1
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Kumari P, Yadav S, Sarkar S, Satheeshkumar PK. Cleavage of cell junction proteins as a host invasion strategy in leptospirosis. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:119. [PMID: 38204132 PMCID: PMC10781872 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12945-y] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Infection and invasion are the prerequisites for developing the disease symptoms in a host. While the probable mechanism of host invasion and pathogenesis is known in many pathogens, very little information is available on Leptospira invasion/pathogenesis. For causing systemic infection Leptospira must transmigrate across epithelial barriers, which is the most critical and challenging step. Extracellular and membrane-bound proteases play a crucial role in the invasion process. An extensive search for the proteins experimentally proven to be involved in the invasion process through cell junction cleavage in other pathogens has resulted in identifying 26 proteins. The similarity searches on the Leptospira genome for counterparts of these 26 pathogenesis-related proteins identified at least 12 probable coding sequences. The proteins were either extracellular or membrane-bound with a proteolytic domain to cleave the cell junction proteins. This review will emphasize our current understanding of the pathogenic aspects of host cell junction-pathogenic protein interactions involved in the invasion process. Further, potential candidate proteins with cell junction cleavage properties that may be exploited in the diagnostic/therapeutic aspects of leptospirosis will also be discussed. KEY POINTS: • The review focussed on the cell junction cleavage proteins in bacterial pathogenesis • Cell junction disruptors from Leptospira genome are identified using bioinformatics • The review provides insights into the therapeutic/diagnostic interventions possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Kumari
- Department of Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221005, India
| | - Suhani Yadav
- Department of Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221005, India
| | - Sresha Sarkar
- Department of Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221005, India
| | - Padikara K Satheeshkumar
- Department of Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221005, India.
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2
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Heggi MT, Nour El-Din HT, Morsy DI, Abdelaziz NI, Attia AS. Microbial evasion of the complement system: a continuous and evolving story. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1281096. [PMID: 38239357 PMCID: PMC10794618 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1281096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The complement system is a fundamental part of the innate immune system that plays a key role in the battle of the human body against invading pathogens. Through its three pathways, represented by the classical, alternative, and lectin pathways, the complement system forms a tightly regulated network of soluble proteins, membrane-expressed receptors, and regulators with versatile protective and killing mechanisms. However, ingenious pathogens have developed strategies over the years to protect themselves from this complex part of the immune system. This review briefly discusses the sequence of the complement activation pathways. Then, we present a comprehensive updated overview of how the major four pathogenic groups, namely, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, control, modulate, and block the complement attacks at different steps of the complement cascade. We shed more light on the ability of those pathogens to deploy more than one mechanism to tackle the complement system in their path to establish infection within the human host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam T. Heggi
- Clinical Pharmacy Undergraduate Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hanzada T. Nour El-Din
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | | | - Ahmed S. Attia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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3
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Weil's Disease-Immunopathogenesis, Multiple Organ Failure, and Potential Role of Gut Microbiota. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12121830. [PMID: 36551258 PMCID: PMC9775223 DOI: 10.3390/biom12121830] [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: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is an important zoonotic disease, causing about 60,000 deaths annually. In this review, we have described in detail the immunopathogenesis of leptospirosis, the influence of cytokines, genetic susceptibility on the course of the disease, and the evasion of the immune response. These data are combined with information about immunological and pathomorphological changes in the kidneys, liver, and lungs, which are most affected by Weil's disease. The review also suggests a possible role of the gut microbiota in the clinical course of leptospirosis, the main mechanisms of the influence of gut dysbiosis on damage in the liver, kidneys, and lungs through several axes, i.e., gut-liver, gut-kidney, and gut-lungs. Modulation of gut microbiota by probiotics and/or fecal microbiota transplantation in leptospirosis may become an important area of scientific research.
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4
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Hota S, Hussain MS, Kumar M. ErpY-like Lipoprotein of Leptospira Outsmarts Host Complement Regulation by Acquiring Complement Regulators, Activating Alternative Pathways, and Intervening in the Membrane Attack Complex. ACS Infect Dis 2022; 8:982-997. [PMID: 35422118 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.1c00602] [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: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The survival of pathogenic Leptospira in the host depends on its proficiency to circumvent the immune response. These pathogens evade the complement system in serum by enticing and amassing the serum complement regulators onto their surface. ErpY-like lipoprotein, a surface-exposed protein of Leptospira spp., is conserved in the pathogenic Leptospira serovars. The recombinant form of this protein interacts with multiple extracellular matrix (ECM) components and serum proteins such as soluble complement regulators factor H (FH) and factor I (FI). Here, we document that the supplementation of rErpY-like protein (10 μg/mL) in human serum inhibits complement-mediated bacterial cell lysis and augments the viability of Escherichia coli and saprophytic Leptospira biflexa by more than two-fold. Complement regulators FH and FI, when bound to rErpY-like protein, preserve their respective cofactor and protease activity and cleave the complement component C3b. The supplementation of rErpY-like protein (40 μg/mL) in serum ensued in an ∼90% reduction of membrane attack complex (C5b-9/MAC) deposition through the alternative pathway (AP) of complement activation. However, rErpY-like protein could moderately reduce (∼16%) MAC deposition in serum through the classical pathway (CP). In addition, the rErpY-like protein solely initiated the AP, suggesting its role in the rapid consumption and depletion of the complement components. Blocking the pathogenic Leptospira interrogans surface with anti-rErpY-like antibodies resulted in an increase in MAC formation on the bacterial surface, indicating a specific role of the ErpY-like lipoprotein in complement-mediated immune evasion. This study underscores the role of the ErpY-like lipoprotein of Leptospira in complement evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saswat Hota
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India
| | - Md Saddam Hussain
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India
| | - Manish Kumar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India
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5
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Kumar A, Varma VP, Faisal SM. Screening of Surface-Exposed Lipoproteins of Leptospira Involved in Modulation of Host Innate Immune Response. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:761670. [PMID: 35401498 PMCID: PMC8988195 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.761670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospira, a zoonotic pathogen, is capable of causing both chronic and acute infection in a susceptible host. Surface-exposed lipoproteins play a major role in modulating the host immune response by activating the innate cells like macrophages and dendritic cells or evading complement attack and killing by phagocytes like neutrophils to favor pathogenesis and establish infection. In this study, we screened some surface-exposed lipoproteins known to be involved in pathogenesis to assess their possible role in immune modulation (innate immune activation or evasion). Surface proteins of the Len family (LenB, LenD, and LenE), Lsa30, Loa22, and Lipl21 were purified in recombinant form and then tested for their ability to activate macrophages of the different host (mouse, human, and bovine). These proteins were tested for binding with complement regulators like Factor H (FH), C4 Binding Protein (C4BP), and host protease Plasminogen (PLG) and also as nucleases to access their possible role in innate immune evasion. Our results show that, of various proteins tested, Loa22 induced strong innate activation and Lsa30 was least stimulatory, as evident from the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor–α) and expression of surface markers [CD80, CD86, and major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII)]. All the tested proteins were able to bind to FH, C4BP, and PLG; however, Loa22 showed strong binding to PLG correlating to plasmin activity. All the proteins except Loa22 showed nuclease activity, albeit with a requirement of different metal ions. The nuclease activity of these proteins correlated to in vitro degradation of neutrophil extracellular trap (NET). In conclusion, our results indicate that these surface proteins are involved in innate immune modulation and may play a critical role in assisting the bacteria in invading and colonizing the host tissue for persistent infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Kumar
- Laboratory of Vaccine Immunology, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India.,Regional Center for Biotechnology, Faridabad, India
| | - Vivek P Varma
- Laboratory of Vaccine Immunology, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India.,Graduate Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Syed M Faisal
- Laboratory of Vaccine Immunology, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India.,Regional Center for Biotechnology, Faridabad, India
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6
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Huang J, Chen J, Xie Y, Liu Z. Subversion of the immune response of human pathogenic spirochetes. J Clin Lab Anal 2022; 36:e24414. [PMID: 35403248 PMCID: PMC9102653 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jielite Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China Hengyang China
| | - Jinlin Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China Hengyang China
| | - Yafeng Xie
- Department of Clinical Laboratory The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China Hengyang China
- Institution of Pathogenic Biology Medical College Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study University of South China Hengyang China
| | - Zhuoran Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China Hengyang China
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7
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Fernandes LGV, Putz EJ, Stasko J, Lippolis JD, Nascimento ALTO, Nally JE. Evaluation of LipL32 and LigA/LigB Knockdown Mutants in Leptospira interrogans Serovar Copenhageni: Impacts to Proteome and Virulence. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:799012. [PMID: 35185824 PMCID: PMC8847714 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.799012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonosis caused by pathogenic species of the genus Leptospira. The recent application of CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) to Leptospira facilitates targeted gene silencing and provides a new tool to investigate pathogenic mechanisms of leptospirosis. CRISPRi relies on the expression of a catalytically “dead” Cas9 (dCas9) and a single-guide RNA (sgRNA). Previously, our group generated a LipL32 and a double LigA/LigB (LigAB) mutant, which, in the current study, are characterized by whole-cell proteomics in comparison with control leptospires harboring plasmid expressing dCas9 alone. Comparison of control and LigAB mutant leptospires identified 46 significantly differentially expressed (DE) proteins, including 27 proteins that were less abundant and 19 proteins that were more abundant in the LigAB mutant compared with the control. Comparison of the control and LipL32 mutant leptospires identified 243 DE proteins, of which 84 proteins were more abundant and 159 were less abundant in the LipL32 mutant strain. Significantly increased amounts of known virulence impactors and surface membrane receptors, including LipL45, LipL31, LigB, and LipL41, were identified. The virulence of LipL32 and LigAB mutants were evaluated in the hamster model of leptospirosis; the LigAB mutant was unable to cause acute disease although mutant leptospires could still be recovered from target organs, albeit at a significantly lower bacterial burden (<850 and <16-fold in liver and kidney, respectively, in comparison with control), indicating attenuation of virulence and a shift to chronic bacterial persistence. Notably, the LipL32 mutant displayed augmented virulence as evidenced by early onset of clinical symptoms and increased numbers of circulating foamy macrophages. Validation of LipL32 and LigAB mutants recovered from liver and kidney in the presence or absence of antibiotic selection revealed high plasmid stability and, by extension, gene silencing in vivo. Collectively, this work emphasizes the advantages and feasibility of using CRISPRi technology to evaluate and characterize virulence factors of leptospires and their respective host–pathogen interactions in animal models of leptospirosis. Importantly, it also provides insight into the requirements of LigA and LigB for acute disease and explores the impact of silencing expression of lipL32, which resulted in substantial changes in amounts of outer membrane proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis G V Fernandes
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, USDA Agricultural Research Service, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, IA, United States.,Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ellie J Putz
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, USDA Agricultural Research Service, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Judith Stasko
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, USDA Agricultural Research Service, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, IA, United States
| | - John D Lippolis
- Ruminant Diseases and Immunology Research Unit, USDA Agricultural Research Service, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Ana L T O Nascimento
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jarlath E Nally
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, USDA Agricultural Research Service, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, IA, United States
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8
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Kumar A, Varma VP, Sridhar K, Abdullah M, Vyas P, Ashiq Thalappil M, Chang YF, Faisal SM. Deciphering the Role of Leptospira Surface Protein LigA in Modulating the Host Innate Immune Response. Front Immunol 2022; 12:807775. [PMID: 34975922 PMCID: PMC8716722 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.807775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptospira, a zoonotic pathogen, is known to infect various hosts and can establish persistent infection. This remarkable ability of bacteria is attributed to its potential to modulate (activate or evade) the host immune response by exploiting its surface proteins. We have identified and characterized the domain of the variable region of Leptospira immunoglobulin-like protein A (LAV) involved in immune modulation. The 11th domain (A11) of the variable region of LigA (LAV) induces a strong TLR4 dependent innate response leading to subsequent induction of humoral and cellular immune responses in mice. A11 is also involved in acquiring complement regulator FH and binds to host protease Plasminogen (PLG), there by mediating functional activity to escape from complement-mediated killing. The deletion of A11 domain significantly impaired TLR4 signaling and subsequent reduction in the innate and adaptive immune response. It also inhibited the binding of FH and PLG thereby mediating killing of bacteria. Our study discovered an unprecedented role of LAV as a nuclease capable of degrading Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs). This nuclease activity was primarily mediated by A11. These results highlighted the moonlighting function of LigA and demonstrated that a single domain of a surface protein is involved in modulating the host innate immune defenses, which might allow the persistence of Leptospira in different hosts for a long term without clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Kumar
- Laboratory of Vaccine Immunology, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Vivek P Varma
- Laboratory of Vaccine Immunology, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India.,Graduate Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Kavela Sridhar
- Laboratory of Vaccine Immunology, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Mohd Abdullah
- Laboratory of Vaccine Immunology, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India.,Department of Biosciences, Integral University, Lucknow, India
| | - Pallavi Vyas
- Laboratory of Vaccine Immunology, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India
| | | | - Yung-Fu Chang
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Syed M Faisal
- Laboratory of Vaccine Immunology, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India
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9
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Barazzone GC, Teixeira AF, Azevedo BOP, Damiano DK, Oliveira MP, Nascimento ALTO, Lopes APY. Revisiting the Development of Vaccines Against Pathogenic Leptospira: Innovative Approaches, Present Challenges, and Future Perspectives. Front Immunol 2022; 12:760291. [PMID: 35046936 PMCID: PMC8761801 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.760291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Human vaccination against leptospirosis has been relatively unsuccessful in clinical applications despite an expressive amount of vaccine candidates has been tested over years of research. Pathogenic Leptospira encompass a great number of serovars, most of which do not cross-react, and there has been a lack of genetic tools for many years. These obstacles have hampered the understanding of the bacteria's biology and, consequently, the identification of an effective antigen. Thus far, many approaches have been used in an attempt to find a cost-effective and broad-spectrum protective antigen(s) against the disease. In this extensive review, we discuss several strategies that have been used to develop an effective vaccine against leptospirosis, starting with Leptospira-inactivated bacterin, proteins identified in the genome sequences of pathogenic Leptospira, including reverse vaccinology, plasmid DNA, live vaccines, chimeric multi-epitope, and toll- and nod-like receptors agonists. This overview should be able to guide scientists working in the field to select potential antigens and to choose the appropriate formulation to administer the candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovana C. Barazzone
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aline F. Teixeira
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruna O. P. Azevedo
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Deborah K. Damiano
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcos P. Oliveira
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana L. T. O. Nascimento
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexandre P. Y. Lopes
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
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10
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Daroz BB, Fernandes LGV, Cavenague MF, Kochi LT, Passalia FJ, Takahashi MB, Nascimento Filho EG, Teixeira AF, Nascimento ALTO. A Review on Host- Leptospira Interactions: What We Know and Future Expectations. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:777709. [PMID: 34900757 PMCID: PMC8657130 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.777709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a widespread zoonosis caused by pathogenic Leptospira spp. It is considered a neglected infectious disease of human and veterinary concern. Our group has been investigating proteins annotated as hypothetical, predicted to be located on the leptospiral surface. Because of their location, these proteins may have the ability to interact with various host components, which could allow establishment of the infection. These proteins act as adherence factors by binding to host receptor molecules, such as the extracellular matrix (ECM) components laminin and glycosaminoglycans to help bacterial colonization. Leptospira also interacts with the host fibrinolytic system, which has been demonstrated to be a powerful tool for invasion mechanisms. The interaction with fibrinogen and thrombin has been shown to reduce fibrin clot formation. Additionally, the degradation of coagulation cascade components by secreted proteases or by acquired surface plasmin could also play a role in reducing clot formation, hence facilitating dissemination during infection. Interaction with host complement system regulators also plays a role in helping bacteria to evade the immune system, facilitating invasion. Interaction of Leptospira to cell receptors, such as cadherins, can contribute to investigate molecules that participate in virulence. To achieve a better understanding of the host-pathogen interaction, leptospiral mutagenesis tools have been developed and explored. This work presents several proteins that mediate binding to components of the ECM, plasma, components of the complement system and cells, to gather research achievements that can be helpful in better understanding the mechanisms of leptospiral-host interactions and discuss genetic manipulation for Leptospira spp. aimed at protein function validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda B Daroz
- Laboratorio de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Avenida Vital Brazil, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Programa de Pos-Graduacao Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luis G V Fernandes
- Laboratorio de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Avenida Vital Brazil, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria F Cavenague
- Laboratorio de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Avenida Vital Brazil, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Programa de Pos-Graduacao Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leandro T Kochi
- Laboratorio de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Avenida Vital Brazil, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Programa de Pos-Graduacao Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Felipe J Passalia
- Laboratorio de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Avenida Vital Brazil, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Programa de Pos-Graduacao Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria B Takahashi
- Laboratorio de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Avenida Vital Brazil, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Programa de Pos-Graduacao Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Edson G Nascimento Filho
- Laboratorio de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Avenida Vital Brazil, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Programa de Pos-Graduacao Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aline F Teixeira
- Laboratorio de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Avenida Vital Brazil, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana L T O Nascimento
- Laboratorio de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Avenida Vital Brazil, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Programa de Pos-Graduacao Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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11
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Luo F, Wen Y, Zhao L, Su S, Zhao Y, Lei W, Li Z. Chlamydia trachomatis induces lncRNA MIAT upregulation to regulate mitochondria-mediated host cell apoptosis and chlamydial development. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 26:163-177. [PMID: 34859581 PMCID: PMC8742237 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17069] [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: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis persistent infection is the leading cause of male prostatitis and female genital tract diseases. Inhibition of host cell apoptosis is the key to maintaining Chlamydia survival in vivo, and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in its developmental cycle and pathogenesis. However, it is not clear how lncRNAs regulate persistent Chlamydia infection. Here, using a microarray method, we identified 1718 lncRNAs and 1741 mRNAs differentially expressed in IFN-γ-induced persistent C. trachomatis infection. Subsequently, 10 upregulated and 5 downregulated differentially expressed lncRNAs were verified by qRT-PCR to confirm the reliability of the chip data. The GO and KEGG analyses revealed that differentially regulated transcripts were predominantly involved in various signalling pathways related to host immunity and apoptosis response. Targeted silencing of three lncRNAs (MIAT, ZEB1-AS1 and IRF1) resulted in increased apoptosis rates. Furthermore, interference with lncRNA MIAT caused not only an obvious downregulation of the Bcl-2/Bax ratio but also a marked release of cytochrome c, resulting in a significantly elevated level of caspase-3 activation. Meanwhile, MIAT was involved in the regulation of chlamydial development during the persistent infection. Collectively, these observations shed light on the enormous complex lncRNA regulatory networks involved in mitochondria-mediated host cell apoptosis and the growth and development of C. trachomatis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangzhen Luo
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, University of South China, Hengyang, China.,Hunan Polytechnic of Environment and Biology, Hengyang, China
| | - Yating Wen
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Lanhua Zhao
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Shengmei Su
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Yuqi Zhao
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Wenbo Lei
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Zhongyu Li
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, University of South China, Hengyang, China
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12
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MB T, AF T, ALTO N. The leptospiral LipL21 and LipL41 proteins exhibit a broad spectrum of interactions with host cell components. Virulence 2021; 12:2798-2813. [PMID: 34719356 PMCID: PMC8632080 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2021.1993427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a globally prevalent zoonotic disease, and is caused by pathogenic spirochetes from the genus Leptospira. LipL21 and LipL41 are lipoproteins expressed strongly on the outer membrane of pathogenic Leptospira spp. Many studies have shown that both proteins are interesting targets for vaccines and diagnosis. However, their role in host-pathogen interactions remains underexplored. Therefore, we evaluated the capacity of LipL21 and LipL41 to bind with glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), the cell receptors and extracellular matrix, and plasma components by ELISA. Both proteins interacted with collagen IV, laminin, E-cadherin, and elastin dose-dependently. A broad-spectrum binding to plasma components was also observed. Only LipL21 interacted with all the GAG components tested, whereas LipL41 presented a concentration-dependent binding only for chondroitin 4 sulfate. Although, both proteins have the ability to interact with fibrinogen, only LipL21 inhibited fibrin clot formation partially. Both proteins exhibited a decrease in plasminogen binding in the presence of amino caproic acid (ACA), a competitive inhibitor of lysine residues, suggesting that their binding occurs via the kringle domains of plasminogen. LipL41, but not LipL21, was able to convert plasminogen to plasmin, and recruit plasminogen from normal human serum, suggesting that the interaction of this protein with plasminogen may occur in physiological conditions. This work provides the first report demonstrating the capacity of LipL21 and LipL41 to interact with a broad range of host components, highlighting their importance in host-Leptospira interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahashi MB
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades Em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Teixeira AF
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nascimento ALTO
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
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13
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Passalia FJ, Heinemann MB, Vieira ML, Nascimento ALTO. A Novel Leptospira interrogans Protein LIC13086 Inhibits Fibrin Clot Formation and Interacts With Host Components. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:708739. [PMID: 34277477 PMCID: PMC8280789 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.708739] [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: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a neglected zoonosis, caused by pathogenic spirochetes bacteria of the genus Leptospira. The molecular mechanisms of leptospirosis infection are complex, and it is becoming clear that leptospires express several functionally redundant proteins to invade, disseminate, and escape the host’s immune response. Here, we describe a novel leptospiral protein encoded by the gene LIC13086 as an outer membrane protein. The recombinant protein LIC13086 can interact with the extracellular matrix component laminin and bind plasminogen, thus possibly participating during the adhesion process and dissemination. Also, by interacting with fibrinogen and plasma fibronectin, the protein LIC13086 probably has an inhibitory effect in the fibrin clot formation during the infection process. The newly characterized protein can also bind molecules of the complement system and the regulator C4BP and, thus, might have a role in the evasion mechanism of Leptospira. Taken together, our results suggest that the protein LIC13086 may have a multifunctional role in leptospiral pathogenesis, participating in host invasion, dissemination, and immune evasion processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe José Passalia
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcos Bryan Heinemann
- Laboratório de Zoonoses Bacterianas, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mônica Larucci Vieira
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas (ICB), Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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14
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Sebastián I, Okura N, Humbel BM, Xu J, Hermawan I, Matsuura C, Hall M, Takayama C, Yamashiro T, Nakamura S, Toma C. Disassembly of the apical junctional complex during the transmigration of Leptospira interrogans across polarized renal proximal tubule epithelial cells. Cell Microbiol 2021; 23:e13343. [PMID: 33864347 PMCID: PMC8459228 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.13343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial pathogens have evolved multiple strategies to disassemble epithelial cell apical junctional complexes (AJCs) and infect epithelial cells. Leptospirosis is a widespread zoonotic infection, mainly caused by Leptospira interrogans, and its dissemination across host cell barriers is essential for its pathogenesis. However, the mechanism of bacterial dissemination across epithelial cell barriers remains poorly characterised. In this study, we analysed the interaction of L. interrogans with renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (RPTECs) and found that at 24 hr post‐infection, L. interrogans remain in close contact with the plasma membrane of the RPTEC by extracellularly adhering or crawling. Leptospira interrogans cleaved E‐cadherin and induced its endocytosis with release of the soluble N‐terminal fragment into the extracellular medium. Concomitantly, a gradual decrease in transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), mislocalisation of AJC proteins (occludin, claudin‐10, ZO‐1, and cingulin) and cytoskeletal rearrangement were observed. Inhibition of clathrin‐mediated E‐cadherin endocytosis prevented the decrease in TEER. We showed that disassembly of AJCs in epithelial cells and transmigration of bacteria through the paracellular route are important for the dissemination of L. interrogans in the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Sebastián
- Department of Bacteriology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Okura
- Department of Molecular Anatomy, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Bruno M Humbel
- Imaging Section, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan.,Microscopy Center, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jun Xu
- Department of Bacteriology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan.,Department of Animal Microbiology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Idam Hermawan
- Department of Bacteriology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Chiaki Matsuura
- Department of Bacteriology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Malgorzata Hall
- Imaging Section, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Chitoshi Takayama
- Department of Molecular Anatomy, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Tetsu Yamashiro
- Department of Bacteriology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Shuichi Nakamura
- Department of Applied Physics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Claudia Toma
- Department of Bacteriology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
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15
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Nicodemo AC, Duarte-Neto AN. Pathogenesis of Pulmonary Hemorrhagic Syndrome in Human Leptospirosis. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2021; 104:1970-1972. [PMID: 33872210 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-1000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Based on a previous study and by incorporating new knowledge, the goal of our study was to understand more fully the pathogenesis of hemorrhagic pneumonia of severe human leptospirosis, highlighting the onset of capillary lesions by Leptospira itself and/or its antigenic/toxic products acting on the endothelium and binding to cadherins. Both events lead to loss of endothelial integrity, alter permeability, cause rupture, and open intercellular junctions, contributing to the hemorrhagic phenomena associated with severe leptospirosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio C Nicodemo
- 1Department of Infectious Diseases, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
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16
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Fernandes LGV, Hornsby RL, Nascimento ALTO, Nally JE. Genetic manipulation of pathogenic Leptospira: CRISPR interference (CRISPRi)-mediated gene silencing and rapid mutant recovery at 37 °C. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1768. [PMID: 33469138 PMCID: PMC7815788 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81400-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a neglected, widespread zoonosis caused by pathogenic species of the genus Leptospira, and is responsible for 60,000 deaths per year. Pathogenic mechanisms of leptospirosis remain poorly understood mainly because targeted mutations or gene silencing in pathogenic Leptospira continues to be inherently inefficient, laborious, costly and difficult to implement. In addition, pathogenic leptospires are highly fastidious and the selection of mutants on solid agar media can take up to 6 weeks. The catalytically inactive Cas9 (dCas9) is an RNA-guided DNA-binding protein from the Streptococcus pyogenes CRISPR/Cas system and can be used for gene silencing, in a strategy termed CRISPR interference (CRISPRi). Here, this technique was employed to silence genes encoding major outer membrane proteins of pathogenic L. interrogans. Conjugation protocols were optimized using the newly described HAN media modified for rapid mutant recovery at 37 °C in 3% CO2 within 8 days. Complete silencing of LipL32 and concomitant and complete silencing of both LigA and LigB outer membrane proteins were achieved, revealing for the first time that Lig proteins are involved in pathogenic Leptospira serum resistance. Gene silencing in pathogenic leptospires and rapid mutant recovery will facilitate novel studies to further evaluate and understand pathogenic mechanisms of leptospirosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- L G V Fernandes
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, USA.
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, 05503-900, Brazil.
| | - R L Hornsby
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, USA
| | - A L T O Nascimento
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, 05503-900, Brazil
| | - J E Nally
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, USA
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17
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Teixeira AF, Cavenague MF, Kochi LT, Fernandes LG, Souza GO, de Souza Filho AF, Vasconcellos SA, Heinemann MB, Nascimento ALTO. Immunoprotective Activity Induced by Leptospiral Outer Membrane Proteins in Hamster Model of Acute Leptospirosis. Front Immunol 2020; 11:568694. [PMID: 33193344 PMCID: PMC7662565 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.568694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease of worldwide distribution, affecting both humans and animals. The development of an effective vaccine against leptospirosis has long been pursued but without success. Humans are contaminated after direct contact with the urine of infected animals or indirectly by contaminated water or soil. The vaccines available consist of inactivated whole-bacterial cells, and the active immunoprotective antigen is the lipopolysaccharide moiety, which is also the basis for serovar classification. However, these vaccines are short-lasting, and protection is only against serovars contained in the preparation. The search for prevalent antigens, present in pathogenic species of Leptospira, represents the most cost-effective strategy for prevention of leptospirosis. Thus, the identification of these antigens is a priority. In this study, we examined the immunoprotective effect of eight leptospiral recombinant proteins using hamster as the challenge model. Animals received subcutaneously two doses of vaccine containing 50 μg of each recombinant protein adsorbed on alum adjuvant. Two weeks after the booster, animals were challenged with virulent leptospires and monitored for 21 days. All proteins were able to induce a specific immune response, although significant protective effects on survival rate were observed only for the proteins Lsa14, rLIC13259, and rLIC11711. Of these, only rLIC13259 and rLIC11711 were found to be highly prospective in promoting renal clearance. The sterilizing potential of both proteins will be further investigated to elucidate the immunoprotective mechanisms involved in leptospirosis control. These are the first proteins involved with human complement components with the capacity to protect against virulent challenge and to eliminate the bacteria from the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline F Teixeira
- Laboratorio de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria F Cavenague
- Laboratorio de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Programa de Pos-Graduacao Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo (USP), Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leandro T Kochi
- Laboratorio de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Programa de Pos-Graduacao Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo (USP), Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luis G Fernandes
- Laboratorio de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gisele O Souza
- Laboratorio de Zoonoses Bacterianas, Departamento de Medicina Veterinaria Preventiva e Saude Animal (VPS), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinaria e Zootecnia, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Antonio Francisco de Souza Filho
- Laboratorio de Zoonoses Bacterianas, Departamento de Medicina Veterinaria Preventiva e Saude Animal (VPS), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinaria e Zootecnia, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvio A Vasconcellos
- Laboratorio de Zoonoses Bacterianas, Departamento de Medicina Veterinaria Preventiva e Saude Animal (VPS), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinaria e Zootecnia, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcos Bryan Heinemann
- Laboratorio de Zoonoses Bacterianas, Departamento de Medicina Veterinaria Preventiva e Saude Animal (VPS), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinaria e Zootecnia, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana L T O Nascimento
- Laboratorio de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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18
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Heterologous Expression of the Pathogen-Specific LIC11711 Gene in the Saprophyte L. biflexa Increases Bacterial Binding to Laminin and Plasminogen. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9080599. [PMID: 32707797 PMCID: PMC7460275 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9080599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a febrile disease and the etiological agents are pathogenic bacteria of the genus Leptospira. The leptospiral virulence mechanisms are not fully understood and the application of genetic tools is still limited, despite advances in molecular biology techniques. The leptospiral recombinant protein LIC11711 has shown interaction with several host components, indicating a potential function in virulence. This study describes a system for heterologous expression of the L. interrogans gene lic11711 using the saprophyte L. biflexa serovar Patoc as a surrogate, aiming to investigate its possible activity in bacterial virulence. Heterologous expression of LIC11711 was performed using the pMaOri vector under regulation of the lipL32 promoter. The protein was found mainly on the leptospiral outer surface, confirming its location. The lipL32 promoter enhanced the expression of LIC11711 in L. biflexa compared to the pathogenic strain, indicating that this strategy may be used to overexpress low-copy proteins. The presence of LIC11711 enhanced the capacity of L. biflexa to adhere to laminin (Lam) and plasminogen (Plg)/plasmin (Pla) in vitro, suggesting the involvement of this protein in bacterial pathogenesis. We show for the first time that the expression of LIC11711 protein of L. interrogans confers a virulence-associated phenotype on L. biflexa, pointing out possible mechanisms used by pathogenic leptospires.
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19
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Yu J, Zhang D, Liang Y, Zhang Z, Guo J, Chen Y, Yan Y, Liu H, Lei L, Wang Z, Tang Z, Tang Y, Duan JA. Licorice-Yuanhua Herbal Pair Induces Ileum Injuries Through Weakening Epithelial and Mucous Barrier Functions: Saponins, Flavonoids, and Di-Terpenes All Involved. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:869. [PMID: 32765254 PMCID: PMC7378851 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the licorice-yuanhua herbal pair is one of the most representative incompatible herbal pairs recorded in the “eighteen incompatible herbal pairs” theory. Previous studies of our research group have demonstrated several gut-related side-effects induced by the licorice-yuanhua herbal pair. In this study, we investigated whether and why this incompatible herbal pair could induce gut tissue damage. After licorice-yuanhua treatment, the duodenum, ileum, and colon and serum biomarkers of mice were examined by pathological staining, Western blot, and ELISA assays. The IEC-6 cells and LS174T cells were treated with licorice saponins, yuanhua flavonoids, and di-terpenes; iTRAQ-labeled proteomic technology was then used to explore their synergistic effects on mucosa cells, followed by verification of ZO-1 and MUC-2 protein expressions. The results showed that the licorice-yuanhua herbal pair induced ileum tissue injuries, including epithelial integrity loss, inflammation, and edema. These injuries were verified to be related to epithelial and mucous barrier weakening, such as downregulated ileum ZO-1 and MUC-2 protein expressions. Proteomic analysis also suggested that glycyrrhizic acid and genkwanin synergistically influence tight junction pathways in LS174T cells. Furthermore, licorice saponins, yuanhua flavonoids, and di-terpenes dose/structure-dependently downregulate ZO-1 and MUC-2 protein expressions in mucosa cells. Our study provides different insights into the incompatibility mechanisms and material basis of the licorice-yuanhua herbal pair, especially that besides toxic di-terpenes, licorice saponins and yuanhua flavonoids, which are commonly known to be non-toxic compounds, can also take part in the gut damage induced by the licorice-yuanhua herbal pair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingao Yu
- Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicine Resources Industrialization, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Innovative Drug Research Center, The Youth Innovation Team of Shaanxi Universities, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China.,Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Dongbo Zhang
- Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicine Resources Industrialization, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Innovative Drug Research Center, The Youth Innovation Team of Shaanxi Universities, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Yanni Liang
- Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicine Resources Industrialization, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Innovative Drug Research Center, The Youth Innovation Team of Shaanxi Universities, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicine Resources Industrialization, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Innovative Drug Research Center, The Youth Innovation Team of Shaanxi Universities, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Jianming Guo
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanyan Chen
- Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicine Resources Industrialization, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Innovative Drug Research Center, The Youth Innovation Team of Shaanxi Universities, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Yafeng Yan
- Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicine Resources Industrialization, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Innovative Drug Research Center, The Youth Innovation Team of Shaanxi Universities, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Hongbo Liu
- Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicine Resources Industrialization, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Innovative Drug Research Center, The Youth Innovation Team of Shaanxi Universities, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Liyan Lei
- Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicine Resources Industrialization, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Innovative Drug Research Center, The Youth Innovation Team of Shaanxi Universities, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicine Resources Industrialization, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Innovative Drug Research Center, The Youth Innovation Team of Shaanxi Universities, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Zhishu Tang
- Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicine Resources Industrialization, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Innovative Drug Research Center, The Youth Innovation Team of Shaanxi Universities, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Yuping Tang
- Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicine Resources Industrialization, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Innovative Drug Research Center, The Youth Innovation Team of Shaanxi Universities, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Jin-Ao Duan
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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20
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Complement Evasion Strategies of Human Pathogenic Bacteria. Indian J Microbiol 2020; 60:283-296. [PMID: 32655196 DOI: 10.1007/s12088-020-00872-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Human pathogens need to overcome an elaborate network of host defense mechanisms in order to establish their infection, colonization, proliferation and eventual dissemination. The interaction of pathogens with different effector molecules of the immune system results in their neutralization and elimination from the host. The complement system is one such integral component of innate immunity that is critically involved in the early recognition and elimination of the pathogen. Hence, under this immune pressure, all virulent pathogens capable of inducing active infections have evolved immune evasive strategies that primarily target the complement system, which plays an essential and central role for host defense. Recent reports on several bacterial pathogens have elucidated the molecular mechanisms underlying complement evasion, inhibition of opsonic phagocytosis and cell lysis. This review aims to comprehensively summarize the recent findings on the various strategies adopted by pathogenic bacteria to escape complement-mediated clearance.
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21
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Barbosa AS, Isaac L. Strategies used by Leptospira spirochetes to evade the host complement system. FEBS Lett 2020; 594:2633-2644. [PMID: 32153015 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Leptospires are highly invasive spirochetes equipped with efficient strategies for dissemination in the host. The Leptospira genus currently comprises 64 species divided into two major clades: the saprophytes composed of nonpathogenic, free-living organisms, and the pathogens encompassing all the species that cause mild or severe infections in humans and animals. While saprophytes are highly susceptible to the lytic action of the complement system, pathogenic (virulent) strains have evolved virulence strategies that allow efficient colonization of a variety of hosts and target organs, including mechanisms to circumvent hosts' innate and acquired immune responses. Pathogenic Leptospira avoid complement-mediated killing by recruiting host complement regulatory proteins and by targeting complement proteins using own and host-expressed proteases. This review outlines the role of complement in eradicating saprophytic Leptospira and the stratagems adopted by pathogenic Leptospira to maneuver the host complement system for their benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lourdes Isaac
- Laboratory of Complement, Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil
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22
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Passalia FJ, Carvalho E, Heinemann MB, Vieira ML, Nascimento ALTO. The Leptospira interrogans LIC10774 is a multifunctional surface protein that binds calcium and interacts with host components. Microbiol Res 2020; 235:126470. [PMID: 32247916 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2020.126470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a global re-emerging zoonosis, caused by pathogenic bacteria of the genus Leptospira. Humans are infected mainly through contact with contaminated water or soil. The understanding of the molecular mechanisms of leptospirosis through the characterization of unknown outer membrane proteins may contribute to the development of new treatments, diagnostic methods and vaccines. We have identified using bioinformatics analysis a protein that is encoded by the gene LIC10774, predicted to be localized at the leptospiral outer membrane and exhibit beta-roll folding. Surface exposure was confirmed by flow cytometry, ELISA and immunofluorescence-based confocal microscopy. Through circular dichroism spectroscopy and hydrophobic dye binding we have shown that rLIC10774 binds calcium ions, which imposes changes to secondary and tertiary structures. The recombinant protein was capable of binding to several host extracellular matrix and serum components. Therefore, we describe LIC10774 as a calcium-binding protein exposed in the outer surface of pathogenic leptospires with possible multifunctional roles in adhesion to host tissues, evasion of the immune system and participation in dissemination processes during leptospirosis. In addition, we hypothesize that the calcium binding is important for temperature-dependent functional roles during leptospirosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe José Passalia
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, 05503-900, São Paulo, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, 05508-900, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eneas Carvalho
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia, Instituto Butantan, 05503-900, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcos Bryan Heinemann
- Laboratório de Zoonoses Bacterianas, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mônica Larucci Vieira
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas (ICB), Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Ana Lucia T O Nascimento
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, 05503-900, São Paulo, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, 05508-900, São Paulo, Brazil.
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