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Mercado-Evans V, Mejia ME, Zulk JJ, Ottinger S, Hameed ZA, Serchejian C, Marunde MG, Robertson CM, Ballard MB, Ruano SH, Korotkova N, Flores AR, Pennington KA, Patras KA. Gestational diabetes augments group B Streptococcus infection by disrupting maternal immunity and the vaginal microbiota. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1035. [PMID: 38310089 PMCID: PMC10838280 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45336-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a pervasive perinatal pathogen, yet factors driving GBS dissemination in utero are poorly defined. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a complication marked by dysregulated immunity and maternal microbial dysbiosis, increases risk for GBS perinatal disease. Using a murine GDM model of GBS colonization and perinatal transmission, we find that GDM mice display greater GBS in utero dissemination and subsequently worse neonatal outcomes. Dual-RNA sequencing reveals differential GBS adaptation to the GDM reproductive tract, including a putative glycosyltransferase (yfhO), and altered host responses. GDM immune disruptions include reduced uterine natural killer cell activation, impaired recruitment to placentae, and altered maternofetal cytokines. Lastly, we observe distinct vaginal microbial taxa associated with GDM status and GBS invasive disease status. Here, we show a model of GBS dissemination in GDM hosts that recapitulates several clinical aspects and identifies multiple host and bacterial drivers of GBS perinatal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki Mercado-Evans
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Marlyd E Mejia
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jacob J Zulk
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Samantha Ottinger
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Zainab A Hameed
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Camille Serchejian
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Madelynn G Marunde
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Clare M Robertson
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Mallory B Ballard
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Simone H Ruano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Natalia Korotkova
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Anthony R Flores
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, UTHealth Houston, Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kathleen A Pennington
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kathryn A Patras
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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2
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Bernardini R, Tengattini S, Li Z, Piubelli L, Bavaro T, Modolea AB, Mattei M, Conti P, Marini S, Zhang Y, Pollegioni L, Temporini C, Terreni M. Effect of glycosylation on the affinity of the MTB protein Ag85B for specific antibodies: towards the design of a dual-acting vaccine against tuberculosis. Biol Direct 2024; 19:11. [PMID: 38268026 PMCID: PMC10809592 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-024-00454-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To create a dual-acting vaccine that can fight against tuberculosis, we combined antigenic arabino-mannan analogues with the Ag85B protein. To start the process, we studied the impact of modifying different parts of the Ag85B protein on its ability to be recognized by antibodies. RESULTS Through our research, we discovered that three modified versions of the protein, rAg85B-K30R, rAg85B-K282R, and rAg85B-K30R/K282R, retained their antibody reactivity in healthy individuals and those with tuberculosis. To further test the specificity of the sugar AraMan for AraMan antibodies, we used Human Serum Albumin glycosylated with AraMan-IME and Ara3Man-IME. Our findings showed that this specific sugar was fully and specifically modified. Bio-panning experiments revealed that patients with active tuberculosis exhibited a higher antibody response to Ara3Man, a sugar found in lipoarabinomannan (LAM), which is a major component of the mycobacterial cell wall. Bio-panning with anti-LAM plates could eliminate this increased response, suggesting that the enhanced Ara3Man response was primarily driven by antibodies targeting LAM. These findings highlight the importance of Ara3Man as an immunodominant epitope in LAM and support its role in eliciting protective immunity against tuberculosis. Further studies evaluated the effects of glycosylation on the antibody affinity of recombinant Ag85B and its variants. The results indicated that rAg85B-K30R/K282R, when conjugated with Ara3Man-IME, demonstrated enhanced antibody recognition compared to unconjugated or non-glycosylated versions. CONCLUSIONS Coupling Ara3Man to rAg85B-K30R/K282R could lead to the development of effective dual-acting vaccines against tuberculosis, stimulating protective antibodies against both AraMan and Ag85B, two key tuberculosis antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Bernardini
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, Rome, 00133, Italy.
- Interdepartmental Center for Comparative Medicine, Alternative Techniques and Aquaculture (CIMETA), University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Rome, 00133, Italy.
| | - Sara Tengattini
- Drug Sciences Department, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, Pavia, 27100, Italy.
| | - Zhihao Li
- Parisian Institute of Molecular Chemistry, Sorbonne University, UMR CNRS 8232, 4 Place Jussieu, Paris, 75005, France
| | - Luciano Piubelli
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, via J.H. Dunant, 3, Insubria, Varese, 21100, Italy
| | - Teodora Bavaro
- Drug Sciences Department, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, Pavia, 27100, Italy
| | - Anamaria Bianca Modolea
- Interdepartmental Center for Comparative Medicine, Alternative Techniques and Aquaculture (CIMETA), University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Maurizio Mattei
- Interdepartmental Center for Comparative Medicine, Alternative Techniques and Aquaculture (CIMETA), University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Rome, 00133, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Conti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Mangiagalli 25, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Stefano Marini
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Yongmin Zhang
- Parisian Institute of Molecular Chemistry, Sorbonne University, UMR CNRS 8232, 4 Place Jussieu, Paris, 75005, France
| | - Loredano Pollegioni
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, via J.H. Dunant, 3, Insubria, Varese, 21100, Italy
| | - Caterina Temporini
- Drug Sciences Department, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, Pavia, 27100, Italy
| | - Marco Terreni
- Drug Sciences Department, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, Pavia, 27100, Italy
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3
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Gilbert NM, Foster LR, Cao B, Yin Y, Mysorekar IU, Lewis AL. Gardnerella vaginalis promotes group B Streptococcus vaginal colonization, enabling ascending uteroplacental infection in pregnant mice. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2021; 224:530.e1-530.e17. [PMID: 33248136 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2020.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Group B Streptococcus is a common vaginal bacterium and the leading cause of invasive fetoplacental infections. Group B Streptococcus in the vagina can invade through the cervix to cause ascending uteroplacental infections or can be transmitted to the neonate during vaginal delivery. Some studies have found that women with a "dysbiotic" polymicrobial or Lactobacillus-depleted vaginal microbiota are more likely to harbor group B Streptococcus. Gardnerella vaginalis is often the most abundant bacteria in the vaginas of women with dysbiosis, while being detected at lower levels in most other women, and has been linked with several adverse pregnancy outcomes. Mouse models of group B Streptococcus and Gardnerella vaginalis colonization have been reported but, to the best of our knowledge, the two have not been studied together. The overarching idea driving this study is that certain members of the dysbiotic vaginal microbiota, such as Gardnerella vaginalis, may directly contribute to the increased rate of group B Streptococcus vaginal colonization observed in women with vaginal dysbiosis. OBJECTIVE We used a mouse model to test the hypothesis that vaginal exposure to Gardnerella vaginalis may facilitate colonization and/or invasive infection of the upper reproductive tract by group B Streptococcus during pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN Timed-pregnant mice were generated using an allogeneic mating strategy with BALB/c males and C57Bl/6 females. Dams were vaginally inoculated at gestational day 14 with group B Streptococcus alone (using a 10-fold lower dose than previously reported models) or coinoculated with group B Streptococcus and Gardnerella vaginalis. Bacterial titers were enumerated in vaginal, uterine horn, and placental tissues at gestational day 17. The presence (Fisher exact tests) and levels (Mann-Whitney U tests) of bacterial titers were compared between mono- and coinoculated dams in each compartment. Relative risks were calculated for outcomes that occurred in both groups. Tissue samples were also examined for evidence of pathophysiology. RESULTS Inoculation of pregnant mice with 107 group B Streptococcus alone did not result in vaginal colonization or ascending infection. In contrast, coinoculation of group B Streptococcus with Gardnerella vaginalis in pregnant mice resulted in a 10-fold higher risk of group B Streptococcus vaginal colonization (relative risk, 10.31; 95% confidence interval, 2.710-59.04; P=.0006 [Fisher exact test]). Ascending group B Streptococcus infection of the uterus and placenta occurred in approximately 40% of coinoculated animals, whereas none of those receiving group B Streptococcus alone developed uterine or placental infections. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed group B Streptococcus in both the maternal and fetal sides of the placenta. Histologic inflammation and increased proinflammatory cytokines were evident in the setting of group B Streptococcus placental infection. Interestingly, placentas from dams exposed to group B Streptococcus and Gardnerella vaginalis, but without recoverable vaginal or placental bacteria, displayed distinct histopathologic features and cytokine signatures. CONCLUSION These data suggest that Gardnerella vaginalis vaginal exposure can promote group B Streptococcus vaginal colonization, resulting in a greater likelihood of invasive perinatal group B Streptococcus infections. These findings suggest that future clinical studies should examine whether the presence of Gardnerella vaginalis is a risk factor for group B Streptococcus vaginal colonization in women. Because Gardnerella vaginalis can also be present in women without bacterial vaginosis, these findings may be relevant both inside and outside of the context of vaginal dysbiosis.
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Li Z, Bavaro T, Tengattini S, Bernardini R, Mattei M, Annunziata F, Cole RB, Zheng C, Sollogoub M, Tamborini L, Terreni M, Zhang Y. Chemoenzymatic synthesis of arabinomannan (AM) glycoconjugates as potential vaccines for tuberculosis. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 204:112578. [PMID: 32717482 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Mycobacteria infection resulting in tuberculosis (TB) is one of the top ten leading causes of death worldwide in 2018, and lipoarabinomannan (LAM) has been confirmed to be the most important antigenic polysaccharide on the TB cell surface. In this study, a convenient synthetic method has been developed for synthesizing three branched oligosaccharides derived from LAM, in which a core building block was prepared by enzymatic hydrolysis in flow chemistry with excellent yield. After several steps of glycosylations, the obtained oligosaccharides were conjugated with recombinant human serum albumin (rHSA) and the ex-vivo ELISA tests were performed using serum obtained from several TB-infected patients, in order to evaluate the affinity of the glycoconjugate products for the human LAM-antibodies. The evaluation results are positive, especially compound 21 that exhibited excellent activity which could be considered as a lead compound for the future development of a new glycoconjugated vaccine against TB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihao Li
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut Parisien de Chimie Moléculaire, UMR 8232, 4 Place Jussieu, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Teodora Bavaro
- Drug Sciences Department, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Sara Tengattini
- Drug Sciences Department, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Roberta Bernardini
- Italy Centro Servizi Interdipartimentale - STA, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Mattei
- Italy Centro Servizi Interdipartimentale - STA, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy; Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Annunziata
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, via Mangiagalli 25, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Richard B Cole
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut Parisien de Chimie Moléculaire, UMR 8232, 4 Place Jussieu, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Changping Zheng
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut Parisien de Chimie Moléculaire, UMR 8232, 4 Place Jussieu, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Matthieu Sollogoub
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut Parisien de Chimie Moléculaire, UMR 8232, 4 Place Jussieu, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Lucia Tamborini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, via Mangiagalli 25, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Terreni
- Drug Sciences Department, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Yongmin Zhang
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut Parisien de Chimie Moléculaire, UMR 8232, 4 Place Jussieu, 75005, Paris, France; Key Laboratory of Tropical Medicinal Resource Chemistry of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Hainan Normal University, Haikou 571158, China.
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McCarthy R, Martin-Fairey C, Sojka DK, Herzog ED, Jungheim ES, Stout MJ, Fay JC, Mahendroo M, Reese J, Herington JL, Plosa EJ, Shelton EL, England SK. Mouse models of preterm birth: suggested assessment and reporting guidelines. Biol Reprod 2019; 99:922-937. [PMID: 29733339 PMCID: PMC6297318 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth affects approximately 1 out of every 10 births in the United States, leading to high rates of mortality and long-term negative health consequences. To investigate the mechanisms leading to preterm birth so as to develop prevention strategies, researchers have developed numerous mouse models of preterm birth. However, the lack of standard definitions for preterm birth in mice limits our field's ability to compare models and make inferences about preterm birth in humans. In this review, we discuss numerous mouse preterm birth models, propose guidelines for experiments and reporting, and suggest markers that can be used to assess whether pups are premature or mature. We argue that adoption of these recommendations will enhance the utility of mice as models for preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald McCarthy
- Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Carmel Martin-Fairey
- Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Dorothy K Sojka
- Rheumatology Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Erik D Herzog
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Emily S Jungheim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Molly J Stout
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Justin C Fay
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Mala Mahendroo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Jeff Reese
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jennifer L Herington
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Erin J Plosa
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Elaine L Shelton
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Sarah K England
- Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Vornhagen J, Adams Waldorf KM, Rajagopal L. Perinatal Group B Streptococcal Infections: Virulence Factors, Immunity, and Prevention Strategies. Trends Microbiol 2017. [PMID: 28633864 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2017.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Group B streptococcus (GBS) or Streptococcus agalactiae is a β-hemolytic, Gram-positive bacterium that is a leading cause of neonatal infections. GBS commonly colonizes the lower gastrointestinal and genital tracts and, during pregnancy, neonates are at risk of infection. Although intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis during labor and delivery has decreased the incidence of early-onset neonatal infection, these measures do not prevent ascending infection that can occur earlier in pregnancy leading to preterm births, stillbirths, or late-onset neonatal infections. Prevention of GBS infection in pregnancy is complex and is likely influenced by multiple factors, including pathogenicity, host factors, vaginal microbiome, false-negative screening, and/or changes in antibiotic resistance. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms of GBS infections during pregnancy will facilitate the development of novel therapeutics and vaccines. Here, we summarize and discuss important advancements in our understanding of GBS vaginal colonization, ascending infection, and preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay Vornhagen
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kristina M Adams Waldorf
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lakshmi Rajagopal
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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