1
|
Dicks LMT, Vermeulen W. Bacteriophage-Host Interactions and the Therapeutic Potential of Bacteriophages. Viruses 2024; 16:478. [PMID: 38543843 PMCID: PMC10975011 DOI: 10.3390/v16030478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Healthcare faces a major problem with the increased emergence of antimicrobial resistance due to over-prescribing antibiotics. Bacteriophages may provide a solution to the treatment of bacterial infections given their specificity. Enzymes such as endolysins, exolysins, endopeptidases, endosialidases, and depolymerases produced by phages interact with bacterial surfaces, cell wall components, and exopolysaccharides, and may even destroy biofilms. Enzymatic cleavage of the host cell envelope components exposes specific receptors required for phage adhesion. Gram-positive bacteria are susceptible to phage infiltration through their peptidoglycan, cell wall teichoic acid (WTA), lipoteichoic acids (LTAs), and flagella. In Gram-negative bacteria, lipopolysaccharides (LPSs), pili, and capsules serve as targets. Defense mechanisms used by bacteria differ and include physical barriers (e.g., capsules) or endogenous mechanisms such as clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-associated protein (Cas) systems. Phage proteins stimulate immune responses against specific pathogens and improve antibiotic susceptibility. This review discusses the attachment of phages to bacterial cells, the penetration of bacterial cells, the use of phages in the treatment of bacterial infections, and the limitations of phage therapy. The therapeutic potential of phage-derived proteins and the impact that genomically engineered phages may have in the treatment of infections are summarized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leon M. T. Dicks
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa;
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Schamp CN, Dhowlaghar N, Hudson LK, Bryan DW, Zhong Q, Fozo EM, Gaballa A, Wiedmann M, Denes TG. Selection of mutant Listeria phages under food-relevant conditions can enhance application potential. Appl Environ Microbiol 2023; 89:e0100723. [PMID: 37800961 PMCID: PMC10617581 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01007-23] [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: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages are viruses that infect and kill bacteria. Currently, phage products are available for the control of the pathogen Listeria monocytogenes in food products in the United States. In this study, we explore whether experimental evolution can be used to generate phages with improved abilities to function under specific food-relevant conditions. Ultra-pasteurized oat and whole milk were chosen as test matrices as they represent different food groups, yet have similar physical traits and macronutrient composition. We showed that (i) wild-type phage LP-125 infection kinetics are different in the two matrices and (ii) LP-125 has a significantly higher burst size in oat milk. From this, we attempted to evolve LP-125 to have improved infection kinetics in whole milk. Ancestral LP-125 was passaged through 10 rounds of amplification in milk conditions. Plaque-purified DNA samples from milk-selected phages were isolated and sequenced, and mutations present in the isolated phages were identified. We found two nonsynonymous substitutions in LP125_108 and LP125_112 genes, which encode putative baseplate-associated glycerophosphoryl diester phosphodiesterase and baseplate protein, respectively. Protein structural modeling showed that the substituted amino acids in the mutant phages are predicted to localize to surface-exposed helices on the corresponding structures, which might affect the surface charge of proteins and their interaction with the bacterial cell. The phage containing the LP125_112 mutation adsorbed significantly faster than the ancestral phage in both oat and whole milk. Follow-up experiments suggest that fat content may be a key factor for the expression of the phenotype of this mutation. IMPORTANCE Bacteriophages are one of the tools available to control the foodborne pathogen, Listeria monocytogenes. Phage products must work under a broad range of food conditions to be an effective control for L. monocytogenes. Here, we show that the experimental evolution of phages can be used to generate new phages with phenotypes useful under specific conditions. We used this approach to select for a mutant phage that more efficiently binds to L. monocytogenes that is grown in whole milk and oat milk. We show that the fat content of these milks is necessary for the expression of this phenotype. Our findings show that experimental evolution can be used to select for improved phages with better performance under specific conditions. This approach has the potential to support the development of condition-specific phage-based biocontrols in the food industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire N. Schamp
- Department of Food Science, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Nitin Dhowlaghar
- Department of Food Science, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Lauren K. Hudson
- Department of Food Science, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Daniel W. Bryan
- Department of Food Science, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Qixin Zhong
- Department of Food Science, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Elizabeth M. Fozo
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Ahmed Gaballa
- Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Martin Wiedmann
- Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Thomas G. Denes
- Department of Food Science, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wakinaka T, Matsutani M, Watanabe J, Mogi Y, Tokuoka M, Ohnishi A. Identification of Capsular Polysaccharide Synthesis Loci Determining Bacteriophage Susceptibility in Tetragenococcus halophilus. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0038523. [PMID: 37154759 PMCID: PMC10269466 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00385-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages infecting Tetragenococcus halophilus, a halophilic lactic acid bacterium, have been a major industrial concern due to their detrimental effects on the quality of food products. Previously characterized tetragenococcal phages displayed narrow host ranges, but there is little information on these mechanisms. Here, we revealed the host's determinant factors for phage susceptibility using two virulent phages, phiYA5_2 and phiYG2_4, that infect T. halophilus YA5 and YG2, respectively. Phage-resistant derivatives were obtained from these host strains, and mutations were found at the capsular polysaccharide (CPS) synthesis (cps) loci. Quantification analysis verified that capsular polysaccharide production by the cps derivatives from YG2 was impaired. Transmission electron microscopy observation confirmed the presence of filamentous structures outside the cell walls of YG2 and their absence in the cps derivatives of YG2. Phage adsorption assays revealed that phiYG2_4 adsorbed to YG2 but not its cps derivatives, which suggests that the capsular polysaccharide of YG2 is the specific receptor for phiYG2_4. Interestingly, phiYA5_2 adsorbed and infected cps derivatives of YG2, although neither adsorption to nor infection of the parental strain YG2 by phiYA5_2 was observed. The plaque-surrounding halos formed by phiYA5_2 implied the presence of the virion-associated depolymerase that degrades the capsular polysaccharide of YA5. These results indicated that the capsular polysaccharide is a physical barrier rather than a binding receptor for phiYA5_2 and that phiYA5_2 specifically overcomes the capsular polysaccharide of YA5. Thus, it is suggested that tetragenococcal phages utilize CPSs as binding receptors and/or degrade CPSs to approach host cells. IMPORTANCE T. halophilus is a halophilic lactic acid bacterium that contributes to the fermentation processes for various salted foods. Bacteriophage infections of T. halophilus have been a major industrial problem causing fermentation failures. Here, we identified the cps loci in T. halophilus as genetic determinants of phage susceptibility. The structural diversity of the capsular polysaccharide is responsible for the narrow host ranges of tetragenococcal phages. The information provided here could facilitate future studies on tetragenococcal phages and the development of efficient methods to prevent bacteriophage infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jun Watanabe
- Manufacturing Division, Yamasa Corporation, Choshi, Japan
- Faculty of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Fukushima University, Fukushima, Japan
- Institute of Fermentation Sciences, Fukushima University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Mogi
- Manufacturing Division, Yamasa Corporation, Choshi, Japan
| | - Masafumi Tokuoka
- Department of Fermentation Science, Faculty of Applied Biosciences, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihiro Ohnishi
- Department of Fermentation Science, Faculty of Applied Biosciences, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Brown P, Kucerova Z, Gorski L, Chen Y, Ivanova M, Leekitcharoenphon P, Parsons C, Niedermeyer J, Jackson J, Kathariou S. Horizontal Gene Transfer and Loss of Serotype-Specific Genes in Listeria monocytogenes Can Lead to Incorrect Serotype Designations with a Commonly-Employed Molecular Serotyping Scheme. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0274522. [PMID: 36472431 PMCID: PMC9927564 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02745-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive, facultative intracellular foodborne pathogen capable of causing severe, invasive illness (listeriosis). Three serotypes, 1/2a, 1/2b, and 4b, are leading contributors to human listeriosis, with 4b including the major hypervirulent clones. The multiplex PCR scheme developed by Doumith and collaborators employs primers targeting specific lineages (e.g., lineage II-specific lmo0737, lineage I-specific LMOf2365_2059) or serotypes (e.g., serotype 4b-specific LMOf2365_1900). The Doumith scheme (DS) is extensively employed for molecular serotyping of L. monocytogenes due to its high accuracy, relative ease, and affordability. However, for certain strains, the DS serotype designations are in conflict with those relying on antibody-based schemes or whole-genome sequence (WGS) analysis. In the current study, all 27 tested serotype 4b strains with sequence type 782 (ST782) within the hypervirulent clonal complex 2 (CC2) were designated 1/2b/3b using the DS. These strains lacked the serotype 4b-specific gene LMOf2365_1900, while retaining LMOf2365_2059, which, together with prs, yields the DS 1/2b/3b profile. Furthermore, 15 serotype 1/2a strains of four STs, mostly from water, were designated 1/2b/3b using the DS. These strains lacked the lmo0737 cassette but harbored genomic islands with LMOf2365_2059, thus yielding the DS 1/2b/3b profile. Lastly, we investigated a novel, dual 1/2a-1/2b profile obtained using the DS with 21 serotype 1/2a strains of four STs harboring both the lmo0737 cassette and genomic islands with LMOf2365_2059. The findings suggest that for certain strains and clones of L. monocytogenes the DS designations should be viewed with caution and complemented with alternative tools, e.g., traditional serotyping or WGS analysis. IMPORTANCE Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen responsible for severe illness (listeriosis), especially in pregnant women and their fetuses, immunocompromised individuals, and the elderly. Three serotypes, 1/2a, 1/2b, and 4b, account for most human listeriosis, with certain serotype 4b clonal complexes (CCs) overrepresented in human disease. Serotyping remains extensively employed in Listeria epidemiologic investigations, and a multiplex PCR-based serotyping scheme is widely used. However, the PCR gene targets can be lost or gained via horizontal gene transfer, leading to novel PCR profiles without known serotype designations or to incorrect serotype assignments. Thus, an entire serotype 4b clone of the hypervirulent CC2 would be misidentified as serotype 1/2b, and several strains of serotype 1/2a would be identified as serotype 1/2b. Such challenges are especially common in novel clones from underexplored habitats, e.g., wildlife and surface water. The findings suggest caution in application of molecular serotyping, while highlighting Listeria's diversity and potential for horizontal gene transfer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Phillip Brown
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Zuzana Kucerova
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), EDLB/DFWED, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lisa Gorski
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Western Regional Research Center, Produce Safety and Microbiology Unit, Albany, California, USA
| | - Yi Chen
- Division of Microbiology, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Mirena Ivanova
- Research Group for Genomic Epidemiology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Pimlapas Leekitcharoenphon
- Research Group for Genomic Epidemiology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Cameron Parsons
- Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jeffrey Niedermeyer
- Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - James Jackson
- Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sophia Kathariou
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Leprince A, Mahillon J. Phage Adsorption to Gram-Positive Bacteria. Viruses 2023; 15:196. [PMID: 36680236 PMCID: PMC9863714 DOI: 10.3390/v15010196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The phage life cycle is a multi-stage process initiated by the recognition and attachment of the virus to its bacterial host. This adsorption step depends on the specific interaction between bacterial structures acting as receptors and viral proteins called Receptor Binding Proteins (RBP). The adsorption process is essential as it is the first determinant of phage host range and a sine qua non condition for the subsequent conduct of the life cycle. In phages belonging to the Caudoviricetes class, the capsid is attached to a tail, which is the central player in the adsorption as it comprises the RBP and accessory proteins facilitating phage binding and cell wall penetration prior to genome injection. The nature of the viral proteins involved in host adhesion not only depends on the phage morphology (i.e., myovirus, siphovirus, or podovirus) but also the targeted host. Here, we give an overview of the adsorption process and compile the available information on the type of receptors that can be recognized and the viral proteins taking part in the process, with the primary focus on phages infecting Gram-positive bacteria.
Collapse
|
6
|
Wohlfarth JC, Feldmüller M, Schneller A, Kilcher S, Burkolter M, Meile S, Pilhofer M, Schuppler M, Loessner MJ. L-form conversion in Gram-positive bacteria enables escape from phage infection. Nat Microbiol 2023; 8:387-399. [PMID: 36717719 PMCID: PMC9981463 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-022-01317-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
At the end of a lytic bacteriophage replication cycle in Gram-positive bacteria, peptidoglycan-degrading endolysins that cause explosive cell lysis of the host can also attack non-infected bystander cells. Here we show that in osmotically stabilized environments, Listeria monocytogenes can evade phage predation by transient conversion to a cell wall-deficient L-form state. This L-form escape is triggered by endolysins disintegrating the cell wall from without, leading to turgor-driven extrusion of wall-deficient, yet viable L-form cells. Remarkably, in the absence of phage predation, we show that L-forms can quickly revert to the walled state. These findings suggest that L-form conversion represents a population-level persistence mechanism to evade complete eradication by phage attack. Importantly, we also demonstrate phage-mediated L-form switching of the urinary tract pathogen Enterococcus faecalis in human urine, which underscores that this escape route may be widespread and has important implications for phage- and endolysin-based therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan C. Wohlfarth
- grid.5801.c0000 0001 2156 2780Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Miki Feldmüller
- grid.5801.c0000 0001 2156 2780Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alissa Schneller
- grid.5801.c0000 0001 2156 2780Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Samuel Kilcher
- grid.5801.c0000 0001 2156 2780Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marco Burkolter
- grid.5801.c0000 0001 2156 2780Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Susanne Meile
- grid.5801.c0000 0001 2156 2780Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Pilhofer
- grid.5801.c0000 0001 2156 2780Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus Schuppler
- grid.5801.c0000 0001 2156 2780Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin J. Loessner
- grid.5801.c0000 0001 2156 2780Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ecogenomics reveals viral communities across the Challenger Deep oceanic trench. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1055. [PMID: 36192584 PMCID: PMC9529941 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04027-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the environmental challenges and nutrient scarcity, the geographically isolated Challenger Deep in Mariana trench, is considered a dynamic hotspot of microbial activity. Hadal viruses are the least explored microorganisms in Challenger Deep, while their taxonomic and functional diversity and ecological impact on deep-sea biogeochemistry are poorly described. Here, we collect 13 sediment cores from slope and bottom-axis sites across the Challenger Deep (down to ~11 kilometers depth), and identify 1,628 previously undescribed viral operational taxonomic units at species level. Community-wide analyses reveals 1,299 viral genera and distinct viral diversity across the trench, which is significantly higher at the bottom-axis vs. slope sites of the trench. 77% of these viral genera have not been previously identified in soils, deep-sea sediments and other oceanic settings. Key prokaryotes involved in hadal carbon and nitrogen cycling are predicted to be potential hosts infected by these viruses. The detected putative auxiliary metabolic genes suggest that viruses at Challenger Deep could modulate the carbohydrate and sulfur metabolisms of their potential hosts, and stabilize host’s cell membranes under extreme hydrostatic pressures. Our results shed light on hadal viral metabolic capabilities, contribute to understanding deep sea ecology and on functional adaptions of hadal viruses for future research. Analysis of 13 sediment cores from the Challenger Deep of Marian Trench (down to 11 kilometers depth) identified distinct operational taxonomic units and relevant auxiliary metabolic genes, providing further insight into deep-sea viral metabolic capabilities and ecology.
Collapse
|
8
|
Functional Genomics Identified Novel Genes Involved in Growth at Low Temperatures in Listeria monocytogenes. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0071022. [PMID: 35735974 PMCID: PMC9431668 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00710-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) is a foodborne pathogen that can cause severe human illness. Standard control measures for restricting bacterial growth, such as refrigeration, are often inadequate as Lm grows well at low temperatures. To identify genes involved in growth at low temperatures, a powerful functional genomics method Tn-seq was performed in this study. This genome-wide screening comprehensively identified the known and novel genetic determinants involved in low-temperature growth. A novel gene lmo1366, encoding rRNA methyltransferase, was identified to play an essential role in Lm growth at 16°C. In contrast, the inactivation of lmo2301, a gene encoding the terminase of phage A118, significantly enhanced the growth of Lm at 16°C. The deletion of lmo1366 or lmo2301 resulted in cell morphology alterations and impaired the growth rate in milk and other conditions at low temperatures. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the Δlmo1366 and Δlmo2301 mutants exhibited altered transcriptional patterns compared to the wild-type strain at 16°C with significant differences in genes involved in ribosome structural stability and function, and membrane biogenesis, respectively. This work uncovered novel genetic determinants involved in Lm growth at 16°C, which could lead to a better understanding of how bacteria survive and multiply at low temperatures. Furthermore, these findings could potentially contribute to developing novel antibacterial strategies under low-temperature conditions. IMPORTANCEListeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive pathogen that contributes to foodborne outbreaks due to its ability to survive at low temperatures. However, the genetic determinants of Lm involved in growth at low temperatures have not been fully defined. Here, the genetic determinants involved in the low-temperature growth of Lm were comprehensively identified on a genome-wide scale by Tn-seq. The gene lmo1366, encoding rRNA methyltransferase, was identified essential for growth under low-temperature conditions. On the other hand, the gene lmo2301, encoding terminase of phage A118, plays a negative role in bacterial growth at low temperatures. The transcriptomic analysis revealed the potential mechanisms. These findings lead to a better understanding of how bacteria survive and multiply at low temperatures and could provide unique targets for novel antibacterial strategies under low-temperature conditions.
Collapse
|
9
|
Trudelle D, Bryan DW, Ray S, Munafo JP, Denes TG. Analysis of Derivatized Wall Teichoic Acids Confirms that a Mutation in Phage-Resistant Listeria monocytogenes Impacts Rhamnose Decoration. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:17002-17013. [PMID: 35647425 PMCID: PMC9134232 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c07403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive foodborne pathogen that causes listeriosis, an illness that may result in serious health consequences or death. Wall teichoic acids (WTAs) are external cell wall glycopolymers that play many biological roles. Here, the WTA composition was determined for several phage-resistant mutant strains of L. monocytogenes. The strains included wild-type (WT) L. monocytogenes 10403S, and three phage-resistant mutant strains derived from 10403S, consisting of two well-characterized strains and one with unknown impact on cell physiology. Several WTA monomers were prepared from WT 10403S, as analytical standards. The WTA monomer fraction was then isolated from the mutant strains and the corresponding per-trimethylsilylated derivatives were analyzed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection. WTA monomer, GlcNAc-Rha-Rbo, was detected in 10403S, and not detected in the phage-resistant strains known to lack rhamnose and N-acetylglucosamine; although the expected monomers GlcNAc-Rbo and Rha-Rbo were detected, respectively. GlcNAc-Rha-Rbo was also detected in strain UTK P1-0001, which is known to impact phage adsorption through an undetermined mechanism, albeit at a lower intensity than the WT 10403S, which is consistent with partial loss of function through truncation in RmlC protein. WTA monomers were also detected in an unpurified cell pellet, demonstrating that the method employed in this study can be used to rapidly screen L. monocytogenes without laborious WTA purification. This study lays the groundwork for future studies on WTA compositional analysis to support genomic data, and serves as a foundation for the development of new rapid methods for WTA compositional analysis.
Collapse
|
10
|
Wakinaka T, Matsutani M, Watanabe J, Mogi Y, Tokuoka M, Ohnishi A. Ribitol-Containing Wall Teichoic Acid of Tetragenococcus halophilus Is Targeted by Bacteriophage phiWJ7 as a Binding Receptor. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0033622. [PMID: 35311554 PMCID: PMC9045211 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00336-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Tetragenococcus halophilus, a halophilic lactic acid bacterium, is used in the fermentation process of soy sauce manufacturing. For many years, bacteriophage infections of T. halophilus have been a major industrial problem that causes fermentation failure. However, studies focusing on the mechanisms of tetragenococcal host-phage interactions are not sufficient. In this study, we generated two phage-insensitive derivatives from the parental strain T. halophilus WJ7, which is susceptible to the virulent phage phiWJ7. Whole-genome sequencing of the derivatives revealed that insertion sequences were transposed into a gene encoding poly(ribitol phosphate) polymerase (TarL) in both derivatives. TarL is responsible for the biosynthesis of ribitol-containing wall teichoic acid, and WJ7 was confirmed to contain ribitol in extracted wall teichoic acid, but the derivative was not. Cell walls of WJ7 irreversibly adsorbed phiWJ7, but those of the phage-insensitive derivatives did not. Additionally, 25 phiWJ7-insensitive derivatives were obtained, and they showed mutations not only in tarL but also in tarI and tarJ, which are responsible for the synthesis of CDP-ribitol. These results indicate that phiWJ7 targets the ribitol-containing wall teichoic acid of host cells as a binding receptor. IMPORTANCE Information about the mechanisms of host-phage interactions is required for the development of efficient strategies against bacteriophage infections. Here, we identified the ribitol-containing wall teichoic acid as a host receptor indispensable for bacteriophage infection. The complete genome sequence of tetragenococcal phage phiWJ7 belonging to the family Rountreeviridae is also provided here. This study could become the foundation for a better understanding of host-phage interactions of tetragenococci.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jun Watanabe
- Manufacturing Division, Yamasa Corporation, Choshi, Japan
- Faculty of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Fukushima University, Fukushima, Japan
- Institute of Fermentation Sciences, Fukushima University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Mogi
- Manufacturing Division, Yamasa Corporation, Choshi, Japan
| | - Masafumi Tokuoka
- Department of Fermentation Science, Faculty of Applied Bio-Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihiro Ohnishi
- Department of Fermentation Science, Faculty of Applied Bio-Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Non-coding RNA regulates phage sensitivity in Listeria monocytogenes. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260768. [PMID: 34928977 PMCID: PMC8687577 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have gained increasing attention as their diverse roles in virulence and environmental stress in Listeria monocytogenes have become clearer. The ncRNA rliB is an atypical member of the CRISPR family, conserved at the same genomic locus in all analyzed L. monocytogenes genomes and also in other Listeria species. In this study, rliB defective mutants (Lm3-22-ΔrliB) were constructed by homologous recombination. The growth cycle of Lm3-22-ΔrliB mutants was slower than that of wild-type Lm3-22. The sensitivity of Lm3-22-ΔrliB to the Listeria phage vB-LmoM-SH3-3 was significantly increased, and the efficiency of plaque formation was enhanced by 128 fold. Compared with wild type, the adhesion and invasion of Lm3-22-ΔrliB decreased significantly (9.3% and 1.33%, respectively). After 4 hours of infection, the proliferation of Lm3-22-ΔrliB in RAW264.7 cells also decreased significantly. Transcription level of invasion-related surface proteins showed that the internalin genes lmo0610 and lm0514, and the peptidoglycan binding protein gene lmo1799 in Lm3-22-ΔrliB were significantly increased. In addition, after interaction with phage, the transcription levels of inlA, lmo0610, lmo1799, lmo2085, and lmo0514 in Lm3-22-ΔrliB cells were significantly upregulated, while inlB was downregulated, compared with Lm3-22 control group with phage treatment. Therefore, rliB deletion effectively regulated the interaction between Listeria and phage, weaken its invasion ability, and provided a new theoretical basis for biocontrol of phage.
Collapse
|
12
|
Martinez-Soto CE, Cucić S, Lin JT, Kirst S, Mahmoud ES, Khursigara CM, Anany H. PHIDA: A High Throughput Turbidimetric Data Analytic Tool to Compare Host Range Profiles of Bacteriophages Isolated Using Different Enrichment Methods. Viruses 2021; 13:2120. [PMID: 34834927 PMCID: PMC8623551 DOI: 10.3390/v13112120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria and are present in niches where bacteria thrive. In recent years, the suggested application areas of lytic bacteriophage have been expanded to include therapy, biocontrol, detection, sanitation, and remediation. However, phage application is constrained by the phage's host range-the range of bacterial hosts sensitive to the phage and the degree of infection. Even though phage isolation and enrichment techniques are straightforward protocols, the correlation between the enrichment technique and host range profile has not been evaluated. Agar-based methods such as spotting assay and efficiency of plaquing (EOP) are the most used methods to determine the phage host range. These methods, aside from being labor intensive, can lead to subjective and incomplete results as they rely on qualitative observations of the lysis/plaques, do not reflect the lytic activity in liquid culture, and can overestimate the host range. In this study, phages against three bacterial genera were isolated using three different enrichment methods. Host range profiles of the isolated phages were quantitatively determined using a high throughput turbidimetric protocol and the data were analyzed with an accessible analytic tool "PHIDA". Using this tool, the host ranges of 9 Listeria, 14 Salmonella, and 20 Pseudomonas phages isolated with different enrichment methods were quantitatively compared. A high variability in the host range index (HRi) ranging from 0.86-0.63, 0.07-0.24, and 0.00-0.67 for Listeria, Salmonella, and Pseudomonas phages, respectively, was observed. Overall, no direct correlation was found between the phage host range breadth and the enrichment method in any of the three target bacterial genera. The high throughput method and analytics tool developed in this study can be easily adapted to any phage study and can provide a consensus for phage host range determination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos E. Martinez-Soto
- Guelph Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Guelph, ON N1G 5C9, Canada; (C.E.M.-S.); (S.C.); (J.T.L.); (S.K.); (C.M.K.)
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Biological Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Stevan Cucić
- Guelph Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Guelph, ON N1G 5C9, Canada; (C.E.M.-S.); (S.C.); (J.T.L.); (S.K.); (C.M.K.)
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Biological Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Janet T. Lin
- Guelph Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Guelph, ON N1G 5C9, Canada; (C.E.M.-S.); (S.C.); (J.T.L.); (S.K.); (C.M.K.)
| | - Sarah Kirst
- Guelph Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Guelph, ON N1G 5C9, Canada; (C.E.M.-S.); (S.C.); (J.T.L.); (S.K.); (C.M.K.)
| | - El Sayed Mahmoud
- Faculty of Applied Science and Technology, The Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Oakville, ON L6H 2L1, Canada;
| | - Cezar M. Khursigara
- Guelph Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Guelph, ON N1G 5C9, Canada; (C.E.M.-S.); (S.C.); (J.T.L.); (S.K.); (C.M.K.)
| | - Hany Anany
- Guelph Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Guelph, ON N1G 5C9, Canada; (C.E.M.-S.); (S.C.); (J.T.L.); (S.K.); (C.M.K.)
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Biological Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Whole Genome Sequence Analysis of Phage-Resistant Listeria monocytogenes Serotype 1/2a Strains from Turkey Processing Plants. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10020199. [PMID: 33668492 PMCID: PMC7922946 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive bacterial pathogen and the causative agent of listeriosis, a severe foodborne infection. L. monocytogenes is notorious for its ability to persist in food processing environments (FPEs) via a variety of adaptive traits. Even though traits such as cold tolerance, biofilm formation and sanitizer resistance have been extensively investigated for their roles in persistence of L. monocytogenes in FPEs, much less is known about resistance to bacteriophages. Previous studies explored phage resistance mechanisms in laboratory-created mutants but it is imperative to investigate phage resistance that is naturally exhibited in FPE-derived strains. Here, we integrated the analysis of whole genome sequence data from a panel of serotype 1/2a strains of sequence types 321 and 391 from turkey processing plants, with the determination of cell surface substituents required for phage adsorption and phage infection assays with the four wide-host-range phages A511, P100, 20422-1 and 805405-1. Using a specific set of recombinant phage protein probes, we discovered that phage-resistant strains lacked one or both of the serogroup 1/2-specific wall teichoic acid carbohydrate decorations, N-acetylglucosamine and rhamnose. Furthermore, these phage-resistant strains harbored substitutions in lmo1080, lmo1081, and lmo2550, which mediate carbohydrate decoration of the wall teichoic acids.
Collapse
|
14
|
Wu X, Han J, Gong G, Koffas MAG, Zha J. Wall teichoic acids: physiology and applications. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2020; 45:6019871. [DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuaa064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Wall teichoic acids (WTAs) are charged glycopolymers containing phosphodiester-linked polyol units and represent one of the major components of Gram-positive cell envelope. WTAs have important physiological functions in cell division, gene transfer, surface adhesion, drug resistance and biofilm formation, and are critical virulence factors and vital determinants in mediating cell interaction with and tolerance to environmental factors. Here, we first briefly introduce WTA structure, biosynthesis and its regulation, and then summarize in detail four major physiological roles played by WTAs, i.e. WTA-mediated resistance to antimicrobials, virulence to mammalian cells, interaction with bacteriolytic enzymes and regulation of cell metabolism. We also review the applications of WTAs in these fields that are closely related to the human society, including antibacterial drug discovery targeting WTA biosynthesis, development of vaccines and antibodies regarding WTA-mediated pathogenicity, specific and sensitive detection of pathogens in food using WTAs as a surface epitope and regulation of WTA-related pathways for efficient microbial production of useful compounds. We also point out major problems remaining in these fields, and discuss some possible directions in the future exploration of WTA physiology and applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xia Wu
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710021, China
| | - Jing Han
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710021, China
| | - Guoli Gong
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710021, China
| | - Mattheos A G Koffas
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA
| | - Jian Zha
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710021, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Sumrall ET, Keller AP, Shen Y, Loessner MJ. Structure and function of Listeria teichoic acids and their implications. Mol Microbiol 2020; 113:627-637. [PMID: 31972870 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Teichoic acids (TAs) are the most abundant glycopolymers in the cell wall of Listeria, an opportunistic Gram-positive pathogen that causes severe foodborne infections. Two different structural classes of Listeria TA exist: the polyribitolphosphate-based wall teichoic acid (WTA) that is covalently anchored to the peptidoglycan, and the polyglycerolphosphate-based lipoteichoic acid (LTA) that is tethered to the cytoplasmic membrane. While TA polymers govern many important physiological processes, the diverse glycosylation patterns of WTA result in a high degree of surface variation across the species and serovars of Listeria, which in turn bestows varying effects on fitness, biofilm formation, bacteriophage susceptibility and virulence. We review the advances made over the past two decades, and our current understanding of the relationship between TA structure and function. We describe the various types of TA that have been structurally determined to date, and discuss the genetic determinants known to be involved in TA glycosylation. We elaborate on surface proteins functionally related to TA decoration, as well as the molecular and analytical tools used to probe TAs. We anticipate that the growing knowledge of the Listeria surface chemistry will also be exploited to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for this pathogen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric T Sumrall
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anja P Keller
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Yang Shen
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin J Loessner
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Mangalea MR, Duerkop BA. Fitness Trade-Offs Resulting from Bacteriophage Resistance Potentiate Synergistic Antibacterial Strategies. Infect Immun 2020; 88:e00926-19. [PMID: 32094257 PMCID: PMC7309606 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00926-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria that cause life-threatening infections in humans are becoming increasingly difficult to treat. In some instances, this is due to intrinsic and acquired antibiotic resistance, indicating that new therapeutic approaches are needed to combat bacterial pathogens. There is renewed interest in utilizing viruses of bacteria known as bacteriophages (phages) as potential antibacterial therapeutics. However, critics suggest that similar to antibiotics, the development of phage-resistant bacteria will halt clinical phage therapy. Although the emergence of phage-resistant bacteria is likely inevitable, there is a growing body of literature showing that phage selective pressure promotes mutations in bacteria that allow them to subvert phage infection, but with a cost to their fitness. Such fitness trade-offs include reduced virulence, resensitization to antibiotics, and colonization defects. Resistance to phage nucleic acid entry, primarily via cell surface modifications, compromises bacterial fitness during antibiotic and host immune system pressure. In this minireview, we explore the mechanisms behind phage resistance in bacterial pathogens and the physiological consequences of acquiring phage resistance phenotypes. With this knowledge, it may be possible to use phages to alter bacterial populations, making them more tractable to current therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mihnea R Mangalea
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Breck A Duerkop
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Glycotyping and Specific Separation of Listeria monocytogenes with a Novel Bacteriophage Protein Tool Kit. Appl Environ Microbiol 2020; 86:AEM.00612-20. [PMID: 32358009 PMCID: PMC7301860 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00612-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is a ubiquitous opportunistic pathogen that presents a major concern to the food industry due to its propensity to cause foodborne illness. The Listeria genus contains 15 different serovars, with most of the variance depending on the wall-associated teichoic acid glycopolymers, which confer somatic antigenicity. Strains belonging to serovars 1/2 and 4b cause the vast majority of listeriosis cases and outbreaks, meaning that regulators, as well as the food industry itself, have an interest in rapidly identifying isolates of these particular serovars in food processing environments. Current methods for phenotypic serovar differentiation are slow and lack accuracy, and the food industry could benefit from new technologies allowing serovar-specific isolation. Therefore, the novel method described here for rapid glycotype determination could present a valuable asset to detect and control this bacterium. The Gram-positive pathogen Listeria monocytogenes can be subdivided into at least 12 different serovars, based on the differential expression of a set of somatic and flagellar antigens. Of note, strains belonging to serovars 1/2a, 1/2b, and 4b cause the vast majority of foodborne listeriosis cases and outbreaks. The standard protocol for serovar determination involves an agglutination method using a set of sera containing cell surface-recognizing antibodies. However, this procedure is imperfect in both precision and practicality, due to discrepancies resulting from subjective interpretation. Furthermore, the exact antigenic epitopes remain unclear, due to the preparation of the absorbed sera and the complex nature of polyvalent antibody binding. Here, we present a novel method for quantitative somatic antigen differentiation using a set of recombinant affinity proteins (cell wall-binding domains and receptor-binding proteins) derived from a collection of Listeria bacteriophages. These proteins enable rapid, objective, and precise identification of the different teichoic acid glycopolymer structures, which represent the O-antigens, and allow a near-complete differentiation. This glycotyping approach confirmed serovar designations of over 60 previously characterized Listeria strains. Using select phage receptor-binding proteins coupled to paramagnetic beads, we also demonstrate the ability to specifically isolate serovar 1/2 or 4b cells from a mixed culture. In addition, glycotyping led to the discovery that strains designated serovar 4e actually possess an intermediate 4b-4d teichoic acid glycosylation pattern, underpinning the high discerning power and precision of this novel technique. IMPORTANCEListeria monocytogenes is a ubiquitous opportunistic pathogen that presents a major concern to the food industry due to its propensity to cause foodborne illness. The Listeria genus contains 15 different serovars, with most of the variance depending on the wall-associated teichoic acid glycopolymers, which confer somatic antigenicity. Strains belonging to serovars 1/2 and 4b cause the vast majority of listeriosis cases and outbreaks, meaning that regulators, as well as the food industry itself, have an interest in rapidly identifying isolates of these particular serovars in food processing environments. Current methods for phenotypic serovar differentiation are slow and lack accuracy, and the food industry could benefit from new technologies allowing serovar-specific isolation. Therefore, the novel method described here for rapid glycotype determination could present a valuable asset to detect and control this bacterium.
Collapse
|
18
|
Sumrall ET, Schefer CRE, Rismondo J, Schneider SR, Boulos S, Gründling A, Loessner MJ, Shen Y. Galactosylated wall teichoic acid, but not lipoteichoic acid, retains InlB on the surface of serovar 4b Listeria monocytogenes. Mol Microbiol 2020; 113:638-649. [PMID: 32185836 PMCID: PMC7155027 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive, intracellular pathogen harboring the surface-associated virulence factor InlB, which enables entry into certain host cells. Structurally diverse wall teichoic acids (WTAs), which can also be differentially glycosylated, determine the antigenic basis of the various Listeria serovars. WTAs have many physiological functions; they can serve as receptors for bacteriophages, and provide a substrate for binding of surface proteins such as InlB. In contrast, the membrane-anchored lipoteichoic acids (LTAs) do not show significant variation and do not contribute to serovar determination. It was previously demonstrated that surface-associated InlB non-covalently adheres to both WTA and LTA, mediating its retention on the cell wall. Here, we demonstrate that in a highly virulent serovar 4b strain, two genes gtlB and gttB are responsible for galactosylation of LTA and WTA respectively. We evaluated the InlB surface retention in mutants lacking each of these two genes, and found that only galactosylated WTA is required for InlB surface presentation and function, cellular invasiveness and phage adsorption, while galactosylated LTA plays no role thereof. Our findings demonstrate that a simple pathogen-defining serovar antigen, that mediates bacteriophage susceptibility, is necessary and sufficient to sustain the function of an important virulence factor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric T Sumrall
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Jeanine Rismondo
- Section of Microbiology and MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Samy Boulos
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Angelika Gründling
- Section of Microbiology and MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Martin J Loessner
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Yang Shen
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Henderson L, Cabrera-Villamizar L, Skeens J, Kent D, Murphy S, Wiedmann M, Guariglia-Oropeza V. Environmental conditions and serotype affect Listeria monocytogenes susceptibility to phage treatment in a laboratory cheese model. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:9674-9688. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-16474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
|
20
|
Ha E, Chun J, Kim M, Ryu S. Capsular Polysaccharide Is a Receptor of a Clostridium perfringens Bacteriophage CPS1. Viruses 2019; 11:v11111002. [PMID: 31683584 PMCID: PMC6893597 DOI: 10.3390/v11111002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens is a Gram-positive, anaerobic, and spore forming bacterium that is widely distributed in the environment and one of the most common causes of foodborne illnesses. Bacteriophages are regarded as one of the most promising alternatives to antibiotics in controlling antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria. Here we isolated a virulent C. perfringens phage, CPS1, and analysis of its whole genome and morphology revealed a small genome (19 kbps) and a short noncontractile tail, suggesting that CPS1 can be classified as a member of Picovirinae, a subfamily of Podoviridae. To determine the host receptor of CPS1, the EZ-Tn5 random transposon mutant library of C. perfringens ATCC 13124 was constructed and screened for resistance to CPS1 infection. Analysis of the CPS1-resistant mutants revealed that the CPF_0486 was disrupted by Tn5. The CPF_0486 was annotated as galE, a gene encoding UDP-glucose 4-epimerase (GalE). However, biochemical analyses demonstrated that the encoded protein possessed dual activities of GalE and UDP-N-acetylglucosamine 4-epimerase (Gne). We found that the CPF_0486::Tn5 mutant produced a reduced amount of capsular polysaccharides (CPS) compared with the wild type. We also discovered that glucosamine and galactosamine could competitively inhibit host adsorption of CPS1. These results suggest that CPS acts as a receptor for this phage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eunsu Ha
- Department of Food and Animal Biotechnology, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea.
| | - Jihwan Chun
- Department of Food and Animal Biotechnology, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea.
| | - Minsik Kim
- Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Human Ecology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea.
| | - Sangryeol Ryu
- Department of Food and Animal Biotechnology, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Sumrall ET, Shen Y, Keller AP, Rismondo J, Pavlou M, Eugster MR, Boulos S, Disson O, Thouvenot P, Kilcher S, Wollscheid B, Cabanes D, Lecuit M, Gründling A, Loessner MJ. Phage resistance at the cost of virulence: Listeria monocytogenes serovar 4b requires galactosylated teichoic acids for InlB-mediated invasion. PLoS Pathog 2019; 15:e1008032. [PMID: 31589660 PMCID: PMC6779246 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The intracellular pathogen Listeria monocytogenes is distinguished by its ability to invade and replicate within mammalian cells. Remarkably, of the 15 serovars within the genus, strains belonging to serovar 4b cause the majority of listeriosis clinical cases and outbreaks. The Listeria O-antigens are defined by subtle structural differences amongst the peptidoglycan-associated wall-teichoic acids (WTAs), and their specific glycosylation patterns. Here, we outline the genetic determinants required for WTA decoration in serovar 4b L. monocytogenes, and demonstrate the exact nature of the 4b-specific antigen. We show that challenge by bacteriophages selects for surviving clones that feature mutations in genes involved in teichoic acid glycosylation, leading to a loss of galactose from both wall teichoic acid and lipoteichoic acid molecules, and a switch from serovar 4b to 4d. Surprisingly, loss of this galactose decoration not only prevents phage adsorption, but leads to a complete loss of surface-associated Internalin B (InlB),the inability to form actin tails, and a virulence attenuation in vivo. We show that InlB specifically recognizes and attaches to galactosylated teichoic acid polymers, and is secreted upon loss of this modification, leading to a drastically reduced cellular invasiveness. Consequently, these phage-insensitive bacteria are unable to interact with cMet and gC1q-R host cell receptors, which normally trigger cellular uptake upon interaction with InlB. Collectively, we provide detailed mechanistic insight into the dual role of a surface antigen crucial for both phage adsorption and cellular invasiveness, demonstrating a trade-off between phage resistance and virulence in this opportunistic pathogen. L. monocytogenes is a Gram-positive, food-borne, intracellular pathogen that causes severe infection in susceptible individuals. Interestingly, almost all infections are caused by a subset of strains belonging to certain serovars featuring a complex glycosylation pattern on their cell surface. Using an engineered bacteriophage that specifically recognizes these modifications we selected for mutants that lost these sugars. We found that the resulting strains are severely deficient in invading host cells as we observed that a major virulence factor mediating host cell entry requires galactose decoration of the cell surface for its function. Without this galactose decoration, the strain represents a serovar not associated with disease. Altogether, we show a complex interplay between bacteriophages, bacteria, and the host, demonstrating that cellular invasiveness is dependent upon a serovar-defining structure, which also serves as a phage receptor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric T. Sumrall
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Yang Shen
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- * E-mail: (YS); (MJL)
| | - Anja P. Keller
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jeanine Rismondo
- Section of Microbiology and MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Pavlou
- Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marcel R. Eugster
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Samy Boulos
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Disson
- Biology of Infection Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Inserm U1117, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Thouvenot
- Biology of Infection Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Inserm U1117, Paris, France
| | - Samuel Kilcher
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Bernd Wollscheid
- Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Didier Cabanes
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde; Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Marc Lecuit
- Biology of Infection Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Inserm U1117, Paris, France
- Paris Descartes University, Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Necker-Enfants Malades University Hospital, APHP, Institut Imagine, Paris, France
| | - Angelika Gründling
- Section of Microbiology and MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Martin J. Loessner
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- * E-mail: (YS); (MJL)
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Dunne M, Rupf B, Tala M, Qabrati X, Ernst P, Shen Y, Sumrall E, Heeb L, Plückthun A, Loessner MJ, Kilcher S. Reprogramming Bacteriophage Host Range through Structure-Guided Design of Chimeric Receptor Binding Proteins. Cell Rep 2019; 29:1336-1350.e4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.09.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
|
23
|
|
24
|
Characterization of Listeria prophages in lysogenic isolates from foods and food processing environments. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0214641. [PMID: 30934000 PMCID: PMC6443182 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0214641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Prophages are commonly found in Listeria genomes, potentially enhancing survival or fitness of Listeria spp. Currently, there is still limited information on the distribution of prophages among Listeria isolates of different allelic types and from various sources. In this study, by using mitomycin C induction, prophages were found in 23/144 isolates (16.0%), including 13 L. monocytogenes and 10 Listeria spp. isolates, resulting in 28 and 11 induced phages, respectively. These prophage-carrying isolates (lysogens) were obtained from foods and food-related environments presenting 3 common allelic types (ATs) of L. monocytogenes (lineage I, II and IV), 4 ATs of L. innocua and 1 AT of L. welshimeri. The likelihood of prophage-carrying isolates of L. monocytogenes was 14.4 (95% CI: 4.9–35.4), and 18.5 (95% CI: 4.8–50.2) for Listeria spp. The 39 induced phages were classified into 3 lysis groups by the host range test against 9 major serotypes of L. monocytogenes and 5 species of Listeria. Most phages were host-specific with higher ability to lyse L. monocytogenes serotype 4 than other serotypes. The genome size of phages ranged from 35±2 kb to 50±2 kb and belonged to two common phage families, Myoviridae and Siphoviridae. Restriction analysis classified 19 selected phages into 16 restriction profiles, suggesting highly diverse prophages with at least 16 types. This may contribute to the variation in the genomes of Listeria. Information obtained here provides basic knowledge for further study to understand the overall role of prophages in Listeria, including roles in survival or fitness in foods and food processing environments.
Collapse
|
25
|
|
26
|
Guerrero-Ferreira RC, Hupfeld M, Nazarov S, Taylor NM, Shneider MM, Obbineni JM, Loessner MJ, Ishikawa T, Klumpp J, Leiman PG. Structure and transformation of bacteriophage A511 baseplate and tail upon infection of Listeria cells. EMBO J 2019; 38:embj.201899455. [PMID: 30606715 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201899455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Contractile injection systems (bacteriophage tails, type VI secretions system, R-type pyocins, etc.) utilize a rigid tube/contractile sheath assembly for breaching the envelope of bacterial and eukaryotic cells. Among contractile injection systems, bacteriophages that infect Gram-positive bacteria represent the least understood members. Here, we describe the structure of Listeria bacteriophage A511 tail in its pre- and post-host attachment states (extended and contracted, respectively) using cryo-electron microscopy, cryo-electron tomography, and X-ray crystallography. We show that the structure of the tube-baseplate complex of A511 is similar to that of phage T4, but the A511 baseplate is decorated with different receptor-binding proteins, which undergo a large structural transformation upon host attachment and switch the symmetry of the baseplate-tail fiber assembly from threefold to sixfold. For the first time under native conditions, we show that contraction of the phage tail sheath assembly starts at the baseplate and propagates through the sheath in a domino-like motion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo C Guerrero-Ferreira
- Laboratory of Structural Biology and Biophysics, School of Basic Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mario Hupfeld
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sergey Nazarov
- Laboratory of Structural Biology and Biophysics, School of Basic Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicholas Mi Taylor
- Laboratory of Structural Biology and Biophysics, School of Basic Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mikhail M Shneider
- Laboratory of Structural Biology and Biophysics, School of Basic Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Laboratory of Molecular Bioengineering, Moscow, Russia
| | - Jagan M Obbineni
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen PSI, Switzerland.,Centre for Agricultural Innovations and Advanced Learning (VAIAL), Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Martin J Loessner
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Takashi Ishikawa
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen PSI, Switzerland
| | - Jochen Klumpp
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Petr G Leiman
- Laboratory of Structural Biology and Biophysics, School of Basic Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Mirouze N, Ferret C, Cornilleau C, Carballido-López R. Antibiotic sensitivity reveals that wall teichoic acids mediate DNA binding during competence in Bacillus subtilis. Nat Commun 2018; 9:5072. [PMID: 30498236 PMCID: PMC6265299 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07553-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite decades of investigation of genetic transformation in the model Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis, the factors responsible for exogenous DNA binding at the surface of competent cells remain to be identified. Here, we report that wall teichoic acids (WTAs), cell wall-anchored anionic glycopolymers associated to numerous critical functions in Gram-positive bacteria, are involved in this initial step of transformation. Using a combination of cell wall-targeting antibiotics and fluorescence microscopy, we show that competence-specific WTAs are produced and specifically localized in the competent cells to mediate DNA binding at the proximity of the transformation apparatus. Furthermore, we propose that TuaH, a putative glycosyl transferase induced during competence, modifies competence-induced WTAs in order to promote (directly or indirectly) DNA binding. On the basis of our results and previous knowledge in the field, we propose a model for DNA binding and transport during genetic transformation in B. subtilis. Natural genetic transformation in bacteria requires DNA binding at the surface of competent cells. Here, Mirouze et al. show that wall teichoic acids are specifically produced or modified during competence in Bacillus subtilis and promote (directly or indirectly) DNA binding at the cell surface.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Mirouze
- MICALIS, INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France. .,Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), INSERM, CEA, CNRS, Université Paris-Sud, Orsay, 91190, Gif sur Yvette, France.
| | - Cécile Ferret
- MICALIS, INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Charlène Cornilleau
- MICALIS, INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Inovarion, 75013, Paris, France
| | - Rut Carballido-López
- MICALIS, INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Dunne M, Hupfeld M, Klumpp J, Loessner MJ. Molecular Basis of Bacterial Host Interactions by Gram-Positive Targeting Bacteriophages. Viruses 2018; 10:v10080397. [PMID: 30060549 PMCID: PMC6115969 DOI: 10.3390/v10080397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The inherent ability of bacteriophages (phages) to infect specific bacterial hosts makes them ideal candidates to develop into antimicrobial agents for pathogen-specific remediation in food processing, biotechnology, and medicine (e.g., phage therapy). Conversely, phage contaminations of fermentation processes are a major concern to dairy and bioprocessing industries. The first stage of any successful phage infection is adsorption to a bacterial host cell, mediated by receptor-binding proteins (RBPs). As the first point of contact, the binding specificity of phage RBPs is the primary determinant of bacterial host range, and thus defines the remediative potential of a phage for a given bacterium. Co-evolution of RBPs and their bacterial receptors has forced endless adaptation cycles of phage-host interactions, which in turn has created a diverse array of phage adsorption mechanisms utilizing an assortment of RBPs. Over the last decade, these intricate mechanisms have been studied intensely using electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography, providing atomic-level details of this fundamental stage in the phage infection cycle. This review summarizes current knowledge surrounding the molecular basis of host interaction for various socioeconomically important Gram-positive targeting phage RBPs to their protein- and saccharide-based receptors. Special attention is paid to the abundant and best-characterized Siphoviridae family of tailed phages. Unravelling these complex phage-host dynamics is essential to harness the full potential of phage-based technologies, or for generating novel strategies to combat industrial phage contaminations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Dunne
- Institute of Food Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 7, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Mario Hupfeld
- Institute of Food Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 7, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Jochen Klumpp
- Institute of Food Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 7, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Martin J Loessner
- Institute of Food Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 7, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Hupfeld M, Trasanidou D, Ramazzini L, Klumpp J, Loessner MJ, Kilcher S. A functional type II-A CRISPR-Cas system from Listeria enables efficient genome editing of large non-integrating bacteriophage. Nucleic Acids Res 2018; 46:6920-6933. [PMID: 30053228 PMCID: PMC6061871 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas systems provide bacteria with adaptive immunity against invading DNA elements including bacteriophages and plasmids. While CRISPR technology has revolutionized eukaryotic genome engineering, its application to prokaryotes and their viruses remains less well established. Here we report the first functional CRISPR-Cas system from the genus Listeria and demonstrate its native role in phage defense. LivCRISPR-1 is a type II-A system from the genome of L. ivanovii subspecies londoniensis that uses a small, 1078 amino acid Cas9 variant and a unique NNACAC protospacer adjacent motif. We transferred LivCRISPR-1 cas9 and trans-activating crRNA into Listeria monocytogenes. Along with crRNA encoding plasmids, this programmable interference system enables efficient cleavage of bacterial DNA and incoming phage genomes. We used LivCRISPR-1 to develop an effective engineering platform for large, non-integrating Listeria phages based on allelic replacement and CRISPR-Cas-mediated counterselection. The broad host-range Listeria phage A511 was engineered to encode and express lysostaphin, a cell wall hydrolase that specifically targets Staphylococcus peptidoglycan. In bacterial co-culture, the armed phages not only killed Listeria hosts but also lysed Staphylococcus cells by enzymatic collateral damage. Simultaneous killing of unrelated bacteria by a single phage demonstrates the potential of CRISPR-Cas-assisted phage engineering, beyond single pathogen control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Hupfeld
- Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health, ETH Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 7, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Despoina Trasanidou
- Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health, ETH Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 7, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Livia Ramazzini
- Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health, ETH Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 7, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jochen Klumpp
- Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health, ETH Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 7, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin J Loessner
- Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health, ETH Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 7, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Samuel Kilcher
- Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health, ETH Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 7, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Vongkamjan K, Benjakul S, Kim Vu HT, Vuddhakul V. Longitudinal monitoring of Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria phages in seafood processing environments in Thailand. Food Microbiol 2017; 66:11-19. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2017.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Revised: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
31
|
Cornelissen A, Sadovskaya I, Vinogradov E, Blangy S, Spinelli S, Casey E, Mahony J, Noben JP, Dal Bello F, Cambillau C, van Sinderen D. The Baseplate of Lactobacillus delbrueckii Bacteriophage Ld17 Harbors a Glycerophosphodiesterase. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:16816-27. [PMID: 27268053 PMCID: PMC4974393 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.728279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Revised: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterases (GDPDs; EC 3.1.4.46) typically hydrolyze glycerophosphodiesters to sn-glycerol 3-phosphate (Gro3P) and their corresponding alcohol during patho/physiological processes in bacteria and eukaryotes. GDPD(-like) domains were identified in the structural particle of bacterial viruses (bacteriophages) specifically infecting Gram-positive bacteria. The GDPD of phage 17 (Ld17; GDPDLd17), representative of the group b Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus (Ldb)-infecting bacteriophages, was shown to hydrolyze, besides the simple glycerophosphodiester, two complex surface-associated carbohydrates of the Ldb17 cell envelope: the Gro3P decoration of the major surface polysaccharide d-galactan and the oligo(glycerol phosphate) backbone of the partially glycosylated cell wall teichoic acid, a minor Ldb17 cell envelope component. Degradation of cell wall teichoic acid occurs according to an exolytic mechanism, and Gro3P substitution is presumed to be inhibitory for GDPDLd17 activity. The presence of the GDPDLd17 homotrimer in the viral baseplate structure involved in phage-host interaction together with the dependence of native GDPD activity, adsorption, and efficiency of plating of Ca(2+) ions supports a role for GDPDLd17 activity during phage adsorption and/or phage genome injection. In contrast to GDPDLd17, we could not identify any enzymatic activity for the GDPD-like domain in the neck passage structure of phage 340, a 936-type Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis bacteriophage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Irina Sadovskaya
- Equipe Biochimie des Produits Aquatiques, Université du Littoral-Côte d'Opale, Boulevard du Bassin Napoléon, BP 120, 62327 Boulogne-sur-mer, France
| | | | - Stéphanie Blangy
- Aix-Marseille Université, Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, Campus de Luminy, 13288 Marseille Cedex 09, France, CNRS, Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, UMR 6098, Campus de Luminy, 13288 Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Silvia Spinelli
- Aix-Marseille Université, Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, Campus de Luminy, 13288 Marseille Cedex 09, France, CNRS, Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, UMR 6098, Campus de Luminy, 13288 Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | | | | | - Jean-Paul Noben
- Biomedical Research Institute (Biomed) and School of Life Sciences, Transnationale Universiteit Limburg, Hasselt University, Agoralaan-Building C, BE-3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium, and
| | | | - Christian Cambillau
- Aix-Marseille Université, Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, Campus de Luminy, 13288 Marseille Cedex 09, France, CNRS, Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, UMR 6098, Campus de Luminy, 13288 Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Douwe van Sinderen
- From the School of Microbiology and APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland,
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Fister S, Robben C, Witte AK, Schoder D, Wagner M, Rossmanith P. Influence of Environmental Factors on Phage-Bacteria Interaction and on the Efficacy and Infectivity of Phage P100. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1152. [PMID: 27516757 PMCID: PMC4964841 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
When using bacteriophages to control food-borne bacteria in food production plants and processed food, it is crucial to consider that environmental conditions influence their stability. These conditions can also affect the physiological state of bacteria and consequently host–virus interaction and the effectiveness of the phage ability to reduce bacteria numbers. In this study we investigated the stability, binding, and replication capability of phage P100 and its efficacy to control Listeria monocytogenes under conditions typically encountered in dairy plants. The influences of SDS, Lutensol AO 7, salt, smear water, and different temperatures were investigated. Results indicate that phage P100 is stable and able to bind to the host under most conditions tested. Replication was dependent upon the growth of L. monocytogenes and efficacy was higher when bacterial growth was reduced by certain environmental conditions. In long-term experiments at different temperatures phages were initially able to reduce bacteria up to seven log10 units after 2 weeks at 4°C. However, thereafter, re-growth and development of phage-resistant L. monocytogenes isolates were encountered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Fister
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Monitoring of Microbial Contaminants, Institute for Milk Hygiene, Milk Technology and Food Science, Department for Farm Animals and Public Veterinary Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Robben
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Monitoring of Microbial Contaminants, Institute for Milk Hygiene, Milk Technology and Food Science, Department for Farm Animals and Public Veterinary Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna K Witte
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Monitoring of Microbial Contaminants, Institute for Milk Hygiene, Milk Technology and Food Science, Department for Farm Animals and Public Veterinary Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria
| | - Dagmar Schoder
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Monitoring of Microbial Contaminants, Institute for Milk Hygiene, Milk Technology and Food Science, Department for Farm Animals and Public Veterinary Health, University of Veterinary MedicineVienna, Austria; Institute for Milk Hygiene, Milk Technology and Food Science, Department for Farm Animals and Public Veterinary Health, University of Veterinary MedicineVienna, Austria
| | - Martin Wagner
- Institute for Milk Hygiene, Milk Technology and Food Science, Department for Farm Animals and Public Veterinary Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Rossmanith
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Monitoring of Microbial Contaminants, Institute for Milk Hygiene, Milk Technology and Food Science, Department for Farm Animals and Public Veterinary Health, University of Veterinary MedicineVienna, Austria; Institute for Milk Hygiene, Milk Technology and Food Science, Department for Farm Animals and Public Veterinary Health, University of Veterinary MedicineVienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Tokman JI, Kent DJ, Wiedmann M, Denes T. Temperature Significantly Affects the Plaquing and Adsorption Efficiencies of Listeria Phages. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:631. [PMID: 27199957 PMCID: PMC4853374 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Listeria-infecting phages are currently being used to control and detect the important foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes; however, the influence of environmental conditions on the interactions between L. monocytogenes and its phages has not been explored in depth. Here, we examined the infective potential of four Listeria phages (two each from the P70-like and P100-like phages of Listeria) against five strains of L. monocytogenes (representing serotypes 1/2a, 1/2b, 4a, and 4b) grown under a range of temperatures (7–37°C). We show that the plaquing efficiencies for all four phages were significantly affected by temperature. Interestingly, no plaques were observed for any of the four phages at 37°C. Adsorption assays performed with the P100-like phages, LP-048 and LP-125, showed that LP-048 had a severely reduced adsorption efficiency against susceptible strains at 37°C as compared to 30°C, suggesting that there is considerably less accessible rhamnose (LP-048’s putative phage receptor) on the host at 37°C than at 30°C. LP-125 adsorbed to host cells at 37°C, indicating that the inability for LP-125 to plaque at 37°C is not due to adsorption inhibition. LP-048 showed significantly higher adsorption efficiency against a mutant strain lacking N-acetylglucosamine in its wall teichoic acids (WTA) than the parental strain at both 30 and 37°C, suggesting that N-acetylglucosamine competes with rhamnose for glycosylation sites on the WTA. The data presented here clearly shows that L. monocytogenes can gain physiological refuge from phage infection, which should be carefully considered for both the design and implementation of phage-based control and detection applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - David J Kent
- Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca NY, USA
| | - Martin Wiedmann
- Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca NY, USA
| | - Thomas Denes
- Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Genome Sequences of Five Nonvirulent Listeria monocytogenes Serovar 4 Strains. GENOME ANNOUNCEMENTS 2016; 4:4/2/e00179-16. [PMID: 27034489 PMCID: PMC4816617 DOI: 10.1128/genomea.00179-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
We present the complete genome sequences of five nonpathogenic Listeria monocytogenes serovar 4 strains: WSLC 1018 (4e), 1019 (4c), 1020 (4a), 1033 (4d), and 1047 (4d). These sequences may help to uncover genes involved in the synthesis of the serovar antigens—phenotypic determinants of virulence deemed clinically relevant.
Collapse
|
35
|
Spears PA, Havell EA, Hamrick TS, Goforth JB, Levine AL, Abraham ST, Heiss C, Azadi P, Orndorff PE. Listeria monocytogenes wall teichoic acid decoration in virulence and cell-to-cell spread. Mol Microbiol 2016; 101:714-30. [PMID: 26871418 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Wall teichoic acid (WTA) comprises a class of glycopolymers covalently attached to the peptidoglycan of gram positive bacteria. In Listeria monocytogenes, mutations that prevent addition of certain WTA decorating sugars are attenuating. However, the steps required for decoration and the pathogenic process interrupted are not well described. We systematically examined the requirement for WTA galactosylation in a mouse oral-virulent strain by first creating mutations in four genes whose products conferred resistance to a WTA-binding bacteriophage. WTA biochemical and structural studies indicated that galactosylated WTA was directly required for bacteriophage adsorption and that mutant WTA lacked appreciable galactose in all except one mutant - which retained a level ca. 7% of the parent. All mutants were profoundly attenuated in orally infected mice and were impaired in cell-to-cell spread in vitro. Confocal microscopy of cytosolic mutants revealed that all expressed ActA on their cell surface and formed actin tails with a frequency similar to the parent. However, the mutant tails were significantly shorter - suggesting a defect in actin based motility. Roles for the gene products in WTA galactosylation are proposed. Identification and interruption of WTA decoration pathways may provide a general strategy to discover non-antibiotic therapeutics for gram positive infections. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia A Spears
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA
| | - Edward A Havell
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA
| | - Terri S Hamrick
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Campbell University, Buies Creek, NC, 27506, USA
| | - John B Goforth
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Campbell University, Buies Creek, NC, 27506, USA
| | - Alexandra L Levine
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Campbell University, Buies Creek, NC, 27506, USA
| | - S Thomas Abraham
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Campbell University, Buies Creek, NC, 27506, USA
| | - Christian Heiss
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Parastoo Azadi
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Paul E Orndorff
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Bertozzi Silva J, Storms Z, Sauvageau D. Host receptors for bacteriophage adsorption. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2016; 363:fnw002. [PMID: 26755501 DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnw002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 349] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The adsorption of bacteriophages (phages) onto host cells is, in all but a few rare cases, a sine qua non condition for the onset of the infection process. Understanding the mechanisms involved and the factors affecting it is, thus, crucial for the investigation of host-phage interactions. This review provides a survey of the phage host receptors involved in recognition and adsorption and their interactions during attachment. Comprehension of the whole infection process, starting with the adsorption step, can enable and accelerate our understanding of phage ecology and the development of phage-based technologies. To assist in this effort, we have established an open-access resource--the Phage Receptor Database (PhReD)--to serve as a repository for information on known and newly identified phage receptors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliano Bertozzi Silva
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, 12th Floor, Donadeo Innovation Centre for Engineering, 9211-116 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Zachary Storms
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, 12th Floor, Donadeo Innovation Centre for Engineering, 9211-116 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Dominic Sauvageau
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, 12th Floor, Donadeo Innovation Centre for Engineering, 9211-116 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Screening and characterisation of bacteriophage P100 insensitive Listeria monocytogenes isolates in Austrian dairy plants. Food Control 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2015.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
38
|
Brauge T, Sadovskaya I, Faille C, Benezech T, Maes E, Guerardel Y, Midelet-Bourdin G. Teichoic acid is the major polysaccharide present in theListeria monocytogenesbiofilm matrix. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2015; 363:fnv229. [DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnv229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
|
39
|
Casey A, Jordan K, Neve H, Coffey A, McAuliffe O. A tail of two phages: genomic and functional analysis of Listeria monocytogenes phages vB_LmoS_188 and vB_LmoS_293 reveal the receptor-binding proteins involved in host specificity. Front Microbiol 2015; 6:1107. [PMID: 26500641 PMCID: PMC4598591 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.01107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The physical characteristics of bacteriophages establish them as viable candidates for downstream development of pathogen detection assays and biocontrol measures. To utilize phages for such purposes, a detailed knowledge of their host interaction mechanisms is a prerequisite. There is currently a wealth of knowledge available concerning Gram-negative phage-host interaction, but little by comparison for Gram-positive phages and Listeria phages in particular. In this research, the lytic spectrum of two recently isolated Listeria monocytogenes phages (vB_LmoS_188 and vB_LmoS_293) was determined, and the genomic basis for their observed serotype 4b/4e host-specificity was investigated using comparative genomics. The late tail genes of these phages were identified to be highly conserved when compared to other serovar 4-specific Listeria phages. Spontaneous mutants of each of these phages with broadened host specificities were generated. Their late tail gene sequences were compared with their wild-type counterparts resulting in the putative identification of the products of ORF 19 of vB_LmoS_188 and ORF 20 of vB_LmoS_293 as the receptor binding proteins of these phages. The research findings also indicate that conserved baseplate architectures and host interaction mechanisms exist for Listeria siphoviruses with differing host-specificities, and further contribute to the current knowledge of phage-host interactions with regard to Listeria phages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aidan Casey
- Teagasc Food Research Centre Fermoy, Ireland ; Department of Biological Sciences, Cork Institute of Technology Bishopstown, Ireland
| | | | - Horst Neve
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Max Rubner-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food Kiel, Germany
| | - Aidan Coffey
- Department of Biological Sciences, Cork Institute of Technology Bishopstown, Ireland
| | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Denes T, den Bakker HC, Tokman JI, Guldimann C, Wiedmann M. Selection and Characterization of Phage-Resistant Mutant Strains of Listeria monocytogenes Reveal Host Genes Linked to Phage Adsorption. Appl Environ Microbiol 2015; 81:4295-305. [PMID: 25888172 PMCID: PMC4475870 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00087-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 04/12/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Listeria-infecting phages are readily isolated from Listeria-containing environments, yet little is known about the selective forces they exert on their host. Here, we identified that two virulent phages, LP-048 and LP-125, adsorb to the surface of Listeria monocytogenes strain 10403S through different mechanisms. We isolated and sequenced, using whole-genome sequencing, 69 spontaneous mutant strains of 10403S that were resistant to either one or both phages. Mutations from 56 phage-resistant mutant strains with only a single mutation mapped to 10 genes representing five loci on the 10403S chromosome. An additional 12 mutant strains showed two mutations, and one mutant strain showed three mutations. Two of the loci, containing seven of the genes, accumulated the majority (n = 64) of the mutations. A representative mutant strain for each of the 10 genes was shown to resist phage infection through mechanisms of adsorption inhibition. Complementation of mutant strains with the associated wild-type allele was able to rescue phage susceptibility for 6 out of the 10 representative mutant strains. Wheat germ agglutinin, which specifically binds to N-acetylglucosamine, bound to 10403S and mutant strains resistant to LP-048 but did not bind to mutant strains resistant to only LP-125. We conclude that mutant strains resistant to only LP-125 lack terminal N-acetylglucosamine in their wall teichoic acid (WTA), whereas mutant strains resistant to both phages have disruptive mutations in their rhamnose biosynthesis operon but still possess N-acetylglucosamine in their WTA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Denes
- Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Henk C den Bakker
- Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Jeffrey I Tokman
- Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Claudia Guldimann
- Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Martin Wiedmann
- Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Eugster MR, Morax LS, Hüls VJ, Huwiler SG, Leclercq A, Lecuit M, Loessner MJ. Bacteriophage predation promotes serovar diversification in Listeria monocytogenes. Mol Microbiol 2015; 97:33-46. [PMID: 25825127 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterial pathogen classified into distinct serovars (SVs) based on somatic and flagellar antigens. To correlate phenotype with genetic variation, we analyzed the wall teichoic acid (WTA) glycosylation genes of SV 1/2, 3 and 7 strains, which differ in decoration of the ribitol-phosphate backbone with N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) and/or rhamnose. Inactivation of lmo1080 or the dTDP-l-rhamnose biosynthesis genes rmlACBD (lmo1081-1084) resulted in loss of rhamnose, whereas disruption of lmo1079 led to GlcNAc deficiency. We found that all SV 3 and 7 strains actually originate from a SV 1/2 background, as a result of small mutations in WTA rhamnosylation and/or GlcNAcylation genes. Genetic complementation of different SV 3 and 7 isolates using intact alleles fully restored a characteristic SV 1/2 WTA carbohydrate pattern, including antisera reactions and phage adsorption. Intriguingly, phage-resistant L. monocytogenes EGDe (SV 1/2a) isolates featured the same glycosylation gene mutations and were serotyped as SV 3 or 7 respectively. Again, genetic complementation restored both carbohydrate antigens and phage susceptibility. Taken together, our data demonstrate that L. monocytogenes SV 3 and 7 originate from point mutations in glycosylation genes, and we show that phage predation represents a major driving force for serovar diversification and evolution of L. monocytogenes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcel R Eugster
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, CH-8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Laurent S Morax
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, CH-8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Vanessa J Hüls
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, CH-8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Simona G Huwiler
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, CH-8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alexandre Leclercq
- Institut Pasteur, French National Reference Center and WHO Collaborating Center for Listeria, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Marc Lecuit
- Institut Pasteur, French National Reference Center and WHO Collaborating Center for Listeria, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Martin J Loessner
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, CH-8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
León M, Bastías R. Virulence reduction in bacteriophage resistant bacteria. Front Microbiol 2015; 6:343. [PMID: 25954266 PMCID: PMC4407575 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.00343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages can influence the abundance, diversity, and evolution of bacterial communities. Several bacteriophages have been reported to add virulence factors to their host and to increase bacterial virulence. However, lytic bacteriophages can also exert a selective pressure allowing the proliferation of strains with reduced virulence. This reduction can be explained because bacteriophages use structures present on the bacterial surface as receptors, which can be virulence factors in different bacterial species. Therefore, strains with modifications in these receptors will be resistant to bacteriophage infection and may also exhibit reduced virulence. This mini-review summarizes the reports on bacteriophage-resistant strains with reductions in virulence, and it discusses the potential consequences in phage therapy and in the use of bacteriophages to select attenuated strains for vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcela León
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Institute of Biology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Roberto Bastías
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Institute of Biology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso Valparaíso, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Receptor binding proteins of Listeria monocytogenes bacteriophages A118 and P35 recognize serovar-specific teichoic acids. Virology 2015; 477:110-118. [DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2014.12.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2014] [Revised: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
|
44
|
Koç C, Gerlach D, Beck S, Peschel A, Xia G, Stehle T. Structural and enzymatic analysis of TarM glycosyltransferase from Staphylococcus aureus reveals an oligomeric protein specific for the glycosylation of wall teichoic acid. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:9874-85. [PMID: 25697358 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.619924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Anionic glycopolymers known as wall teichoic acids (WTAs) functionalize the peptidoglycan layers of many Gram-positive bacteria. WTAs play central roles in many fundamental aspects of bacterial physiology, and they are important determinants of pathogenesis and antibiotic resistance. A number of enzymes that glycosylate WTA in Staphylococcus aureus have recently been identified. Among these is the glycosyltransferase TarM, a component of the WTA de novo biosynthesis pathway. TarM performs the synthesis of α-O-N-acetylglycosylated poly-5'-phosphoribitol in the WTA structure. We have solved the crystal structure of TarM at 2.4 Å resolution, and we have also determined a structure of the enzyme in complex with its substrate UDP-GlcNAc at 2.8 Å resolution. The protein assembles into a propeller-like homotrimer in which each blade contains a GT-B-type glycosyltransferase domain with a typical Rossmann fold. The enzymatic reaction retains the stereochemistry of the anomeric center of the transferred GlcNAc-moiety on the polyribitol backbone. TarM assembles into a trimer using a novel trimerization domain, here termed the HUB domain. Structure-guided mutagenesis experiments of TarM identify residues critical for enzyme activity, assign a putative role for the HUB in TarM function, and allow us to propose a likely reaction mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cengiz Koç
- From the Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - David Gerlach
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, Cellular and Molecular Microbiology Section, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Beck
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, Cellular and Molecular Microbiology Section, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Peschel
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, Cellular and Molecular Microbiology Section, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner site Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Guoqing Xia
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, Cellular and Molecular Microbiology Section, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, Stopford Building, Institute of Inflammation and Repair, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, United Kingdom, and
| | - Thilo Stehle
- From the Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner site Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennesse 37232
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Carvalho F, Sousa S, Cabanes D. How Listeria monocytogenes organizes its surface for virulence. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2014; 4:48. [PMID: 24809022 PMCID: PMC4010754 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2014.00048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/02/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive pathogen responsible for the manifestation of human listeriosis, an opportunistic foodborne disease with an associated high mortality rate. The key to the pathogenesis of listeriosis is the capacity of this bacterium to trigger its internalization by non-phagocytic cells and to survive and even replicate within phagocytes. The arsenal of virulence proteins deployed by L. monocytogenes to successfully promote the invasion and infection of host cells has been progressively unveiled over the past decades. A large majority of them is located at the cell envelope, which provides an interface for the establishment of close interactions between these bacterial factors and their host targets. Along the multistep pathways carrying these virulence proteins from the inner side of the cytoplasmic membrane to their cell envelope destination, a multiplicity of auxiliary proteins must act on the immature polypeptides to ensure that they not only maturate into fully functional effectors but also are placed or guided to their correct position in the bacterial surface. As the major scaffold for surface proteins, the cell wall and its metabolism are critical elements in listerial virulence. Conversely, the crucial physical support and protection provided by this structure make it an ideal target for the host immune system. Therefore, mechanisms involving fine modifications of cell envelope components are activated by L. monocytogenes to render it less recognizable by the innate immunity sensors or more resistant to the activity of antimicrobial effectors. This review provides a state-of-the-art compilation of the mechanisms used by L. monocytogenes to organize its surface for virulence, with special focus on those proteins that work “behind the frontline”, either supporting virulence effectors or ensuring the survival of the bacterium within its host.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Filipe Carvalho
- Group of Molecular Microbiology, Unit of Infection and Immunity, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, University of Porto Porto, Portugal
| | - Sandra Sousa
- Group of Molecular Microbiology, Unit of Infection and Immunity, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, University of Porto Porto, Portugal
| | - Didier Cabanes
- Group of Molecular Microbiology, Unit of Infection and Immunity, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, University of Porto Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Hagens S, Loessner MJ. Phages of Listeria offer novel tools for diagnostics and biocontrol. Front Microbiol 2014; 5:159. [PMID: 24782847 PMCID: PMC3989731 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2014.00159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Historically, bacteriophages infecting their hosts have perhaps been best known and even notorious for being a nuisance in dairy-fermentation processes. However, with the rapid progress in molecular microbiology and microbial ecology, a new dawn has risen for phages. This review will provide an overview on possible uses and applications of Listeria phages, including phage-typing, reporter phage for bacterial diagnostics, and use of phage as biocontrol agents for food safety. The use of phage-encoded enzymes such as endolysins for the detection and as antimicrobial agent will also be addressed. Desirable properties of candidate phages for biocontrol will be discussed. While emphasizing the enormous future potential for applications, we will also consider some of the intrinsic limitations dictated by both phage and bacterial ecology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Martin J Loessner
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zürich Zürich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Habann M, Leiman PG, Vandersteegen K, Van den Bossche A, Lavigne R, Shneider MM, Bielmann R, Eugster MR, Loessner MJ, Klumpp J. Listeriaphage A511, a model for the contractile tail machineries of SPO1-related bacteriophages. Mol Microbiol 2014; 92:84-99. [DOI: 10.1111/mmi.12539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Habann
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health; ETH Zurich; 8092 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Petr G. Leiman
- Institut de Physique des Systèmes Biologiques; EPF Lausanne; 1015 Lausanne Switzerland
| | | | - An Van den Bossche
- Division of Gene Technology; Katholieke Universiteit Leuven; 3001 Leuven Belgium
| | - Rob Lavigne
- Division of Gene Technology; Katholieke Universiteit Leuven; 3001 Leuven Belgium
| | - Mikhail M. Shneider
- Institut de Physique des Systèmes Biologiques; EPF Lausanne; 1015 Lausanne Switzerland
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry; 117997 Moscow Russia
| | - Regula Bielmann
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health; ETH Zurich; 8092 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Marcel R. Eugster
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health; ETH Zurich; 8092 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Martin J. Loessner
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health; ETH Zurich; 8092 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Jochen Klumpp
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health; ETH Zurich; 8092 Zurich Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Eugster MR, Loessner MJ. The Listeria cell wall and associated carbohydrate polymers. Methods Mol Biol 2014; 1157:129-40. [PMID: 24792554 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0703-8_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Understanding molecular interactions of bacteria with their environment requires the purification and characterization of cell wall components. Here, we describe detailed experimental methods for the extraction, purification, and analysis of wall teichoic acids (WTA), which assume important roles as major constituents of Gram-positive cell walls, such as mediating interaction with cell wall-associated proteins, eukaryotic host cells, and bacteriophages. Specifically, we present a procedure for compositional WTA characterization to study large diversity of carbohydrate substitution on Listeria monocytogenes WTA. This protocol may also be used and adapted to analyze WTA from other bacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcel R Eugster
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 7, CH-8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Vongkamjan K, Switt AM, den Bakker HC, Fortes ED, Wiedmann M. Silage collected from dairy farms harbors an abundance of listeriaphages with considerable host range and genome size diversity. Appl Environ Microbiol 2012; 78:8666-75. [PMID: 23042180 PMCID: PMC3502902 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01859-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2012] [Accepted: 10/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the food-borne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes is common in dairy farm environments, it is likely that phages infecting this bacterium ("listeriaphages") are abundant on dairy farms. To better understand the ecology and diversity of listeriaphages on dairy farms and to develop a diverse phage collection for further studies, silage samples collected on two dairy farms were screened for L. monocytogenes and listeriaphages. While only 4.5% of silage samples tested positive for L. monocytogenes, 47.8% of samples were positive for listeriaphages, containing up to >1.5 × 10(4) PFU/g. Host range characterization of the 114 phage isolates obtained, with a reference set of 13 L. monocytogenes strains representing the nine major serotypes and four lineages, revealed considerable host range diversity; phage isolates were classified into nine lysis groups. While one serotype 3c strain was not lysed by any phage isolates, serotype 4 strains were highly susceptible to phages and were lysed by 63.2 to 88.6% of phages tested. Overall, 12.3% of phage isolates showed a narrow host range (lysing 1 to 5 strains), while 28.9% of phages represented broad host range (lysing ≥11 strains). Genome sizes of the phage isolates were estimated to range from approximately 26 to 140 kb. The extensive host range and genomic diversity of phages observed here suggest an important role of phages in the ecology of L. monocytogenes on dairy farms. In addition, the phage collection developed here has the potential to facilitate further development of phage-based biocontrol strategies (e.g., in silage) and other phage-based tools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kitiya Vongkamjan
- Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Synergistic action of gentamicin and bacteriophage in a continuous culture population of Staphylococcus aureus. PLoS One 2012; 7:e51017. [PMID: 23226451 PMCID: PMC3511404 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0051017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2012] [Accepted: 10/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
With the increasing frequency of antibiotic resistance and the decreasing frequency of new antibiotics entering the market, interest has returned to developing bacteriophage as a therapeutic agent. Acceptance of phage therapy, however, is limited by the unknown pharmacodynamics of a replicating agent, as well as the potential for the evolution of resistant bacteria. One way to overcome some of these limitations is to incorporate phage and antibiotics into a dual therapy regimen; however, this increases the complexity of the pharmacodynamics. The aim of this study is to develop an experimental system to evaluate the pharmacodynamics of dual phage-drug therapy. A continuous culture system for Staphylococcus aureus is used to simulate the pharmacokinetics of periodic antibiotic dosing alone and in combination with lytic phage. A computer model representation of the system allows further evaluation of the conditions governing the observed pharmacodynamics. The results of this experimental/modeling approach suggest that dual therapy can be more efficacious than single therapies, particularly if there is an overlap in the physiological pathways targeted by the individual agents. In this case, treatment with gentamicin induces a population of cells with a strong aggregation phenotype. These aggregators also have an increased ability to form biofilm, which is a well-known, non-genetic mechanism of drug resistance. However, the aggregators are also more susceptible than the parental strain to the action of the phage. Thus, dual treatment with gentamicin and phage resulted in lower final cell densities than either treatment alone. Unlike in the phage-only treatment, phage-resistant isolates were not detected in the dual treatment.
Collapse
|