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Ouyang Z, Zhao M, Li J, Zhang Y, Zhao J. Cyclic diguanylate differentially regulates the expression of virulence factors and pathogenesis-related phenotypes in Clostridioides difficile. Microbiol Res 2024; 286:127811. [PMID: 38909416 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2024.127811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) caused by toxigenic C. difficile is the leading cause of antimicrobial and healthcare-associated diarrhea. The pathogenicity of C. difficile relies on the synergistic effect of multiple virulence factors, including spores, flagella, type IV pili (T4P), toxins, and biofilm. Spores enable survival and transmission of C. difficile, while adhesion factors such as flagella and T4P allow C. difficile to colonize and persist in the host intestine. Subsequently, C. difficile produces the toxins TcdA and TcdB, causing pseudomembranous colitis and other C. difficile-associated diseases; adhesion factors bind to the extracellular matrix to form biofilm, allowing C. difficile to evade drug and immune system attack and cause recurrent infection. Cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP) is a near-ubiquitous second messenger that extensively regulates morphology, the expression of virulence factors, and multiple physiological processes in C. difficile. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of how c-di-GMP differentially regulates the expression of virulence factors and pathogenesis-related phenotypes in C. difficile. We highlight that C. difficile spore formation and expression of toxin and flagella genes are inhibited at high intracellular levels of c-di-GMP, while T4P biosynthesis, cell aggregation, and biofilm formation are induced. Recent studies have enhanced our understanding of the c-di-GMP signaling networks in C. difficile and provided insights for the development of c-di-GMP-dependent strategies against CDI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zirou Ouyang
- Hebei Provincial Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Min Zhao
- Hebei Provincial Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Jiayiren Li
- Hebei Provincial Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Yulian Zhang
- Hebei Provincial Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Jianhong Zhao
- Hebei Provincial Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China.
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Ge J, Li M, Yao J, Guo J, Li X, Li G, Han X, Li Z, Liu M, Zhao J. The potential of EGCG in modulating the oral-gut axis microbiota for treating inflammatory bowel disease. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 130:155643. [PMID: 38820660 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a recurrent chronic intestinal disorder that includes ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Its pathogenesis involves intricate interactions between pathogenic microorganisms, native intestinal microorganisms, and the intestinal immune system via the oral-gut axis. The strong correlation observed between oral diseases and IBD indicates the potential involvement of oral pathogenic microorganisms in IBD development. Consequently, therapeutic strategies targeting the proliferation, translocation, intestinal colonization and exacerbated intestinal inflammation of oral microorganisms within the oral-gut axis may partially alleviate IBD. Tea consumption has been identified as a contributing factor in reducing IBD, with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) being the primary bioactive compound used for IBD treatment. However, the precise mechanism by which EGCG mediates microbial crosstalk within the oral-gut axis remains unclear. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the diverse oral microorganisms implicated in the pathogenesis of IBD and elucidate their colonization pathways and mechanisms. Subsequently, we investigated the antibacterial properties of EGCG and its potential to attenuate microbial translocation and colonization in the gut, emphasizing its role in attenuating exacerbations of IBD. We also elucidated the toxic and side effects of EGCG. Finally, we discuss current strategies for enhancing EGCG bioavailability and propose novel multi-targeted nano-delivery systems for the more efficacious management of IBD. This review elucidates the role and feasibility of EGCG-mediated modulation of the oral-gut axis microbiota in the management of IBD, contributing to a better understanding of the mechanism of action of EGCG in the treatment of IBD and the development of prospective treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaming Ge
- College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent TCM Diagnosis and Treatment Technology and Equipment, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Mengyuan Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent TCM Diagnosis and Treatment Technology and Equipment, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Jingwen Yao
- College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent TCM Diagnosis and Treatment Technology and Equipment, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Jinling Guo
- College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent TCM Diagnosis and Treatment Technology and Equipment, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Xiankuan Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent TCM Diagnosis and Treatment Technology and Equipment, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; College of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Gang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instruments, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Xiangli Han
- Department of Geriatric, Fourth Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of TCM, Tianjin 300450, China
| | - Zheng Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent TCM Diagnosis and Treatment Technology and Equipment, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent and Green Pharmaceuticals for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Ming Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 236 Baidi Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300192, China.
| | - Jing Zhao
- College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent TCM Diagnosis and Treatment Technology and Equipment, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent and Green Pharmaceuticals for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
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Jandl B, Dighe S, Gasche C, Makristathis A, Muttenthaler M. Intestinal biofilms: pathophysiological relevance, host defense, and therapeutic opportunities. Clin Microbiol Rev 2024:e0013323. [PMID: 38995034 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00133-23] [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: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYThe human intestinal tract harbors a profound variety of microorganisms that live in symbiosis with the host and each other. It is a complex and highly dynamic environment whose homeostasis directly relates to human health. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and polymicrobial biofilms have been associated with gastrointestinal diseases, including irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel diseases, and colorectal cancers. This review covers the molecular composition and organization of intestinal biofilms, mechanistic aspects of biofilm signaling networks for bacterial communication and behavior, and synergistic effects in polymicrobial biofilms. It further describes the clinical relevance and diseases associated with gut biofilms, the role of biofilms in antimicrobial resistance, and the intestinal host defense system and therapeutic strategies counteracting biofilms. Taken together, this review summarizes the latest knowledge and research on intestinal biofilms and their role in gut disorders and provides directions toward the development of biofilm-specific treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Jandl
- Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Biological Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Doctoral School in Chemistry (DoSChem), University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Satish Dighe
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Christoph Gasche
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Loha for Life, Center for Gastroenterology and Iron Deficiency, Vienna, Austria
| | - Athanasios Makristathis
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Muttenthaler
- Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Biological Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Meléndez-Sánchez D, Hernández L, Ares M, Méndez Tenorio A, Flores-Luna L, Torres J, Camorlinga-Ponce M. Genomic and phenotypic studies among Clostridioides difficile isolates show a high prevalence of clade 2 and great diversity in clinical isolates from Mexican adults and children with healthcare-associated diarrhea. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0394723. [PMID: 38864670 PMCID: PMC11218462 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03947-23] [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: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) is widely distributed in the intestinal tract of humans, animals, and in the environment. It is the most common cause of diarrhea associated with the use of antimicrobials in humans and among the most common healthcare-associated infections worldwide. Its pathogenesis is mainly due to the production of toxin A (TcdA), toxin B (TcdB), and a binary toxin (CDT), whose genetic variants may be associated with disease severity. We studied genetic diversity in 39 C. difficile isolates from adults and children attended at two Mexican hospitals, using different gene and genome typing methods and investigated their association with in vitro expression of toxins. Whole-genome sequencing in 39 toxigenic C. difficile isolates were used for multilocus sequence typing, tcdA, and tcdB typing sequence type, and phylogenetic analysis. Strains were grown in broth media, and expression of toxin genes was measured by real-time PCR and cytotoxicity in cell-culture assays. Clustering of strains by genome-wide phylogeny matched clade classification, forming different subclusters within each clade. The toxin profile tcdA+/tcdB+/cdt+ and clade 2/ST1 were the most prevalent among isolates from children and adults. Isolates presented two TcdA and three TcdB subtypes, of which TcdA2 and TcdB2 were more prevalent. Prevalent clades and toxin subtypes in strains from children differed from those in adult strains. Toxin gene expression or cytotoxicity was not associated with genotyping or toxin subtypes. In conclusion, genomic and phenotypic analysis shows high diversity among C. difficile isolates from patients with healthcare-associated diarrhea. IMPORTANCE Clostridioides difficile is a toxin-producing bacterial pathogen recognized as the most common cause of diarrhea acquired primarily in healthcare settings. This bacterial species is diverse; its global population has been divided into five different clades using multilocus sequence typing, and strains may express different toxin subtypes that may be related to the clades and, importantly, to the severity and progression of disease. Genotyping of children strains differed from adults suggesting toxins might present a reduced toxicity. We studied extensively cytotoxicity, expression of toxins, whole genome phylogeny, and toxin typing in clinical C. difficile isolates. Most isolates presented a tcdA+/ tcdB+/cdt+ pattern, with high diversity in cytotoxicity and clade 2/ST1 was the most prevalent. However, they all had the same TcdA2/TcdB2 toxin subtype. Advances in genomics and bioinformatics tools offer the opportunity to understand the virulence of C. difficile better and find markers for better clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Meléndez-Sánchez
- Posgrado en Biomedicina y Biotecnología Molecular, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Laura Hernández
- Human Systems Biology Laboratory, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica (INMEGEN), México City, México
| | - Miguel Ares
- Unidad de Investigación en Enfermedades Infecciosas y Parasitarias, UMAE Pediatría, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, México City, México
| | - A. Méndez Tenorio
- Laboratorio de Bioinformática y Biotecnología Genómica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México City, México
| | - Lourdes Flores-Luna
- Centro de Investigación en Salud Poblacional, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Javier Torres
- Unidad de Investigación en Enfermedades Infecciosas y Parasitarias, UMAE Pediatría, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, México City, México
| | - M. Camorlinga-Ponce
- Unidad de Investigación en Enfermedades Infecciosas y Parasitarias, UMAE Pediatría, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, México City, México
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Matylitsky J, Krieg A, Schumacher J, Borho J, Barth H, Papatheodorou P. Inhibition of Clostridioides difficile toxins TcdA and TcdB by the amiodarone derivative dronedarone. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024:10.1007/s00210-024-03248-8. [PMID: 38935126 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03248-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The dreaded nosocomial pathogen Clostridioides difficile causes diarrhea and severe inflammation of the colon, especially after the use of certain antibiotics. The bacterium releases two deleterious toxins, TcdA and TcdB, into the gut, which are mainly responsible for the symptoms of C. difficile-associated diseases (CDADs). Both toxins are capable of entering independently into various host cells, e.g., intestinal epithelial cells, where they mono-O-glucosylate and inactivate Rho and/or Ras GTPases, important molecular switches for various cellular functions. We have shown recently that the cellular uptake of the Clostridioides difficile toxins TcdA and TcdB (TcdA/B) is inhibited by the licensed class III antiarrhythmic drug amiodarone (Schumacher et al. in Gut Microbes 15(2):2256695, 2023). Mechanistically, amiodarone delays the cellular uptake of both toxins into target cells most likely by lowering membrane cholesterol levels and by interfering with membrane insertion and/or pore formation of TcdA/B. However, serious side effects, such as thyroid dysfunction and severe pulmonary fibrosis, limit the clinical use of amiodarone in patients with C. difficile infection (CDI). For that reason, we aimed to test whether dronedarone, an amiodarone derivative with a more favorable side effect profile, is also capable of inhibiting TcdA/B. To this end, we tested in vitro with various methods the impact of dronedarone on the intoxication of Vero and CaCo-2 cells with TcdA/B. Importantly, preincubation of both cell lines with dronedarone for 1 h at concentrations in the low micromolar range rendered the cells less sensitive toward TcdA/B-induced Rac1 glucosylation, collapse of the actin cytoskeleton, cell rounding, and cytopathic effects, respectively. Our study points toward the possibility of repurposing the already approved drug dronedarone as the preferable safer-to-use alternative to amiodarone for inhibiting TcdA/B in the (supportive) therapy of CDADs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jauheni Matylitsky
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, Ulm University Medical Center, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Anica Krieg
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, Ulm University Medical Center, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Judith Schumacher
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, Ulm University Medical Center, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Joscha Borho
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, Ulm University Medical Center, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Holger Barth
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, Ulm University Medical Center, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Panagiotis Papatheodorou
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, Ulm University Medical Center, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
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Sipos D, Varga A, Kappéter Á, Halda-Kiss B, Kása P, Pál S, Kocsis B, Péterfi Z. Encapsulation protocol for fecal microbiota transplantation. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1424376. [PMID: 38988813 PMCID: PMC11233434 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1424376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI) continue to pose a challenge for clinicians. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an effective treatment option in CDI. Furthermore, recent and ongoing studies suggest potential benefits of FMT in other diseases as well. Methods We would like to present a novel protocol for encapsulation of lyophilized fecal material. Our method provides with better compliance as well as improved flexibility, storage and safety. Results FMT was conducted in 28 patients with an overall success rate of 82,14% using apsules containing lyophilized stool. 16 of patients were given capsules with lessened bacteria counts. The success rate in this group was 93,75%. Discussion The results highlight the still unanswered questions about the mechanism of action and contribute to a wider use of FMT in the clinical praxis and in research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dávid Sipos
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine - Department of Infectology, University of Pécs Clinical Centre, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Adorján Varga
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pécs Medical School, Clinical Centre, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Kappéter
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine - Department of Infectology, University of Pécs Clinical Centre, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Bernadett Halda-Kiss
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine - Department of Infectology, University of Pécs Clinical Centre, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Péter Kása
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Pécs Faculty of Pharmacy, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Szilárd Pál
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Pécs Faculty of Pharmacy, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Béla Kocsis
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pécs Medical School, Clinical Centre, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Péterfi
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine - Department of Infectology, University of Pécs Clinical Centre, Pécs, Hungary
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Buratta S, Urbanelli L, Pellegrino RM, Alabed HBR, Latella R, Cerrotti G, Emiliani C, Bassotti G, Spaterna A, Marconi P, Fettucciari K. PhosphoLipidome Alteration Induced by Clostridioides difficile Toxin B in Enteric Glial Cells. Cells 2024; 13:1103. [PMID: 38994956 PMCID: PMC11240607 DOI: 10.3390/cells13131103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) is responsible for a spectrum of nosocomial/antibiotic-associated gastrointestinal diseases that are increasing in global incidence and mortality rates. The C. difficile pathogenesis is due to toxin A and B (TcdA/TcdB), both causing cytopathic and cytotoxic effects and inflammation. Recently, we demonstrated that TcdB induces cytopathic and cytotoxic (apoptosis and necrosis) effects in enteric glial cells (EGCs) in a dose/time-dependent manner and described the underlying signaling. Despite the role played by lipids in host processes activated by pathogens, to counter infection and/or induce cell death, to date no studies have investigated lipid changes induced by TcdB/TcdA. Here, we evaluated the modification of lipid composition in our in vitro model of TcdB infection. Apoptosis, cell cycle, cell viability, and lipidomic profiles were evaluated in EGCs treated for 24 h with two concentrations of TcdB (0.1 ng/mL; 10 ng/mL). In EGCs treated with the highest concentration of TcdB, not only an increased content of total lipids was observed, but also lipidome changes, allowing the separation of TcdB-treated cells and controls into different clusters. The statistical analyses also allowed us to ascertain which lipid classes and lipid molecular species determine the clusterization. Changes in lipid species containing inositol as polar head and plasmalogen phosphatidylethanolamine emerged as key indicators of altered lipid metabolism in TcdB-treated EGCs. These results not only provide a picture of the phospholipid profile changes but also give information regarding the lipid metabolism pathways altered by TcdB, and this might represent an important step for developing strategies against C. difficile infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Buratta
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (S.B.); (L.U.); (R.M.P.); (H.B.R.A.); (R.L.); (G.C.); (C.E.)
- Centro di Eccellenza sui Materiali Innovativi Nanostrutturati (CEMIN), University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Lorena Urbanelli
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (S.B.); (L.U.); (R.M.P.); (H.B.R.A.); (R.L.); (G.C.); (C.E.)
- Centro di Eccellenza sui Materiali Innovativi Nanostrutturati (CEMIN), University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Roberto Maria Pellegrino
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (S.B.); (L.U.); (R.M.P.); (H.B.R.A.); (R.L.); (G.C.); (C.E.)
| | - Husam B. R. Alabed
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (S.B.); (L.U.); (R.M.P.); (H.B.R.A.); (R.L.); (G.C.); (C.E.)
| | - Raffaella Latella
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (S.B.); (L.U.); (R.M.P.); (H.B.R.A.); (R.L.); (G.C.); (C.E.)
| | - Giada Cerrotti
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (S.B.); (L.U.); (R.M.P.); (H.B.R.A.); (R.L.); (G.C.); (C.E.)
| | - Carla Emiliani
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (S.B.); (L.U.); (R.M.P.); (H.B.R.A.); (R.L.); (G.C.); (C.E.)
- Centro di Eccellenza sui Materiali Innovativi Nanostrutturati (CEMIN), University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Gabrio Bassotti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Digestive Endoscopy Section, University of Perugia, Piazzale Lucio Severi 1, 06132 Perugia, Italy;
- Santa Maria Della Misericordia Hospital, Gastroenterology & Hepatology Unit, Piazzale Menghini 1, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Andrea Spaterna
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62024 Macerata, Italy
| | - Pierfrancesco Marconi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Biosciences & Medical Embryology Section, University of Perugia, Piazzale Lucio Severi 1, 06132 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Katia Fettucciari
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Biosciences & Medical Embryology Section, University of Perugia, Piazzale Lucio Severi 1, 06132 Perugia, Italy;
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Barber MF, Fitzgerald JR. Mechanisms of host adaptation by bacterial pathogens. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2024; 48:fuae019. [PMID: 39003250 PMCID: PMC11308195 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuae019] [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: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The emergence of new infectious diseases poses a major threat to humans, animals, and broader ecosystems. Defining factors that govern the ability of pathogens to adapt to new host species is therefore a crucial research imperative. Pathogenic bacteria are of particular concern, given dwindling treatment options amid the continued expansion of antimicrobial resistance. In this review, we summarize recent advancements in the understanding of bacterial host species adaptation, with an emphasis on pathogens of humans and related mammals. We focus particularly on molecular mechanisms underlying key steps of bacterial host adaptation including colonization, nutrient acquisition, and immune evasion, as well as suggest key areas for future investigation. By developing a greater understanding of the mechanisms of host adaptation in pathogenic bacteria, we may uncover new strategies to target these microbes for the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases in humans, animals, and the broader environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew F Barber
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, United States
- Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, United States
| | - J Ross Fitzgerald
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, United Kingdom
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9
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Cun WY, Keller PA, Pyne SG. Current and Ongoing Developments in Targeting Clostridioides difficile Infection and Recurrence. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1206. [PMID: 38930588 PMCID: PMC11205563 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile is a Gram-positive, spore-forming anaerobic bacterial pathogen that causes severe gastrointestinal infection in humans. This review provides background information on C. difficile infection and the pathogenesis and toxigenicity of C. difficile. The risk factors, causes, and the problem of recurrence of disease and current therapeutic treatments are also discussed. Recent therapeutic developments are reviewed including small molecules that inhibit toxin formation, disrupt the cell membrane, inhibit the sporulation process, and activate the host immune system in cells. Other treatments discussed include faecal microbiota treatment, antibody-based immunotherapies, probiotics, vaccines, and violet-blue light disinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Y. Cun
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Science, Molecular Horizons Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia;
| | | | - Stephen G. Pyne
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Science, Molecular Horizons Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia;
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Li Z, Ouyang Z, Zhang H, Mi C, Dong N, Niu Y, Qiang C, Yang J, Wang W, Li Y, Zhao J. Novel target and PCR assay for identification of hypervirulent ST1 (BI/NAP1/027) Clostridioides difficile and detection of toxigenic C. Difficile. Clin Chim Acta 2024; 559:119728. [PMID: 38750779 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2024.119728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The incidence of Clostridioides difficile infection and the prevalence of hypervirulent ST1 (BI/NAP1/027)strain are increasing, especially in developing countries. We aimed to develop a new PCR assay for the identification of hypervirulent ST1 strains and toxigenic C. difficile in stool samples. MATERIALS AND METHODS We established a quadruplex TaqMan real-time PCR (pilW_4-plex PCR) assay targeting the pilW, a ST1-specific type Ⅳ minor pilin gene, and three C. difficile genes including cdtB, tcdB, and hsp. The sensitivity and specificity of the assay was tested using 403C. difficile isolates and 180 unformed stool sample. The results were compared with anaerobic culture-based conventional PCR method and MLST. RESULTS The pilW_4-plex PCR identified toxigenic C. difficile in 333 (82.6%, 333/403) isolates with 100% sensitivity and specificity, and in 78 (43.3%, 78/180) stool samples with the sensitivity and specificity of 94.7% and 93.3%, respectively. Hypervirulent ST1 were detected in 21 strains and nine stool samples by the pilW_4-plex PCR. The pilW_4-plex PCR assay has no cross-reaction with non-toxigenic C. difficile or other bacteria. CONCLUSION The pilW_4-plex PCR assay is an accurate and rapid method with high sensitivity and specificity for identification of ST1 and detection of toxigenic C. difficile in stool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhirong Li
- Hebei Provincial Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zirou Ouyang
- Hebei Provincial Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Huimin Zhang
- Hebei Provincial Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Chaoyi Mi
- Research Center, the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China; Clinical Oncology Research Center, Shijiazhuang, China Key Laboratory of Tumor Gene Diagnosis, Prevention and Therapy; Clinical Oncology Research Center, Shijiazhuang, ChinaClinical Oncology Research Center, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Ning Dong
- Hebei Provincial Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yanan Niu
- Hebei Provincial Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Cuixin Qiang
- Hebei Provincial Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Hebei Provincial Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Weigang Wang
- Hebei Provincial Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yanhong Li
- Comprehensive Surgical Department, Hebei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jianhong Zhao
- Hebei Provincial Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.
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11
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Ramakrishnan G, Young MK, Nayak U, Rigo I, Marrs AS, Gilchrist CA, Behm BW, Madden GR, Petri WA. Systemic neutrophil degranulation and emergency granulopoiesis in patients with Clostridioides difficile infection. Anaerobe 2024; 87:102840. [PMID: 38514010 PMCID: PMC11180570 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2024.102840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is characterized by neutrophilia in blood, with a high leukocyte count accompanying severe infection. In this study, we characterized peripheral blood neutrophil activation and maturity in CDI by (i) developing a method to phenotype stored neutrophils for disease-related developmental alterations and (ii) assessing neutrophil-associated biomarkers. METHODS We stored fixed leukocytes from blood collected within 24 h of diagnosis from a cohort of hospitalized patients with acute CDI. Additional study cohorts included recurrent CDI patients at time of and two months after FMT therapy and a control healthy cohort. We assessed levels of neutrophil surface markers CD66b, CD11b, CD16 and CD10 by flow cytometry. Plasma neutrophil elastase and lipocalin-2 were measured using ELISA, while G-CSF, GM-CSF and cytokines were measured using O-link Proteomic technology. RESULTS CD66b+ neutrophil abundance assessed by flow cytometry correlated well with complete blood counts, establishing that neutrophils in stored blood are sufficiently well-preserved for phenotyping by flow cytometry. Neutrophil abundance was significantly increased in CDI patients compared to healthy controls. Emergency granulopoiesis in acute CDI patients was evidenced by lower neutrophil surface expression of CD10, CD11b and CD16. CD10+ staining of neutrophils started to recover within 3-7 days of CDI treatment. Neutrophil activation and degranulation were higher in acute CDI as assessed by plasma neutrophil elastase and lipocalin-2. Biomarker levels in immunocompetent subjects were associated with recurrence and fatal outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Neutrophil activation and emergency granulopoiesis characterize the early immune response in acute CDI, with plasma degranulation biomarkers predictive of disease severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Girija Ramakrishnan
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, USA
| | - Mary K Young
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, USA
| | - Uma Nayak
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, USA
| | - Isaura Rigo
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, USA
| | | | - Carol A Gilchrist
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, USA
| | - Brian W Behm
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, USA
| | - Gregory R Madden
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, USA
| | - William A Petri
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, USA.
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12
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Kassem S, Hijazi N, Stein N, Zaina A, Ganaim M. Clinical outcomes of clostridioides difficile infection in the very elderly. Intern Emerg Med 2024; 19:1041-1049. [PMID: 38615301 PMCID: PMC11186863 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-024-03580-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) causes considerable morbidity, mortality, and economic cost. Advanced age, prolonged stay in healthcare facility, and exposure to antibiotics are leading risk factors for CDI. Data on CDI clinical outcomes in the very elderly patients are limited. METHODS A retrospective cohort study of patients hospitalized between 2016 and 2018 with CDI. We evaluated demographic clinical and laboratory parameters. Major clinical outcomes were evaluated including duration of hospital stay, admission to intensive care unit (ICU), in-hospital mortality, 30 days post-discharge mortality, and readmission/mortality composite outcome. We compared patients aged up to 80 years (elderly) to those of 80 years old or more (very elderly). RESULTS Of 196 patients included in the study, 112 (57%) were very elderly with a mean age of 86 versus 67 years in the elderly group. The duration of hospital stays, and intensive care unit admission frequency were significantly reduced in the very elderly (13 vs. 22 days p = 0.003 and 1.8% vs. 10.7% p = 0.01, respectively). No significant difference was found in the frequencies of in-hospital and in 30 days post-discharge mortality. CONCLUSIONS In our cohort, the duration of hospital stay seemed to be shorter in the very elderly with no increase of in-hospital and post-discharge mortality. Although admitted less frequently to ICU, the in-hospital survival of the very elderly was not adversely affected compared to the elderly, suggesting that very advanced age per se should not be a major factor to consider in determining the prognosis of a patient with CDI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameer Kassem
- Department of Internal Medicine, Lady Davis Carmel Medical Centre, The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Medical School, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Michal 7, 3436212, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Nizar Hijazi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Lady Davis Carmel Medical Centre, The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Medical School, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Michal 7, 3436212, Haifa, Israel
| | - Nili Stein
- Department of Community Medicine and Epidemiology, Lady Davis Carmel Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
| | - Adnan Zaina
- Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Zvulon Medical Center, Clalit Health Services and Azrieli School of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Mohammad Ganaim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Lady Davis Carmel Medical Centre, The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Medical School, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Michal 7, 3436212, Haifa, Israel
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13
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Norman KM, Lang GA, Shadid TM, Honold ST, Reel JM, Cox MA, Ballard JD, Lang ML. Clostridioides difficile toxin B subverts germinal center and antibody recall responses by stimulating a drug-treatable CXCR4-dependent mechanism. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114245. [PMID: 38761377 PMCID: PMC11210377 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114245] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) results in significant morbidity and mortality. We previously established that CDI in mice does not protect against reinfection and is associated with poor pathogen-specific B cell memory (Bmem), recapitulating our observations with human Bmem. Here, we demonstrate that the secreted toxin TcdB2 is responsible for subversion of Bmem responses. TcdB2 from an endemic C. difficile strain delayed immunoglobulin G (IgG) class switch following vaccination, attenuated IgG recall to a vaccine booster, and prevented germinal center formation. The mechanism of TcdB2 action included increased B cell CXCR4 expression and responsiveness to its ligand CXCL12, accounting for altered cell migration and a failure of germinal center-dependent Bmem. These results were reproduced in a C. difficile infection model, and a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved CXCR4-blocking drug rescued germinal center formation. We therefore provide mechanistic insights into C. difficile-associated pathogenesis and illuminate a target for clinical intervention to limit recurrent disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaylee M Norman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Gillian A Lang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Tyler M Shadid
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Sydney T Honold
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Jessica M Reel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Maureen A Cox
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Jimmy D Ballard
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Mark L Lang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
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14
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Alam MZ, Madan R. Clostridioides difficile Toxins: Host Cell Interactions and Their Role in Disease Pathogenesis. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:241. [PMID: 38922136 PMCID: PMC11209539 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16060241] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile, a Gram-positive anaerobic bacterium, is the leading cause of hospital-acquired antibiotic-associated diarrhea worldwide. The severity of C. difficile infection (CDI) varies, ranging from mild diarrhea to life-threatening conditions such as pseudomembranous colitis and toxic megacolon. Central to the pathogenesis of the infection are toxins produced by C. difficile, with toxin A (TcdA) and toxin B (TcdB) as the main virulence factors. Additionally, some strains produce a third toxin known as C. difficile transferase (CDT). Toxins damage the colonic epithelium, initiating a cascade of cellular events that lead to inflammation, fluid secretion, and further tissue damage within the colon. Mechanistically, the toxins bind to cell surface receptors, internalize, and then inactivate GTPase proteins, disrupting the organization of the cytoskeleton and affecting various Rho-dependent cellular processes. This results in a loss of epithelial barrier functions and the induction of cell death. The third toxin, CDT, however, functions as a binary actin-ADP-ribosylating toxin, causing actin depolymerization and inducing the formation of microtubule-based protrusions. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the interaction between C. difficile toxins and host cells, elucidating the functional consequences of their actions. Furthermore, we will outline how this knowledge forms the basis for developing innovative, toxin-based strategies for treating and preventing CDI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Zahidul Alam
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, 600 Moye Boulevard, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Rajat Madan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA;
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA
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15
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Pourliotopoulou E, Karampatakis T, Kachrimanidou M. Exploring the Toxin-Mediated Mechanisms in Clostridioides difficile Infection. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1004. [PMID: 38792835 PMCID: PMC11124097 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12051004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is the leading cause of nosocomial antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and colitis, with increasing incidence and healthcare costs. Its pathogenesis is primarily driven by toxins produced by the bacterium C. difficile, Toxin A (TcdA) and Toxin B (TcdB). Certain strains produce an additional toxin, the C. difficile transferase (CDT), which further enhances the virulence and pathogenicity of C. difficile. These toxins disrupt colonic epithelial barrier integrity, and induce inflammation and cellular damage, leading to CDI symptoms. Significant progress has been made in the past decade in elucidating the molecular mechanisms of TcdA, TcdB, and CDT, which provide insights into the management of CDI and the future development of novel treatment strategies based on anti-toxin therapies. While antibiotics are common treatments, high recurrence rates necessitate alternative therapies. Bezlotoxumab, targeting TcdB, is the only available anti-toxin, yet limitations persist, prompting ongoing research. This review highlights the current knowledge of the structure and mechanism of action of C. difficile toxins and their role in disease. By comprehensively describing the toxin-mediated mechanisms, this review provides insights for the future development of novel treatment strategies and the management of CDI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evdokia Pourliotopoulou
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | | | - Melania Kachrimanidou
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece;
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16
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Ziaei Chamgordani S, Yadegar A, Ghourchian H. C. difficile biomarkers, pathogenicity and detection. Clin Chim Acta 2024; 558:119674. [PMID: 38621586 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2024.119674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is the main etiologic agent of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. CDI contributes to gut inflammation and can lead to disruption of the intestinal epithelial barrier. Recently, the rate of CDI cases has been increased. Thus, early diagnosis of C. difficile is critical for controlling the infection and guiding efficacious therapy. APPROACH A search strategy was set up using the terms C. difficile biomarkers and diagnosis. The found references were classified into two general categories; conventional and advanced methods. RESULTS The pathogenicity and biomarkers of C. difficile, and the collection manners for CDI-suspected specimens were briefly explained. Then, the conventional CDI diagnostic methods were subtly compared in terms of duration, level of difficulty, sensitivity, advantages, and disadvantages. Thereafter, an extensive review of the various newly proposed techniques available for CDI detection was conducted including nucleic acid isothermal amplification-based methods, biosensors, and gene/single-molecule microarrays. Also, the detection mechanisms, pros and cons of these methods were highlighted and compared with each other. In addition, approximately complete information on FDA-approved platforms for CDI diagnosis was collected. CONCLUSION To overcome the deficiencies of conventional methods, the potential of advanced methods for C. difficile diagnosis, their direction, perspective, and challenges ahead were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Ziaei Chamgordani
- Laboratory of Bioanalysis, Institute of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Yadegar
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hedayatollah Ghourchian
- Laboratory of Bioanalysis, Institute of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
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17
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Siddiqi U, Lunnemann HM, Childress KO, Shupe JA, Rutherford SA, Farrow MA, Washington MK, Coffey RJ, Lacy DB, Markham NO. Inhibition of EGFR/ErbB does not protect against C. difficile toxin B. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.13.594035. [PMID: 38798529 PMCID: PMC11118545 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.13.594035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile is a common cause of diarrhea and mortality, especially in immunosuppressed and hospitalized patients. C. difficile is a toxin-mediated disease, but the host cell receptors for C. difficile toxin B (TcdB) have only recently been revealed. Emerging data suggest TcdB interacts with receptor tyrosine kinases during infection. In particular, TcdB can elicit Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) transactivation in human colonic epithelial cells. The mechanisms for this function are not well understood, and the involvement of other receptors in the EGFR family of Erythroblastic Leukemia Viral Oncogene Homolog (ErbB) receptors remains unclear. Furthermore, in an siRNA-knockdown screen for protective genes involved with TcdB toxin pathogenesis, we show ErbB2 and ErbB3 loss resulted in increased cell viability. We hypothesize TcdB induces the transactivation of EGFR and/or ErbB receptors as a component of its cell-killing mechanism. Here, we show in vivo intrarectal instillation of TcdB in mice leads to phosphorylation of ErbB2 and ErbB3. However, immunohistochemical staining for phosphorylated ErbB2 and ErbB3 indicated no discernible difference between control and TcdB-treated mice for epithelial phospho-ErbB2 and phospho-ErbB3. Human colon cancer cell lines (HT29, Caco-2) exposed to TcdB were not protected by pre-treatment with lapatinib, an EGFR/ErbB2 inhibitor. Similarly, lapatinib pre-treatment failed to protect normal human colonoids from TcdB-induced cell death. Neutralizing antibodies against mouse EGFR failed to protect mice from TcdB intrarectal instillation as measured by edema, inflammatory infiltration, and epithelial injury. Our findings suggest TcdB-induced colonocyte cell death does not require EGFR/ErbB receptor tyrosine kinase activation.
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18
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Tang M, Wang C, Xia Y, Tang J, Wang J, Shen L. Clostridioides difficile infection in inflammatory bowel disease: a clinical review. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2024; 22:297-306. [PMID: 38676422 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2024.2347955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Strong clinical data demonstrate that inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an independent risk factor for Clostridiodes difficile infection (CDI) and suggest a globally increased prevalence and severity of C. difficile coinfection in IBD patients (CDI-IBD). In addition to elderly individuals, children are also at higher risk of CDI-IBD. Rapid diagnosis is essential since the clinical manifestations of active IBD and CDI-IBD are indistinguishable. Antibiotics have been well established in the treatment of CDI-IBD, but they do not prevent recurrence. AREAS COVERED Herein, the authors focus on reviewing recent research advances on the new therapies of CDI-IBD. The novel therapies include gut microbiota restoration therapies (such as prebiotics, probiotics and FMT), immunotherapy (such as vaccines and monoclonal antibodies) and diet strategies (such as groningen anti-inflammatory diet and mediterranean diet). Future extensive prospective and placebo-controlled studies are required to evaluate their efficacy and long-term safety. EXPERT OPINION Available studies show that the prevalence of CDI-IBD is not optimistic. Currently, potential treatment options for CDI-IBD include a number of probiotics and novel antibiotics. This review updates the knowledge on the management of CDI in IBD patients, which is timely and important for GI doctors and scientists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjun Tang
- Central Laboratory, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Chunhua Wang
- Central Laboratory, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Ying Xia
- Central Laboratory, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Jian Tang
- Central Laboratory, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Jiao Wang
- Central Laboratory, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
- School of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Liang Shen
- Central Laboratory, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
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Masset Z, Gunaratnam S, Millette M, McFarland LV, Lacroix M. Environmental and Nutritional Parameters Modulating Genetic Expression for Virulence Factors of Clostridioides difficile. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:365. [PMID: 38667041 PMCID: PMC11047382 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13040365] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile infections (CDIs) continue to be a persistent healthcare concern despite newer antibiotic treatments, enhanced infection control practices, and preventive strategies focused on restoring the protective intestinal microbial barrier. Recent strides in gene sequencing research have identified many genes regulating diverse virulence factors for CDIs. These genes may be over- or under-expressed when triggered by various environmental and nutritional factors. The aims of this paper are to review the important genes involved in C. difficile pathogenesis and to identify modifiable environmental, nutritional, and other factors that may trigger the expression of these genes and thus offer new strategies to prevent CDIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Masset
- INRS Armand-Frappier Health Biotechnology Research Centre, Research Laboratories in Sciences, 531 des Prairies Blvd, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada; (Z.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Sathursha Gunaratnam
- Bio-K+, a Kerry Company, Preclinical Research Division, 495 Armand-Frappier Blvd, Laval, QC H7V 4B3, Canada; (S.G.); (M.M.)
| | - Mathieu Millette
- Bio-K+, a Kerry Company, Preclinical Research Division, 495 Armand-Frappier Blvd, Laval, QC H7V 4B3, Canada; (S.G.); (M.M.)
| | - Lynne V. McFarland
- Public Health Reserves Corps, Seattle, WA 98115, USA
- McFarland Consulting, Seattle, WA 98115, USA
| | - Monique Lacroix
- INRS Armand-Frappier Health Biotechnology Research Centre, Research Laboratories in Sciences, 531 des Prairies Blvd, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada; (Z.M.); (M.L.)
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20
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Hu C, Garey KW. Microscopy methods for Clostridioides difficile. Anaerobe 2024; 86:102822. [PMID: 38341023 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2024.102822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Microscopic technologies including light and fluorescent, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and cryo-electron microscopy have been widely utilized to visualize Clostridioides difficile at the molecular, cellular, community, and structural biology level. This comprehensive review summarizes the microscopy tools (fluorescent and reporter system) in their use to study different aspects of C. difficile life cycle and virulence (sporulation, germination) or applications (detection of C. difficile or use of antimicrobials). With these developing techniques, microscopy tools will be able to find broader applications and address more challenging questions to study C. difficile and C. difficile infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenlin Hu
- University of Houston College of Pharmacy, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kevin W Garey
- University of Houston College of Pharmacy, Houston, TX, USA.
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Alves de Lima e Silva A, Rio-Tinto A. Ebselen: A Promising Repurposing Drug to Treat Infections Caused by Multidrug-Resistant Microorganisms. Interdiscip Perspect Infect Dis 2024; 2024:9109041. [PMID: 38586592 PMCID: PMC10998725 DOI: 10.1155/2024/9109041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial multiresistance to drugs is a rapidly growing global phenomenon. New resistance mechanisms have been described in different bacterial pathogens, threatening the effective treatment of even common infectious diseases. The problem worsens in infections associated with biofilms because, in addition to the pathogen's multiresistance, the biofilm provides a barrier that prevents antimicrobial access. Several "non-antibiotic" drugs have antimicrobial activity, even though it is not their primary therapeutic purpose. However, due to the urgent need to develop effective antimicrobials to treat diseases caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens, there has been an increase in research into "non-antibiotic" drugs to offer an alternative therapy through the so-called drug repositioning or repurposing. The prospect of new uses for existing drugs has the advantage of reducing the time and effort required to develop new compounds. Moreover, many drugs are already well characterized regarding toxicity and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties. Ebselen has shown promise for use as a repurposing drug for antimicrobial purposes. It is a synthetic organoselenium with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cytoprotective activity. A very attractive factor for using ebselen is that, in addition to potent antimicrobial activity, its minimum inhibitory concentration is very low for microbial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agostinho Alves de Lima e Silva
- Laboratory of Biology and Physiology of Microorganisms, Biomedical Institute, DMP, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Rio de Janeiro 20211-030, Brazil
| | - André Rio-Tinto
- Laboratory of Pathogenic Cocci and Microbiota, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
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22
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John TM, Shrestha NK, Hasan L, Pappan K, Birch O, Grove D, Boyle B, Allsworth M, Shrestha P, Procop GW, Dweik RA. Detection of Clostridioides difficileinfection by assessment of exhaled breath volatile organic compounds. J Breath Res 2024; 18:026011. [PMID: 38502958 DOI: 10.1088/1752-7163/ad3572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Clostridioides difficileinfection (CDI) is the leading cause of hospital-acquired infective diarrhea. Current methods for diagnosing CDI have limitations; enzyme immunoassays for toxin have low sensitivity andClostridioides difficilepolymerase chain reaction cannot differentiate infection from colonization. An ideal diagnostic test that incorporates microbial factors, host factors, and host-microbe interaction might characterize true infection. Assessing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath may be a useful test for identifying CDI. To identify a wide selection of VOCs in exhaled breath, we used thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to study breath samples from 17 patients with CDI. Age- and sex-matched patients with diarrhea and negativeC.difficiletesting (no CDI) were used as controls. Of the 65 VOCs tested, 9 were used to build a quadratic discriminant model that showed a final cross-validated accuracy of 74%, a sensitivity of 71%, a specificity of 76%, and a receiver operating characteristic area under the curve of 0.72. If these findings are proven by larger studies, breath VOC analysis may be a helpful adjunctive diagnostic test for CDI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teny M John
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States of America
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Respiratory Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Nabin K Shrestha
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Respiratory Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Leen Hasan
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, United States of America
| | - Kirk Pappan
- Owlstone Medical Ltd, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Owen Birch
- Owlstone Medical Ltd, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - David Grove
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Critical Care, Respiratory Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Billy Boyle
- Owlstone Medical Ltd, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Priyanka Shrestha
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Gary W Procop
- American Board of Pathology, Farmington, United States of America
| | - Raed A Dweik
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Critical Care, Respiratory Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
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23
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Schüler MA, Daniel R, Poehlein A. Novel insights into phage biology of the pathogen Clostridioides difficile based on the active virome. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1374708. [PMID: 38577680 PMCID: PMC10993401 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1374708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The global pathogen Clostridioides difficile is a well-studied organism, and researchers work on unraveling its fundamental virulence mechanisms and biology. Prophages have been demonstrated to influence C. difficile toxin expression and contribute to the distribution of advantageous genes. All these underline the importance of prophages in C. difficile virulence. Although several C. difficile prophages were sequenced and characterized, investigations on the entire active virome of a strain are still missing. Phages were mainly isolated after mitomycin C-induction, which does not resemble a natural stressor for C. difficile. We examined active prophages from different C. difficile strains after cultivation in the absence of mitomycin C by sequencing and characterization of particle-protected DNA. Phage particles were collected after standard cultivation, or after cultivation in the presence of the secondary bile salt deoxycholate (DCA). DCA is a natural stressor for C. difficile and a potential prophage-inducing agent. We also investigated differences in prophage activity between clinical and non-clinical C. difficile strains. Our experiments demonstrated that spontaneous prophage release is common in C. difficile and that DCA presence induces prophages. Fourteen different, active phages were identified by this experimental procedure. We could not identify a definitive connection between clinical background and phage activity. However, one phage exhibited distinctively higher activity upon DCA induction in the clinical strain than in the corresponding non-clinical strain, although the phage is identical in both strains. We recorded that enveloped DNA mapped to genome regions with characteristics of mobile genetic elements other than prophages. This pointed to mechanisms of DNA mobility that are not well-studied in C. difficile so far. We also detected phage-mediated lateral transduction of bacterial DNA, which is the first described case in C. difficile. This study significantly contributes to our knowledge of prophage activity in C. difficile and reveals novel aspects of C. difficile (phage) biology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anja Poehlein
- Genomic and Applied Microbiology and Göttingen Genomics Laboratory, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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24
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Warren Norris MAH, Plaskon DM, Tamayo R. Phase Variation of Flagella and Toxins in Clostridioides difficile is Mediated by Selective Rho-dependent Termination. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168456. [PMID: 38278436 PMCID: PMC10942720 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2024.168456] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile is an intestinal pathogen that exhibits phase variation of flagella and toxins through inversion of the flagellar (flg) switch controlling flagellar and toxin gene expression. The transcription termination factor Rho preferentially inhibits swimming motility of bacteria with the 'flg-OFF' switch sequence. How C. difficile Rho mediates this selectivity was unknown. C. difficile Rho contains an N-terminal insertion domain (NID) which is found in a subset of Rho orthologues and confers diverse functions. Here we determined how Rho distinguishes between flg-ON and -OFF mRNAs and the roles of the NID and other domains of C. difficile Rho. Using in vitro ATPase assays, we determined that Rho specifically binds a region containing the left inverted repeat of the flg switch, but only of flg-OFF mRNA, indicating that differential termination is mediated by selective Rho binding. Using a suite of in vivo and in vitro assays in C. difficile, we determined that the NID is essential for Rho termination of flg-OFF mRNA, likely by influencing the ability to form stable hexamers, and the RNA binding domain is critical for flg-OFF specific termination. This work gives insight into the novel mechanism by which Rho interacts with flg mRNA to mediate phase variation of flagella and toxins in C. difficile and broadens our understanding of Rho-mediated termination in an organism with an AT-rich genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes A H Warren Norris
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Dylan M Plaskon
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Rita Tamayo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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25
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Aminzadeh A, Hilgers L, Paul Platenburg P, Riou M, Perrot N, Rossignol C, Cauty A, Barc C, Jørgensen R. Immunogenicity and safety in rabbits of a Clostridioides difficile vaccine combining novel toxoids and a novel adjuvant. Vaccine 2024; 42:1582-1592. [PMID: 38336558 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.01.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a serious healthcare-associated disease, causing symptoms such as diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis. The major virulence factors responsible for the disease symptoms are two secreted cytotoxic proteins, TcdA and TcdB. A parenteral vaccine based on formaldehyde-inactivated TcdA and TcdB supplemented with alum adjuvant, has previously been investigated in humans but resulted in an insufficient immune response. In search for an improved response, we investigated a novel toxin inactivation method and a novel, potent adjuvant. Inactivation of toxins by metal-catalyzed oxidation (MCO) was previously shown to preserve neutralizing epitopes and to annihilate reversion to toxicity. The immunogenicity and safety of TcdA and TcdB inactivated by MCO and combined with a novel carbohydrate fatty acid monosulphate ester-based (CMS) adjuvant were investigated in rabbits. Two or three intramuscular immunizations generated high serum IgG and neutralizing antibody titers against both toxins. The CMS adjuvant increased antibody responses to both toxins while an alum adjuvant control was effective only against TcdA. Systemic safety was evaluated by monitoring body weight, body temperature, and analysis of red and white blood cell counts shortly after immunization. Local safety was assessed by histopathologic examination of the injection site at the end of the study. Body weight gain was constant in all groups. Body temperature increased up to 1 ˚C one day after the first immunization but less after the second or third immunization. White blood cell counts, and percentage of neutrophils increased one day after immunization with CMS-adjuvanted vaccines, but not with alum. Histopathology of the injection sites 42 days after the last injection did not reveal any abnormal tissue reactions. From this study, we conclude that TcdA and TcdB inactivated by MCO and combined with CMS adjuvant demonstrated promising immunogenicity and safety in rabbits and could be a candidate for a vaccine against CDI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aria Aminzadeh
- Proxi Biotech ApS, Egeskellet 6, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark; Department of Science and Environment, University of Roskilde, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Luuk Hilgers
- LiteVax BV, Akkersestraat 50, 4061BJ Ophemert, the Netherlands
| | | | - Mickaël Riou
- INRAE, UE-1277 Plateforme d'Infectiologie expérimentale (PFIE), Centre Val de Loire, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Noémie Perrot
- INRAE, UE-1277 Plateforme d'Infectiologie expérimentale (PFIE), Centre Val de Loire, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Christelle Rossignol
- INRAE-Université de Tours, UMR-1282 Infectiologie et Santé publique (ISP), équipe IMI, Centre Val de Loire, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Axel Cauty
- INRAE, UE-1277 Plateforme d'Infectiologie expérimentale (PFIE), Centre Val de Loire, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Céline Barc
- INRAE, UE-1277 Plateforme d'Infectiologie expérimentale (PFIE), Centre Val de Loire, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - René Jørgensen
- Proxi Biotech ApS, Egeskellet 6, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark; Department of Science and Environment, University of Roskilde, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
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26
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Zhou R, He L, Zhang J, Zhang X, Li Y, Zhan X, Tao L. Molecular basis of TMPRSS2 recognition by Paeniclostridium sordellii hemorrhagic toxin. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1976. [PMID: 38438396 PMCID: PMC10912200 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46394-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Hemorrhagic toxin (TcsH) is a major virulence factor produced by Paeniclostridium sordellii, which is a non-negligible threat to women undergoing childbirth or abortions. Recently, Transmembrane Serine Protease 2 (TMPRSS2) was identified as a host receptor of TcsH. Here, we show the cryo-EM structures of the TcsH-TMPRSS2 complex and uncover that TcsH binds to the serine protease domain (SPD) of TMPRSS2 through the CROP unit-VI. This receptor binding mode is unique among LCTs. Five top surface loops of TMPRSS2SPD, which also determine the protease substrate specificity, constitute the structural determinants recognized by TcsH. The binding of TcsH inhibits the proteolytic activity of TMPRSS2, whereas its implication in disease manifestations remains unclear. We further show that mutations selectively disrupting TMPRSS2-binding reduce TcsH toxicity in the intestinal epithelium of the female mice. These findings together shed light on the distinct molecular basis of TcsH-TMPRSS2 interactions, which expands our knowledge of host recognition mechanisms employed by LCTs and provides novel targets for developing therapeutics against P. sordellii infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoyu Zhou
- College of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, 310024, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, 310024, China
- Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, 310024, China
| | - Liuqing He
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, 310024, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, 310024, China
- Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, 310024, China
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, Hangzhou, 310024, China
| | - Jiahao Zhang
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, 310024, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, 310024, China
- Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, 310024, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhang
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, 310024, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, 310024, China
- Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, 310024, China
| | - Yanyan Li
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, 310024, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, 310024, China
- Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, 310024, China
| | - Xiechao Zhan
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, 310024, China.
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, 310024, China.
- Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, 310024, China.
| | - Liang Tao
- College of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, 310024, China.
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, 310024, China.
- Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, 310024, China.
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, Hangzhou, 310024, China.
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27
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Gong JJ, Huang IH, Su MSW, Xie SX, Liu WY, Huang CR, Hung YP, Wu SR, Tsai PJ, Ko WC, Chen JW. Phage transcriptional regulator X (PtrX)-mediated augmentation of toxin production and virulence in Clostridioides difficile strain R20291. Microbiol Res 2024; 280:127576. [PMID: 38183754 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2023.127576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile is a Gram-positive, anaerobic, and spore-forming bacterial member of the human gut microbiome. The primary virulence factors of C. difficile are toxin A and toxin B. These toxins damage the cell cytoskeleton and cause various diseases, from diarrhea to severe pseudomembranous colitis. Evidence suggests that bacteriophages can regulate the expression of the pathogenicity locus (PaLoc) genes of C. difficile. We previously demonstrated that the genome of the C. difficile RT027 strain NCKUH-21 contains a prophage-like DNA sequence, which was found to be markedly similar to that of the φCD38-2 phage. In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the φNCKUH-21-mediated regulation of the pathogenicity and the PaLoc genes expression in the lysogenized C. difficile strain R20291. The carriage of φNCKUH-21 in R20291 cells substantially enhanced toxin production, bacterial motility, biofilm formation, and spore germination in vitro. Subsequent mouse studies revealed that the lysogenized R20291 strain caused a more severe infection than the wild-type strain. We screened three φNCKUH-21 genes encoding DNA-binding proteins to check their effects on PaLoc genes expression. The overexpression of NCKUH-21_03890, annotated as a transcriptional regulator (phage transcriptional regulator X, PtrX), considerably enhanced toxin production, biofilm formation, and bacterial motility of R20291. Transcriptome analysis further confirmed that the overexpression of ptrX led to the upregulation of the expression of toxin genes, flagellar genes, and csrA. In the ptrX-overexpressing R20291 strain, PtrX influenced the expression of flagellar genes and the sigma factor gene sigD, possibly through an increased flagellar phase ON configuration ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Jia Gong
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - I-Hsiu Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK 74107, USA
| | - Marcia Shu-Wei Su
- Department of Biotechnology and Laboratory Science in Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Si-Xuan Xie
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Yong Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Rung Huang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Pin Hung
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shang-Rung Wu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Institute of Oral Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Jane Tsai
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan; Center for Clinical Medicine Research, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chien Ko
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Jenn-Wei Chen
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
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28
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Kinsolving J, Bous J, Kozielewicz P, Košenina S, Shekhani R, Grätz L, Masuyer G, Wang Y, Stenmark P, Dong M, Schulte G. Structural and functional insight into the interaction of Clostridioides difficile toxin B and FZD 7. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113727. [PMID: 38308843 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The G protein-coupled receptors of the Frizzled (FZD) family, in particular FZD1,2,7, are receptors that are exploited by Clostridioides difficile toxin B (TcdB), the major virulence factor responsible for pathogenesis associated with Clostridioides difficile infection. We employ a live-cell assay examining the affinity between full-length FZDs and TcdB. Moreover, we present cryoelectron microscopy structures of TcdB alone and in complex with full-length FZD7, which reveal that large structural rearrangements of the combined repetitive polypeptide domain are required for interaction with FZDs and other TcdB receptors, constituting a first step for receptor recognition. Furthermore, we show that bezlotoxumab, an FDA-approved monoclonal antibody to treat Clostridioides difficile infection, favors the apo-TcdB structure and thus disrupts binding with FZD7. The dynamic transition between the two conformations of TcdB also governs the stability of the pore-forming region. Thus, our work provides structural and functional insight into how conformational dynamics of TcdB determine receptor binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Kinsolving
- Karolinska Institutet, Department Physiology & Pharmacology, Sec. Receptor Biology & Signaling, Biomedicum, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Julien Bous
- Karolinska Institutet, Department Physiology & Pharmacology, Sec. Receptor Biology & Signaling, Biomedicum, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pawel Kozielewicz
- Karolinska Institutet, Department Physiology & Pharmacology, Sec. Receptor Biology & Signaling, Biomedicum, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sara Košenina
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rawan Shekhani
- Karolinska Institutet, Department Physiology & Pharmacology, Sec. Receptor Biology & Signaling, Biomedicum, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lukas Grätz
- Karolinska Institutet, Department Physiology & Pharmacology, Sec. Receptor Biology & Signaling, Biomedicum, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Geoffrey Masuyer
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yuankai Wang
- Department of Urology, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Surgery and Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pål Stenmark
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Min Dong
- Department of Urology, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Surgery and Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gunnar Schulte
- Karolinska Institutet, Department Physiology & Pharmacology, Sec. Receptor Biology & Signaling, Biomedicum, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden.
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29
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Marvaud JC, Bouttier S, Saunier J, Kansau I. Clostridioides difficile Flagella. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2202. [PMID: 38396876 PMCID: PMC10889297 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile is an important pathogen for humans with a lead in nosocomial infection, but it is also more and more common in communities. Our knowledge of the pathology has historically been focused on the toxins produced by the bacteria that remain its major virulence factors. But the dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota creating the conditions for the colonization appears to be fundamental for our understanding of the disease. Colonization implies several steps for the bacteria that do or do not use their capacity of motility with the synthesis of flagella. In this review, we focus on the current understanding of different topics on the C. difficile flagellum, ranging from its genetic organization to the vaccinal interest in it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Christophe Marvaud
- Institut MICALIS, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Equipe Bactéries Pathogènes et Santé, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Paris-Saclay, 91400 Orsay, France (I.K.)
| | - Sylvie Bouttier
- Institut MICALIS, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Equipe Bactéries Pathogènes et Santé, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Paris-Saclay, 91400 Orsay, France (I.K.)
| | - Johanna Saunier
- Matériaux et Santé, Faculté de pharmacie, Université Paris Saclay, 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Imad Kansau
- Institut MICALIS, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Equipe Bactéries Pathogènes et Santé, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Paris-Saclay, 91400 Orsay, France (I.K.)
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30
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Travaglione S, Carlini F, Maroccia Z, Fabbri A. Special Issue "Bacterial Toxins and Cancer". Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2128. [PMID: 38396805 PMCID: PMC10889233 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Infection is a major contributor to the development of cancer, with more than 15% of new cancer diagnoses estimated to be caused by infection [...].
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Alessia Fabbri
- Department of Cardiovascular, Endocrine-Metabolic Diseases and Aging, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.T.); (F.C.); (Z.M.)
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31
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Oludiran A, Malik A, Zourou AC, Wu Y, Gross SP, Siryapon A, Poudel A, Alleyne K, Adams S, Courson DS, Cotten ML, Purcell EB. Host-defense piscidin peptides as antibiotic adjuvants against Clostridioides difficile. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0295627. [PMID: 38252641 PMCID: PMC10802969 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The spore-forming intestinal pathogen Clostridioides difficile causes multidrug resistant infection with a high rate of recurrence after treatment. Piscidins 1 (p1) and 3 (p3), cationic host defense peptides with micromolar cytotoxicity against C. difficile, sensitize C. difficile to clinically relevant antibiotics tested at sublethal concentrations. Both peptides bind to Cu2+ using an amino terminal copper and nickel binding motif. Here, we investigate the two peptides in the apo and holo states as antibiotic adjuvants against an epidemic strain of C. difficile. We find that the presence of the peptides leads to lower doses of metronidazole, vancomycin, and fidaxomicin to kill C. difficile. The activity of metronidazole, which targets DNA, is enhanced by a factor of 32 when combined with p3, previously shown to bind and condense DNA. Conversely, the activity of vancomycin, which acts at bacterial cell walls, is enhanced 64-fold when combined with membrane-active p1-Cu2+. As shown through microscopy monitoring the permeabilization of membranes of C. difficile cells and vesicle mimics of their membranes, the adjuvant effect of p1 and p3 in the apo and holo states is consistent with a mechanism of action where the peptides enable greater antibiotic penetration through the cell membrane to increase their bioavailability. The variations in effects obtained with the different forms of the peptides reveal that while all piscidins generally sensitize C. difficile to antibiotics, co-treatments can be optimized in accordance with the underlying mechanism of action of the peptides and antibiotics. Overall, this study highlights the potential of antimicrobial peptides as antibiotic adjuvants to increase the lethality of currently approved antibiotic dosages, reducing the risk of incomplete treatments and ensuing drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adenrele Oludiran
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Areej Malik
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America
- Biomedical Sciences Program, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Andriana C. Zourou
- Department of Applied Science, William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Yonghan Wu
- Irvine Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Steven P. Gross
- Ivrine Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Albert Siryapon
- Irvine Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Asia Poudel
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Kwincy Alleyne
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Savion Adams
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America
| | - David S. Courson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Myriam L. Cotten
- Department of Applied Science, William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Erin B. Purcell
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America
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Fettucciari K, Spaterna A, Marconi P, Bassotti G. Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines Enhanced In Vitro Cytotoxic Activity of Clostridioides difficile Toxin B in Enteric Glial Cells: The Achilles Heel of Clostridioides difficile Infection? Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:958. [PMID: 38256032 PMCID: PMC10815653 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial infections are characterized by an inflammatory response, which is essential for infection containment but is also responsible for negative effects on the host. The pathogen itself may have evolved molecular mechanisms to antagonize the antimicrobial effects of an inflammatory response and to enhance its pathogenicity using inflammatory response mediators, such as cytokines. Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infection (CDI) causes gastrointestinal diseases with markedly increasing global incidence and mortality rates. The main C. difficile virulence factors, toxin A and B (TcdA/TcdB), cause cytopathic/cytotoxic effects and inflammation. We previously demonstrated that TcdB induces enteric glial cell (EGC) apoptosis, which is enhanced by the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha plus interferon gamma (CKs). However, it is unknown whether CKs-enhanced TcdB cytotoxicity (apoptosis/necrosis) is affected by the timing of the appearance of the CKs. Thus, we simulated in vitro, in our experimental model with TcdB and EGCs, three main situations of possible interactions between TcdB and the timing of CK stimulation: before TcdB infection, concomitantly with infection, or at different times after infection and persisting over time. In these experimental conditions, which all represent situations of possible interactions between C. difficile and the timing of CK stimulation, we evaluated apoptosis, necrosis, and cell cycle phases. The CKs, in all of these conditions, enhanced TcdB cytotoxicity, which from apoptosis became necrosis when CK stimulation persisted over time, and was most relevant after 48 h of TcdB:EGCs interaction. Particularly, the enhancement of apoptosis by CKs was dependent on the TcdB dose and in a less relevant manner on the CK stimulation time, while the enhancement of necrosis occurred always independently of the TcdB dose and CK stimulation time. However, since in all conditions stimulation with CKs strongly enhanced the TcdB cytotoxicity, it always had a negative impact on C. difficile pathogenicity. This study might have important implications for the treatment of CDI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katia Fettucciari
- Biosciences & Medical Embryology Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Andrea Spaterna
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62024 Macerata, Italy
| | - Pierfrancesco Marconi
- Biosciences & Medical Embryology Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Gabrio Bassotti
- Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Digestive Endoscopy Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy;
- Gastroenterology & Hepatology Unit, Santa Maria Della Misericordia Hospital, 06129 Perugia, Italy
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Sapa D, Brosse A, Coullon H, Péan de Ponfilly G, Candela T, Le Monnier A. A Streamlined Method to Obtain Biologically Active TcdA and TcdB Toxins from Clostridioides difficile. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:38. [PMID: 38251254 PMCID: PMC10821508 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16010038] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The major virulence factors of Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) are enterotoxins A (TcdA) and B (TcdB). The study of toxins is a crucial step in exploring the virulence of this pathogen. Currently, the toxin purification process is either laborious and time-consuming in C. difficile or performed in heterologous hosts. Therefore, we propose a streamlined method to obtain functional toxins in C. difficile. Two C. difficile strains were generated, each harboring a sequence encoding a His-tag at the 3' end of C. difficile 630∆erm tcdA or tcdB genes. Each toxin gene is expressed using the Ptet promoter, which is inducible by anhydro-tetracycline. The obtained purification yields were 0.28 mg and 0.1 mg per liter for rTcdA and rTcdB, respectively. In this study, we successfully developed a simple routine method that allows the production and purification of biologically active rTcdA and rTcdB toxins with similar activities compared to native toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Sapa
- Micalis Institute, Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (D.S.); (H.C.); (G.P.d.P.); (T.C.); (A.L.M.)
| | - Anaïs Brosse
- Micalis Institute, Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (D.S.); (H.C.); (G.P.d.P.); (T.C.); (A.L.M.)
| | - Héloïse Coullon
- Micalis Institute, Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (D.S.); (H.C.); (G.P.d.P.); (T.C.); (A.L.M.)
| | - Gauthier Péan de Ponfilly
- Micalis Institute, Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (D.S.); (H.C.); (G.P.d.P.); (T.C.); (A.L.M.)
- Service de Microbiologie Clinique, GH Paris Saint-Joseph, 75674 Paris, France
| | - Thomas Candela
- Micalis Institute, Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (D.S.); (H.C.); (G.P.d.P.); (T.C.); (A.L.M.)
| | - Alban Le Monnier
- Micalis Institute, Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (D.S.); (H.C.); (G.P.d.P.); (T.C.); (A.L.M.)
- Service de Microbiologie Clinique, GH Paris Saint-Joseph, 75674 Paris, France
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Zhou Y, Zhan X, Luo J, Li D, Zhou R, Zhang J, Pan Z, Zhang Y, Jia T, Zhang X, Li Y, Tao L. Structural dynamics of the CROPs domain control stability and toxicity of Paeniclostridium sordellii lethal toxin. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8426. [PMID: 38114525 PMCID: PMC10730571 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44169-z] [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: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Paeniclostridium sordellii lethal toxin (TcsL) is a potent exotoxin that causes lethal toxic shock syndrome associated with fulminant bacterial infections. TcsL belongs to the large clostridial toxin (LCT) family. Here, we report that TcsL with varied lengths of combined repetitive oligopeptides (CROPs) deleted show increased autoproteolysis as well as higher cytotoxicity. We next present cryo-EM structures of full-length TcsL, at neutral (pH 7.4) and acidic (pH 5.0) conditions. The TcsL at neutral pH exhibits in the open conformation, which resembles reported TcdB structures. Low pH induces the conformational change of partial TcsL to the closed form. Two intracellular interfaces are observed in the closed conformation, which possibly locks the cysteine protease domain and hinders the binding of the host receptor. Our findings provide insights into the structure and function of TcsL and reveal mechanisms for CROPs-mediated modulation of autoproteolysis and cytotoxicity, which could be common across the LCT family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Zhou
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
- Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
| | - Xiechao Zhan
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China.
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China.
- Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China.
| | - Jianhua Luo
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
- Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
| | - Diyin Li
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
- Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
| | - Ruoyu Zhou
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
- Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
| | - Jiahao Zhang
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
- Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
| | - Zhenrui Pan
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
- Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
- Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
| | - Tianhui Jia
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
- Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhang
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
- Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
| | - Yanyan Li
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
- Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
| | - Liang Tao
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China.
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China.
- Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China.
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China.
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Wells KM, Ciftci Y, Peddinti BST, Ghiladi RA, Vediyappan G, Spontak RJ, Govind R. Preventing the spread of life-threatening gastrointestinal microbes on the surface of a continuously self-disinfecting block polymer. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 652:718-726. [PMID: 37611471 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.08.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Highly persistent, drug-resistant and transmissible healthcare pathogens such as Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) and Candida auris (C. auris) are responsible for causing antibiotic-associated fatal diarrhea and invasive candidiasis, respectively. In this study, we demonstrate that these potentially lethal gastrointestinal microbes can be rapidly inactivated on the solid surface of a self-disinfecting anionic block polymer that inherently generates a water surface layer that is highly acidic (pH < 1) upon hydration. Due to thermodynamic incompatibility between its chemical sequences, the polymer spontaneously self-organizes into a nanostructure that enables proton migration from the interior of a film to the surface via contiguous nanoscale hydrophilic channels, as discerned here by scanning electron and atomic force microscopies, as well as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Here, we report that two strains of C. difficile in the vegetative state and two species of Candida, Candida albicans (C. albicans) and C. auris, are, in most cases, inactivated to the limit of minimum detection. Corresponding electron and optical microscopy images reveal that, upon exposure to the hydrated polymer, the outer microbial membranes display evidence of damage and intracellular material is expelled. Combined with our previous studies of rapid bacterial and viral inactivation, these antimicrobial results are highly encouraging and, if translatable to clinical conditions in the form of self-standing polymer films or coatings, are expected to benefit the welfare of patients in healthcare facilities by continuously preventing the spread of such potentially dangerous microbes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kacie M Wells
- Fiber & Polymer Science Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States
| | - Yusuf Ciftci
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, United States
| | - Bharadwaja S T Peddinti
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States
| | - Reza A Ghiladi
- Department of Chemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States
| | | | - Richard J Spontak
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States; Department of Materials Science & Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States.
| | - Revathi Govind
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, United States.
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Larcombe S, Williams GC, Amy J, Lim SC, Riley TV, Muleta A, Barugahare AA, Powell DR, Johanesen PA, Cheng AC, Peleg AY, Lyras D. A genomic survey of Clostridioides difficile isolates from hospitalized patients in Melbourne, Australia. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0135223. [PMID: 37815385 PMCID: PMC10715045 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01352-23] [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: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE There has been a decrease in healthcare-associated Clostridioides difficile infection in Australia, but an increase in the genetic diversity of infecting strains, and an increase in community-associated cases. Here, we studied the genetic relatedness of C. difficile isolated from patients at a major hospital in Melbourne, Australia. Diverse ribotypes were detected, including those associated with community and environmental sources. Some types of isolates were more likely to carry antimicrobial resistance determinants, and many of these were associated with mobile genetic elements. These results correlate with those of other recent investigations, supporting the observed increase in genetic diversity and prevalence of community-associated C. difficile, and consequently the importance of sources of transmission other than symptomatic patients. Thus, they reinforce the importance of surveillance for in both hospital and community settings, including asymptomatic carriage, food, animals, and other environmental sources to identify and circumvent important sources of C. difficile transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Larcombe
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Galain C. Williams
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jacob Amy
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Su Chen Lim
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Thomas V. Riley
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Medical, Molecular, and Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Anthony Muleta
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | - Priscilla A. Johanesen
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Allen C. Cheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anton Y. Peleg
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dena Lyras
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Liu S, Wang W, Jia T, Xin L, Xu TT, Wang C, Xie G, Luo K, Li J, Kong J, Zhang Q. Vibrio parahaemolyticus becomes lethal to post-larvae shrimp via acquiring novel virulence factors. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0049223. [PMID: 37850796 PMCID: PMC10714935 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00492-23] [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: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE As a severe emerging shrimp disease, TPD has heavily impacted the shrimp aquaculture industry and resulted in serious economic losses in China since spring 2020. This study aimed to identify the key virulent factors and related genes of the Vp TPD, for a better understanding of its pathogenicity of the novel highly lethal infectious pathogen, as well as its molecular epidemiological characteristics in China. The present study revealed that a novel protein, Vibrio high virulent protein-2 (MW >100 kDa), is responsible to the lethal virulence of V. parahaemolyticus to shrimp post-larvae. The results are essential for effectively diagnosing and monitoring novel pathogenic bacteria, like Vp TPD, in aquaculture shrimps and would be beneficial to the fisheries department in early warning of Vp TPD emergence and developing prevention strategies to reduce economic losses due to severe outbreaks of TPD. Elucidation of the key virulence genes and genomics of Vp TPD could also provide valuable information on the evolution and ecology of this emerging pathogen in aquaculture environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Aquaculture Disease Control, Key Laboratory of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Tianchang Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Lusheng Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Aquaculture Disease Control, Key Laboratory of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Ting-ting Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Aquaculture Disease Control, Key Laboratory of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Chong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Guosi Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Aquaculture Disease Control, Key Laboratory of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Kun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Jun Li
- School of Sciences and Medicine, Lake Superior State University, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, USA
| | - Jie Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Aquaculture Disease Control, Key Laboratory of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Qingli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Aquaculture Disease Control, Key Laboratory of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, China
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Azimirad M, Noori M, Amirkamali S, Nasiri G, Asadzadeh Aghdaei H, Yadegar A, Klionsky DJ, Zali MR. Clostridioides difficile PCR ribotypes 001 and 084 can trigger autophagy process in human intestinal Caco-2 cells. Microb Pathog 2023; 185:106450. [PMID: 37979713 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy is a homeostatic process that can promote cell survival or death. However, the exact role of autophagy in Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is still not precisely elucidated. Here, we investigate the role of distinct C. difficile ribotypes (RTs) in autophagy induction using Caco-2 cells. The expression analysis of autophagy-associated genes and related miRNAs were examined following treatment of Caco-2 cells with C. difficile after 4 and 8 h using RT-qPCR. Toxin production was assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Immunofluorescence analysis was performed to detect MAP1LC3B/LC3B, followed by an autophagic flux analysis. C. difficile significantly reduced the viability of Caco-2 cells in comparison with untreated cells. Elevated levels of LC3-II and SQSTM1/p62 by C. difficile RT001 and RT084 in the presence of E64d/leupeptin confirmed the induction of autophagy activity. Similarly, the immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that C. difficile RT001 and RT084 significantly increased the amount of LC3-positive structures in Caco-2 cells. The induction of autophagy was further demonstrated by increased levels of LC3B, ULK1, ATG12, PIK3C3/VPS34, BECN1 (beclin 1), ATG5, and ATG16L1 transcripts and reduced levels of AKT and MTOR gene expression. The expression levels of MIR21 and MIR30B, microRNAs that suppress autophagy, were differentially affected by C. difficile. In conclusion, the present work revealed that C. difficile bacteria can induce autophagy through both toxin-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Also, our results suggest the potential role of other C. difficile virulence factors in autophagy modulation using intestinal cells in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoumeh Azimirad
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Noori
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Amirkamali
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gelareh Nasiri
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Asadzadeh Aghdaei
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Yadegar
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Daniel J Klionsky
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA; Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Schumacher J, Nienhaus A, Heber S, Matylitsky J, Chaves-Olarte E, Rodríguez C, Barth H, Papatheodorou P. Exploring the inhibitory potential of the antiarrhythmic drug amiodarone against Clostridioides difficile toxins TcdA and TcdB. Gut Microbes 2023; 15:2256695. [PMID: 37749884 PMCID: PMC10524773 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2023.2256695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The intestinal pathogen Clostridioides difficile is the leading cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis in humans. The symptoms of C. difficile-associated diseases (CDADs) are directly associated with the pathogen's toxins TcdA and TcdB, which enter host cells and inactivate Rho and/or Ras GTPases by glucosylation. Membrane cholesterol is crucial during the intoxication process of TcdA and TcdB, and likely involved during pore formation of both toxins in endosomal membranes, a key step after cellular uptake for the translocation of the glucosyltransferase domain of both toxins from endosomes into the host cell cytosol. The licensed drug amiodarone, a multichannel blocker commonly used in the treatment of cardiac dysrhythmias, is also capable of inhibiting endosomal acidification and, as shown recently, cholesterol biosynthesis. Thus, we were keen to investigate in vitro with cultured cells and human intestinal organoids, whether amiodarone preincubation protects from TcdA and/or TcdB intoxication. Amiodarone conferred protection against both toxins independently and in combination as well as against toxin variants from the clinically relevant, epidemic C. difficile strain NAP1/027. Further mechanistic studies suggested that amiodarone's mode-of-inhibition involves also interference with the translocation pore of both toxins. Our study opens the possibility of repurposing the licensed drug amiodarone as a novel pan-variant antitoxin therapeutic in the context of CDADs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Schumacher
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Astrid Nienhaus
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Sebastian Heber
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jauheni Matylitsky
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Esteban Chaves-Olarte
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales and Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - César Rodríguez
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales and Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Holger Barth
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Panagiotis Papatheodorou
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
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Alam MZ, Markantonis JE, Fallon JT. Host Immune Responses to Clostridioides difficile Infection and Potential Novel Therapeutic Approaches. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:506. [PMID: 38133438 PMCID: PMC10747268 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8120506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a leading nosocomial infection, posing a substantial public health challenge within the United States and globally. CDI typically occurs in hospitalized elderly patients who have been administered antibiotics; however, there has been a rise in the occurrence of CDI in the community among young adults who have not been exposed to antibiotics. C. difficile releases toxins, which damage large intestinal epithelium, leading to toxic megacolon, sepsis, and even death. Unfortunately, existing antibiotic therapies do not always prevent these consequences, with up to one-third of treated patients experiencing a recurrence of the infection. Host factors play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of CDI, and accumulating evidence shows that modulation of host immune responses may potentially alter the disease outcome. In this review, we provide an overview of our current knowledge regarding the role of innate and adaptive immune responses on CDI outcomes. Moreover, we present a summary of non-antibiotic microbiome-based therapies that can effectively influence host immune responses, along with immunization strategies that are intended to tackle both the treatment and prevention of CDI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Zahidul Alam
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, 600 Moye Boulevard, Greenville, NC 27834, USA; (J.E.M.); (J.T.F.)
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Kobeissy F, Goli M, Yadikar H, Shakkour Z, Kurup M, Haidar MA, Alroumi S, Mondello S, Wang KK, Mechref Y. Advances in neuroproteomics for neurotrauma: unraveling insights for personalized medicine and future prospects. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1288740. [PMID: 38073638 PMCID: PMC10703396 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1288740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroproteomics, an emerging field at the intersection of neuroscience and proteomics, has garnered significant attention in the context of neurotrauma research. Neuroproteomics involves the quantitative and qualitative analysis of nervous system components, essential for understanding the dynamic events involved in the vast areas of neuroscience, including, but not limited to, neuropsychiatric disorders, neurodegenerative disorders, mental illness, traumatic brain injury, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and other neurodegenerative diseases. With advancements in mass spectrometry coupled with bioinformatics and systems biology, neuroproteomics has led to the development of innovative techniques such as microproteomics, single-cell proteomics, and imaging mass spectrometry, which have significantly impacted neuronal biomarker research. By analyzing the complex protein interactions and alterations that occur in the injured brain, neuroproteomics provides valuable insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying neurotrauma. This review explores how such insights can be harnessed to advance personalized medicine (PM) approaches, tailoring treatments based on individual patient profiles. Additionally, we highlight the potential future prospects of neuroproteomics, such as identifying novel biomarkers and developing targeted therapies by employing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). By shedding light on neurotrauma's current state and future directions, this review aims to stimulate further research and collaboration in this promising and transformative field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Firas Kobeissy
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Neuroscience Institute, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Mona Goli
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Hamad Yadikar
- Department of Biological Sciences Faculty of Science, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Zaynab Shakkour
- Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Milin Kurup
- Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dothan, AL, United States
| | | | - Shahad Alroumi
- Department of Biological Sciences Faculty of Science, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Stefania Mondello
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Kevin K. Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Neuroscience Institute, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Yehia Mechref
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States
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42
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Brauns S, Marquardt I, Thon C, Frentzel S, Jakob J, Färber J, Philipsen L, Jänsch L, Link A, Bruder D. Mucosal-associated invariant T cells from Clostridioides difficile-infected patients exhibit a distinct proinflammatory phenotype and enhanced cytotoxic activity. Int Immunol 2023; 35:543-554. [PMID: 37549964 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxad032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are innate-like T cells mainly found in the mucosa and peripheral blood. We have recently demonstrated that Clostridioides difficile activates MAIT cells in vitro. However, their role in the pathogenesis of C. difficile infection (CDI) in human patients remains elusive to date. In this study, we performed comprehensive immunophenotyping of MAIT cells derived from CDI patients and compared their phenotype to that of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and healthy controls. Our study revealed that blood MAIT cells from CDI patients exhibit an interleukin 17a (IL-17a)-dominated proinflammatory phenotype and an increased readiness to synthesize the proinflammatory cytokine interferon γ (IFN-γ) following in vitro re-stimulation. Moreover, the cytotoxic activity of MAIT cells, as measured by surface CD107a and intracellular granzyme B expression, was strongly increased in CDI. Multi epitope ligand cartography (MELC) analysis of intestinal biopsies from CDI patients revealed that MAIT cells exhibit an increased production of granzyme B and increased cytotoxicity compared to the control group. Together with previously published in vitro data from our group, our findings suggest that MAIT cells are functionally involved in the immune response against C. difficile and contribute to the pathogenesis of CDI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Brauns
- Infection Immunology, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Isabel Marquardt
- Infection Immunology, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Cellular Proteomics, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
- Immune Regulation, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Cosima Thon
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Otto-von-Guericke University Hospital, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Frentzel
- Infection Immunology, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Immune Regulation, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Josefine Jakob
- Infection Immunology, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Cellular Proteomics, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
- Immune Regulation, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Jacqueline Färber
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Lars Philipsen
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Multi-parametric Bioimaging and Cytometry, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Lothar Jänsch
- Cellular Proteomics, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Alexander Link
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Otto-von-Guericke University Hospital, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Dunja Bruder
- Infection Immunology, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Immune Regulation, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
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Marini E, Olivença C, Ramalhete S, Aguirre AM, Ingle P, Melo MN, Antunes W, Minton NP, Hernandez G, Cordeiro TN, Sorg JA, Serrano M, Henriques AO. A sporulation signature protease is required for assembly of the spore surface layers, germination and host colonization in Clostridioides difficile. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011741. [PMID: 37956166 PMCID: PMC10681294 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A genomic signature for endosporulation includes a gene coding for a protease, YabG, which in the model organism Bacillus subtilis is involved in assembly of the spore coat. We show that in the human pathogen Clostridioidesm difficile, YabG is critical for the assembly of the coat and exosporium layers of spores. YabG is produced during sporulation under the control of the mother cell-specific regulators σE and σK and associates with the spore surface layers. YabG shows an N-terminal SH3-like domain and a C-terminal domain that resembles single domain response regulators, such as CheY, yet is atypical in that the conserved phosphoryl-acceptor residue is absent. Instead, the CheY-like domain carries residues required for activity, including Cys207 and His161, the homologues of which form a catalytic diad in the B. subtilis protein, and also Asp162. The substitution of any of these residues by Ala, eliminates an auto-proteolytic activity as well as interdomain processing of CspBA, a reaction that releases the CspB protease, required for proper spore germination. An in-frame deletion of yabG or an allele coding for an inactive protein, yabGC207A, both cause misassemby of the coat and exosporium and the formation of spores that are more permeable to lysozyme and impaired in germination and host colonization. Furthermore, we show that YabG is required for the expression of at least two σK-dependent genes, cotA, coding for a coat protein, and cdeM, coding for a key determinant of exosporium assembly. Thus, YabG also impinges upon the genetic program of the mother cell possibly by eliminating a transcriptional repressor. Although this activity has not been described for the B. subtilis protein and most of the YabG substrates vary among sporeformers, the general role of the protease in the assembly of the spore surface is likely to be conserved across evolutionary distance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Marini
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Avenida da República EAN, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Carmen Olivença
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Avenida da República EAN, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Sara Ramalhete
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Avenida da República EAN, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Andrea Martinez Aguirre
- Texas A&M University, Department of Biology, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Patrick Ingle
- Clostridia Research Group, BBSRC/EPSRC Synthetic Biology Research Centre (SBRC), School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Manuel N Melo
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Avenida da República EAN, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Wilson Antunes
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Avenida da República EAN, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Nigel P Minton
- Clostridia Research Group, BBSRC/EPSRC Synthetic Biology Research Centre (SBRC), School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Guillem Hernandez
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Avenida da República EAN, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Tiago N Cordeiro
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Avenida da República EAN, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Joseph A Sorg
- Texas A&M University, Department of Biology, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Mónica Serrano
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Avenida da República EAN, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Adriano O Henriques
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Avenida da República EAN, Oeiras, Portugal
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44
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Frost LR, Stark R, Anonye BO, MacCreath TO, Ferreira LRP, Unnikrishnan M. Dual RNA-seq identifies genes and pathways modulated during Clostridioides difficile colonization. mSystems 2023; 8:e0055523. [PMID: 37615437 PMCID: PMC10654110 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00555-23] [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: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The initial interactions between the colonic epithelium and the bacterium are likely critical in the establishment of Clostridioides difficile infection, one of the major causes of hospital-acquired diarrhea worldwide. Molecular interactions between C. difficile and human gut cells have not been well defined mainly due to the technical challenges of studying cellular host-pathogen interactions with this anaerobe. Here we have examined transcriptional changes occurring in the pathogen and host cells during the initial 24 hours of infection. Our data indicate several changes in metabolic pathways and virulence-associated factors during the initial bacterium-host cell contact and early stages of infection. We describe canonical pathways enriched based on the expression profiles of a dual RNA sequencing in the host and bacterium, and functions of bacterial factors that are modulated during infection. This study thus provides fresh insight into the early C. difficile infection process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy R. Frost
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Stark
- Bioinformatics Research Technology Platform, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Blessing O. Anonye
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas O. MacCreath
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Ludmila R. P. Ferreira
- RNA Systems Biology Laboratory (RSBL), Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Meera Unnikrishnan
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
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45
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Rosas-Lemus M, Dey S, Minasov G, Tan K, Anderson SM, Brunzelle J, Nocadello S, Shabalin I, Filippova E, Halavaty A, Kim Y, Maltseva N, Osipiuk J, Minor W, Joachimiak A, Savchenko A, Anderson WF, Satchell KJF. A high-throughput structural system biology approach to increase structure representation of proteins from Clostridioides difficile. Microbiol Resour Announc 2023; 12:e0050723. [PMID: 37747257 PMCID: PMC10586155 DOI: 10.1128/mra.00507-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile causes life-threatening gastrointestinal infections. It is a high-risk pathogen due to a lack of effective treatments, antimicrobial resistance, and a poorly conserved genomic core. Herein, we report 30 X-ray structures from a structure genomics pipeline spanning 13 years, representing 10.2% of the X-ray structures for this important pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Rosas-Lemus
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Center for Structural Biology of Infectious Diseases, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Supratim Dey
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Center for Structural Biology of Infectious Diseases, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - George Minasov
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Center for Structural Biology of Infectious Diseases, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Kemin Tan
- Center for Structural Biology of Infectious Diseases, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Consortium for Advanced Science and Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Structural Biology Center, X-ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois, USA
| | - Spencer M. Anderson
- Northwestern Synchrotron Research Center, Life Sciences Collaborative Access Team, Northwestern University, Argonne, Illinois, USA
| | - Joseph Brunzelle
- Northwestern Synchrotron Research Center, Life Sciences Collaborative Access Team, Northwestern University, Argonne, Illinois, USA
| | - Salvatore Nocadello
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Center for Structural Biology of Infectious Diseases, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Ivan Shabalin
- Center for Structural Biology of Infectious Diseases, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Ekaterina Filippova
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Center for Structural Biology of Infectious Diseases, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Andrei Halavaty
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Center for Structural Biology of Infectious Diseases, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Youngchang Kim
- Center for Structural Biology of Infectious Diseases, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Consortium for Advanced Science and Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Structural Biology Center, X-ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois, USA
| | - Natalia Maltseva
- Center for Structural Biology of Infectious Diseases, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Consortium for Advanced Science and Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Structural Biology Center, X-ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois, USA
| | - Jerzy Osipiuk
- Center for Structural Biology of Infectious Diseases, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Consortium for Advanced Science and Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Structural Biology Center, X-ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois, USA
| | - Wladek Minor
- Center for Structural Biology of Infectious Diseases, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Andrzej Joachimiak
- Center for Structural Biology of Infectious Diseases, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Consortium for Advanced Science and Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Structural Biology Center, X-ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois, USA
| | - Alexei Savchenko
- Center for Structural Biology of Infectious Diseases, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Wayne F. Anderson
- Center for Structural Biology of Infectious Diseases, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Karla J. F. Satchell
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Center for Structural Biology of Infectious Diseases, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Center for Structural Biology of Infectious Diseases team members
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Center for Structural Biology of Infectious Diseases, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Consortium for Advanced Science and Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Structural Biology Center, X-ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois, USA
- Northwestern Synchrotron Research Center, Life Sciences Collaborative Access Team, Northwestern University, Argonne, Illinois, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Kordus SL, Kroh HK, Rodríguez RC, Shrem RA, Peritore-Galve FC, Shupe JA, Wadzinski BE, Lacy DB, Spiller BW. Nanobodies against C. difficile TcdA and TcdB reveal unexpected neutralizing epitopes and provide a toolkit for toxin quantitation in vivo. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011496. [PMID: 37871122 PMCID: PMC10621975 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile is a leading cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and nosocomial infection in the United States. The symptoms of C. difficile infection (CDI) are associated with the production of two homologous protein toxins, TcdA and TcdB. The toxins are considered bona fide targets for clinical diagnosis as well as the development of novel prevention and therapeutic strategies. While there are extensive studies that document these efforts, there are several gaps in knowledge that could benefit from the creation of new research tools. First, we now appreciate that while TcdA sequences are conserved, TcdB sequences can vary across the span of circulating clinical isolates. An understanding of the TcdA and TcdB epitopes that drive broadly neutralizing antibody responses could advance the effort to identify safe and effective toxin-protein chimeras and fragments for vaccine development. Further, an understanding of TcdA and TcdB concentration changes in vivo can guide research into how host and microbiome-focused interventions affect the virulence potential of C. difficile. We have developed a panel of alpaca-derived nanobodies that bind specific structural and functional domains of TcdA and TcdB. We note that many of the potent neutralizers of TcdA bind epitopes within the delivery domain, a finding that could reflect roles of the delivery domain in receptor binding and/or the conserved role of pore-formation in the delivery of the toxin enzyme domains to the cytosol. In contrast, neutralizing epitopes for TcdB were found in multiple domains. The nanobodies were also used for the creation of sandwich ELISA assays that allow for quantitation of TcdA and/or TcdB in vitro and in the cecal and fecal contents of infected mice. We anticipate these reagents and assays will allow researchers to monitor the dynamics of TcdA and TcdB production over time, and the impact of various experimental interventions on toxin production in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon L. Kordus
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Heather K. Kroh
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Rubén Cano Rodríguez
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Rebecca A. Shrem
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - F. Christopher Peritore-Galve
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - John A. Shupe
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Brian E. Wadzinski
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - D. Borden Lacy
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Benjamin W. Spiller
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
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47
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Baldassare MA, Bhattacharjee D, Coles JD, Nelson S, McCollum CA, Seekatz AM. Butyrate enhances Clostridioides difficile sporulation in vitro. J Bacteriol 2023; 205:e0013823. [PMID: 37655912 PMCID: PMC10521354 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00138-23] [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: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are products of bacterial fermentation that help maintain important gut functions such as maintenance of the intestinal barrier, cell signaling, and immune homeostasis. The main SCFAs acetate, propionate, and butyrate have demonstrated beneficial effects for the host, including its importance in alleviating infections caused by pathogens such as Clostridioides difficile. Despite the potential role of SCFAs in mitigating C. difficile infection, their direct effect on C. difficile remains unclear. Through a set of in vitro experiments, we investigated how SCFAs influence C. difficile growth, sporulation, and toxin production. Similar to previous studies, we observed that butyrate decreased growth of C. difficile strain 630 in a dose-dependent manner. The presence of butyrate also increased C. difficile sporulation, with minimal increases in toxin production. RNA-Seq analysis validated our experimental results, demonstrating increased expression of sporulation-related genes in conjunction with changes in metabolic and regulatory genes, such as a putative carbon starvation protein, CstA. Collectively, these data suggest that butyrate may induce alternative C. difficile survival pathways, modifying its growth ability and virulence to persist in the gut environment. IMPORTANCE Several studies suggest that butyrate may modulate gut infections, such as reducing inflammation caused by the healthcare-associated Clostridioides difficile. While studies in both animal models and human studies correlate high levels of butyrate with reduced C. difficile burden, the direct impact of butyrate on C. difficile remains unclear. Our study demonstrates that butyrate directly influences C. difficile by increasing its sporulation and modifying its metabolism, potentially using butyrate as a biomarker to shift survival strategies in a changing gut environment. These data point to additional therapeutic approaches to combat C. difficile in a butyrate-directed manner.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Disha Bhattacharjee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Julian D. Coles
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Sydney Nelson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - C. Alexis McCollum
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Anna M. Seekatz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
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Mavrogeni ME, Asadpoor M, Judernatz JH, van Ark I, Wösten MMSM, Strijbis K, Pieters RJ, Folkerts G, Braber S. Protective Effects of Alginate and Chitosan Oligosaccharides against Clostridioides difficile Bacteria and Toxin. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:586. [PMID: 37888617 PMCID: PMC10610568 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15100586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile infection is expected to become the most common healthcare-associated infection worldwide. C. difficile-induced pathogenicity is significantly attributed to its enterotoxin, TcdA, which primarily targets Rho-GTPases involved in regulating cytoskeletal and tight junction (TJ) dynamics, thus leading to cytoskeleton breakdown and ultimately increased intestinal permeability. This study investigated whether two non-digestible oligosaccharides (NDOs), alginate (AOS) and chitosan (COS) oligosaccharides, possess antipathogenic and barrier-protective properties against C. difficile bacteria and TcdA toxin, respectively. Both NDOs significantly reduced C. difficile growth, while cell cytotoxicity assays demonstrated that neither COS nor AOS significantly attenuated the TcdA-induced cell death 24 h post-exposure. The challenge of Caco-2 monolayers with increasing TcdA concentrations increased paracellular permeability, as measured by TEER and LY flux assays. In this experimental setup, COS completely abolished, and AOS mitigated, the deleterious effects of TcdA on the monolayer's integrity. These events were not accompanied by alterations in ZO-1 and occludin protein levels; however, immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that both AOS and COS prevented the TcdA-induced occludin mislocalization. Finally, both NDOs accelerated TJ reassembly upon a calcium-switch assay. Overall, this study established the antipathogenic and barrier-protective capacity of AOS and COS against C. difficile and its toxin, TcdA, while revealing their ability to promote TJ reassembly in Caco-2 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eleni Mavrogeni
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mostafa Asadpoor
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jo H Judernatz
- Structural Biochemistry Group, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ingrid van Ark
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marc M S M Wösten
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Karin Strijbis
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Roland J Pieters
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gert Folkerts
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia Braber
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
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49
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Bassotti G, Stracci F, Marconi P, Fettucciari K. Clostridioides difficile and colorectal cancer: a dangerous liaison. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 35:985-988. [PMID: 37505976 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000002615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Many colorectal diseases depend on complex interactions between several pathophysiological factors, including the intestinal microbiota. In recent years, the widespread use of antibiotics has been recognized as a main cause of intestinal dysbiosis and a favouring factor for Clostridioides difficile infection. The latter, in addition, causes infectious diarrhoea, pseudomembranous colitis, and toxic megacolon by means of its toxins (A and, especially, B), is characterized by frequent relapses; thus, its persistence in a host may be long-lasting. Based on recent experimental evidence, here we analyse the possibility that, similarly to other bacteria, Clostridioides difficile may be considered a potential carcinogen for colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrio Bassotti
- Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Digestive Endoscopy Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia
- Gastroenterology & Hepatology Unit, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital
| | - Fabrizio Stracci
- Public Health Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia
| | - Pierfrancesco Marconi
- Biosciences & Medical Embryology Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Katia Fettucciari
- Biosciences & Medical Embryology Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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50
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Ivashkin VT, Lyashenko OS, Drapkina OM, Alexeeva OP, Alekseenko SA, Andreev DN, Baranovsky AY, Goloshchapov OV, Zheleznova NV, Zolnikova OY, Kliaritskaia IL, Korochanskaya NV, Lapina TL, Maev IV, Maslennikov RV, Myazin RG, Pavlov PV, Perekalina MV, Pisarenko NA, Povtoreyko AV, Poluektova EA, Sekretareva LA, Tkachev AV, Troshkina YM, Trukhmanov AS, Ulyanin AI, Filatova SG, Tsukanov VV, Shifrin OS. Clinical Practice Guidelines of the Scientific Society for the Clinical Study of Human Microbiome, of the Russian Gastroenterological Association and the Russian Society for the Prevention of Noncommunicable Diseases on the Diagnosis and Treatment of <i>Clostridioides difficile</i> (<i>C. difficile</i>)-associated Disease in Adults. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY, HEPATOLOGY, COLOPROCTOLOGY 2023; 33:85-119. [DOI: 10.22416/1382-4376-2023-33-3-85-119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/26/2024]
Abstract
Аim: the clinical practice guidelines intended for gastroenterologists, internal medicine specialists, infectious disease specialists, general practitioners (family doctors), coloproctologists, surgeons and endoscopists present modern methods of diagnosis, prevention and treatment of C. difficile-associated disease.Key points. C. difficile-associated disease is a disease that develops when the diversity of the intestinal microbiota decreases and C. difficile excessively colonizes the colon, the toxins of which damage the intestinal muco-epithelial barrier, followed by the development of inflammation in the colon wall, with diarrhea being a characteristic clinical manifestation. The clinical presentation of the disease can vary from asymptomatic carriage, mild to moderate diarrhea that resolves on its own, to profuse watery diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis with development of life-threatening complications. The diagnosis of C. difficile-associated disease is based on an assessment of the clinical presentation, medical history, an objective examination of the patient and laboratory stool tests. The disease severity is determined by clinical symptoms and laboratory findings. Additional diagnostic methods that are used according to indications and contribute to the assessment of severity include endoscopy of the colon and abdominal cavity imaging methods. Treatment should be initiated in cases of characteristic clinical presentation of C. difficile-associated disease and positive laboratory stool testing. The choice of drug and treatment regimen depends on the severity of the episode, the presence of complications, and whether the episode is initial, recurrent, or reinfection.Conclusion. Determination of target groups of patients for the diagnosis of clostridial infection is important in preventing overdiagnosis and subsequent unnecessary treatment. Timely diagnosis and treatment of C. difficile-associated disease help avoiding the development of life-threatening complications and improve the prognosis and quality of life of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. T. Ivashkin
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State University (Sechenov University)
| | - O. S. Lyashenko
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State University (Sechenov University)
| | - O. M. Drapkina
- National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine
| | | | | | - D. N. Andreev
- A.I. Yevdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry
| | | | | | | | - O. Yu. Zolnikova
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State University (Sechenov University)
| | | | | | - T. L. Lapina
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State University (Sechenov University)
| | - I. V. Maev
- A.I. Yevdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry
| | | | | | - P. V. Pavlov
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State University (Sechenov University)
| | | | | | | | - E. A. Poluektova
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State University (Sechenov University)
| | | | | | | | - A. S. Trukhmanov
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State University (Sechenov University)
| | - A. I. Ulyanin
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State University (Sechenov University)
| | | | - V. V. Tsukanov
- Federal Research Center “Krasnoyarsk Science Center of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences”
| | - O. S. Shifrin
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State University (Sechenov University)
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