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Sahu SR, Dutta A, Peroumal D, Kumari P, Utakalaja BG, Patel SK, Acharya N. Immunogenicity and efficacy of CNA25 as a potential whole-cell vaccine against systemic candidiasis. EMBO Mol Med 2024; 16:1254-1283. [PMID: 38783167 PMCID: PMC11178797 DOI: 10.1038/s44321-024-00080-8] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Disseminated fungal infections account for ~1.5 million deaths per year worldwide, and mortality may increase further due to a rise in the number of immunocompromised individuals and drug-resistance fungal species. Since an approved antifungal vaccine is yet to be available, this study explored the immunogenicity and vaccine efficacy of a DNA polymerase mutant strain of Candida albicans. CNA25 is a pol32ΔΔ strain that exhibits growth defects and does not cause systemic candidiasis in mice. Immunized mice with live CNA25 were fully protected against C. albicans and C. parapsilosis but partially against C. tropicalis and C. glabrata infections. CNA25 induced steady expression of TLR2 and Dectin-1 receptors leading to a faster recognition and clearance by the immune system associated with the activation of protective immune responses mostly mediated by neutrophils, macrophages, NK cells, B cells, and CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Molecular blockade of Dectin-1, IL-17, IFNγ, and TNFα abolished resistance to reinfection. Altogether, this study suggested that CNA25 collectively activates innate, adaptive, and trained immunity to be a promising live whole-cell vaccine against systemic candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satya Ranjan Sahu
- Department of Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751023, India
- Regional Center for Biotechnology, Faridabad, Haryana, 751021, India
| | - Abinash Dutta
- Department of Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751023, India
| | - Doureradjou Peroumal
- Department of Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751023, India
| | - Premlata Kumari
- Department of Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751023, India
- Regional Center for Biotechnology, Faridabad, Haryana, 751021, India
| | - Bhabasha Gyanadeep Utakalaja
- Department of Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751023, India
- Regional Center for Biotechnology, Faridabad, Haryana, 751021, India
| | - Shraddheya Kumar Patel
- Department of Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751023, India
- Regional Center for Biotechnology, Faridabad, Haryana, 751021, India
| | - Narottam Acharya
- Department of Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751023, India.
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Mycetoma: Development of Diagnosis and Treatment. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8070743. [PMID: 35887499 PMCID: PMC9323607 DOI: 10.3390/jof8070743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycetoma describes a heterogeneous group of cutaneous and subcutaneous infections caused by either fungi (eumycetomas) or bacteria (actinomycetomas). It is characterized by a triad of clinical symptoms: painless subcutaneous tumor-like swelling, multiple sinuses and fistulas, and discharged grains in pus. This predominantly affects the feet in more than 70% of patients. It is endemic in the “mycetoma belt” regions, including Africa, South America, and South Asia. Autochthonous mycetoma is rare in the United States of America (USA). We recently reported a Latin American immigrant with eumycetoma in the State of Maryland, USA. With millions of immigrants from endemic regions, the true number of mycetomas in the USA is most likely higher than currently recognized. With the aim to raise the awareness of clinicians about mycetoma, especially dermatologists and podiatrists, we update the development of the epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentations, pathogenesis, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and treatment of mycetoma.
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Pathogenesis, Immunology and Management of Dermatophytosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 8:jof8010039. [PMID: 35049979 PMCID: PMC8781719 DOI: 10.3390/jof8010039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Dermatophytic infections of the skin and appendages are a common occurrence. The pathogenesis involves complex interplay of agent (dermatophytes), host (inherent host defense and host immune response) and the environment. Infection management has become an important public health issue, due to increased incidence of recurrent, recalcitrant or extensive infections. Recent years have seen a significant rise in incidence of chronic infections which have been difficult to treat. In this review, we review the literature on management of dermatophytoses and bridge the gap in therapeutic recommendations.
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Pereira ABM, Oliveira JR, Souza ALJ, Andrade-Silva L, Silva MV, Silva PR, Silva-Vergara ML, Rogerio AP. Effects of cigarette smoke extract on bronchial epithelial cells stimulated with Cryptococcus neoformans. Med Microbiol Immunol 2021; 210:221-233. [PMID: 34228244 DOI: 10.1007/s00430-021-00715-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
In the airways, the adhesion of Cryptococcus neoformans with airway epithelial cells is crucial for the establishment of cryptococcosis. Tobacco smoke is considered a risk factor for cryptococcosis. Here, we evaluated the effects of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) on human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) stimulated with C. neoformans. Multiplicities of infection (MOIs) of 1-100 of C. neoformans per cell led to increased IL-8 production and no cytotoxic effects when compared to those of controls. C. neoformans (MOI 100) also significantly increased the concentration of IL-6. In cells stimulated with CSE doses (1.0, 2.5 and 5.0%) from one or five cigarettes, increased IL-1β production was observed only in doses from one (1.0%) and five (2.5%) cigarettes when compared to that of controls. However, only 1.0% CSE failed to show cytotoxic effects. In addition, CSE significantly increased the concentration of IL-8. Cells stimulated with both CSE and C. neoformans demonstrated a reduction in IL-6/STAT3 signalling compared to that in cells stimulated by C. neoformans. In addition, a significant increase in IL-10 production was also observed. No alterations in NF-kB or ICAM-1 expression were observed among the groups. The combination of CSE and C. neoformans favoured the increase of fungal numbers and extracellular adhering of C. neoformans on BEAS-2B cells. In addition, the internalization of C. neoformans on BEAS-2B cells was reduced after CSE stimulation. In conclusion, the association of CSE and C. neoformans induced an anti-inflammatory effect in bronchial epithelial cells, which might favour the development of C. neoformans infection in the airways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Beatriz Mahler Pereira
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunopharmacology, Department of Clinical Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro, Street Vigário Carlos 162, Uberaba, MG, 38025-380, Brazil
| | - Jhony Robison Oliveira
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunopharmacology, Department of Clinical Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro, Street Vigário Carlos 162, Uberaba, MG, 38025-380, Brazil
| | - Ana Leticia Julio Souza
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunopharmacology, Department of Clinical Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro, Street Vigário Carlos 162, Uberaba, MG, 38025-380, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Andrade-Silva
- Laboratory of Mycology, Department of Clinical Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Marcos Vinicius Silva
- Laboratory of Immunology, Institute Department of Clinical Medicine, of Health Sciences, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Paulo Roberto Silva
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunopharmacology, Department of Clinical Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro, Street Vigário Carlos 162, Uberaba, MG, 38025-380, Brazil
| | - Mario Leon Silva-Vergara
- Laboratory of Mycology, Department of Clinical Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Paula Rogerio
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunopharmacology, Department of Clinical Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro, Street Vigário Carlos 162, Uberaba, MG, 38025-380, Brazil.
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Rezende CP, Brito PKMO, Da Silva TA, Pessoni AM, Ramalho LNZ, Almeida F. Influence of Galectin-3 on the Innate Immune Response during Experimental Cryptococcosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7060492. [PMID: 34203011 PMCID: PMC8234158 DOI: 10.3390/jof7060492] [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: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans, the causative agent of cryptococcosis, is the primary fungal pathogen that affects the immunocompromised individuals. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is an animal lectin involved in both innate and adaptive immune responses. The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of Gal-3 on the C. neoformans infection. We performed histopathological and gene profile analysis of the innate antifungal immunity markers in the lungs, spleen, and brain of the wild-type (WT) and Gal-3 knockout (KO) mice during cryptococcosis. These findings suggest that Gal-3 absence does not cause significant histopathological alterations in the analyzed tissues. The expression profile of the genes related to innate antifungal immunity showed that the presence of cryptococcosis in the WT and Gal-3 KO animals, compared to their respective controls, promoted the upregulation of the pattern recognition receptor (PRR) responsive to mannose/chitin (mrc1) and a gene involved in inflammation (ccr5), as well as the downregulation of the genes related to signal transduction (card9, fos, ikbkb, jun) and PRRs (cd209a, colec12, nptx1). The absence of Gal-3, in fungal infection, a positively modulated gene involved in phagocytosis (sftpd) and negatively genes involved in signal transduction (syk and myd88), proinflammatory cytokines il-1β and il-12b and cd209a receptor. Therefore, our results suggest that Gal-3 may play an essential role in the development of antifungal immune responses against cryptococcosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Patini Rezende
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil; (C.P.R.); (A.M.P.)
| | - Patricia Kellen Martins Oliveira Brito
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil; (P.K.M.O.B.); (T.A.D.S.)
| | - Thiago Aparecido Da Silva
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil; (P.K.M.O.B.); (T.A.D.S.)
| | - Andre Moreira Pessoni
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil; (C.P.R.); (A.M.P.)
| | | | - Fausto Almeida
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil; (C.P.R.); (A.M.P.)
- Correspondence:
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Sardana K, Gupta A, Mathachan SR. Immunopathogenesis of Dermatophytoses and Factors Leading to Recalcitrant Infections. Indian Dermatol Online J 2021; 12:389-399. [PMID: 34211904 PMCID: PMC8202482 DOI: 10.4103/idoj.idoj_503_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of dermatophytic infections involves the interplay of three major factors: the dermatophyte, the inherent host defense, and the adaptive host immune response. The fungal virulence factors determine the adhesion and invasion of the skin while the immune response depends on an interaction of the pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMP) with pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) of the host, which lead to a differential Th (T helper) 1, Th2, Th17, and Treg response. While anthropophilic dermatophytes Trichophyton rubrum and now increasingly by T. interdigitale subvert the immune response via mannans, zoophilic species are eliminated due to a brisk immune response. Notably, delayed-type hypersensitivity (Th1) response of T lymphocytes causes the elimination of fungal infection, while chronic disease caused by anthropophilic species corresponds to toll-like receptor 2 mediated IL (interleukin)-10 release and generation of T-regulatory cells with immunosuppressive potential. Major steps that determine the ultimate clinical course and chronicity include genetic susceptibility factors, impaired epidermal and immunological barriers, variations in the composition of sebum and sweat, carbon dioxide tension, skin pH, and topical steroid abuse. It is important to understand these multifarious aspects to surmount the problem of recalcitrant dermatophytosis when the disorder fails conventional therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kabir Sardana
- Department of Dermatology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Aastha Gupta
- Department of Dermatology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Sinu Rose Mathachan
- Department of Dermatology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India
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Giusiano G. The Trojan Horse Model in Paracoccidioides: A Fantastic Pathway to Survive Infecting Human Cells. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 10:605679. [PMID: 33680980 PMCID: PMC7928272 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.605679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is the most relevant systemic endemic mycosis limited to Latin American countries. The etiological agents are thermally dimorphic species of the genus Paracoccidioides. Infection occurs via respiratory tract by inhalation of propagules from the environmental (saprophytic) phase. In the lung alveoli the fungus converts to the characteristic yeast phase (parasitic) where interact with extracellular matrix proteins, epithelial cells, and the host cellular immunity. The response involves phagocytic cells recognition but intracellular Paracoccidioides have demonstrated the ability to survive and also multiply inside the neutrophils, macrophages, giant cells, and dendritic cells. Persistence of Paracoccidioides as facultative intracellular pathogen is important in terms of the fungal load but also regarding to the possibility to disseminate penetrating other tissues even protected by the phagocytes. This strategy to invade other organs via transmigration of infected phagocytes is called Trojan horse mechanism and it was also described for other fungi and considered a factor of pathogenicity. This mini review comprises a literature revision of the spectrum of tools and mechanisms displayed by Paracoccidioides to overcame phagocytosis, discusses the Trojan horse model and the immunological context in proven models or the possibility that Paracoccidioides apply this tool for dissemination to other tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Giusiano
- Mycology Department, Instituto de Medicina Regional, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Resistencia, Argentina
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8
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Immune defence to invasive fungal infections: A comprehensive review. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 130:110550. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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Mitochondrial DNA: A Key Regulator of Anti-Microbial Innate Immunity. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11010086. [PMID: 31940818 PMCID: PMC7017290 DOI: 10.3390/genes11010086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
During the last few years, mitochondrial DNA has attained much attention as a modulator of immune responses. Due to common evolutionary origin, mitochondrial DNA shares various characteristic features with DNA of bacteria, as it consists of a remarkable number of unmethylated DNA as 2′-deoxyribose cytidine-phosphate-guanosine (CpG) islands. Due to this particular feature, mitochondrial DNA seems to be recognized as a pathogen-associated molecular pattern by the innate immune system. Under the normal physiological situation, mitochondrial DNA is enclosed in the double membrane structure of mitochondria. However, upon pathological conditions, it is usually released into the cytoplasm. Growing evidence suggests that this cytosolic mitochondrial DNA induces various innate immune signaling pathways involving NLRP3, toll-like receptor 9, and stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling, which participate in triggering downstream cascade and stimulating to produce effector molecules. Mitochondrial DNA is responsible for inflammatory diseases after stress and cellular damage. In addition, it is also involved in the anti-viral and anti-bacterial innate immunity. Thus, instead of entire mitochondrial importance in cellular metabolism and energy production, mitochondrial DNA seems to be essential in triggering innate anti-microbial immunity. Here, we describe existing knowledge on the involvement of mitochondrial DNA in the anti-microbial immunity by modulating the various immune signaling pathways.
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Odebode A, Adekunle A. Immunologic and inflammatory responses in mice after intranasal instillation of spores of Aspergillus and Penicillium isolated from outdoor air in South West Nigeria. JOURNAL OF TAIBAH UNIVERSITY FOR SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/16583655.2019.1573458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Adeyinka Odebode
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
- Department of Environmental and Natural Science, Kabale University, Kabale, Uganda
| | - Adedotun Adekunle
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
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Cryptococcus neoformans Glucuronoxylomannan and Sterylglucoside Are Required for Host Protection in an Animal Vaccination Model. mBio 2019; 10:mBio.02909-18. [PMID: 30940711 PMCID: PMC6445945 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02909-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The number of deaths from cryptococcal meningitis is around 180,000 per year. The disease is the second leading cause of mortality among individuals with AIDS. Antifungal treatment is costly and associated with adverse effects and resistance, evidencing the urgency of development of both therapeutic and prophylactic tools. Here we demonstrate the key roles of polysaccharide- and glycolipid-containing structures in a vaccination model to prevent cryptococcosis. Cryptococcus neoformans is an encapsulated fungal pathogen that causes meningoencephalitis. There are no prophylactic tools for cryptococcosis. Previously, our group showed that a C. neoformans mutant lacking the gene encoding sterylglucosidase (Δsgl1) induced protection in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised murine models of cryptococcosis. Since sterylglucosidase catalyzes degradation of sterylglucosides (SGs), accumulation of this glycolipid could be responsible for protective immunity. In this study, we analyzed whether the activity of SGs is sufficient for the protective effect induced by the Δsgl1 strain. We observed that the accumulation of SGs impacted several properties of the main polysaccharide that composes the fungal capsule, glucuronoxylomannan (GXM). We therefore used genetic manipulation to delete the SGL1 gene in the acapsular mutant Δcap59 to generate a double mutant (strain Δcap59/Δsgl1) that was shown to be nonpathogenic and cleared from the lung of mice within 7 days post-intranasal infection. The inflammatory immune response triggered by the Δcap59/Δsgl1 mutant in the lung differed from the response seen with the other strains. The double mutant did not induce protection in a vaccination model, suggesting that SG-related protection requires the main capsular polysaccharide. Finally, GXM-containing extracellular vesicles (EVs) enriched in SGs delayed the acute lethality of Galleria mellonella against C. neoformans infection. These studies highlighted a key role for GXM and SGs in inducing protection against a secondary cryptococcal infection, and, since EVs notoriously contain GXM, these results suggest the potential use of Δsgl1 EVs as a vaccination strategy for cryptococcosis.
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Leão MVP, Tavares TAA, Gonçalves e Silva CR, dos Santos SSF, Junqueira JC, de Oliveira LD, Jorge AOC. Lactobacillus rhamnosus intake can prevent the development of Candidiasis. Clin Oral Investig 2018; 22:2511-2518. [DOI: 10.1007/s00784-018-2347-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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Saraiva JP, Oswald M, Biering A, Röll D, Assmann C, Klassert T, Blaess M, Czakai K, Claus R, Löffler J, Slevogt H, König R. Fungal biomarker discovery by integration of classifiers. BMC Genomics 2017; 18:601. [PMID: 28797245 PMCID: PMC5553868 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-017-4006-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The human immune system is responsible for protecting the host from infection. However, in immunocompromised individuals the risk of infection increases substantially with possible drastic consequences. In extreme, systemic infection can lead to sepsis which is responsible for innumerous deaths worldwide. Amongst its causes are infections by bacteria and fungi. To increase survival, it is mandatory to identify the type of infection rapidly. Discriminating between fungal and bacterial pathogens is key to determine if antifungals or antibiotics should be administered, respectively. For this, in situ experiments have been performed to determine regulation mechanisms of the human immune system to identify biomarkers. However, these studies led to heterogeneous results either due different laboratory settings, pathogen strains, cell types and tissues, as well as the time of sample extraction, to name a few. Methods To generate a gene signature capable of discriminating between fungal and bacterial infected samples, we employed Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) based classifiers on several datasets comprised of the above mentioned pathogens. Results When combining the classifiers by a joint optimization we could increase the consistency of the biomarker gene list independently of the experimental setup. An increase in pairwise overlap (the number of genes that overlap in each cross-validation) of 43% was obtained by this approach when compared to that of single classifiers. The refined gene list was composed of 19 genes and ranked according to consistency in expression (up- or down-regulated) and most of them were linked either directly or indirectly to the ERK-MAPK signalling pathway, which has been shown to play a key role in the immune response to infection. Testing of the identified 12 genes on an unseen dataset yielded an average accuracy of 83%. Conclusions In conclusion, our method allowed the combination of independent classifiers and increased consistency and reliability of the generated gene signatures. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-017-4006-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Pedro Saraiva
- Network Modelling, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Beutenbergstraße 11a, Jena, Germany.,Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Marcus Oswald
- Network Modelling, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Beutenbergstraße 11a, Jena, Germany.,Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Antje Biering
- Network Modelling, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Beutenbergstraße 11a, Jena, Germany.,Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Daniela Röll
- Network Modelling, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Beutenbergstraße 11a, Jena, Germany.,Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Cora Assmann
- Septomics Research Centre, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Tilman Klassert
- Septomics Research Centre, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Markus Blaess
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Ralf Claus
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Hortense Slevogt
- Septomics Research Centre, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Rainer König
- Network Modelling, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Beutenbergstraße 11a, Jena, Germany. .,Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.
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Hook, Line and Infection: A Guide to Culturing Parasites, Establishing Infections and Assessing Immune Responses in the Three-Spined Stickleback. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2017; 98:39-109. [PMID: 28942772 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) is a model organism with an extremely well-characterized ecology, evolutionary history, behavioural repertoire and parasitology that is coupled with published genomic data. These small temperate zone fish therefore provide an ideal experimental system to study common diseases of coldwater fish, including those of aquacultural importance. However, detailed information on the culture of stickleback parasites, the establishment and maintenance of infections and the quantification of host responses is scattered between primary and grey literature resources, some of which is not readily accessible. Our aim is to lay out a framework of techniques based on our experience to inform new and established laboratories about culture techniques and recent advances in the field. Here, essential knowledge on the biology, capture and laboratory maintenance of sticklebacks, and their commonly studied parasites is drawn together, highlighting recent advances in our understanding of the associated immune responses. In compiling this guide on the maintenance of sticklebacks and a range of common, taxonomically diverse parasites in the laboratory, we aim to engage a broader interdisciplinary community to consider this highly tractable model when addressing pressing questions in evolution, infection and aquaculture.
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15
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Daschner A. An Evolutionary-Based Framework for Analyzing Mold and Dampness-Associated Symptoms in DMHS. Front Immunol 2017; 7:672. [PMID: 28119688 PMCID: PMC5220099 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Among potential environmental harmful factors, fungi deserve special consideration. Their intrinsic ability to actively germinate or infect host tissues might determine a prominent trigger in host defense mechanisms. With the appearance of fungi in evolutionary history, other organisms had to evolve strategies to recognize and cope with them. Existing controversies around dampness and mold hypersensitivity syndrome (DMHS) can be due to the great variability of clinical symptoms but also of possible eliciting factors associated with mold and dampness. An hypothesis is presented, where an evolutionary analysis of the different response patterns seen in DMHS is able to explain the existing variability of disease patterns. Classical interpretation of immune responses and symptoms are addressed within the field of pathophysiology. The presented evolutionary analysis seeks for the ultimate causes of the vast array of symptoms in DMHS. Symptoms can be interpreted as induced by direct (toxic) actions of spores, mycotoxins, or other fungal metabolites, or on the other side by the host-initiated response, which aims to counterbalance and fight off potentially deleterious effects or fungal infection. Further, individual susceptibility of immune reactions can confer an exaggerated response, and magnified symptoms are then explained in terms of immunopathology. IgE-mediated allergy fits well in this scenario, where individuals with an atopic predisposition suffer from an exaggerated response to mold exposure, but studies addressing why such responses have evolved and if they could be advantageous are scarce. Human history is plenty of plagues and diseases connected with mold exposure, which could explain vulnerability to mold allergy. Likewise, multiorgan symptoms in DMHS are analyzed for its possible adaptive role not only in the defense of an active infection, but also as evolved mechanisms for avoidance of potentially harmful environments in an evolutionary past or present setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro Daschner
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Servicio de Alergia , Madrid , Spain
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Dong S, Shi H, Cao D, Wang Y, Zhang X, Li Y, Gao X, Wang L. Novel nanoscale bacteriophage-based single-domain antibodies for the therapy of systemic infection caused by Candida albicans. Sci Rep 2016; 6:32256. [PMID: 27558409 PMCID: PMC4997605 DOI: 10.1038/srep32256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans (C. albicans) is an important human commensal and opportunistic fungal pathogen. Secreted aspartyl proteinases (Saps) are a major virulence trait of C. albicans, and among these proteases Sap2 has the highest expression levels. It is possible that antibodies against Sap2 could provide an antifungal effect. In this study, two phages displaying anti-rSap2 single chain variable fragments (scFvs) were screened from human single fold scFv libraries, and their potential therapeutic roles were evaluated using a murine model infected by C. albicans. The in vivo efficacies were assessed by mortality rates, fungal burden and histological examination. Overall survival rates were significantly increased while the colony counts and infectious foci were significantly decreased after treatment with the scFv-phages relative to the control groups. In order to investigate the immune response provoked by scFv-phages, three kinds of cytokines (Th1, Th2 and Th17 types) were measured and a clear immune response was observed. These findings suggest that anti-rSap2 scFv-phages have potential in the therapy of systemic infection caused by C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Dong
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun City, Jilin Province, 130024 P. R. China
| | - Hongxi Shi
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun City, Jilin Province, 130024 P. R. China
| | - Donghui Cao
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun City, Jilin Province, 130021 P. R. China
| | - Yicun Wang
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun City, Jilin Province, 130024 P. R. China
| | - Xintong Zhang
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun City, Jilin Province, 130024 P. R. China
| | - Yan Li
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun City, Jilin Province, 130024 P. R. China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun City, Jilin Province, 130024 P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of MOE, Changchun City, Jilin Province, 130024 P. R. China
| | - Li Wang
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun City, Jilin Province, 130024 P. R. China
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Nasr A, Abushouk A, Hamza A, Siddig E, Fahal AH. Th-1, Th-2 Cytokines Profile among Madurella mycetomatis Eumycetoma Patients. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004862. [PMID: 27434108 PMCID: PMC4951069 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Eumycetoma is a progressive and destructive chronic granulomatous subcutaneous inflammatory disease caused by certain fungi, the most common being Madurella mycetomatis. The host defence mechanisms against fungi usually range from an early non-specific immune response to activation and induction of specific adaptive immune responses by the production of Th-1 and Th-2 cytokines. The aim of this study is to determine the levels of Th-1 and Th-2 cytokines in patients infected with Madurella mycetomatis, and the association between their levels and disease prognosis. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at the Mycetoma Research Centre, University of Khartoum, Sudan, where 70 patients with confirmed M. mycetomatis eumycetoma were enrolled; 35 with, and 35 without surgical excision. 70 healthy individuals from mycetoma endemic areas were selected as controls. The levels of serum cytokines were determined by cytometric bead array technique. Significantly higher levels of the Th-1 cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-2) were recorded in patients treated with surgical excision, compared to those treated without surgical excision. In contrast, the Th-2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-6 and IL-10) were significantly lower in patients treated with surgical excision compared to those treated without surgical excision. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that cell-mediated immunity can have a role to play in the pathogenesis of eumycetoma. Madurella mycetomatis is the most common causative agent for eumycetoma, which is a progressive and destructive subcutaneous inflammatory disease. It is a neglected tropical disease affecting the population in poor and remote endemic tropical and subtropical areas. Currently, the susceptibility and resistance to mycetoma are not well defined, and many factors can be incriminated, including immunological, genetic, or environmental ones. The current descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the Th-1 and Th-2 cytokine levels among 70 patients with Madurella mycetomatis eumycetoma and 70 healthy controls. It aimed to find out the association between the disease prognosis and the level of these cytokines. Significantly higher levels of the Th-1 cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-2) were found in patients treated with surgical excision compared to those treated without surgical intervention. However, the Th-2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-6 and IL-10) were significantly lower in patients treated with surgical excision compared to those treated without surgical excision. These findings suggested that, cell-mediated immunity has a prime role in the pathogenesis of eumycetoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amre Nasr
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre, National Guard Health Affairs, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Department of Microbiology, College of Sciences and Technology, Al-Neelain University, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Amir Abushouk
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre, National Guard Health Affairs, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Anhar Hamza
- Department of Medical Protocol, King Abdulaziz Medical City – Riyadh, Ministry of National Guard – Health Affairs, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Emmanuel Siddig
- Mycetoma Research Centre, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Ahmed H. Fahal
- Mycetoma Research Centre, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
- * E-mail: ;
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Navarathna DHMLP, Stein EV, Lessey-Morillon EC, Nayak D, Martin-Manso G, Roberts DD. CD47 Promotes Protective Innate and Adaptive Immunity in a Mouse Model of Disseminated Candidiasis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0128220. [PMID: 26010544 PMCID: PMC4444371 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0128220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
CD47 is a widely expressed receptor that regulates immunity by engaging its counter-receptor SIRPα on phagocytes and its secreted ligand thrombospondin-1. Mice lacking CD47 can exhibit enhanced or impaired host responses to bacterial pathogens, but its role in fungal immunity has not been examined. cd47-/- mice on a C57BL/6 background showed significantly increased morbidity and mortality following Candida albicans infection when compared with wild-type mice. Despite normal fungal colonization at earlier times, cd47-/- mice at four days post-infection had increased colonization of brain and kidneys accompanied by stronger inflammatory reactions. Neutrophil and macrophage numbers were significantly elevated in kidneys and neutrophils in the brains of infected cd47-/- mice. However, no defect in phagocytic activity towards C. albicans was observed in cd47-/- bone-marrow-derived macrophages, and neutrophil and macrophage killing of C. albicans was not impaired. CD47-deficiency did not alter the early humoral immune response to C. albicans. Th1, Th2, and Th17 population of CD4+ T cells were expanded in the spleen, and gene expression profiles of spleen and kidney showed stronger pro-inflammatory signaling in infected cd47-/- mice. The chemoattractant chemokines MIP-2α and MIP-2β were highly expressed in infected spleens of cd47-/- mice. G-CSF, GM-CSF, and the inflammasome component NLRP3 were more highly expressed in infected cd47-/- kidneys than in infected wild-type controls. Circulating pro- (TNF-α, IL-6) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10) were significantly elevated, but IL-17 was decreased. These data indicate that CD47 plays protective roles against disseminated candidiasis and alters pro-inflammatory and immunosuppressive pathways known to regulate innate and T cell immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhammika H. M. L. P. Navarathna
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States of America
| | - Erica V. Stein
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States of America
- Microbiology and Immunology Program of the Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Departments of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, D.C. 20037, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth C. Lessey-Morillon
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States of America
| | - Debasis Nayak
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States of America
| | - Gema Martin-Manso
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States of America
| | - David D. Roberts
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Altered dynamics of Candida albicans phagocytosis by macrophages and PMNs when both phagocyte subsets are present. mBio 2013; 4:e00810-13. [PMID: 24169578 PMCID: PMC3809565 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00810-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
An important first line of defense against Candida albicans infections is the killing of fungal cells by professional phagocytes of the innate immune system, such as polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) and macrophages. In this study, we employed live-cell video microscopy coupled with dynamic image analysis tools to provide insights into the complexity of C. albicans phagocytosis when macrophages and PMNs were incubated with C. albicans alone and when both phagocyte subsets were present. When C. albicans cells were incubated with only one phagocyte subtype, PMNs had a lower overall phagocytic capacity than macrophages, despite engulfing fungal cells at a higher rate once fungal cells were bound to the phagocyte surface. PMNs were more susceptible to C. albicans-mediated killing than macrophages, irrespective of the number of C. albicans cells ingested. In contrast, when both phagocyte subsets were studied in coculture, the two cell types phagocytosed and cleared C. albicans at equal rates and were equally susceptible to killing by the fungus. The increase in macrophage susceptibility to C. albicans-mediated killing was a consequence of macrophages taking up a higher proportion of hyphal cells under these conditions. In the presence of both PMNs and macrophages, C. albicans yeast cells were predominantly cleared by PMNs, which migrated at a greater speed toward fungal cells and engulfed bound cells more rapidly. These observations demonstrate that the phagocytosis of fungal pathogens depends on, and is modified by, the specific phagocyte subsets present at the site of infection. Extensive work investigating fungal cell phagocytosis by macrophages and PMNs of the innate immune system has been carried out. These studies have been informative but have examined this phenomenon only when one phagocyte subset is present. The current study employed live-cell video microscopy to break down C. albicans phagocytosis into its component parts and examine the effect of a single phagocyte subset, versus a mixed phagocyte population, on these individual stages. Through this approach, we identified that the rate of fungal cell engulfment and rate of phagocyte killing altered significantly when both macrophages and PMNs were incubated in coculture with C. albicans compared to the rate of either phagocyte subset incubated alone with the fungus. This research highlights the significance of studying pathogen-host cell interactions with a combination of phagocytes in order to gain a greater understanding of the interactions that occur between cells of the host immune system in response to fungal invasion.
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Ghosh S, Hoselton SA, Dorsam GP, Schuh JM. Eosinophils in fungus-associated allergic pulmonary disease. Front Pharmacol 2013; 4:8. [PMID: 23378838 PMCID: PMC3561640 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2013.00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2012] [Accepted: 01/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is frequently caused and/or exacerbated by sensitization to fungal allergens, which are ubiquitous in many indoor and outdoor environments. Severe asthma with fungal sensitization is characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness and bronchial constriction in response to an inhaled allergen that is worsened by environmental exposure to airborne fungi and which leads to a disease course that is often very difficult to treat with standard asthma therapies. As a result of complex interactions among inflammatory cells, structural cells, and the intercellular matrix of the allergic lung, patients with sensitization to fungal allergens may experience a greater degree of airway wall remodeling and progressive, accumulated pulmonary dysfunction as part of the disease sequela. From their development in the bone marrow to their recruitment to the lung via chemokine and cytokine networks, eosinophils form an important component of the inflammatory milieu that is associated with this syndrome. Eosinophils are recognized as complex multi-factorial leukocytes with diverse functions in the context of allergic fungal asthma. In this review, we will consider recent advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that are associated with eosinophil development and migration to the allergic lung in response to fungal inhalation, along with the eosinophil’s function in the immune response to and the immunopathology attributed to fungus-associated allergic pulmonary disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Ghosh
- Department of Veterinary and Microbiological Sciences, North Dakota State University Fargo, ND, USA
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Tavares AH, Derengowski LS, Ferreira KS, Silva SS, Macedo C, Bocca AL, Passos GA, Almeida SR, Silva-Pereira I. Murine dendritic cells transcriptional modulation upon Paracoccidioides brasiliensis infection. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2012; 6:e1459. [PMID: 22235359 PMCID: PMC3250510 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2011] [Accepted: 11/18/2011] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Limited information is available regarding the modulation of genes involved in the innate host response to Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, the etiologic agent of paracoccidioidomycosis. Therefore, we sought to characterize, for the first time, the transcriptional profile of murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs) at an early stage following their initial interaction with P. brasiliensis. DCs connect innate and adaptive immunity by recognizing invading pathogens and determining the type of effector T-cell that mediates an immune response. Gene expression profiles were analyzed using microarray and validated using real-time RT-PCR and protein secretion studies. A total of 299 genes were differentially expressed, many of which are involved in immunity, signal transduction, transcription and apoptosis. Genes encoding the cytokines IL-12 and TNF-α, along with the chemokines CCL22, CCL27 and CXCL10, were up-regulated, suggesting that P. brasiliensis induces a potent proinflammatory response in DCs. In contrast, pattern recognition receptor (PRR)-encoding genes, particularly those related to Toll-like receptors, were down-regulated or unchanged. This result prompted us to evaluate the expression profiles of dectin-1 and mannose receptor, two other important fungal PRRs that were not included in the microarray target cDNA sequences. Unlike the mannose receptor, the dectin-1 receptor gene was significantly induced, suggesting that this β-glucan receptor participates in the recognition of P. brasiliensis. We also used a receptor inhibition assay to evaluate the roles of these receptors in coordinating the expression of several immune-related genes in DCs upon fungal exposure. Altogether, our results provide an initial characterization of early host responses to P. brasiliensis and a basis for better understanding the infectious process of this important neglected pathogen. Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic disease that has an important mortality and morbidity impact in Latin America, mainly affecting rural workers of Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela and Brazil. Upon host infection, one of the most important aspects contributing to disease outcome is the initial encounter of the Paracoccidioides brasiliensis fungus with dendritic cells. This phagocytic cell is specialized in decoding microbial information and triggering specific immune responses. Thus, using a molecular biology technique to examine the response of thousand of genes, we aimed to identify the ways in which murine dendritic cells interact with P. brasiliensis during an early time point following infection. This approach allowed us to recognize diverse modulated genes, in particular those associated with a proinflamatory response and fungal recognition. Our work provides an initial molecular characterization of early infection process and should promote further investigations into the innate host response to this important fungal pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo H. Tavares
- Faculdade de Ceilândia, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brasil
| | | | - Karen S. Ferreira
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Simoneide S. Silva
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brasil
| | - Cláudia Macedo
- Departamento de Genética, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Anamélia L. Bocca
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brasil
| | - Geraldo A. Passos
- Departamento de Genética, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Sandro R. Almeida
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
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Ghosh S, Hoselton SA, Schuh JM. Characterization of CD19(+)CD23(+)B2 lymphocytes in the allergic airways of BALB/c mice in response to the inhalation of Aspergillus fumigatus conidia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 5:46-54. [PMID: 23316260 DOI: 10.2174/1874226201205010046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Fungal sensitization in patients with asthma often indicates an unusual disease course in which traditional asthma treatments have little effect and in which morbidity is particularly severe. Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), inflammatory infiltrates, smooth muscle hyperplasia, and irreversible fibrotic remodeling of the bronchial architecture are features of allergic fungal asthma. The systemic production of IgE has long been associated with the immunopathogenesis of allergic asthma; however, the role of B lymphocytes and their products in the response to fungal allergens remains unclear. In the present study, we hypothesize that B lymphocytes are recruited to the allergic lung to impact the allergic response. Using a murine fungal aeroallergen model to mimic the human syndrome, we characterized the B cell population in the lung after fungal challenge and found that CD19(+)CD23(+) B2 lymphocyte numbers are increased in the allergic lung in a dynamic process. IgA, IgG(2a), and IgE were prominent in the serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of allergic animals. It was evident that a tissue-centric production of these antibodies was possible. IgA-, IgG-, and IgE-producing cells from the allergic lung were identified by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. This study shows for the first time that CD19(+)CD23(+) B2 lymphocyte numbers change in the lung in a dynamic process after inhalation of fungal conidia and their increase has a significant impact on the Ab production in the pulmonary compartment in the context of fungal allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Ghosh
- Department of Veterinary and Microbiological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
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Navarathna DH, Roberts DD. Candida albicans heme oxygenase and its product CO contribute to pathogenesis of candidemia and alter systemic chemokine and cytokine expression. Free Radic Biol Med 2010; 49:1561-73. [PMID: 20800092 PMCID: PMC2952735 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2010.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2010] [Revised: 08/11/2010] [Accepted: 08/18/2010] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian heme oxygenases play important roles in immune regulation by producing immunosuppressive CO. The pathogenic yeast Candida albicans encodes a heme oxygenase, Hmx1, that is specifically induced by the host protein hemoglobin, suggesting a role in the pathogenesis of disseminated bloodstream infections. We show that exposing mice to therapeutic levels of CO increases C. albicans virulence, whereas an HMX1 null strain has decreased virulence in murine disseminated candidiasis. Levels of several regulatory cytokines and chemokines are decreased in mice infected with the null strain, and initial lesions in the kidney are more rapidly cleared after polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration. Reconstitution of one or both alleles restores virulence to the level of wild type. Growth in vitro and initial organ burdens in infected mice are not decreased and host iron overload does not restore virulence for the null strain, suggesting that early growth in the host is not limited by Hmx1-mediated iron scavenging. In contrast, inhaled CO partially reverses the virulence defect of the null strain and restores several host cytokine responses to wild-type levels. Collectively, these results show that C. albicans Hmx1 expression and CO production limit the host immune response and contribute to the pathogenesis of candidemia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David D. Roberts
- Correspondence: NIH, Building 10 Room 2A33, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-1500, Tel: 301-496-6264, Fax: 301-402-0043,
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Loeffler J, Ok M, Morton OC, Mezger M, Einsele H. Genetic Polymorphisms in the Cytokine and Chemokine System: Their Possible Importance in Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2010; 341:83-96. [DOI: 10.1007/82_2010_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Yuan X, Hua X, Wilhelmus KR. Proinflammatory chemokines during Candida albicans keratitis. Exp Eye Res 2009; 90:413-9. [PMID: 20005222 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2009.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2009] [Revised: 12/01/2009] [Accepted: 12/02/2009] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Chemotactic cytokines mediate the recruitment of leukocytes into infected tissues. This study investigated the profile of chemokines during experimental Candida albicans keratitis and determined the effects of chemokine inhibition on leukocyte infiltration and fungal growth during murine keratomycosis. Scarified corneas of BALB/c mice were topically inoculated with C. albicans and monitored daily over one week for fungal keratitis. After a gene microarray for murine chemokines compared infected corneas to controls, real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunostaining assessed chemokine expression in infected and mock-inoculated corneas. An anti-chemokine antibody was then administered subconjunctivally and evaluated for effects on clinical severity, corneal inflammation, fungal recovery, and cytokine expression. Of 33 chemokine genes examined by microarray, 6 CC chemokines and 6 CXC chemokines were significantly (P<0.05) upregulated more than two-fold. Chemokine (CC-motif) ligand 3 (CCL3) was upregulated 108-fold (P=0.03) by real-time RT-PCR within one day after fungal inoculation and remained increased 28-fold (P=0.02) at one week, and its in situ expression increased in the epithelium and stroma of infected corneas. Compared to the control antibody-treated group, eyes treated with anti-CCL3 antibody showed reduced clinical severity (P<0.05), less corneal neovascularization (P=0.02), and fewer inflammatory cells infiltrating corneal tissue, but the amount of recoverable fungi was not significantly (P=0.4) affected. Anti-CCL3 treatment significantly (P=0.01) reduced the expression of tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-1beta in infected corneas. These results indicate that chemokines, especially the CC chemokine CCL3, play important roles in the acute inflammatory response to C. albicans corneal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyong Yuan
- Sid W. Richardson Ocular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, 6565 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Improved survival of mice deficient in secretory immunoglobulin M following systemic infection with Cryptococcus neoformans. Infect Immun 2009; 78:441-52. [PMID: 19901068 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00506-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans causes severe, and often fatal, disease (cryptococcosis) in immunocompromised patients, particularly in those with HIV/AIDS. Although resistance to cryptococcosis requires intact T-cell immunity, a possible role for antibody/B cells in protection against natural disease has not been definitively established. Previous studies of the antibody response to the C. neoformans capsular polysaccharide glucuronoxylomannan (GXM) have demonstrated that patients who are at increased risk for cryptococcosis have lower serum levels of GXM-reactive IgM than those who are not at risk, leading to the hypothesis that IgM might contribute to resistance to cryptococcosis. To determine the influence of IgM on susceptibility to systemic cryptococcosis in a murine model, we compared the survival of mice deficient in serum IgM (secretory IgM deficient [sIgM(-/-)]) and C57BL/6 x 129Sv (control) mice after intraperitoneal infection with C. neoformans strain 24067 and analyzed the splenic B- and T-cell subsets by flow cytometry and the serum and splenic cytokine/chemokine and serum antibody profiles of each mouse strain. The results showed that sIgM(-/-) mice survived significantly longer than control mice when challenged with 10(5) CFU of C. neoformans 24067. Naïve sIgM(-/-) mice had higher levels of B-1 (CD5(+)) B cells, proinflammatory mediators (interleukin-6 [IL-6], IL-1beta, MIP-1beta, tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-alpha], and gamma interferon [IFN-gamma]), and anti-inflammatory mediators (IL-10 and IL-13) and significantly higher titers of GXM-specific IgG2a 3 weeks postinfection. In addition, CD5(+) splenocytes from both mouse strains had fungicidal activity against C. neoformans. Taken together, these results suggest that the inflammatory milieu in sIgM(-/-) mice might confer enhanced resistance to systemic cryptococcosis, stemming in part from the antifungal activity of B-1 B cells.
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Szymczak WA, Deepe GS. The CCL7-CCL2-CCR2 axis regulates IL-4 production in lungs and fungal immunity. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2009; 183:1964-74. [PMID: 19587014 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0901316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Expression of the chemokine receptor CCR2 can be detrimental or beneficial for infection resolution. Herein, we examined whether CCR2 was requisite for control of infection by the dimorphic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. H. capsulatum-infected CCR2(-/-) mice manifested defects in inflammatory cell recruitment, increased IL-4, and progressive infection. Increased IL-4 in CCR2(-/-) mice primarily contributed to decreased host resistance as demonstrated by the ability of IL-4-neutralized CCR2(-/-) mice to resolve infection without altering inflammatory cell recruitment. Surprisingly, numerous alveolar macrophages and dendritic cells contributed to IL-4 production in CCR2(-/-) mice. IL-4-mediated impairment of immunity in CCR2(-/-) mice was associated with increased arginase-1 and YM1 transcription and increased transferrin receptor expression by phagocytic cells. Immunity in mice lacking the CCR2 ligand CCL2 was not impaired despite decreased inflammatory cell recruitment. Neutralization of the CCR2 ligand CCL7 in CCL2(-/-) mice, but not wild type, resulted in increased IL-4 and fungal burden. Thus, CCL7 in combination with CCL2 limits IL-4 generation and exerts control of host resistance. Furthermore, increased phagocyte-derived IL-4 in CCR2(-/-) mice is associated with the presence of alternatively activated phagocytic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy A Szymczak
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
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Infectomic analysis of gene expression profiles of human brain microvascular endothelial cells infected with Cryptococcus neoformans. J Biomed Biotechnol 2008; 2008:375620. [PMID: 18309373 PMCID: PMC2248231 DOI: 10.1155/2008/375620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2007] [Accepted: 12/17/2007] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to dissect the pathogenesis of Cryptococcus neoformans meningoencephalitis, a genomic survey of the changes in gene expression of human brain microvascular endothelial cells infected by C. neoformans was carried out in a time-course study. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed significant fluctuations in the expression levels of different groups of genes during the pathogen-host interaction. Self-organizing map (SOM) analysis revealed that most genes were up- or downregulated 2 folds or more at least at one time point during the pathogen-host engagement. The microarray data were validated by Western blot analysis of a group of genes, including β-actin, Bcl-x, CD47, Bax, Bad, and Bcl-2. Hierarchical cluster profile showed that 61 out of 66 listed interferon genes were changed at least at one time point. Similarly, the active responses in expression of MHC genes were detected at all stages of the interaction. Taken together, our infectomic approaches suggest that the host cells significantly change the gene profiles and also actively participate in immunoregulations of the central nervous system (CNS) during C. neoformans infection.
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Arora S, Huffnagle GB. Immune regulation during allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis: lessons taught by two fungi. Immunol Res 2008; 33:53-68. [PMID: 16120972 DOI: 10.1385/ir:33:1:053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis (ABPM) is a devastating pulmonary disease that results from an aggressive allergic response to fungal colonization in the airways. Animal models using either fungal antigen or live infection reproduce most of the clinical features seen during ABPM in humans. Results from these studies have facilitated a detailed analysis of the key factors involved in the afferent as well as efferent phase of the disease. This review focuses on allergic bronchopulmonary disease caused by two different fungi (Aspergillus fumigatus and Cryptococcus neoformans): allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and allergic bronchopulmonary cryptococcosis. Observations from both models underline the importance of initial innate immune responses and their translation into appropriate adaptive responses. In addition, data derived from knockout studies give emphasis to targeting cytokines and chemokines as a therapeutic strategy in the treatment of ABPM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shikha Arora
- Immunology Graduate Program, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Walsh TJ, Roilides E, Cortez K, Kottilil S, Bailey J, Lyman CA. Control, immunoregulation, and expression of innate pulmonary host defenses against Aspergillus fumigatus. Med Mycol 2005; 43 Suppl 1:S165-72. [PMID: 16114132 DOI: 10.1080/13693780500064672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The innate host defense system (IHDS) against Aspergillus fumigatus includes dedicated phagocytic cells (peripheral blood monocytes, monocyte derived macrophages, pulmonary alveolar macrophages, neutrophils, myeloid dendritic cells and natural killer cells), cytokines, chemokines, toll-like receptors, and antimicrobial peptides. During the past decade, the advances in the field of the IHDS have been enormous, allowing a better understanding of the immunopharmacological control, immunoregulation, and expression of innate host defense molecules against Aspergillus fumigatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- T J Walsh
- Immunocompromised Host Section, Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bldg. 10, Rm 13N-240, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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