeostasis. Infect Immun 2023; 91:e0033322. [PMID: 36625602 PMCID: PMC9933693 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00333-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The human lung is constantly exposed to Aspergillus fumigatus spores, the most prevalent worldwide cause of fungal respiratory disease. Pulmonary tissue damage is a unifying feature of Aspergillus-related diseases; however, the mechanistic basis of damage is not understood. In the lungs of susceptible hosts, A. fumigatus undergoes an obligatory morphological switch involving spore germination and hyphal growth. We modeled A. fumigatus infection in cultured A549 human pneumocytes, capturing the phosphoactivation status of five host signaling pathways, nuclear translocation and DNA binding of eight host transcription factors, and expression of nine host response proteins over six time points encompassing exposures to live fungus and the secretome thereof. The resulting data set, comprised of more than 1,000 data points, reveals that pneumocytes mount differential responses to A. fumigatus spores, hyphae, and soluble secreted products via the NF-κB, JNK, and JNK + p38 pathways, respectively. Importantly, via selective degradation of host proinflammatory (IL-6 and IL-8) cytokines and growth factors (FGF-2), fungal secreted products reorchestrate the host response to fungal challenge as well as driving multiparameter epithelial damage, culminating in cytolysis. Dysregulation of NF-κB signaling, involving sequential stimulation of canonical and noncanonical signaling, was identified as a significant feature of host damage both in vitro and in a mouse model of invasive aspergillosis. Our data demonstrate that composite tissue damage results from iterative (repeated) exposures to different fungal morphotypes and secreted products and suggest that modulation of host responses to fungal challenge might represent a unified strategy for therapeutic control of pathologically distinct types of Aspergillus-related disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uju Joy Okaa
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Margherita Bertuzzi
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Rachael Fortune-Grant
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Darren D. Thomson
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - David L. Moyes
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Julian R. Naglik
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elaine Bignell
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
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Su H, Yi J, Tsui CK, Li C, Zhu J, Li L, Zhang Q, Zhu Y, Xu J, Zhu M, Han J. HIF1-α upregulation induces proinflammatory factors to boost host killing capacity after Aspergillus fumigatus exposure. Future Microbiol 2023; 18:27-41. [PMID: 36472203 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2022-0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: HIF1-α is an important transcription factor in the regulation of the immune response. The protective function of HIF1-α in the host epithelial immune response to Aspergillus fumigatus requires further clarification. Methods: In this study we demonstrated the effect of upregulation of HIF1-α expression in A549 cells and mouse airway cells exposed to A. fumigatus in vivo. Results: The killing capacity was enhanced by boosting proinflammatory factors both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, airway inflammation was reduced in the HIF1-α-upregulated mice. Conclusion: We identified a protective role for HIF1-α in anti-A. fumigatus immunity. Modulation of HIF1-α might be a target for the development of aspergillosis therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huilin Su
- Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-sen University First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, 510080, China.,Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Jiu Yi
- Department of Dermatology, Naval Medical Center of PLA, Shanghai, 200052, China
| | - Clement Km Tsui
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T1Z3, Canada.,National Center for Infectious Diseases, Tan Tock Seng hospital, 308442, Singapore.,Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 308232, Singapore
| | - Chunxiao Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Junhao Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Qiangqiang Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Yuanjie Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, Naval Medical Center of PLA, Shanghai, 200052, China
| | - Jinhua Xu
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Min Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Jiande Han
- Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-sen University First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, 510080, China
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de Carvalho Patricio BF, da Silva Lopes Pereira JO, Sarcinelli MA, de Moraes BPT, Rocha HVA, Gonçalves-de-Albuquerque CF. Could the Lung Be a Gateway for Amphotericin B to Attack the Army of Fungi? Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:2707. [PMID: 36559201 PMCID: PMC9784761 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal diseases are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, primarily affecting immunocompromised patients. Aspergillus, Pneumocystis, and Cryptococcus are opportunistic fungi and may cause severe lung disease. They can develop mechanisms to evade the host immune system and colonize or cause lung disease. Current fungal infection treatments constitute a few classes of antifungal drugs with significant fungi resistance development. Amphotericin B (AmB) has a broad-spectrum antifungal effect with a low incidence of resistance. However, AmB is a highly lipophilic antifungal with low solubility and permeability and is unstable in light, heat, and oxygen. Due to the difficulty of achieving adequate concentrations of AmB in the lung by intravenous administration and seeking to minimize adverse effects, nebulized AmB has been used. The pulmonary pathway has advantages such as its rapid onset of action, low metabolic activity at the site of action, ability to avoid first-pass hepatic metabolism, lower risk of adverse effects, and thin thickness of the alveolar epithelium. This paper presented different strategies for pulmonary AmB delivery, detailing the potential of nanoformulation and hoping to foster research in the field. Our finds indicate that despite an optimistic scenario for the pulmonary formulation of AmB based on the encouraging results discussed here, there is still no product registration on the FDA nor any clinical trial undergoing ClinicalTrial.gov.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Ferreira de Carvalho Patricio
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Biomedical Institute, Federal University of State of Rio de Janeiro, 94 Frei Caneca Street, Rio de Janeiro 20211-010, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Molecular and Cell Biology, Biomedical Institute, Federal University of State of Rio de Janeiro, 94 Frei Caneca Street, Rio de Janeiro 20211-010, Brazil
| | | | - Michelle Alvares Sarcinelli
- Laboratory of Micro and Nanotechnology, Institute of Technology of Drugs, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazil Av., 4036, Rio de Janeiro 213040-361, Brazil
| | - Bianca Portugal Tavares de Moraes
- Postgraduate Program in Biotechnology, Biology Institute, Federal Fluminense University, Rua Prof. Marcos Waldemar de Freitas Reis, Niterói 24210-201, Brazil
- Immunopharmacology Laboratory, Biomedical Institute, Federal University of State of Rio de Janeiro, 94 Frei Caneca Street, Rio de Janeiro 20211-010, Brazil
| | - Helvécio Vinicius Antunes Rocha
- Laboratory of Micro and Nanotechnology, Institute of Technology of Drugs, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazil Av., 4036, Rio de Janeiro 213040-361, Brazil
| | - Cassiano Felippe Gonçalves-de-Albuquerque
- Postgraduate Program in Molecular and Cell Biology, Biomedical Institute, Federal University of State of Rio de Janeiro, 94 Frei Caneca Street, Rio de Janeiro 20211-010, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Biotechnology, Biology Institute, Federal Fluminense University, Rua Prof. Marcos Waldemar de Freitas Reis, Niterói 24210-201, Brazil
- Immunopharmacology Laboratory, Biomedical Institute, Federal University of State of Rio de Janeiro, 94 Frei Caneca Street, Rio de Janeiro 20211-010, Brazil
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Barros BCSC, Almeida BR, Barros DTL, Toledo MS, Suzuki E. Respiratory Epithelial Cells: More Than Just a Physical Barrier to Fungal Infections. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8060548. [PMID: 35736031 PMCID: PMC9225092 DOI: 10.3390/jof8060548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The respiratory epithelium is highly complex, and its composition varies along the conducting airways and alveoli. In addition to their primary function in maintaining the respiratory barrier and lung homeostasis for gas exchange, epithelial cells interact with inhaled pathogens, which can manipulate cell signaling pathways, promoting adhesion to these cells or hosting tissue invasion. Moreover, pathogens (or their products) can induce the secretion of chemokines and cytokines by epithelial cells, and in this way, these host cells communicate with the immune system, modulating host defenses and inflammatory outcomes. This review will focus on the response of respiratory epithelial cells to two human fungal pathogens that cause systemic mycoses: Aspergillus and Paracoccidioides. Some of the host epithelial cell receptors and signaling pathways, in addition to fungal adhesins or other molecules that are responsible for fungal adhesion, invasion, or induction of cytokine secretion will be addressed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca C. S. C. Barros
- Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS), Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, SP, Brazil;
| | - Bruna R. Almeida
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Ed. Antonio C. M. Paiva, São Paulo 04023-062, SP, Brazil; (B.R.A.); (D.T.L.B.)
| | - Debora T. L. Barros
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Ed. Antonio C. M. Paiva, São Paulo 04023-062, SP, Brazil; (B.R.A.); (D.T.L.B.)
| | - Marcos S. Toledo
- Department of Biochemistry, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Ed. Leal Prado, São Paulo 04023-062, SP, Brazil;
| | - Erika Suzuki
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Ed. Antonio C. M. Paiva, São Paulo 04023-062, SP, Brazil; (B.R.A.); (D.T.L.B.)
- Correspondence:
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Ortiz SC, Pennington K, Thomson DD, Bertuzzi M. Novel Insights into Aspergillus fumigatus Pathogenesis and Host Response from State-of-the-Art Imaging of Host-Pathogen Interactions during Infection. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:264. [PMID: 35330266 PMCID: PMC8954776 DOI: 10.3390/jof8030264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus spores initiate more than 3,000,000 chronic and 300,000 invasive diseases annually, worldwide. Depending on the immune status of the host, inhalation of these spores can lead to a broad spectrum of disease, including invasive aspergillosis, which carries a 50% mortality rate overall; however, this mortality rate increases substantially if the infection is caused by azole-resistant strains or diagnosis is delayed or missed. Increasing resistance to existing antifungal treatments is becoming a major concern; for example, resistance to azoles (the first-line available oral drug against Aspergillus species) has risen by 40% since 2006. Despite high morbidity and mortality, the lack of an in-depth understanding of A. fumigatus pathogenesis and host response has hampered the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the clinical management of fungal infections. Recent advances in sample preparation, infection models and imaging techniques applied in vivo have addressed important gaps in fungal research, whilst questioning existing paradigms. This review highlights the successes and further potential of these recent technologies in understanding the host-pathogen interactions that lead to aspergillosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien C. Ortiz
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Core Technology Facility, Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Grafton Street, Manchester M13 9NT, UK; (S.C.O.); (K.P.)
| | - Katie Pennington
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Core Technology Facility, Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Grafton Street, Manchester M13 9NT, UK; (S.C.O.); (K.P.)
| | - Darren D. Thomson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK;
| | - Margherita Bertuzzi
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Core Technology Facility, Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Grafton Street, Manchester M13 9NT, UK; (S.C.O.); (K.P.)
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Arunachalam D, Ramanathan SM, Menon A, Madhav L, Ramaswamy G, Namperumalsamy VP, Prajna L, Kuppamuthu D. Expression of immune response genes in human corneal epithelial cells interacting with Aspergillus flavus conidia. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:5. [PMID: 34983375 PMCID: PMC8728928 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-08218-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aspergillus flavus, one of the causative agents of human fungal keratitis, can be phagocytosed by human corneal epithelial (HCE) cells and the conidia containing phagosomes mature into phagolysosomes. But the immunological responses of human corneal epithelial cells interacting with A. flavus are not clear. In this study, we report the expression of immune response related genes of HCE cells exposed to A. flavus spores using targeted transcriptomics. Methods Human corneal epithelial cell line and primary cultures were grown in a six-well plate and used for coculture experiments. Internalization of the conidia was confirmed by immunofluorescence microscopy of the colocalized endosomal markers CD71 and LAMP1. Total RNA was isolated, and the quantity and quality of the isolated RNA were assessed using Qubit and Bioanalyzer. NanoString nCounter platform was used for the analysis of mRNA abundance using the Human Immunology panel. R-package and nSolver software were used for data analysis. KEGG and FunRich 3.1.3 tools were used to analyze the differentially expressed genes. Results Different morphotypes of conidia were observed after 6 h of coculture with human corneal epithelial cells and found to be internalized by epithelial cells. NanoString profiling showed more than 20 differentially expressed genes in immortalized human corneal epithelial cell line and more than ten differentially expressed genes in primary corneal epithelial cells. Distinct set of genes were altered in their expression in cell line and primary corneal epithelial cells. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that genes associated with TNF signaling, NF-KB signaling, and Th17 signaling were up-regulated, and genes associated with chemokine signaling and B cell receptor signaling were down regulated. FunRich pathway analysis showed that pathways such as CDC42 signaling, PI3K signaling, and Arf6 trafficking events were activated by the clinical isolates CI1123 and CI1698 in both type of cells. Conclusions Combining the transcript analysis data from cell lines and primary cultures, we showed the up regulation of immune defense genes in A. flavus infected cells. At the same time, chemokine signaling and B cell signaling pathways are downregulated. The variability in the expression levels in the immortalized cell line and the primary cultures is likely due to the variable epigenetic reprogramming in the immortalized cells and primary cultures in the absence of any changes in the genome. It highlights the importance of using both cell types in host-pathogen interaction studies. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-08218-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Arunachalam
- Proteomics Department, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Dr. G. Venkataswamy Eye Research Institute, Aravind Eye Care System, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India.,Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Shruthi Mahalakshmi Ramanathan
- Proteomics Department, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Dr. G. Venkataswamy Eye Research Institute, Aravind Eye Care System, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Athul Menon
- Theracues Innovations Private Limited, Bangalore, India, Karnataka
| | - Lekshmi Madhav
- Theracues Innovations Private Limited, Bangalore, India, Karnataka
| | | | | | - Lalitha Prajna
- Department of Ocular Microbiology, Aravind Eye Hospital, Aravind Eye Care System, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Dharmalingam Kuppamuthu
- Proteomics Department, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Dr. G. Venkataswamy Eye Research Institute, Aravind Eye Care System, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. .,Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India. .,Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Dr. G.Venkataswamy Eye Research Institute, Aravind Eye Care System, No.1 Anna Nagar, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India.
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11
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Ewald J, Rivieccio F, Radosa L, Schuster S, Brakhage AA, Kaleta C. Dynamic optimization reveals alveolar epithelial cells as key mediators of host defense in invasive aspergillosis. PLoS Comput Biol 2021; 17:e1009645. [PMID: 34898608 PMCID: PMC8699926 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is an important human fungal pathogen and its conidia are constantly inhaled by humans. In immunocompromised individuals, conidia can grow out as hyphae that damage lung epithelium. The resulting invasive aspergillosis is associated with devastating mortality rates. Since infection is a race between the innate immune system and the outgrowth of A. fumigatus conidia, we use dynamic optimization to obtain insight into the recruitment and depletion of alveolar macrophages and neutrophils. Using this model, we obtain key insights into major determinants of infection outcome on host and pathogen side. On the pathogen side, we predict in silico and confirm in vitro that germination speed is an important virulence trait of fungal pathogens due to the vulnerability of conidia against host defense. On the host side, we found that epithelial cells, which have been underappreciated, play a role in fungal clearance and are potent mediators of cytokine release. Both predictions were confirmed by in vitro experiments on established cell lines as well as primary lung cells. Further, our model affirms the importance of neutrophils in invasive aspergillosis and underlines that the role of macrophages remains elusive. We expect that our model will contribute to improvement of treatment protocols by focusing on the critical components of immune response to fungi but also fungal virulence traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Ewald
- Department of Bioinformatics, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany.,Center for Scalable Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (ScaDS.AI), University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Flora Rivieccio
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany.,Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Lukáš Radosa
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Stefan Schuster
- Department of Bioinformatics, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Axel A Brakhage
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany.,Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Christoph Kaleta
- Research Group Medical Systems Biology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
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12
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Cytokine and Chemokine Responses in Invasive Aspergillosis Following Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Past Evidence for Future Therapy of Aspergillosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7090753. [PMID: 34575791 PMCID: PMC8468228 DOI: 10.3390/jof7090753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is a frequent complication in immunocompromised individuals, and it continues to be an important cause of mortality in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In addition to antifungal therapy used for mycoses, immune-modulatory molecules such as cytokines and chemokines can modify the host immune response and exhibit a promising form of antimicrobial therapeutics to combat invasive fungal diseases. Cytokine and chemokine profiles may also be applied as biomarkers during fungal infections and clinical research has demonstrated different activation patterns of cytokines in invasive mycoses such as aspergillosis. In this review, we summarize different aspects of cytokines that have been described to date and provide possible future directions in research on invasive pulmonary aspergillosis following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. These findings suggest that cytokines and chemokines may serve as useful biomarkers to improve diagnosis and monitoring of infection.
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13
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Schiefermeier-Mach N, Perkhofer S, Heinrich L, Haller T. Stimulation of surfactant exocytosis in primary alveolar type II cells by A. fumigatus. Med Mycol 2021; 59:168-179. [PMID: 32459847 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myaa042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is an opportunistic fungal pathogen with small airborne spores (conidia) that may escape clearance by upper airways and directly impact the alveolar epithelium. Consequently, innate alveolar defense mechanisms are being activated, including professional phagocytosis by alveolar macrophages, recruitment of circulating neutrophils and probably enhanced secretion of pulmonary surfactant by the alveolar type II (AT II) cells. However, no data are available in support of the latter hypothesis. We therefore used a coculture model of GFP-Aspergillus conidia with primary rat AT II cells and studied fungal growth, cellular Ca2+ homeostasis, and pulmonary surfactant exocytosis by live cell video microscopy. We observed all stages of fungal development, including reversible attachment, binding and internalization of conidia as well as conidial swelling, formation of germ tubes and outgrowth of hyphae. In contrast to resting conidia, which did not provoke immediate cellular effects, metabolically active conidia, fungal cellular extracts (CE) and fungal culture filtrates (CF) prepared from swollen conidia caused a Ca2+-independent exocytosis. Ca2+ signals of greatly varying delays, durations and amplitudes were observed by applying CE or CF obtained from hyphae of A. fumigatus, suggesting compounds secreted by filamentous A. fumigatus that severely interfere with AT II cell Ca2+ homeostasis. The mechanisms underlying the stimulatory effects, with respect to exocytosis and Ca2+ signaling, are unclear and need to be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Susanne Perkhofer
- FH Gesundheit, Health University of Applied Sciences Tyrol, Innrain 98, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Lea Heinrich
- FH Gesundheit, Health University of Applied Sciences Tyrol, Innrain 98, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.,Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Institute of Physiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Schöpfstrasse 41, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Thomas Haller
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Institute of Physiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Schöpfstrasse 41, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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14
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McLean SA, Cullen L, Gardam DJ, Schofield CJ, Laucirica DR, Sutanto EN, Ling KM, Stick SM, Peacock CS, Kicic A, Garratt LW. Cystic Fibrosis Clinical Isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus Induce Similar Muco-inflammatory Responses in Primary Airway Epithelial Cells. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10081020. [PMID: 34451484 PMCID: PMC8399118 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10081020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus is increasingly associated with lung inflammation and mucus plugging in early cystic fibrosis (CF) disease during which conidia burden is low and strains appear to be highly diverse. It is unknown whether clinical Aspergillus strains vary in their capacity to induce epithelial inflammation and mucus production. We tested the hypothesis that individual colonising strains of Aspergillus fumigatus would induce different responses. Ten paediatric CF Aspergillus isolates were compared along with two systemically invasive clinical isolates and an ATCC reference strain. Isolates were first characterised by ITS gene sequencing and screened for antifungal susceptibility. Three clusters (A-C) of Aspergillus isolates were identified by ITS. Antifungal susceptibility was variable, particularly for itraconazole. Submerged CF and non-CF monolayers as well as differentiated primary airway epithelial cell cultures were incubated with conidia for 24 h to allow germination. None of the clinical isolates were found to significantly differ from one another in either IL-6 or IL-8 release or gene expression of secretory mucins. Clinical Aspergillus isolates appear to be largely homogenous in their mucostimulatory and immunostimulatory capacities and, therefore, only the antifungal resistance characteristics are likely to be clinically important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha A. McLean
- Wal-Yan Respiratory Research Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Crawley 6009, Australia; (S.A.M.); (C.J.S.); (D.R.L.); (E.N.S.); (K.-M.L.); (S.M.S.); (A.K.)
| | - Leilani Cullen
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley 6009, Australia; (L.C.); (C.S.P.)
| | - Dianne J. Gardam
- PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Murdoch 6150, Australia;
| | - Craig J. Schofield
- Wal-Yan Respiratory Research Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Crawley 6009, Australia; (S.A.M.); (C.J.S.); (D.R.L.); (E.N.S.); (K.-M.L.); (S.M.S.); (A.K.)
| | - Daniel R. Laucirica
- Wal-Yan Respiratory Research Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Crawley 6009, Australia; (S.A.M.); (C.J.S.); (D.R.L.); (E.N.S.); (K.-M.L.); (S.M.S.); (A.K.)
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley 6009, Australia; (L.C.); (C.S.P.)
| | - Erika N. Sutanto
- Wal-Yan Respiratory Research Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Crawley 6009, Australia; (S.A.M.); (C.J.S.); (D.R.L.); (E.N.S.); (K.-M.L.); (S.M.S.); (A.K.)
| | - Kak-Ming Ling
- Wal-Yan Respiratory Research Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Crawley 6009, Australia; (S.A.M.); (C.J.S.); (D.R.L.); (E.N.S.); (K.-M.L.); (S.M.S.); (A.K.)
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley 6009, Australia; (L.C.); (C.S.P.)
| | - Stephen M. Stick
- Wal-Yan Respiratory Research Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Crawley 6009, Australia; (S.A.M.); (C.J.S.); (D.R.L.); (E.N.S.); (K.-M.L.); (S.M.S.); (A.K.)
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley 6009, Australia; (L.C.); (C.S.P.)
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Perth Children’s Hospital, Nedlands 6009, Australia
| | - Christopher S. Peacock
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley 6009, Australia; (L.C.); (C.S.P.)
| | - Anthony Kicic
- Wal-Yan Respiratory Research Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Crawley 6009, Australia; (S.A.M.); (C.J.S.); (D.R.L.); (E.N.S.); (K.-M.L.); (S.M.S.); (A.K.)
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley 6009, Australia; (L.C.); (C.S.P.)
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Perth Children’s Hospital, Nedlands 6009, Australia
- Occupation and Environment, School of Public Health, Curtin University, Bentley 6102, Australia
| | - Luke W. Garratt
- Wal-Yan Respiratory Research Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Crawley 6009, Australia; (S.A.M.); (C.J.S.); (D.R.L.); (E.N.S.); (K.-M.L.); (S.M.S.); (A.K.)
- Correspondence:
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15
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Rowley J, Namvar S, Gago S, Labram B, Bowyer P, Richardson MD, Herrick SE. Differential Proinflammatory Responses to Aspergillus fumigatus by Airway Epithelial Cells In Vitro Are Protease Dependent. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:468. [PMID: 34200666 PMCID: PMC8228831 DOI: 10.3390/jof7060468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is an important human respiratory mould pathogen. In addition to a barrier function, airway epithelium elicits a robust defence against inhaled A. fumigatus by initiating an immune response. The manner by which A. fumigatus initiates this response and the reasons for the immunological heterogeneity with different isolates are unclear. Both direct fungal cell wall-epithelial cell interaction and secretion of soluble proteases have been proposed as possible mechanisms. Our aim was to determine the contribution of fungal proteases to the induction of epithelial IL-6 and IL-8 in response to different A. fumigatus isolates. Airway epithelial cells were exposed to conidia from a low or high protease-producing strain of A. fumigatus, and IL-6 and IL-8 gene expression and protein production were quantified. The role of proteases in cytokine production was further determined using specific protease inhibitors. The proinflammatory cytokine response correlated with conidia germination and hyphal extension. IL-8 induction was significantly reduced in the presence of matrix metalloprotease or cysteine protease inhibitors. With a high protease-producing strain of A. fumigatus, IL-6 release was metalloprotease dependent. Dectin-1 antagonism also inhibited the production of both cytokines. In conclusion, A. fumigatus-secreted proteases mediate a proinflammatory response by airway epithelial cells in a strain-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Rowley
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester and Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (J.R.); (S.N.); (S.G.); (B.L.); (P.B.); (M.D.R.)
| | - Sara Namvar
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester and Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (J.R.); (S.N.); (S.G.); (B.L.); (P.B.); (M.D.R.)
- School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Salford M5 4WT, UK
| | - Sara Gago
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester and Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (J.R.); (S.N.); (S.G.); (B.L.); (P.B.); (M.D.R.)
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9NT, UK
- NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
| | - Briony Labram
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester and Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (J.R.); (S.N.); (S.G.); (B.L.); (P.B.); (M.D.R.)
| | - Paul Bowyer
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester and Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (J.R.); (S.N.); (S.G.); (B.L.); (P.B.); (M.D.R.)
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9NT, UK
| | - Malcolm D. Richardson
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester and Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (J.R.); (S.N.); (S.G.); (B.L.); (P.B.); (M.D.R.)
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9NT, UK
- NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
- Mycology Reference Centre, ECMM Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
| | - Sarah E. Herrick
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester and Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (J.R.); (S.N.); (S.G.); (B.L.); (P.B.); (M.D.R.)
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16
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Fungal Infection and Inflammation in Cystic Fibrosis. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10050618. [PMID: 34069863 PMCID: PMC8157353 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10050618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungi are frequently recovered from lower airway samples from people with cystic fibrosis (CF), yet the role of fungi in the progression of lung disease is debated. Recent studies suggest worsening clinical outcomes associated with airway fungal detection, although most studies to date are retrospective or observational. The presence of fungi can elicit a T helper cell type 2 (Th-2) mediated inflammatory reaction known as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), particularly in those with a genetic atopic predisposition. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology of fungal infections in people with CF, risk factors associated with development of fungal infections, and microbiologic approaches for isolation and identification of fungi. We review the spectrum of fungal disease presentations, clinical outcomes after isolation of fungi from airway samples, and the importance of considering airway co-infections. Finally, we discuss the association between fungi and airway inflammation highlighting gaps in knowledge and future research questions that may further elucidate the role of fungus in lung disease progression.
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17
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Rocha CC, da Silveira JC, Forde N, Binelli M, Pugliesi G. Conceptus-modulated innate immune function during early pregnancy in ruminants: a review. Anim Reprod 2021; 18:e20200048. [PMID: 34122650 PMCID: PMC8189353 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2020-0048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on the innate immune events modulated by conceptus signaling during early pregnancy in ruminants. Interferon-tau (IFN-τ) plays a role in the recognition of pregnancy in ruminants, which involves more than the inhibition of luteolytic pulses of PGF2α to maintain corpus luteum function. For successful pregnancy establishment, the allogenic conceptus needs to prevent rejection by the female. Therefore, IFN-τ exerts paracrine and endocrine actions to regulate the innate immune system and prevent conceptus rejection. Additionally, other immune regulators work in parallel with IFN-τ, such as the pattern recognition receptors (PRR). These receptors are activated during viral and bacterial infections and in early pregnancy, but it remains unknown whether PPR expression and function are controlled by IFN-τ. Therefore, this review focuses on the main components of the innate immune response that are involved with early pregnancy and their importance to avoid conceptus rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Constantino Rocha
- Departamento de Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brasil
| | - Juliano Coelho da Silveira
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brasil
| | - Niamh Forde
- Discovery and Translational Sciences Department, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, Yorkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Mario Binelli
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Guilherme Pugliesi
- Departamento de Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brasil
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18
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Seelbinder B, Wallstabe J, Marischen L, Weiss E, Wurster S, Page L, Löffler C, Bussemer L, Schmitt AL, Wolf T, Linde J, Cicin-Sain L, Becker J, Kalinke U, Vogel J, Panagiotou G, Einsele H, Westermann AJ, Schäuble S, Loeffler J. Triple RNA-Seq Reveals Synergy in a Human Virus-Fungus Co-infection Model. Cell Rep 2020; 33:108389. [PMID: 33207195 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
High-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) is routinely applied to study diverse biological processes; however, when performed separately on interacting organisms, systemic noise intrinsic to RNA extraction, library preparation, and sequencing hampers the identification of cross-species interaction nodes. Here, we develop triple RNA-seq to simultaneously detect transcriptomes of monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDCs) infected with the frequently co-occurring pulmonary pathogens Aspergillus fumigatus and human cytomegalovirus (CMV). Comparing expression patterns after co-infection with those after single infections, our data reveal synergistic effects and mutual interferences between host responses to the two pathogens. For example, CMV attenuates the fungus-mediated activation of pro-inflammatory cytokines through NF-κB (nuclear factor κB) and NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T cells) cascades, while A. fumigatus impairs viral clearance by counteracting viral nucleic acid-induced activation of type I interferon signaling. Together, the analytical power of triple RNA-seq proposes molecular hubs in the differential moDC response to fungal/viral single infection or co-infection that contribute to our understanding of the etiology and, potentially, clearance of post-transplant infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastian Seelbinder
- Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Julia Wallstabe
- University Hospital Würzburg, Medical Hospital II, WÜ4i, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Lothar Marischen
- University Hospital Würzburg, Medical Hospital II, WÜ4i, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Esther Weiss
- University Hospital Würzburg, Medical Hospital II, WÜ4i, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Wurster
- University Hospital Würzburg, Medical Hospital II, WÜ4i, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lukas Page
- University Hospital Würzburg, Medical Hospital II, WÜ4i, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Löffler
- University Hospital Würzburg, Medical Hospital II, WÜ4i, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Lydia Bussemer
- University Hospital Würzburg, Medical Hospital II, WÜ4i, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Schmitt
- University Hospital Würzburg, Medical Hospital II, WÜ4i, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Wolf
- Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Jörg Linde
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Luka Cicin-Sain
- Department of Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Hannover-Braunschweig Site, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School (MHH) Braunschweig, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Jennifer Becker
- Institute for Experimental Infection Research, TWINCORE-Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a joint venture between the Hannover Medical School and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School (MHH), 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Ulrich Kalinke
- Institute for Experimental Infection Research, TWINCORE-Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a joint venture between the Hannover Medical School and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School (MHH), 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Jörg Vogel
- Institute of Molecular Infection Biology (IMIB), University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Gianni Panagiotou
- Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany; Department of Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
| | - Hermann Einsele
- University Hospital Würzburg, Medical Hospital II, WÜ4i, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Alexander J Westermann
- Institute of Molecular Infection Biology (IMIB), University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sascha Schäuble
- Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Juergen Loeffler
- University Hospital Würzburg, Medical Hospital II, WÜ4i, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
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19
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Kastelberg B, Tubau-Juni N, Ayubi T, Leung A, Leber A, Hontecillas R, Bassaganya-Riera J, Kale SD. NLRX1 is a key regulator of immune signaling during invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008854. [PMID: 32956405 PMCID: PMC7529209 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is an opportunistic fungal pathogen of immunocompromised patient populations. Mortality is thought to be context-specific and occurs via both enhanced fungal growth and immunopathogenesis. NLRX1 is a negative regulator of immune signaling and metabolic pathways implicated in host responses to microbes, cancers, and autoimmune diseases. Our study indicates loss of Nlrx1 results in enhanced fungal burden, pulmonary inflammation, immune cell recruitment, and mortality across immuno-suppressed and immuno-competent models of IPA using two clinically derived isolates (AF293, CEA10). We observed that the heightened mortality is due to enhanced recruitment of CD103+ dendritic cells (DCs) that produce elevated amounts of IL-4 resulting in a detrimental Th2-mediated immune response. Adoptive transfer of Nlrx1-/- CD103+ DCs in neutropenic NRG mice results in enhanced mortality that can be ablated using IL-4 neutralizing antibodies. In vitro analysis of CD103+ DCs indicates loss of Nlrx1 results in enhanced IL-4 production via elevated activation of the JNK/JunB pathways. Interestingly, loss of Nlrx1 also results in enhanced recruitment of monocytes and neutrophils. Chimeras of irradiated Nlrx1-/- mice reconstituted with wild type bone marrow have enhanced neutrophil recruitment and survival during models of IPA. This enhanced immune cell recruitment in the absence of Nlrx1 is mediated by excessive production of CXCL8/IL-8 family of chemokines and IL-6 via early and enhanced activation of P38 in response to A. fumigatus conidia as shown in BEAS-2B airway epithelial cells. In summary, our results point strongly towards the cell-specific and contextual function of Nlrx1 during invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and may lead to novel therapeutics to reduce Th2 responses by CD103+ DCs or heightened recruitment of neutrophils. Fungal infections are mitigated and controlled in part by a robust immune response and generation of reactive oxygen species. In certain instances, the immune response may become harmful to the host. Nlrx1 is a known negative regulator of inflammatory aspects of the immune system in response to viruses, bacteria, and cancers. In this study we describe the novel importance of Nlrx1 in controlling and fighting fungal infections in two different host cell populations through two distinct mechanisms. Nlrx1 may function as a future target to mitigate inflammation and immunopathogenesis during fungal pulmonary infection as well as enhance beneficial neutrophil recruitment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget Kastelberg
- Nutritional Immunology and Molecular Medicine Institute, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Nuria Tubau-Juni
- Nutritional Immunology and Molecular Medicine Institute, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Tariq Ayubi
- Nutritional Immunology and Molecular Medicine Institute, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Austin Leung
- Nutritional Immunology and Molecular Medicine Institute, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Andrew Leber
- Nutritional Immunology and Molecular Medicine Institute, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Raquel Hontecillas
- Nutritional Immunology and Molecular Medicine Institute, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Josep Bassaganya-Riera
- Nutritional Immunology and Molecular Medicine Institute, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Shiv D. Kale
- Nutritional Immunology and Molecular Medicine Institute, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Bigot J, Guillot L, Guitard J, Ruffin M, Corvol H, Balloy V, Hennequin C. Bronchial Epithelial Cells on the Front Line to Fight Lung Infection-Causing Aspergillus fumigatus. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1041. [PMID: 32528481 PMCID: PMC7257779 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is an environmental filamentous fungus that can be pathogenic for humans, wherein it is responsible for a large variety of clinical forms ranging from allergic diseases to life-threatening disseminated infections. The contamination occurs by inhalation of conidia present in the air, and the first encounter of this fungus in the human host is most likely with the bronchial epithelial cells. Although alveolar macrophages have been widely studied in the Aspergillus–lung interaction, increasing evidence suggests that bronchial epithelium plays a key role in responding to the fungus. This review focuses on the innate immune response of the bronchial epithelial cells against A. fumigatus, the predominant pathogenic species. We have also detailed the molecular interactants and the effects of the different modes of interaction between these cells and the fungus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne Bigot
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, CRSA, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Paris, France
| | - Loïc Guillot
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Paris, France
| | - Juliette Guitard
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, CRSA, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Paris, France
| | - Manon Ruffin
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Paris, France
| | - Harriet Corvol
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, CRSA, AP-HP, Hôpital Trousseau, Service de Pneumologie Pédiatrique, Paris, France
| | - Viviane Balloy
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Hennequin
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, CRSA, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Paris, France
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21
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Margalit A, Kavanagh K, Carolan JC. Characterization of the Proteomic Response of A549 Cells Following Sequential Exposure to Aspergillus fumigatus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. J Proteome Res 2020; 19:279-291. [PMID: 31693381 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.9b00520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are the most prevalent fungal and bacterial pathogens associated with cystic-fibrosis-related infections, respectively. P. aeruginosa eventually predominates as the primary pathogen, though it is unknown why this is the case. Label-free quantitative proteomics was employed to investigate the cellular response of the alveolar epithelial cell line, A549, to coexposure of A. fumigatus and P. aeruginosa. These studies revealed a significant increase in the rate of P. aeruginosa proliferation where A. fumigatus was present. Shotgun proteomics performed on A549 cells exposed to either A. fumigatus or P. aeruginosa or to A. fumigatus and P. aeruginosa sequentially revealed distinct changes to the host cell proteome in response to either or both pathogens. While key signatures of infection were retained among all pathogen-exposed groups, including changes in mitochondrial activity and energy output, the relative abundance of proteins associated with endocytosis, phagosomes, and lysosomes was decreased in sequentially exposed cells compared to cells exposed to either pathogen. Our findings indicate that A. fumigatus renders A549 cells unable to internalize bacteria, thus providing an environment in which P. aeruginosa can proliferate. This research provides novel insights into the whole-cell proteomic response of A549 cells to A. fumigatus and P. aeruginosa and highlights distinct differences in the proteome following sequential exposure to both pathogens, which may explain why P. aeruginosa can predominate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anatte Margalit
- Department of Biology , Maynooth University , Maynooth, Co. Kildare W23F2H6 , Ireland
| | - Kevin Kavanagh
- Department of Biology , Maynooth University , Maynooth, Co. Kildare W23F2H6 , Ireland
| | - James C Carolan
- Department of Biology , Maynooth University , Maynooth, Co. Kildare W23F2H6 , Ireland
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22
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Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a saprotrophic fungus; its primary habitat is the soil. In its ecological niche, the fungus has learned how to adapt and proliferate in hostile environments. This capacity has helped the fungus to resist and survive against human host defenses and, further, to be responsible for one of the most devastating lung infections in terms of morbidity and mortality. In this review, we will provide (i) a description of the biological cycle of A. fumigatus; (ii) a historical perspective of the spectrum of aspergillus disease and the current epidemiological status of these infections; (iii) an analysis of the modes of immune response against Aspergillus in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients; (iv) an understanding of the pathways responsible for fungal virulence and their host molecular targets, with a specific focus on the cell wall; (v) the current status of the diagnosis of different clinical syndromes; and (vi) an overview of the available antifungal armamentarium and the therapeutic strategies in the clinical context. In addition, the emergence of new concepts, such as nutritional immunity and the integration and rewiring of multiple fungal metabolic activities occurring during lung invasion, has helped us to redefine the opportunistic pathogenesis of A. fumigatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Paul Latgé
- School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Georgios Chamilos
- School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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23
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Oesterreicher Z, Eberl S, Zeitlinger M. Impact of different antimycotics on cytokine levels in an in vitro aspergillosis model in human whole blood. Infection 2019; 48:65-73. [DOI: 10.1007/s15010-019-01346-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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Denham ST, Wambaugh MA, Brown JCS. How Environmental Fungi Cause a Range of Clinical Outcomes in Susceptible Hosts. J Mol Biol 2019; 431:2982-3009. [PMID: 31078554 PMCID: PMC6646061 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2019.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Environmental fungi are globally ubiquitous and human exposure is near universal. However, relatively few fungal species are capable of infecting humans, and among fungi, few exposure events lead to severe systemic infections. Systemic infections have mortality rates of up to 90%, cost the US healthcare system $7.2 billion annually, and are typically associated with immunocompromised patients. Despite this reputation, exposure to environmental fungi results in a range of outcomes, from asymptomatic latent infections to severe systemic infection. Here we discuss different exposure outcomes for five major fungal pathogens: Aspergillus, Blastomyces, Coccidioides, Cryptococcus, and Histoplasma species. These fungi include a mold, a budding yeast, and thermal dimorphic fungi. All of these species must adapt to dramatically changing environments over the course of disease. These dynamic environments include the human lung, which is the first exposure site for these organisms. Fungi must defend themselves against host immune cells while germinating and growing, which risks further exposing microbe-associated molecular patterns to the host. We discuss immune evasion strategies during early infection, from disruption of host immune cells to major changes in fungal cell morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven T Denham
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Pathology Department, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Morgan A Wambaugh
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Pathology Department, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Jessica C S Brown
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Pathology Department, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA.
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Abstract
Respiratory fungal infection is a severe clinical problem, especially in patients with compromised immune functions. Aspergillus, Cryptococcus, Pneumocystis, and endemic fungi are major pulmonary fungal pathogens that are able to result in life-threatening invasive diseases. Growing data being reported have indicated that multiple cells and molecules orchestrate the host's response to a fungal infection in the lung. Upon fungal challenge, innate myeloid cells including macrophages, dendritic cells (DC), and recruited neutrophils establish the first line of defense through the phagocytosis and secretion of cytokines. Natural killer cells control the fungal expansion in the lung via the direct and indirect killing of invading organisms. Adaptive immune cells including Th1 and Th17 cells confer anti-fungal activity by producing their signature cytokines, interferon-γ, and IL-17. In addition, lung epithelial cells (LEC) also participate in the resistance against fungal infection by internalization, inflammatory cytokine production, or antimicrobial peptide secretion. In the host cells mentioned above, various molecules with distinct functions modulate the immune defense signaling: Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) such as dectin-1 expressed on the cell surface are involved in fungal recognition; adaptor proteins such as MyD88 and TRAF6 are required for transduction of signals to the nucleus for transcriptional regulation; inflammasomes also play crucial roles in the host's defense against a fungal infection in the lung. Furthermore, transcriptional factors modulate the transcriptions of a series of genes, especially those encoding cytokines and chemokines, which are predominant regulators in the infectious microenvironment, mediating the cellular and molecular immune responses against a fungal infection in the lung.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Li
- The Joint Center for Infection and Immunity, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou, China
- The Joint Center for Infection and Immunity, Institute Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Gen Lu
- The Joint Center for Infection and Immunity, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guangxun Meng
- The Joint Center for Infection and Immunity, Institute Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, China
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Øya E, Becher R, Ekeren L, Afanou AKJ, Øvrevik J, Holme JA. Pro-Inflammatory Responses in Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells Induced by Spores and Hyphal Fragments of Common Damp Indoor Molds. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16061085. [PMID: 30917597 PMCID: PMC6466608 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16061085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Damp indoor environments contaminated with different mold species may contribute to the development and exacerbation of respiratory illnesses. Human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells were exposed to X-ray treated spores and hyphal fragments from pure cultures of Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillum chrysogenum, Aspergillus versicolor and Stachybotrys chartarum. Hyphal fragments of A. fumigatus and P. chrysogenum induced expression and release of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-6 and the chemokine IL-8, while none of the other hyphal preparations had effects. Hyphal fragments from A. fumigatus and P. chrysogenum also increased the expression of IL-1α, IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, but these cytokines were not released. X-ray treated spores had little or no inflammatory potential. Attenuating Toll-like receptor (TLR)-2 by blocking antibodies strongly reduced the A. fumigatus and P. chrysogenum hyphae-induced IL-6 and IL-8 release, whereas TLR4 antagonist treatment was without effects. Untreated A. fumigatus spores formed hyphae and triggered expression of pro-inflammatory genes with similarities to the effects of hyphal fragments. In conclusion, while X-ray treated spores induced no pro-inflammatory responses, hyphal fragments of A. fumigatus and P. chrysogenum enhanced a TLR2-dependent expression and release of IL-6 and IL-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Øya
- Department of Air Pollution and Noise, Division of Infection Control and Environment and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, N-0403 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Rune Becher
- Department of Air Pollution and Noise, Division of Infection Control and Environment and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, N-0403 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Leni Ekeren
- Department of Air Pollution and Noise, Division of Infection Control and Environment and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, N-0403 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Anani K J Afanou
- Department for the Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, N-0403 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Johan Øvrevik
- Department of Air Pollution and Noise, Division of Infection Control and Environment and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, N-0403 Oslo, Norway.
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, N-0315 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Jørn A Holme
- Department of Air Pollution and Noise, Division of Infection Control and Environment and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, N-0403 Oslo, Norway.
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27
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Thakur R, Shankar J. Proteome Analysis Revealed Jak/Stat Signaling and Cytoskeleton Rearrangement Proteins in Human Lung Epithelial Cells During Interaction with Aspergillus terreus. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.2174/1574362413666180529123513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background:
Aspergillus terreus is an emerging etiological agent of invasive and
allergic aspergillosis in immunocompromised individuals. The main risk groups are individuals
having cancer, acute leukemia and those who undergo bone marrow transplantation. The human
lung epithelial cells constitute the first line of defense against inhaled conidia of A. terreus. The
aim of the study was to understand how human lung epithelial cells respond to A. terreus conidia
during the interaction and to decipher proteins/pathways underlying in host defense.
Methods:
Protein samples were extracted from human lung epithelial cells (A549) infected with
and without A. terreus conidia. Proteins were identified using QTOF-LC-MS/MS followed by
analysis using Protein Lynx Global Services software (2.2.5) against Homo sapiens UniProt
database.
Results:
A total of 1253 proteins in human lung epithelial cells were identified during the
interaction with Aspergillus terreus conidia, whereas 427 proteins were identified in uninfected
lung epithelial cells. We have observed 63 proteins in both the conditions. Gene ontology and
KEEG pathway analysis of proteins from infected lung epithelial cells showed proteins from
cytoskeleton rearrangement, transport, transcription and signal transduction pathways, such as
Jak/Stat, NOD like receptor signaling, Toll–like receptor signaling, NF-kβ signaling and TNF
signaling pathways. These signaling proteins suggested the strong immune response in lung
epithelial cells against A. terreus conidia. Also, cytoskeleton rearrangement proteins depicted the
internalization of A. terreus conidia by human lung epithelial cells.
Conclusion:
Our study has contributed to understand the interaction response of human lung
epithelial cells during A. terreus infection. Also, our study may facilitate the identification of
inflammatory biomarker against A. terreus.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Thakur
- Genomic Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Waknaghat Solan-173234 Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - J. Shankar
- Genomic Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Waknaghat Solan-173234 Himachal Pradesh, India
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Miki M, Yasuoka S, Tsutsumi R, Nakamura Y, Hajime M, Takeuchi Y, Miki K, Kitada S, Maekura R. Human airway trypsin-like protease enhances interleukin-8 synthesis in bronchial epithelial cells by activating protease-activated receptor 2. Arch Biochem Biophys 2019; 664:167-173. [PMID: 30677406 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2019.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 12/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Human airway trypsin-like protease (HAT) localizes at human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs). HAT enhanced release of interleukin-8 (IL-8) from HBECs at 10-100 mU/mL and the enhanced release was almost completely abolished by 50 μM leupeptin, a serine protease inhibitor. Previous reports suggested that HAT displays its physiological functions via protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2). In the present study, we examined the mechanism whereby HAT upregulates IL-8 synthesis in HBECs with a focus on PAR2. Northern blot analysis revealed that HAT enhanced IL-8 mRNA expression at concentrations of 10-100 mU/mL. PAR2 activating peptide (PAR2 AP) also enhanced IL-8 release and IL-8 mRNA expression in HBECs at 50-1,000 μM at similar levels as HAT. Knockdown of PAR2 mRNA by siRNA methods showed that PAR2 mRNA expression was significantly depressed in primary HBECs, and both HAT- and PAR2 AP-induced IL-8 mRNA elevation was significantly depressed in PAR2 siRNA-transfected HBECs. Additionally, HAT cleaved the PAR2 activating site (R36-S37 bond) of synthetic PAR2 N-terminal peptide. These results indicate that HAT stimulates IL-8 synthesis in airway epithelial cells via PAR2 and could help to amplify inflammation in chronic respiratory tract disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Miki
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Toneyama National Hospital, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Susumu Yasuoka
- Department of Nutrition and Metabolism, University of Tokushima School of Medicine, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Rie Tsutsumi
- Department of Nutrition and Metabolism, University of Tokushima School of Medicine, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yoichi Nakamura
- Medical Center for Allergic and Immune Diseases, Yokohama City Minato Red Cross Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Maeda Hajime
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Hospital Organization Toneyama National Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yukiyasu Takeuchi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Hospital Organization Toneyama National Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Keisuke Miki
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Toneyama National Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Seigo Kitada
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Toneyama National Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryoji Maekura
- Graduate School of Health Care Sciences, Jikei Institute, Osaka, Japan
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Toor A, Culibrk L, Singhera GK, Moon KM, Prudova A, Foster LJ, Moore MM, Dorscheid DR, Tebbutt SJ. Transcriptomic and proteomic host response to Aspergillus fumigatus conidia in an air-liquid interface model of human bronchial epithelium. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0209652. [PMID: 30589860 PMCID: PMC6307744 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) is a wide-spread fungus that is a potent allergen in hypersensitive individuals but also an opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised patients. It reproduces asexually by releasing airborne conidiospores (conidia). Upon inhalation, fungal conidia are capable of reaching the airway epithelial cells (AECs) in bronchial and alveolar tissues. Previous studies have predominantly used submerged monolayer cultures for studying this host-pathogen interaction; however, these cultures do not recapitulate the mucocililary differentiation phenotype of the in vivo epithelium in the respiratory tract. Thus, the aim of this study was to use well-differentiated primary human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) grown at the air-liquid interface (ALI) to determine their transcriptomic and proteomic responses following interaction with A. fumigatus conidia. We visualized conidial interaction with HBECs using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and applied NanoString nCounter and shotgun proteomics to assess gene expression changes in the human cells upon interaction with A. fumigatus conidia. Western blot analysis was used to assess the expression of top three differentially expressed proteins, CALR, SET and NUCB2. CLSM showed that, unlike submerged monolayer cultures, well-differentiated ALI cultures of primary HBECs were estimated to internalize less than 1% of bound conidia. Nevertheless, transcriptomic and proteomic analyses revealed numerous differentially expressed host genes; these were enriched for pathways including apoptosis/autophagy, translation, unfolded protein response and cell cycle (up-regulated); complement and coagulation pathways, iron homeostasis, nonsense mediated decay and rRNA binding (down-regulated). CALR and SET were confirmed to be up-regulated in ALI cultures of primary HBECs upon exposure to A. fumigatus via western blot analysis. Therefore, using transcriptomics and proteomics approaches, ALI models recapitulating the bronchial epithelial barrier in the conductive zone of the respiratory tract can provide novel insights to the molecular response of bronchial epithelial cells upon exposure to A. fumigatus conidia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amreen Toor
- Experimental Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, University of British Columbia and St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Luka Culibrk
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, University of British Columbia and St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Gurpreet K. Singhera
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, University of British Columbia and St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Kyung-Mee Moon
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Anna Prudova
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Leonard J. Foster
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Margo M. Moore
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - Delbert R. Dorscheid
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, University of British Columbia and St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Respiratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Scott J. Tebbutt
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, University of British Columbia and St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Respiratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Prevention of Organ Failure (PROOF) Centre of Excellence, Vancouver, Canada
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30
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Marischen L, Englert A, Schmitt AL, Einsele H, Loeffler J. Human NK cells adapt their immune response towards increasing multiplicities of infection of Aspergillus fumigatus. BMC Immunol 2018; 19:39. [PMID: 30563459 PMCID: PMC6299526 DOI: 10.1186/s12865-018-0276-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The saprophytic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus reproduces by generation of conidia, which are spread by airflow throughout nature. Since humans are inhaling certain amounts of spores every day, the (innate) immune system is constantly challenged. Even though macrophages and neutrophils carry the main burden, also NK cells are regarded to contribute to the antifungal immune response. While NK cells reveal a low frequency, expression and release of immunomodulatory molecules seem to be a natural way of their involvement. RESULTS In this study we show, that NK cells secrete chemokines such as CCL3/MIP-1α, CCL4/MIP-1β and CCL5/RANTES early on after stimulation with Aspergillus fumigatus and, in addition, adjust the concentration of chemokines released to the multiplicity of infection of Aspergillus fumigatus. CONCLUSIONS These results further corroborate the relevance of NK cells within the antifungal immune response, which is regarded to be more and more important in the development and outcome of invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Additionally, the correlation between the multiplicity of infection and the expression and release of chemokines shown here may be useful in further studies for the quantification and/or surveillance of the NK cell involvement in antifungal immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lothar Marischen
- Department of Internal Medicine II, WÜ4i, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany.
| | - Anne Englert
- Department of Internal Medicine II, WÜ4i, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Schmitt
- Department of Internal Medicine II, WÜ4i, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Hermann Einsele
- Department of Internal Medicine II, WÜ4i, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Juergen Loeffler
- Department of Internal Medicine II, WÜ4i, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
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Richard N, Marti L, Varrot A, Guillot L, Guitard J, Hennequin C, Imberty A, Corvol H, Chignard M, Balloy V. Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells Inhibit Aspergillus fumigatus Germination of Extracellular Conidia via FleA Recognition. Sci Rep 2018; 8:15699. [PMID: 30356167 PMCID: PMC6200801 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-33902-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is an environmental filamentous fungus that may act as an opportunistic pathogen causing a variety of diseases, including asthma or allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, and infection, ranging from asymptomatic colonization to invasive pulmonary form, especially in immunocompromised patients. This fungus is characterized by different morphotypes including conidia which are the infective propagules able to germinate into hyphae. Due to their small size (2–3 µm), conidia released in the air can reach the lower respiratory tract. The objective of this study was to characterize the interactions between conidia and bronchial epithelial cells. To this end, we studied the role of bronchial epithelial cells, i.e., the BEAS-2B cell line and human primary cells, in conidial germination of a laboratory strain and three clinical strains of A. fumigatus. Microscopic observations and galactomannan measurements demonstrated that contact between epithelial cells and conidia leads to the inhibition of conidia germination. We demonstrated that this fungistatic process is not associated with the release of any soluble components nor internalization by the epithelial cells. We highlight that this antifungal process involves the phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway on the host cellular side and the lectin FleA on the fungal side. Collectively, our results show that bronchial epithelial cells attenuate fungal virulence by inhibiting germination of extracellular conidia, thus preventing the morphological change from conidia to filaments, which is responsible for tissue invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Richard
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ. Paris 06, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine Paris, Paris, France
| | - Léa Marti
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ. Paris 06, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine Paris, Paris, France
| | - Annabelle Varrot
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CERMAV, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Loïc Guillot
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ. Paris 06, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine Paris, Paris, France
| | - Juliette Guitard
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ. Paris 06, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine Paris, Paris, France.,Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital St Antoine, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Hennequin
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ. Paris 06, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine Paris, Paris, France.,Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital St Antoine, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Anne Imberty
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CERMAV, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Harriet Corvol
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ. Paris 06, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine Paris, Paris, France.,Pneumologie Pédiatrique, AP-HP, Hôpital Trousseau, Paris, France
| | - Michel Chignard
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ. Paris 06, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine Paris, Paris, France
| | - Viviane Balloy
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ. Paris 06, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine Paris, Paris, France.
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32
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Liu P, Wei M, Zhang J, Wang R, Li B, Chen Q, Weng Q. Changes in mycelia growth, sporulation, and virulence of Phytophthora capsici when challenged by heavy metals (Cu 2+, Cr 2+ and Hg 2+) under acid pH stress. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 235:372-380. [PMID: 29306805 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.12.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Phytophthora capsici, an economically devastating oomycete pathogen, causes devastating disease epidemics on a wide range of vegetable plants and pose a grave threat to global vegetables production. Heavy metals and acid pH are newly co-occurring stresses to soil micro-organisms, but what can be expected for mycelia growth and virulence and how they injure the oomycetes (especially P. capsici) remains unknown. Here, the effects of different heavy metals (Cu2+, Cr2+, and Hg2+) on mycelia growth and virulence were investigated at different pHs (4.0 vs. 7.0) and the plausible molecular and physiological mechanisms were analyzed. In the present study, we compared the effective inhibition of different heavy metals (Cu2+, Cr2+, and Hg2+) and acid pH on a previously genome sequenced P. capsici virulent strain LT1534. Both stress factors independently affected its mycelia growth and sporulation. Next, we investigated whether ROS participated in the pH-inhibited mycelial growth, finding that the ROS scavenger, catalase (CAT), significantly inhibited the acid pH-induced ROS in mycelia. Additionally, because MAPK specially transmits different stress responsive signals in environment into cells, we employed CAT and a p38-MAPK pathway inhibitor to investigate ROS and p38-MAPK roles in heavy metal-inhibited mycelia growth at different pHs (4.0 vs. 7.0), finding that they significantly inhibited growth. Furthermore, ROS and p38-MAPK influenced the heavy metal-induced TBARS content, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and CAT activity at different pHs, and also reduced the expression of infection-related laccases (PcLAC2) and an effector-related protein (PcNLP14). We propose that acid pH stress accelerates how heavy metals inhibit mycelium growth, sporulation, and virulence change in P. capsici, and posit that ROS and p38-MAPK function to regulate the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying this toxicity. Although these stresses induce molecular and physiological challenges to oomycetes, much remains to be known the mechanisms dedicated to resolve these environmental stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiqing Liu
- Fujian Key Laboratory for Monitoring and Integrated Management of Crop Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou, 350003, China.
| | - Mengyao Wei
- Fujian Key Laboratory for Monitoring and Integrated Management of Crop Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou, 350003, China
| | - Jinzhu Zhang
- Fujian Key Laboratory for Monitoring and Integrated Management of Crop Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou, 350003, China
| | - Rongbo Wang
- Fujian Key Laboratory for Monitoring and Integrated Management of Crop Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou, 350003, China
| | - Benjin Li
- Fujian Key Laboratory for Monitoring and Integrated Management of Crop Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou, 350003, China
| | - Qinghe Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory for Monitoring and Integrated Management of Crop Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou, 350003, China
| | - Qiyong Weng
- Fujian Key Laboratory for Monitoring and Integrated Management of Crop Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou, 350003, China
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33
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Khosravi AR, Shokri H, Hassan Al-Heidary S, Ghafarifar F. Evaluation of murine lung epithelial cells (TC-1 JHU-1) line to develop Th2-promoting cytokines IL-25/IL-33/TSLP and genes Tlr2/Tlr4 in response to Aspergillus fumigatus. J Mycol Med 2018. [PMID: 29525270 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aims of this study were to determine the role of live and heat-killed Aspergillus fumigatus conidia in releasing interleukin (IL)-25, IL-33 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and to express Toll-like receptor (Tlr)2 and Tlr4 genes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Murine lung epithelial cells were incubated with live and heat-killed A. fumigatus conidia at 37°C for 6, 24 and 48h. After treatments, ELISA was performed to measure the concentrations of IL-25, IL-33 and TSLP in the supernatants. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was performed to assess the expression levels of Tlr2 and Tlr4 genes. RESULTS The concentrations of IL-25 and IL-33 significantly increased after exposure to live and heat-killed conidia for various times when compared with untreated control (P<0.05). The secretion of TSLP at different concentrations of heat-killed conidia was significantly higher than both live conidia and untreated control (P<0.05). qRT-PCR results indicated a up-regulation from 1.08 to 3.60-fold for Tlr2 gene expression and 1.20 to 1.80-fold for Tlr4 gene expression exposed to heat-killed conidia. CONCLUSION A. fumigatus has a potential ability to stimulate murine lung epithelial cells to produce IL-25/IL-33/TSLP, as well as to express Tlr2/Tlr4 genes, indicating an important role of lung epithelial cells in innate immune responses to A. fumigatus interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Khosravi
- Mycology Research Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - H Shokri
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran
| | - S Hassan Al-Heidary
- Mycology Research Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - F Ghafarifar
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Tarbiat Modarres, Tehran, Iran
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34
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Bertuzzi M, Hayes GE, Icheoku UJ, van Rhijn N, Denning DW, Osherov N, Bignell EM. Anti-Aspergillus Activities of the Respiratory Epithelium in Health and Disease. J Fungi (Basel) 2018; 4:E8. [PMID: 29371501 PMCID: PMC5872311 DOI: 10.3390/jof4010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Revised: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory epithelia fulfil multiple roles beyond that of gaseous exchange, also acting as primary custodians of lung sterility and inflammatory homeostasis. Inhaled fungal spores pose a continual antigenic, and potentially pathogenic, challenge to lung integrity against which the human respiratory mucosa has developed various tolerance and defence strategies. However, respiratory disease and immune dysfunction frequently render the human lung susceptible to fungal diseases, the most common of which are the aspergilloses, a group of syndromes caused by inhaled spores of Aspergillus fumigatus. Inhaled Aspergillus spores enter into a multiplicity of interactions with respiratory epithelia, the mechanistic bases of which are only just becoming recognized as important drivers of disease, as well as possible therapeutic targets. In this mini-review we examine current understanding of Aspergillus-epithelial interactions and, based upon the very latest developments in the field, we explore two apparently opposing schools of thought which view epithelial uptake of Aspergillus spores as either a curative or disease-exacerbating event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Bertuzzi
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9NT, UK.
| | - Gemma E Hayes
- Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust, North Devon District Hospital, Raleigh Park, Barnstaple EX31 4JB, UK.
| | - Uju J Icheoku
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9NT, UK.
| | - Norman van Rhijn
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9NT, UK.
| | - David W Denning
- The National Aspergillosis Centre, Education and Research Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester M23 9LT, UK.
| | - Nir Osherov
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
| | - Elaine M Bignell
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9NT, UK.
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35
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Gonçalves SM, Lagrou K, Rodrigues CS, Campos CF, Bernal-Martínez L, Rodrigues F, Silvestre R, Alcazar-Fuoli L, Maertens JA, Cunha C, Carvalho A. Evaluation of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Cytokines as Biomarkers for Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in At-Risk Patients. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:2362. [PMID: 29238334 PMCID: PMC5712575 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.02362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is an infection that primarily affects immunocompromised hosts, including hematological patients and stem-cell transplant recipients. The diagnosis of IPA remains challenging, making desirable the availability of new specific biomarkers. High-throughput methods now allow us to interrogate the immune system for multiple markers of inflammation with enhanced resolution. Methods: To determine whether a signature of alveolar cytokines could be associated with the development of IPA and used as a diagnostic biomarker, we performed a nested case-control study involving 113 patients at-risk. Results: Among the 32 analytes tested, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, IL-23, and TNFα were significantly increased among patients with IPA, defining two clusters able to accurately differentiate cases of infection from controls. Genetic variants previously reported to confer increased risk of IPA compromised the production of specific cytokines and impaired their discriminatory potential toward infection. Collectively, our data indicated that IL-8 was the best performing cytokine, with alveolar levels ≥904 pg/mL predicting IPA with elevated sensitivity (90%), specificity (73%), and negative predictive value (88%). Conclusions: These findings highlight the existence of a specific profile of alveolar cytokines, with IL-8 being the dominant discriminator, which might be useful in supporting current diagnostic approaches for IPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel M Gonçalves
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Katrien Lagrou
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and National Reference Center for Medical Mycology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Cláudia S Rodrigues
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Cláudia F Campos
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Leticia Bernal-Martínez
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Rodrigues
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Silvestre
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Laura Alcazar-Fuoli
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Johan A Maertens
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Hematology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Cristina Cunha
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Agostinho Carvalho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
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36
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Barkal LJ, Procknow CL, Álvarez-García YR, Niu M, Jiménez-Torres JA, Brockman-Schneider RA, Gern JE, Denlinger LC, Theberge AB, Keller NP, Berthier E, Beebe DJ. Microbial volatile communication in human organotypic lung models. Nat Commun 2017; 8:1770. [PMID: 29176665 PMCID: PMC5701243 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-01985-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We inhale respiratory pathogens continuously, and the subsequent signaling events between host and microbe are complex, ultimately resulting in clearance of the microbe, stable colonization of the host, or active disease. Traditional in vitro methods are ill-equipped to study these critical events in the context of the lung microenvironment. Here we introduce a microscale organotypic model of the human bronchiole for studying pulmonary infection. By leveraging microscale techniques, the model is designed to approximate the structure of the human bronchiole, containing airway, vascular, and extracellular matrix compartments. To complement direct infection of the organotypic bronchiole, we present a clickable extension that facilitates volatile compound communication between microbial populations and the host model. Using Aspergillus fumigatus, a respiratory pathogen, we characterize the inflammatory response of the organotypic bronchiole to infection. Finally, we demonstrate multikingdom, volatile-mediated communication between the organotypic bronchiole and cultures of Aspergillus fumigatus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Layla J Barkal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.,Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Clare L Procknow
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | | | - Mengyao Niu
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - José A Jiménez-Torres
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.,Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Rebecca A Brockman-Schneider
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - James E Gern
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Loren C Denlinger
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Ashleigh B Theberge
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.,Department of Urology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Nancy P Keller
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Erwin Berthier
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA. .,Tasso Inc., Seattle, WA, 98119, USA.
| | - David J Beebe
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA. .,Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
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37
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Ghufran MS, Ghosh K, Kanade SR. A fucose specific lectin from Aspergillus flavus induced interleukin-8 expression is mediated by mitogen activated protein kinase p38. Med Mycol 2017; 55:323-333. [PMID: 27664169 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myw066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus flavus is an ubiquitous, opportunistic fungus responsible to cause invasive fungal allergic diseases, including bronchopulmonary invasive aspergillosis in persons with altered immune function. Lectins have been implicated as interaction mediators between the pathogenic fungi and human host. We isolated L-fucose specific lectin from A. flavus (FFL) and purified it to homogeneity with a combination of ion exchange and hydrophobic interaction chromatography methods. Its hemagglutination activity was significantly inhibited by 125 μM L-fucose as compared to other sugars and sugar derivatives. We, then used human cell line L-132, and U937 cell line to explore the possible cytotoxicity and proinflammatory effect of this fucose-specific lectin. The lectin induced the expression of proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-8 (IL-8) in a dose-dependent manner, and it was found to be associated with the p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK). The p38MAPK signalling pathway regulates the transcription factor activator protein-1 (AP-1) activity, which is the integration point of many signals that can differentially affect the expression and transcriptional activity of a cell. We observed activation of c-Jun, a critical component of the AP-1 complex, mediated by p38MAPK upon the FFL treatment in L-132 cells. Finally, inhibition of p38MAPK by a specific inhibitor attenuates the c-Jun, suggesting the p38MAPK involvement in the c-Jun activation, which in turn transcriptionally activates the induction of IL-8 in response to the lectin. Thus, this study showed a potential lectin-mediated mechanism to modulate the immune response during host-fungus interactions.
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38
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Zhang PP, Xin XF, Xu XY, Fang LP, Wu J, Shi Y. Toll-like receptor 2 and dectin-1 function as promising biomarker for Aspergillus fumigatus infection. Exp Ther Med 2017; 14:3836-3840. [PMID: 29042988 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.5000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, along with the wide application of organ transplantation and immunosuppressive agents, as well as the abuse of broad spectrum antibiotics, the incidence of invasive fungal infections has been increasing gradually. The present study aimed to identify novel biomarkers in cells infected with Aspergillus fumigatus. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were infected with Aspergillus fumigatus and then harvested at different time-points (0, 1, 2, 4 and 6 h). The expression Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and dectin-1 expression were examined using flow cytometry and western blotting, and fluorescence-based microscopy was used to evaluate their distribution. The results indicated that TLR2 and dectin-1 protein levels were localized on the surface of HUVECs, and that dectin-1 was distributed on HUVEC membranes as observed under confocal microscope. Immunofluorescence assay result revealed that the optical intensity of dectin-1 in the Aspergillus fumigatus-infected group was significantly increased at 0, 1 and 2 h compared with the control group (P<0.05). However, the optical intensity of TLR2 in the Aspergillus fumigatus-infected group was markedly decreased between 0 and 6 h, as compared with the control group (P<0.05). Western blot analysis indicated that dectin-1 expression was significantly increased and TLR2 expression was significantly decreased at 0, 1 and 2 h post infection in the Aspergillus fumigatus-infected group compared with the control group. Furthermore, the expression of TLR2 was also negatively correlated with the concentration of Aspergillus fumigatus. In conclusion, upon infection of cells with Aspergillus fumigatus, TLR2 and dectin-1 expression levels were significantly altered. Therefore, TLR2 and dectin-1 levels may function as promising biomarkers for the treatment or diagnosis of Aspergillus fumigatus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Peng Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Clinical College, The Second Military Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Feng Xin
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Clinical College, The Second Military Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Yong Xu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Clinical College, The Second Military Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
| | - Li-Ping Fang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Clinical College, The Second Military Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
| | - Jie Wu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Clinical College, The Second Military Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
| | - Yi Shi
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Clinical College, The Second Military Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
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39
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Liang S, Jiang R, Lu HW, Mao B, Li MH, Li CW, Gu SY, Bai JW, Xu JF. Immunity status of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis patients with structural lung diseases in Chinese adults. J Thorac Dis 2017; 9:247-253. [PMID: 28275471 DOI: 10.21037/jtd.2017.02.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is a fungal infection frequently observed in patients with immune dysfunction, such as those suffering from structural lung diseases. Nevertheless, studies assessing IPA combined with other common respiratory diseases remain scarce, particularly those regarding the immune status of its patients. Different structural lung diseases are known to differently affect patient immune status; however, the mechanisms by which this is conferred have yet to be determined. Thus, our study aims to compare the immune status of IPA patients with the structural lung diseases chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), interstitial lung disease (ILD) and non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB). METHODS This study was performed retrospectively with data collected over the years 2004 to 2013 at Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, and included 77 patients whose lower respiratory tract (LRT) samples tested positive for. Our analysis considered blood examinations of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+, IgG, IgA and IgM levels. RESULTS CD4+/CD8+ double positive cells, representing cell-mediated immunity, were less abundant in IPA patients with COPD than those with ILD and NCFB (0.81±0.09 vs. 1.39±0.25 and 0.81±0.09 vs. 1.57±0.06, respectively, P<0.001). In agreement with this result, corticosteroid and broad-spectrum antibiotic use were most common in individuals with COPD (57%). IgA levels, which indicate humoral immunity, were lower in IPA patients with NCFB than those with COPD or ILD (0.95±0.28 vs. 1.64±0.40 g/L and 0.95±0.28 vs. 3.16±0.83 g/L, respectively, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Immunity status differs between IPA patients with different structural lung diseases. Among IPA patients with COPD, ILD and NCFB, those with COPD have the lowest cell-mediated immunity, while those with NCFB have the lowest humoral immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Liang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Rong Jiang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Hai-Wen Lu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Bei Mao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Man-Hui Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Cheng-Wei Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Shu-Yi Gu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jiu-Wu Bai
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jin-Fu Xu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China
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40
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Maza PK, Suzuki E. Histoplasma capsulatum-Induced Cytokine Secretion in Lung Epithelial Cells Is Dependent on Host Integrins, Src-Family Kinase Activation, and Membrane Raft Recruitment. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:580. [PMID: 27148251 PMCID: PMC4840283 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum is a dimorphic fungus that causes histoplasmosis, a human systemic mycosis with worldwide distribution. In the present work, we demonstrate that H. capsulatum yeasts are able to induce cytokine secretion by the human lung epithelial cell line A549 in integrin- and Src-family kinase (SFK)-dependent manners. This conclusion is supported by small interfering RNA (siRNA) directed to α3 and α5 integrins, and PP2, an inhibitor of SFK activation. siRNA and PP2 reduced IL-6 and IL-8 secretion in H. capsulatum-infected A549 cell cultures. In addition, α3 and α5 integrins from A549 cells were capable of associating with H. capsulatum yeasts, and this fungus promotes recruitment of these integrins and SFKs to A549 cell membrane rafts. Corroborating this finding, membrane raft disruption with the cholesterol-chelator methyl-β-cyclodextrin reduced the levels of integrins and SFKs in these cell membrane domains. Finally, pretreatment of A549 cells with the cholesterol-binding compound, and also a membrane raft disruptor, filipin, significantly reduced IL-6 and IL-8 levels in A549-H.capsulatum cultures. Taken together, these results indicate that H. capsulatum yeasts induce secretion of IL-6 and IL-8 in human lung epithelial cells by interacting with α3 and α5 integrins, recruiting these integrins to membrane rafts, and promoting SFK activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paloma K Maza
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Erika Suzuki
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo São Paulo, Brazil
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Croft CA, Culibrk L, Moore MM, Tebbutt SJ. Interactions of Aspergillus fumigatus Conidia with Airway Epithelial Cells: A Critical Review. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:472. [PMID: 27092126 PMCID: PMC4823921 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is an environmental filamentous fungus that also acts as an opportunistic pathogen able to cause a variety of symptoms, from an allergic response to a life-threatening disseminated fungal infection. The infectious agents are inhaled conidia whose first point of contact is most likely to be an airway epithelial cell (AEC). The interaction between epithelial cells and conidia is multifaceted and complex, and has implications for later steps in pathogenesis. Increasing evidence has demonstrated a key role for the airway epithelium in the response to respiratory pathogens, particularly at early stages of infection; therefore, elucidating the early stages of interaction of conidia with AECs is essential to understand the establishment of infection in cohorts of at-risk patients. Here, we present a comprehensive review of the early interactions between A. fumigatus and AECs, including bronchial and alveolar epithelial cells. We describe mechanisms of adhesion, internalization of conidia by AECs, the immune response of AECs, as well as the role of fungal virulence factors, and patterns of fungal gene expression characteristic of early infection. A clear understanding of the mechanisms involved in the early establishment of infection by A. fumigatus could point to novel targets for therapy and prophylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carys A Croft
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC, Canada
| | - Luka Culibrk
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC, Canada
| | - Margo M Moore
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby BC, Canada
| | - Scott J Tebbutt
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, VancouverBC, Canada; Prevention of Organ Failure Centre of Excellence, VancouverBC, Canada; Department of Medicine, Division of Respiratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, VancouverBC, Canada
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Bidula S, Sexton DW, Schelenz S. Serum opsonin ficolin-A enhances host-fungal interactions and modulates cytokine expression from human monocyte-derived macrophages and neutrophils following Aspergillus fumigatus challenge. Med Microbiol Immunol 2016; 205:133-42. [PMID: 26337048 DOI: 10.1007/s00430-015-0435-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Invasive aspergillosis is a devastating invasive fungal disease associated with a high mortality rate in the immunocompromised, such as leukaemia patients, transplant patients and those with HIV/AIDS. The rodent serum orthologue of human L-ficolin, ficolin-A, can bind to and opsonize Aspergillus fumigatus, the pathogen that causes invasive aspergillosis, and may participate in fungal defence. Using human monocyte-derived macrophages and neutrophils isolated from healthy donors, we investigated conidial association and fungal viability by flow cytometry and microscopy. Additionally, cytokine production was measured via cytometric bead arrays. Ficolin-A opsonization was observed to significantly enhance association of conidia, while also inhibiting hyphal growth and contributing to increased fungal killing following incubation with monocyte-derived macrophages and neutrophils. Additionally, ficolin-A opsonization was capable of manifesting a decrease in IL-8, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α production from MDM and IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α from neutrophils 24 h post-infection. In conclusion, rodent ficolin-A is functionally comparable to human L-ficolin and is capable of modulating the innate immune response to A. fumigatus, down-regulating cytokine production and could play an important role in airway immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Bidula
- Biomedical Research Centre, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Darren W Sexton
- Biomedical Research Centre, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - Silke Schelenz
- Biomedical Research Centre, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK.
- Department of Microbiology, Royal Brompton Hospital, Sydney Street, London, SW3 6NP, UK.
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Espinosa V, Rivera A. First Line of Defense: Innate Cell-Mediated Control of Pulmonary Aspergillosis. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:272. [PMID: 26973640 PMCID: PMC4776213 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycotic infections and their effect on the human condition have been widely overlooked and poorly surveilled by many health organizations even though mortality rates have increased in recent years. The increased usage of immunosuppressive and myeloablative therapies for the treatment of malignant as well as non-malignant diseases has contributed significantly to the increased incidence of fungal infections. Invasive fungal infections have been found to be responsible for at least 1.5 million deaths worldwide. About 90% of these deaths can be attributed to Cryptococcus, Candida, Aspergillus, and Pneumocystis. A better understanding of how the host immune system contains fungal infection is likely to facilitate the development of much needed novel antifungal therapies. Innate cells are responsible for the rapid recognition and containment of fungal infections and have been found to play essential roles in defense against multiple fungal pathogens. In this review we summarize our current understanding of host-fungi interactions with a focus on mechanisms of innate cell-mediated recognition and control of pulmonary aspergillosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Espinosa
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers-The State University of New JerseyNewark, NJ, USA; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers-The State University of New JerseyNewark, NJ, USA
| | - Amariliz Rivera
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers-The State University of New JerseyNewark, NJ, USA; Department of Pediatrics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers-The State University of New JerseyNewark, NJ, USA
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Polymorphisms in Host Immunity-Modulating Genes and Risk of Invasive Aspergillosis: Results from the AspBIOmics Consortium. Infect Immun 2015; 84:643-57. [PMID: 26667837 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01359-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2015] [Accepted: 12/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies suggest that immune-modulating single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) influence the risk of developing cancer-related infections. Here, we evaluated whether 36 SNPs within 14 immune-related genes are associated with the risk of invasive aspergillosis (IA) and whether genotyping of these variants might improve disease risk prediction. We conducted a case-control association study of 781 immunocompromised patients, 149 of whom were diagnosed with IA. Association analysis showed that the IL4Rrs2107356 and IL8rs2227307 SNPs (using dbSNP numbering) were associated with an increased risk of IA (IL4Rrs2107356 odds ratio [OR], 1.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20 to 3.09; IL8rs2227307 OR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.06 to 2.81), whereas the IL12Brs3212227 and IFNγrs2069705 variants were significantly associated with a decreased risk of developing the infection (IL12Brs3212227 OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.38 to 0.96; IFNγrs2069705 OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.41 to 0.97). An allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT)-stratified analysis revealed that the effect observed for the IL4Rrs2107356 and IFNγrs2069705 SNPs was stronger in allo-HSCT (IL4Rrs2107356 OR, 5.63; 95% CI, 1.20 to 3.09; IFNγrs2069705 OR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.10 to 0.59) than in non-HSCT patients, suggesting that the presence of these SNPs renders patients more vulnerable to infection, especially under severe and prolonged immunosuppressive conditions. Importantly, in vitro studies revealed that carriers of the IFNγrs2069705C allele showed a significantly increased macrophage-mediated neutralization of fungal conidia (P = 0.0003) and, under stimulation conditions, produced higher levels of gamma interferon (IFNγ) mRNA (P = 0.049) and IFNγ and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) cytokines (P value for 96 h of treatment with lipopolysaccharide [PLPS-96 h], 0.057; P value for 96 h of treatment with phytohemagglutinin [PPHA-96 h], 0.036; PLPS+PHA-96 h = 0.030; PPHA-72 h = 0.045; PLPS+PHA-72 h = 0.018; PLPS-96 h = 0.058; PLPS+PHA-96 h = 0.0058). Finally, we also observed that the addition of SNPs significantly associated with IA to a model including clinical variables led to a substantial improvement in the discriminatory ability to predict disease (area under the concentration-time curve [AUC] of 0.659 versus AUC of 0.564; P-2 log likehood ratio test = 5.2 · 10(-4) and P50.000 permutation test = 9.34 · 10(-5)). These findings suggest that the IFNγrs2069705 SNP influences the risk of IA and that predictive models built with IFNγ, IL8, IL12p70, and VEGFA variants can used to predict disease risk and to implement risk-adapted prophylaxis or diagnostic strategies.
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Lee KS, Jeong JS, Kim SR, Cho SH, Kolliputi N, Ko YH, Lee KB, Park SC, Park HJ, Lee YC. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase-δ regulates fungus-induced allergic lung inflammation through endoplasmic reticulum stress. Thorax 2015; 71:52-63. [PMID: 26543090 PMCID: PMC4717427 DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2015-207096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 10/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background Sensitisation with Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) is known to be associated with severe allergic lung inflammation, but the mechanism remains to be clarified. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-δ and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress are suggested to be involved in steroid-resistant lung inflammation. We aimed to elucidate the role of PI3K-δ and its relationship with ER stress in fungus-induced allergic lung inflammation. Methods Using Af-exposed in vivo and in vitro experimental systems, we examined whether PI3K-δ regulates ER stress, thereby contributing to steroid resistance in fungus-induced allergic lung inflammation. Moreover, we checked expression of an ER stress marker in lung tissues isolated from patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. Results Af-exposed mice showed that ER stress markers, unfolded protein response (UPR)-related proteins, phosphorylated Akt, generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS), eosinophilic allergic inflammation, and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) were increased in the lung. Similarly, glucose-regulated protein 78 was increased in lung tissues of patients with ABPA. A PI3K-δ inhibitor reduced Af-induced increases in ER stress markers, UPR-related proteins, allergic inflammation and AHR in mice. However, dexamethasone failed to reduce Af-induced allergic inflammation, AHR and elevation of ER stress. Administration of an ER stress inhibitor or a mtROS scavenger improved Af-induced allergic inflammation. The PI3K-δ inhibitor reduced Af-induced mtROS generation and the mtROS scavenger ameliorated ER stress. In primary cultured tracheal epithelial cells, Af-induced ER stress was inhibited by blockade of PI3K-δ. Conclusions These findings suggest that PI3K-δ regulates Af-induced steroid-resistant eosinophilic allergic lung inflammation through ER stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Sun Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Research Center for Pulmonary Disorders, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, South Korea
| | - Jae Seok Jeong
- Department of Immunology, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, South Korea
| | - So Ri Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Research Center for Pulmonary Disorders, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, South Korea Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Chonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, South Korea
| | - Seong Ho Cho
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Narasaiah Kolliputi
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Yun Hee Ko
- Department of Internal Medicine, Research Center for Pulmonary Disorders, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, South Korea Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Chonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, South Korea
| | - Kyung Bae Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Research Center for Pulmonary Disorders, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, South Korea Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Chonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, South Korea
| | - Suk Chul Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Research Center for Pulmonary Disorders, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, South Korea Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Chonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, South Korea
| | - Hae Jin Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Research Center for Pulmonary Disorders, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, South Korea Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Chonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, South Korea
| | - Yong Chul Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Research Center for Pulmonary Disorders, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, South Korea Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Chonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, South Korea
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Yan T, Han J, Yu X. E-cadherin mediates adhesion of Aspergillus fumigatus to non-small cell lung cancer cells. Tumour Biol 2015; 37:10.1007/s13277-015-4195-3. [PMID: 26472726 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-4195-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A spergillus fumigatus is a widely distributed microorganism, and recently, A. fumigatus culture filtrate has been shown to trigger apoptotic cell death in several human cancer cell lines, including non-small lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, A549. Nevertheless, the molecular adhesion of A. fumigatus to these cancer cells to trigger cell death remains unknown. Here, we knocked down E-cadherin in A549 cells and examined its effects on A. fumigatus. The blastospores of A. fumigatus were incubated with the complete protein extracts from A549 cells, using an affinity purification procedure. Preliminary exploration of E-cadherin-interacting protein on the surface of Aspergillus fumigates was done by immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry analysis. We found that the adhesion of the blastospores to A549 cells was significantly reduced by E-cadherin suppression in A549 cells, suggesting that E-cadherin of A549 cells may mediate the surface adhesion of A. fumigatus blastospore. Mass spectrometry (MS) analysis predicted two binding proteins for E-cadherin on A. fumigatus, AfA24A6.130c and XP_747789. Finally, the growth of E-cadherin-depleted A549 cells significantly increased by infection of A. fumigatus in vivo. Thus, our study suggests that E-cadherin mediates adhesion of A. fumigatus to NSCLC cells to trigger cell death and provides molecular evidence for the treatment of NSCLC with controlled A. fumigatus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingxiu Yan
- Department of Cancer Research Treatment Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Junqing Han
- Department of Cancer Research Treatment Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Xiaoming Yu
- Cancer Center, the Second Hospital of Shandong University, 247 Beiyuan Street, Jinan, 250033, China.
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Bhushan B, Homma T, Norton JE, Sha Q, Siebert J, Gupta DS, Schroeder JW, Schleimer RP. Suppression of epithelial signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 activation by extracts of Aspergillus fumigatus. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2015; 53:87-95. [PMID: 25474274 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2014-0333oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus (AF) is often pathogenic in immune-deficient individuals and can cause life-threatening infections such as invasive aspergillosis. The pulmonary epithelial response to AF infection and the signaling pathways associated with it have not been completely studied. BEAS-2B cells or primary human bronchial epithelial cells were exposed to extracts of AF and challenged with IFN-β or the Toll-like receptor 3 agonist double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). Cytokine release (B-cell activating factor of the TNF family [BAFF], IFN-γ-induced protein-10 [IP-10], etc.) was assessed. AF extract was separated into low-molecular-weight (LMW) and high-molecular-weight (HMW) fractions using ultra 4 centrifugal force filters to characterize the activity. Real-time PCR was performed with a TaqMan method, and protein estimation was performed using ELISA techniques. Western blot was performed to assess phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1). IFN-β and dsRNA induced messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of BAFF (350- and 452-fold, respectively [n = 3]) and IP-10 (1,081- and 3,044-fold, respectively [n = 3]) in BEAS-2B cells. When cells were pretreated with AF extract for 1 hour and then stimulated with IFN-β or dsRNA for 6 hours, induction of BAFF and IP-10 mRNA was strongly suppressed relative to levels produced by IFN-β and dsRNA alone. When compared with control, soluble BAFF and IP-10 protein levels were maximally suppressed in dsRNA-stimulated wells treated with 1:320 wt/vol AF extract (P < 0.005). Upon molecular size fractionation, a LMW fraction of AF extract had no measurable suppressive effect on IP-10 mRNA expression. However, a HMW fraction of the AF extract significantly suppressed IP-10 expression in BEAS-2B cells that were stimulated with dsRNA or IFN-β. When BEAS-2B cells were pretreated with AF extract and then stimulated with IFN-β, reduced levels of pSTAT1 were observed, with maximum suppression at 4 and 6 hours. Our results show that AF extracts suppressed expression of inflammatory cytokines in association with inhibition of the IFN-β signaling pathway and suppression of the formation of pSTAT1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bharat Bhushan
- 1 Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Tetsuya Homma
- 2 Division of Allergy and Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.,3 Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - James E Norton
- 2 Division of Allergy and Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Quan Sha
- 4 Allergy and Immunology Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Anhui, China
| | - Jason Siebert
- 5 Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and
| | - Dave S Gupta
- 6 Division of Allergy and Immunology, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado
| | - James W Schroeder
- 1 Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Robert P Schleimer
- 2 Division of Allergy and Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
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Bidula S, Sexton DW, Yates M, Abdolrasouli A, Shah A, Wallis R, Reed A, Armstrong-James D, Schelenz S. H-ficolin binds Aspergillus fumigatus leading to activation of the lectin complement pathway and modulation of lung epithelial immune responses. Immunology 2015; 146:281-91. [PMID: 26133042 DOI: 10.1111/imm.12501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Revised: 06/25/2015] [Accepted: 06/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that typically infects the lungs of immunocompromised patients leading to a high mortality. H-Ficolin, an innate immune opsonin, is produced by type II alveolar epithelial cells and could participate in lung defences against infections. Here, we used the human type II alveolar epithelial cell line, A549, to determine the involvement of H-ficolin in fungal defence. Additionally, we investigated the presence of H-ficolin in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from transplant patients during pneumonia. H-Ficolin exhibited demonstrable binding to A. fumigatus conidia via l-fucose, d-mannose and N-acetylglucosamine residues in a calcium- and pH-dependent manner. Moreover, recognition led to lectin complement pathway activation and enhanced fungal association with A549 cells. Following recognition, H-ficolin opsonization manifested an increase in interleukin-8 production from A549 cells, which involved activation of the intracellular signalling pathways mitogen-activated protein kinase MAPK kinase 1/2, p38 MAPK and c-Jun N-terminal kinase. Finally, H-ficolin concentrations were significantly higher in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of patients with lung infections compared with control subjects (n = 16; P = 0·00726). Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis further highlighted the potential of H-ficolin as a diagnostic marker for lung infection (area under the curve = 0·77; P < 0·0001). Hence, H-ficolin participates in A. fumigatus defence through the activation of the lectin complement pathway, enhanced fungus-host interactions and modulated immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Bidula
- Biomedical Research Centre, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.,Aberdeen Fungal Group, School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Darren W Sexton
- Biomedical Research Centre, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.,School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Matthew Yates
- Biomedical Research Centre, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Alireza Abdolrasouli
- Section of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Anand Shah
- Section of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Russell Wallis
- Departments of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation and Biochemistry, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Anna Reed
- Department of Lung Transplantation, Harefield Hospital, Middlesex, UK
| | | | - Silke Schelenz
- Biomedical Research Centre, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.,Department of Microbiology, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK
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Bao Z, Han X, Chen F, Jia X, Zhao J, Zhang C, Yong C, Tian S, Zhou X, Han L. Evidence for the involvement of cofilin in Aspergillus fumigatus internalization into type II alveolar epithelial cells. BMC Microbiol 2015; 15:161. [PMID: 26268695 PMCID: PMC4542120 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-015-0500-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The internalization of Aspergillus fumigatus into alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) is tightly controlled by host cellular actin dynamics, which require close modulation of the ADF (actin depolymerizing factor)/cofilin family. However, the role of cofilin in A. fumigatus internalization into AECs remains unclear. Results Here, we demonstrated that germinated A. fumigatus conidia were able to induce phosphorylation of cofilin in A549 cells during the early stage of internalization. The modulation of cofilin activity by overexpression, knockdown, or mutation of the cofilin gene in A549 cells decreased the efficacy of A. fumigatus internalization. Reducing the phosphorylation status of cofilin with BMS-5 (LIM kinase inhibitor) or overexpression of the slingshot phosphatases also impeded A. fumigatus internalization. Both the C. botulimun C3 transferase (a specific RhoA inhibitor) and Y27632 (a specific ROCK inhibitor) reduced the internalization of A. fumigatus and the level of phosphorylated cofilin. β-1,3-glucan (the major component of the conidial cell wall) and its host cell receptor dectin-1 did not seem to be associated with cofilin phosphorylation during A. fumigatus infection. Conclusion These results indicated that cofilin might be involved in the modulation of A. fumigatus internalization into type II alveolar epithelial cells through the RhoA-ROCK-LIM kinase pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyao Bao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai first people's hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No. 100, Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China. .,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ruijin hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, No. 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Xuelin Han
- Department for Hospital Infection Control & Research, Institute of Disease Control & Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Fengtai Dong Street 20, Beijing, 100071, China.
| | - Fangyan Chen
- Department for Hospital Infection Control & Research, Institute of Disease Control & Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Fengtai Dong Street 20, Beijing, 100071, China.
| | - Xiaodong Jia
- Department for Hospital Infection Control & Research, Institute of Disease Control & Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Fengtai Dong Street 20, Beijing, 100071, China.
| | - Jingya Zhao
- Department for Hospital Infection Control & Research, Institute of Disease Control & Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Fengtai Dong Street 20, Beijing, 100071, China.
| | - Changjian Zhang
- Department for Hospital Infection Control & Research, Institute of Disease Control & Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Fengtai Dong Street 20, Beijing, 100071, China.
| | - Chen Yong
- Department for Hospital Infection Control & Research, Institute of Disease Control & Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Fengtai Dong Street 20, Beijing, 100071, China.
| | - Shuguang Tian
- Department for Hospital Infection Control & Research, Institute of Disease Control & Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Fengtai Dong Street 20, Beijing, 100071, China.
| | - Xin Zhou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai first people's hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No. 100, Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China.
| | - Li Han
- Department for Hospital Infection Control & Research, Institute of Disease Control & Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Fengtai Dong Street 20, Beijing, 100071, China.
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Bidula S, Sexton DW, Abdolrasouli A, Shah A, Reed A, Armstrong-James D, Schelenz S. The serum opsonin L-ficolin is detected in lungs of human transplant recipients following fungal infections and modulates inflammation and killing of Aspergillus fumigatus. J Infect Dis 2015; 212:234-46. [PMID: 25612732 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiv027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a life-threatening systemic fungal infection in immunocompromised individuals that is caused by Aspergillus fumigatus. The human serum opsonin, L-ficolin, has been observed to recognize A. fumigatus and could participate in fungal defense. METHODS Using lung epithelial cells, primary human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs), and neutrophils from healthy donors, we assessed phagocytosis and killing of L-ficolin-opsonized live A. fumigatus conidia by flow cytometry and microscopy. Additionally, cytokines were measured by cytometric bead array, and L-ficolin was measured in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from lung transplant recipients by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS L-ficolin opsonization increased conidial uptake and enhanced killing of A. fumigatus by MDMs and neutrophils. Opsonization was also shown to manifest an increase in interleukin 8 release from A549 lung epithelial cells but decreased interleukin 1β, interleukin 6, interleukin 8, interleukin 10, and tumor necrosis factor α release from MDMs and neutrophils 24 hours after infection. The concentration of L-ficolin in BAL fluid from patients with fungal infection was significantly higher than that for control subjects (P = .00087), and receiving operating characteristic curve analysis highlighted the diagnostic potential of L-ficolin for lung infection (area under the curve, 0.842; P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS L-ficolin modulates the immune response to A. fumigatus. Additionally, for the first time, L-ficolin has been demonstrated to be present in human lungs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Bidula
- Biomedical Research Centre, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich
| | - Darren W Sexton
- Biomedical Research Centre, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich
| | | | - Anand Shah
- Section of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, Imperial College London
| | - Anna Reed
- Department of Lung Transplantation, Harefield Hospital, Middlesex, United Kingdom
| | | | - Silke Schelenz
- Biomedical Research Centre, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Department of Microbiology, Royal Brompton Hospital, London
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