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Rosato R, Santarelli G, Augello A, Perini G, De Spirito M, Sanguinetti M, Papi M, De Maio F. Exploration of the Graphene Quantum Dots-Blue Light Combination: A Promising Treatment against Bacterial Infection. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8033. [PMID: 39125603 PMCID: PMC11312127 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158033] [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: 06/20/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Graphene Quantum Dots (GQDs) have shown the potential for antimicrobial photodynamic treatment, due to their particular physicochemical properties. Here, we investigated the activity of three differently functionalized GQDs-Blue Luminescent GQDs (L-GQDs), Aminated GQDs (NH2-GQDs), and Carboxylated GQDs (COOH-GQDs)-against E. coli. GQDs were administrated to bacterial suspensions that were treated with blue light. Antibacterial activity was evaluated by measuring colony forming units (CFUs) and metabolic activities, as well as reactive oxygen species stimulation (ROS). GQD cytotoxicity was then assessed on human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2), before setting in an in vitro infection model. Each GQD exhibits antibacterial activity inducing ROS and impairing bacterial metabolism without significantly affecting cell morphology. GQD activity was dependent on time of exposure to blue light. Finally, GQDs were able to reduce E. coli burden in infected Caco-2 cells, acting not only in the extracellular milieu but perturbating the eukaryotic cell membrane, enhancing antibiotic internalization. Our findings demonstrate that GQDs combined with blue light stimulation, due to photodynamic properties, have a promising antibacterial activity against E. coli. Nevertheless, we explored their action mechanism and toxicity on epithelial cells, fixing and standardizing these infection models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Rosato
- Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensive and Perioperative Clinics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Santarelli
- Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensive and Perioperative Clinics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Augello
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Giordano Perini
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Marco De Spirito
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Maurizio Sanguinetti
- Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensive and Perioperative Clinics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Laboratory and Infectious Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Papi
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Flavio De Maio
- Department of Laboratory and Infectious Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
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2
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Guo F, Wei J, Song Y, Li B, Qian Z, Wang X, Wang H, Xu T. Immunological effects of the PE/PPE family proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and related vaccines. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1255920. [PMID: 37841250 PMCID: PMC10569470 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1255920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), and its incidence and mortality are increasing. The BCG vaccine was developed in the early 20th century. As the most widely administered vaccine in the world, approximately 100 million newborns are vaccinated with BCG every year, which has saved tens of millions of lives. However, due to differences in region and race, the average protective rate of BCG in preventing tuberculosis in children is still not high in some areas. Moreover, because the immune memory induced by BCG will weaken with the increase of age, it is slightly inferior in preventing adult tuberculosis, and BCG revaccination cannot reduce the incidence of tuberculosis again. Research on the mechanism of Mtb and the development of new vaccines against TB are the main strategies for preventing and treating TB. In recent years, Pro-Glu motif-containing (PE) and Pro-Pro-Glu motif-containing (PPE) family proteins have been found to have an increasingly important role in the pathogenesis and chronic protracted infection observed in TB. The development and clinical trials of vaccines based on Mtb antigens are in progress. Herein, we review the immunological effects of PE/PPE proteins and the development of common PE/PPE vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangzheng Guo
- Research Center of Laboratory, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Immunology in Chronic Diseases , Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Jing Wei
- Research Center of Laboratory, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Immunology in Chronic Diseases , Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Yamin Song
- Research Center of Laboratory, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Immunology in Chronic Diseases , Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Baiqing Li
- Research Center of Laboratory, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Immunology in Chronic Diseases , Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- Department of Immunology, School of Laboratory, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Zhongqing Qian
- Research Center of Laboratory, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Immunology in Chronic Diseases , Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- Department of Immunology, School of Laboratory, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Xiaojing Wang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Clinical and Preclinical Research in Respiratory Disease, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Hongtao Wang
- Research Center of Laboratory, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Immunology in Chronic Diseases , Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- Department of Immunology, School of Laboratory, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Tao Xu
- Research Center of Laboratory, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Immunology in Chronic Diseases , Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, School of Laboratory, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
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3
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Sinha S, RS N, Devarakonda Y, Rathi A, Reddy Regatti P, Batra S, Syal K. Tale of Twin Bifunctional Second Messenger (p)ppGpp Synthetases and Their Function in Mycobacteria. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:32258-32270. [PMID: 37720788 PMCID: PMC10500699 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c03557] [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: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
M. tuberculosis, an etiological agent of tuberculosis, requires a long treatment regimen due to its ability to respond to stress and persist inside the host. The second messenger (p)ppGpp-mediated stress response plays a critical role in such long-term survival, persistence, and antibiotic tolerance which may also lead to the emergence of multiple drug resistance. In mycobacteria, (pp)pGpp molecules are synthesized predominantly by two bifunctional enzymes-long RSH-Rel and short SAS-RelZ. The long RSH-Rel is a major (p)ppGpp synthetase and hydrolase. How it switches its activity from synthesis to hydrolysis remains unclear. RelMtb mutant has been reported to be defective in biofilm formation, cell wall function, and persister cell formation. The survival of such mutants has also been observed to be compromised in infection models. In M. smegmatis, short SAS-RelZ has RNase HII activity in addition to (pp)Gpp synthesis activity. The RNase HII function of RelZ has been implicated in resolving replication-transcription conflicts by degrading R-loops. However, the mechanism and regulatory aspects of such a regulation remain elusive. In this article, we have discussed (p)ppGpp metabolism and its role in managing the stress response network of mycobacteria, which is responsible for long-term survival inside the host, making it an important therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubham
Kumar Sinha
- Genetics and Molecular Microbiology
Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Eminence, Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences-Pilani, Hyderabad campus, Hyderabad, Telangana, India, 500078
| | - Neethu RS
- Genetics and Molecular Microbiology
Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Eminence, Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences-Pilani, Hyderabad campus, Hyderabad, Telangana, India, 500078
| | - Yogeshwar Devarakonda
- Genetics and Molecular Microbiology
Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Eminence, Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences-Pilani, Hyderabad campus, Hyderabad, Telangana, India, 500078
| | - Ajita Rathi
- Genetics and Molecular Microbiology
Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Eminence, Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences-Pilani, Hyderabad campus, Hyderabad, Telangana, India, 500078
| | - Pavan Reddy Regatti
- Genetics and Molecular Microbiology
Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Eminence, Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences-Pilani, Hyderabad campus, Hyderabad, Telangana, India, 500078
| | - Sakshi Batra
- Genetics and Molecular Microbiology
Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Eminence, Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences-Pilani, Hyderabad campus, Hyderabad, Telangana, India, 500078
| | - Kirtimaan Syal
- Genetics and Molecular Microbiology
Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Eminence, Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences-Pilani, Hyderabad campus, Hyderabad, Telangana, India, 500078
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4
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Salustri A, De Maio F, Palmieri V, Santarelli G, Palucci I, Mercedes Bianco D, Marchionni F, Bellesi S, Ciasca G, Perini G, Sanguinetti M, Sali M, Papi M, De Spirito M, Delogu G. Evaluation of the Toxic Activity of the Graphene Oxide in the Ex Vivo Model of Human PBMC Infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11030554. [PMID: 36985128 PMCID: PMC10059016 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11030554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Graphene Oxide has been proposed as a potential adjuvant to develop improved anti-TB treatment, thanks to its activity in entrapping mycobacteria in the extracellular compartment limiting their entry in macrophages. Indeed, when administered together with linezolid, Graphene Oxide significantly enhanced bacterial killing due to the increased production of Reactive Oxygen Species. In this work, we evaluated Graphene Oxide toxicity and its anti-mycobacterial activity on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Our data show that Graphene Oxide, different to what is observed in macrophages, does not support the clearance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in human immune primary cells, probably due to the toxic effects of the nano-material on monocytes and CD4+ lymphocytes, which we measured by cytometry. These findings highlight the need to test GO and other carbon-based nanomaterials in relevant in vitro models to assess the cytotoxic activity while measuring antimicrobial potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Salustri
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie—Sezione di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Flavio De Maio
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio e Infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Palmieri
- Istituto dei Sistemi Complessi, CNR, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, IRCSS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Santarelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie—Sezione di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Ivana Palucci
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie—Sezione di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio e Infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Delia Mercedes Bianco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie—Sezione di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Marchionni
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Bellesi
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Ciasca
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, IRCSS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giordano Perini
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, IRCSS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Sanguinetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie—Sezione di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio e Infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Sali
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie—Sezione di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio e Infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Papi
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, IRCSS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.P.); (M.D.S.)
| | - Marco De Spirito
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, IRCSS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.P.); (M.D.S.)
| | - Giovanni Delogu
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie—Sezione di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Mater Olbia Hospital, 07026 Olbia, Italy
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5
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Arrigoni R, Ballini A, Topi S, Bottalico L, Jirillo E, Santacroce L. Antibiotic Resistance to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Potential Use of Natural and Biological Products as Alternative Anti-Mycobacterial Agents. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11101431. [PMID: 36290089 PMCID: PMC9598247 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11101431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacillus Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). TB treatment is based on the administration of three major antibiotics: isoniazid, rifampicin, and pyrazinamide. However, multi-drug resistant (MDR) Mtb strains are increasing around the world, thus, allowing TB to spread around the world. The stringent response is demonstrated by Mtb strains in order to survive under hostile circumstances, even including exposure to antibiotics. The stringent response is mediated by alarmones, which regulate bacterial replication, transcription and translation. Moreover, the Mtb cell wall contributes to the mechanism of antibiotic resistance along with efflux pump activation and biofilm formation. Immunity over the course of TB is managed by M1-macrophages and M2-macrophages, which regulate the immune response against Mtb infection, with the former exerting inflammatory reactions and the latter promoting an anti-inflammatory profile. T helper 1 cells via secretion of interferon (IFN)-gamma, play a protective role in the course of TB, while T regulatory cells secreting interleukin 10, are anti-inflammatory. Alternative therapeutic options against TB require further discussion. In view of the increasing number of MDR Mtb strains, attempts to replace antibiotics with natural and biological products have been object of intensive investigation. Therefore, in this review the anti-Mtb effects exerted by probiotics, polyphenols, antimicrobial peptides and IFN-gamma will be discussed. All the above cited compounds are endowed either with direct antibacterial activity or with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Arrigoni
- CNR Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), 70124 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Andrea Ballini
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Skender Topi
- Department of Clinical Disciplines, School of Technical Medical Sciences, “A. Xhuvani”, 3001 Elbasan, Albania
| | - Lucrezia Bottalico
- Department of Clinical Disciplines, School of Technical Medical Sciences, “A. Xhuvani”, 3001 Elbasan, Albania
| | - Emilio Jirillo
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Microbiology and Virology, School of Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Luigi Santacroce
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Microbiology and Virology, School of Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
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6
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Suo J, Wang X, Zhao R, Ma P, Ge L, Luo T. Mycobacterium tuberculosis PPE7 Enhances Intracellular Survival of Mycobacterium smegmatis and Manipulates Host Cell Cytokine Secretion Through Nuclear Factor Kappa B and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2022; 42:525-535. [PMID: 36178924 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2022.0062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The PE/PPE family proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis have been associated with its virulence and interaction with the host immune system. The highly virulent modern lineage of M. tuberculosis possesses a lineage-specific PPE gene (PPE7), which arises from an ancestral mutation and is rarely studied. Here we examined the role of PPE7 in mycobacterial pathogenicity and survival by expressing M. tuberculosis PPE7 in Mycobacterium smegmatis. We show that, PPE7 activates host inflammation by increasing expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6, while suppressing the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10, possibly through the nuclear factor kappa B, ERK1/2, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. Overexpressing PPE7 in M. smegmatis could enhance bacterial intracellular survival of infected macrophages. Furthermore, higher level of bacterial persistence, higher levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 cytokines, and more injury in the lung, liver, and spleen tissues of infected mice has been discovered. In conclusion, PPE7 could manipulate host immune response and increase bacterial persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Suo
- Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyan Wang
- Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Rongchuan Zhao
- Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengjiao Ma
- Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Ge
- Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Luo
- Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
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7
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Imidazole-Thiosemicarbazide Derivatives as Potent Anti- Mycobacterium tuberculosis Compounds with Antibiofilm Activity. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123476. [PMID: 34943984 PMCID: PMC8700351 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is an intracellular pathogenic bacterium and the causative agent of tuberculosis. This disease is one of the most ancient and deadliest bacterial infections, as it poses major health, social and economic challenges at a global level, primarily in low- and middle-income countries. The lack of an effective vaccine, the long and expensive drug therapy, and the rapid spread of drug-resistant strains of Mtb have led to the re-emergence of tuberculosis as a global pandemic. Here, we assessed the in vitro activity of new imidazole-thiosemicarbazide derivatives (ITDs) against Mtb infection and their effects on mycobacterial biofilm formation. Cytotoxicity studies of the new compounds in cell lines and human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) were performed. The anti-Mtb activity of ITDs was evaluated by determining minimal inhibitory concentrations of resazurin, time-kill curves, bacterial intracellular growth and the effect on biofilm formation. Mutation frequency and whole-genome sequencing of mutants that were resistant to ITDs were performed. The antimycobacterial potential of ITDs with the ability to penetrate Mtb-infected human macrophages and significantly inhibit the intracellular growth of tubercle bacilli and suppress Mtb biofilm formation was observed.
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8
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De Maio F, Salustri A, Battah B, Palucci I, Marchionni F, Bellesi S, Palmieri V, Papi M, Kramarska E, Sanguinetti M, Sali M, Berisio R, Delogu G. PE_PGRS3 ensures provision of the vital phospholipids cardiolipin and phosphatidylinositols by promoting the interaction between M. tuberculosis and host cells. Virulence 2021; 12:868-884. [PMID: 33757409 PMCID: PMC8007152 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2021.1897247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PE_PGRS proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) constitute a large family of complex modular proteins whose role is still unclear. Among those, we have previously shown, using the heterologous expression in Mycobacterium smegmatis, that PE_PGRS3 containing a unique arginine-rich C-terminal domain, promotes adhesion to host cells. In this study, we investigate the role of PE_PGRS3 and its C-terminal domain directly in Mtb using functional deletion mutants. The results obtained here show that PE_PGRS3 is localized on the mycobacterial cell wall and its arginine-rich C-terminal region protrudes from the mycobacterial membrane and mediates Mtb entry into epithelial cells. Most importantly, this positively charged helical domain specifically binds phosphorylated phosphatidylinositols and cardiolipin, whereas it is unable to bind other phospholipids. Interestingly, administration of cardiolipin and phosphatidylinositol but no other phospholipids was able to turn-off expression of pe_pgrs3 activated by phosphate starvation conditions. These findings suggest that PE_PGRS3 has the key role to serve as a bridge between mycobacteria and host cells by interacting with specific host phospholipids and extracting them from host cells, for their direct integration or as a source of phosphate, during phases of TB pathogenesis when Mtb is short of phosphate supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavio De Maio
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio e Infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze biotecnologiche di base, cliniche intensivologiche e perioperatorie – Sezione di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Salustri
- Dipartimento di Scienze biotecnologiche di base, cliniche intensivologiche e perioperatorie – Sezione di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Basem Battah
- Dipartimento di Scienze biotecnologiche di base, cliniche intensivologiche e perioperatorie – Sezione di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Ivana Palucci
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio e Infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze biotecnologiche di base, cliniche intensivologiche e perioperatorie – Sezione di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Marchionni
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Bellesi
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Palmieri
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Papi
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, Rome, Italy
| | - Eliza Kramarska
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging - CNR-IBB, Naples, Italy
| | - Maurizio Sanguinetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio e Infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze biotecnologiche di base, cliniche intensivologiche e perioperatorie – Sezione di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Sali
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio e Infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze biotecnologiche di base, cliniche intensivologiche e perioperatorie – Sezione di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Berisio
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging - CNR-IBB, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Delogu
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio e Infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, Rome, Italy
- Mater Olbia Hospital, Olbia, Italy
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9
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Gupta KR, Arora G, Mattoo A, Sajid A. Stringent Response in Mycobacteria: From Biology to Therapeutic Potential. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111417. [PMID: 34832573 PMCID: PMC8622095 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a human pathogen that can thrive inside the host immune cells for several years and cause tuberculosis. This is due to the propensity of M. tuberculosis to synthesize a sturdy cell wall, shift metabolism and growth, secrete virulence factors to manipulate host immunity, and exhibit stringent response. These attributes help M. tuberculosis to manage the host response, and successfully establish and maintain an infection even under nutrient-deprived stress conditions for years. In this review, we will discuss the importance of mycobacterial stringent response under different stress conditions. The stringent response is mediated through small signaling molecules called alarmones “(pp)pGpp”. The synthesis and degradation of these alarmones in mycobacteria are mediated by Rel protein, which is both (p)ppGpp synthetase and hydrolase. Rel is important for all central dogma processes—DNA replication, transcription, and translation—in addition to regulating virulence, drug resistance, and biofilm formation. Rel also plays an important role in the latent infection of M. tuberculosis. Here, we have discussed the literature on alarmones and Rel proteins in mycobacteria and highlight that (p)ppGpp-analogs and Rel inhibitors could be designed and used as antimycobacterial compounds against M. tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gunjan Arora
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA;
| | - Abid Mattoo
- Pharmaceutical Development, Ultragenyx Gene Therapy, Woburn, MA 01801, USA;
| | - Andaleeb Sajid
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA;
- Correspondence: or
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10
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Sharma S, Sharma M. Proline-Glutamate/Proline-Proline-Glutamate (PE/PPE) proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: The multifaceted immune-modulators. Acta Trop 2021; 222:106035. [PMID: 34224720 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The PE/PPE proteins encoded by seven percent (7%) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) genome are the chief constituents to pathogen's virulence reservoir. The fact that these genes have evolved along ESX secretory system in pathogenic Mtb strains make their investigation very intriguing. There is lot of speculation about the prominent role of these proteins at host pathogen interface and in disease pathogenesis. Nevertheless, the exact function of PE/PPE proteins still remains a mystery which calls for further research targeting these proteins. This article is an effort to document all the facts known so far with regard to these unique proteins which involves their origin, evolution, transcriptional control, and most important their role as host immune-modulators. Our understanding strongly points towards the versatile nature of these PE/PPE proteins as Mtb's host immune sensors and as decisive factors in shaping the outcome of infection. Further investigation on these proteins will surely pave way for newer and effective vaccines and therapeutics to control Tuberculosis (TB).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadhna Sharma
- DS Kothari Central Interdisciplinary Research Centre and Department of Zoology, Miranda House, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India.
| | - Monika Sharma
- DS Kothari Central Interdisciplinary Research Centre and Department of Zoology, Miranda House, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India.
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11
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De Maio F, Berisio R, Manganelli R, Delogu G. PE_PGRS proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: A specialized molecular task force at the forefront of host-pathogen interaction. Virulence 2021; 11:898-915. [PMID: 32713249 PMCID: PMC7550000 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2020.1785815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
To the PE_PGRS protein subfamily belongs a group of surface-exposed mycobacterial antigens that in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) H37Rv accounts to more than 65 genes, 51 of which are thought to express a functional protein. PE_PGRS proteins share a conserved structural architecture with three main domains: the N-terminal PE domain; the PGRS domain, that can vary in sequence and size and is characterized by the presence of multiple GGA-GGX amino acid repeats; the highly conserved sequence containing the GRPLI motif that links the PE and PGRS domains; the unique C-terminus end that can vary in size from few to up to ≈ 300 amino acids. pe_pgrs genes emerged in slow-growing mycobacteria and expanded and diversified in MTBC and few other pathogenic mycobacteria. Interestingly, despite sequence homology and apparent redundancy, PE_PGRS proteins seem to have evolved a peculiar function. In this review, we summarize the actual knowledge on this elusive protein family in terms of evolution, structure, and function, focusing on the role of PE_PGRS in TB pathogenesis. We provide an original hypothesis on the role of the PE domain and propose a structural model for the polymorphic PGRS domain that might explain how so similar proteins can have different physiological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavio De Maio
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio e Infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" , Rome, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie - Sezione di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore , Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Berisio
- Institute of Bio-Structures and Bio-Imaging - CNR-IBB , Naples, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Delogu
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie - Sezione di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore , Rome, Italy.,Mater Olbia Hospital , Olbia, Italy
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12
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De Maio F, Cingolani A, Bianco DM, Salustri A, Palucci I, Sanguinetti M, Delogu G, Sali M. First description of the katG gene deletion in a Mycobacterium tuberculosis clinical isolate and its impact on the mycobacterial fitness. Int J Med Microbiol 2021; 311:151506. [PMID: 33906074 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2021.151506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Isoniazid (INH) is the cornerstone of the anti-tuberculosis regimens and emergence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) resistant strains is a major threat to our ability to control tuberculosis (TB) at global level. Mutations in the gene coding the catalase KatG confer resistance to high level of INH. In this paper, we describe for the first time a complete deletion of the genomic region containing the katG gene in an Mtb clinical strain isolated in Italy in a patient with HIV infection that previously completed INH preventive therapy. We genotypically characterized the Mtb strain and showed that katG deletion confers high-level resistance to INH (MIC > 25.6 μg/mL). The katG deletion did not impact significantly on Mtb fitness as we did not detect enhanced susceptibility to H2O2 compared to the wild type Mtb strains nor impaired growth in in vitro infection models. These findings highlight the ability of Mtb to acquire resistance to INH while maintaining fitness and pathogenic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavio De Maio
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio e Infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli", IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze biotecnologiche di base, cliniche intensivologiche e perioperatorie - Sezione di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Cingolani
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio e Infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli", IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Dipartimento di Sicurezza e Bioetica, Sez. Malattie Infettive, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Delia Mercedes Bianco
- Dipartimento di Scienze biotecnologiche di base, cliniche intensivologiche e perioperatorie - Sezione di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Salustri
- Dipartimento di Scienze biotecnologiche di base, cliniche intensivologiche e perioperatorie - Sezione di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Ivana Palucci
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio e Infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli", IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze biotecnologiche di base, cliniche intensivologiche e perioperatorie - Sezione di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Sanguinetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio e Infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli", IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze biotecnologiche di base, cliniche intensivologiche e perioperatorie - Sezione di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Delogu
- Dipartimento di Scienze biotecnologiche di base, cliniche intensivologiche e perioperatorie - Sezione di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Mater Olbia Hospital, Olbia, Italy.
| | - Michela Sali
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio e Infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli", IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze biotecnologiche di base, cliniche intensivologiche e perioperatorie - Sezione di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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13
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Xie Y, Zhou Y, Liu S, Zhang XL. PE_PGRS: Vital proteins in promoting mycobacterial survival and modulating host immunity and metabolism. Cell Microbiol 2020; 23:e13290. [PMID: 33217152 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.13290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb), is the leading infectious cause of mortality worldwide. One of the key reasons for M. tb pathogenesis is the capability of M. tb to evade immune elimination and survive in macrophage, eventually causing chronic infection. However the pathogenicity mechanism of M. tb is not unclear yet, and thus diagnosis and therapy for TB remains a challenge. The genome of M. tb, encodes a unique protein family known as the PGRS family, with largely unexplored functions. Recently, an increasing number of reports have shown that the PE_PGRS proteins play critical roles in bacterial pathogenesis and immune evasion. The PE_PGRS protein family, characterized by a special N-terminal PE (Pro (P)-Glu (E) motif) domain and a C-terminal PGRS (Polymorphic GC-rich Repetitive Sequences) domain, is restricted mainly to pathogenic mycobacteria. Here we summarize current literature on the PE_PGRS as vital proteins in promoting bacterial survival and modulating host immunity, cell death and metabolism. We also highlight the potential of PE_PGRS as novel targets of anti-mycobacterial interventions for TB control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xie
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Allergy Zhongnan Hospital, Department of Immunology Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Virology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University School of Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Yidan Zhou
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, USA
| | - Sheng Liu
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Allergy Zhongnan Hospital, Department of Immunology Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao-Lian Zhang
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Allergy Zhongnan Hospital, Department of Immunology Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Virology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University School of Medicine, Wuhan, China
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14
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De Maio F, Palmieri V, Santarelli G, Perini G, Salustri A, Palucci I, Sali M, Gervasoni J, Primiano A, Ciasca G, Sanguinetti M, De Spirito M, Delogu G, Papi M. Graphene Oxide-Linezolid Combination as Potential New Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 10:E1431. [PMID: 32707988 PMCID: PMC7466666 DOI: 10.3390/nano10081431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Global pandemic management represents a serious issue for health systems. In some cases, repurposing of existing medications might help find compounds that have the unexpected potential to combat microorganisms. In the same way, changing cell-drug interaction by nanotechnology could represent an innovative strategy to fight infectious diseases. Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the most alarming worldwide infectious diseases and there is an urgent need for new drugs and treatments, particularly for the emergence and spread of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) strains. New nanotechnologies based on carbon nanomaterials are now being considered to improve anti-TB treatments, and graphene oxide (GO) showed interesting properties as an anti-TB drug. GO, which preferentially accumulates in the lungs and is degraded by macrophagic peroxidases, can trap Mycobacterium smegmatis and Mtb in a dose-dependent manner, reducing the entry of bacilli into macrophages. In this paper, combinations of isoniazid (INH), amikacin (AMK) and linezolid (LZD) and GO anti-mycobacterial properties were evaluated against Mtb H37Rv by using a checkerboard assay or an in vitro infection model. Different GO effects have been observed when incubated with INH, AMK or LZD. Whereas the INH and AMK anti-mycobacterial activities were blocked by GO co-administration, the LZD bactericidal effect increased in combination with GO. GO-LZD significantly reduced extracellular mycobacteria during infection and was able to kill internalized bacilli. GO-LZD co-administration is potentially a new promising anti-TB treatment at the forefront in fighting emerging antibiotic-resistant Mtb strains where LZD administration is suggested. This innovative pharmacological approach may lead to reduced treatment periods and decreased adverse effects. More importantly, we demonstrate how nanomaterials-drugs combinations can represent a possible strategy to quickly design drugs for pandemics treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavio De Maio
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio e Infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCSS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze biotecnologiche di base, cliniche intensivologiche e perioperatorie-Sezione di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Palmieri
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy
- Istituto dei Sistemi Complessi, CNR, Via dei Taurini 19, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Giulia Santarelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze biotecnologiche di base, cliniche intensivologiche e perioperatorie-Sezione di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giordano Perini
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Alessandro Salustri
- Dipartimento di Scienze biotecnologiche di base, cliniche intensivologiche e perioperatorie-Sezione di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Ivana Palucci
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio e Infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCSS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze biotecnologiche di base, cliniche intensivologiche e perioperatorie-Sezione di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Sali
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio e Infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCSS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze biotecnologiche di base, cliniche intensivologiche e perioperatorie-Sezione di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Jacopo Gervasoni
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCSS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Aniello Primiano
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCSS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Gabriele Ciasca
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCSS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Sanguinetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio e Infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCSS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze biotecnologiche di base, cliniche intensivologiche e perioperatorie-Sezione di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco De Spirito
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCSS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Delogu
- Dipartimento di Scienze biotecnologiche di base, cliniche intensivologiche e perioperatorie-Sezione di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Mater Olbia Hospital, 07026 Olbia, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Papi
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCSS, 00168 Rome, Italy
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15
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Liu S, Xie Y, Luo W, Dou Y, Xiong H, Xiao Z, Zhang XL. PE_PGRS31-S100A9 Interaction Promotes Mycobacterial Survival in Macrophages Through the Regulation of NF-κB-TNF-α Signaling and Arachidonic Acid Metabolism. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:845. [PMID: 32457723 PMCID: PMC7225313 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) evades the surveillance of immune responses for survival in macrophages. However, the precise mechanism and toxins/proteins encoded by M. tb involved in the bacterial escape remain elusive. The function of Rv1768 protein (also referred to as PE_PGRS31, belonging to the PE_PGRS family) encoded by the region of deletion 14 (RD-14) in the virulent M. tb H37Rv strain has not, to the best of our knowledge, been reported previously. Here, we found that Rv1768 remarkably promotes bacterial survival in macrophages. Compared to wild type (WT) H37Rv, the Rv1768 deficient strain (H37RvΔ1768) showed significantly decreased colony-forming units in the lungs, spleen, and liver of the murine M. tb infection model. The bacterial burdens of WT H37Rv in WT macrophages and C57BL/6 mice were significantly higher than those in S100A9 deficiency cells and mice, but there were no significant differences for H37RvΔRv1768. Rv1768 binds S100A9 with the proline-glutamic acid domain (PE domain) and blocks the interaction between S100A9 and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and suppresses TLR4-myeloid differentiation factor 88-nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)-tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) signaling in macrophages. Interestingly, Rv1768 binding to S100A9 also disturbs the metabolism of arachidonic acid by activating 5-lipoxygenase, increasing lipotoxin A4, and down-regulating cyclooxygenase-2 and prostaglandin E2 expression, thus, promoting mycobacterial survival. Our results revealed that M. tb Rv1768 promotes mycobacterial survival in macrophages by regulating NF-κB-TNF-α signaling and arachidonic acid metabolism via S100A9. Disturbing the interaction between Rv1768 and S100A9 may be a potential therapeutic target for tuberculosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Liu
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Immunology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Allergy, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Xie
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Immunology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Allergy, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Luo
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Immunology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Allergy, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yafeng Dou
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Immunology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Allergy, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Huan Xiong
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Immunology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Allergy, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhen Xiao
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Immunology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Allergy, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao-Lian Zhang
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Immunology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Allergy, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Virology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University School of Medicine, Wuhan, China
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16
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A Repurposing Approach for Uncovering the Anti-Tubercular Activity of FDA-Approved Drugs with Potential Multi-Targeting Profiles. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24234373. [PMID: 31795400 PMCID: PMC6930672 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24234373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 11/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide. This scenario is further complicated by the insurgence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) TB. The identification of appropriate drugs with multi-target affinity profiles is considered to be a widely accepted strategy to overcome the rapid development of resistance. The aim of this study was to discover Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs possessing antimycobacterial activity, potentially coupled to an effective multi-target profile. An integrated screening platform was implemented based on computational procedures (high-throughput docking techniques on the target enzymes peptide deformylase and Zmp1) and in vitro phenotypic screening assays using two models to evaluate the activity of the selected drugs against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), namely, growth of Mtb H37Rv and of two clinical isolates in axenic media, and infection of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with Mtb. Starting from over 3000 FDA-approved drugs, we selected 29 marketed drugs for submission to biological evaluation. Out of 29 drugs selected, 20 showed antimycobacterial activity. Further characterization suggested that five drugs possessed promising profiles for further studies. Following a repurposing strategy, by combining computational and biological efforts, we identified marketed drugs with relevant antimycobacterial profiles.
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17
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Yu X, Feng J, Huang L, Gao H, Liu J, Bai S, Wu B, Xie J. Molecular Basis Underlying Host Immunity Subversion by Mycobacterium tuberculosis PE/PPE Family Molecules. DNA Cell Biol 2019; 38:1178-1187. [PMID: 31580738 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2019.4852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium tuberculosis proline-glutamic acid (PE)/proline-proline-glutamic acid (PPE) family proteins, with >160 members, are crucial for virulence, cell wall, host cell fate, host Th1/Th2 balance, and CD8+ T cell recognition. Ca2+ signaling is involved in PE/PPE protein-mediated host-pathogen interaction. PE/PPE proteins also function in heme utilization and nitric oxide production. PE/PPE family proteins are intensively pursued as diagnosis biomarkers and vaccine components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowen Yu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine to Prevent and Treat Autoimmune Diseases, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Jing Feng
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine to Prevent and Treat Autoimmune Diseases, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Lu Huang
- Department of Pathology, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Hongyan Gao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine to Prevent and Treat Autoimmune Diseases, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Jinkun Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine to Prevent and Treat Autoimmune Diseases, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Shutong Bai
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine to Prevent and Treat Autoimmune Diseases, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Bin Wu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine to Prevent and Treat Autoimmune Diseases, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Jianping Xie
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Eco-Environment and Bio-Resource of the Three Gorges Area, Institute of Modern Biopharmaceuticals, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, P.R. China
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18
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De Maio F, Palmieri V, Salustri A, Perini G, Sanguinetti M, De Spirito M, Delogu G, Papi M. Graphene oxide prevents mycobacteria entry into macrophages through extracellular entrapment. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2019; 1:1421-1431. [PMID: 36132595 PMCID: PMC9419007 DOI: 10.1039/c8na00413g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global threat and there is an urgent need for improved drugs and treatments, particularly against the drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Graphene oxide (GO) is an innovative bi-dimensional nanomaterial that when administered in vivo accumulates in the lungs. Further, GO is readily degraded by peroxidases and has a high drug loading capacity and antibacterial properties. In this study, we first evaluated the GO anti-mycobacterial properties using Mycobacterium smegmatis (Ms) as a model. We observed that GO, when administered with the bacteria, was able to trap Ms in a dose-dependent manner, reducing entry of bacilli into macrophages. However, GO did not show any anti-mycobacterial activity when used to treat infected cells or when macrophages were pre-treated before infection. Similar results were obtained when the virulent Mtb strain was used, showing that GO was able to trap Mtb and prevent entry into microphages. These results indicate that GO can be a promising tool to design improved therapies against TB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavio De Maio
- Institute of Microbiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS Roma Italy
| | - Valentina Palmieri
- Institute of Physics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS Largo A. Gemelli, 8 00168 Roma Italy
| | - Alessandro Salustri
- Institute of Microbiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS Roma Italy
| | - Giordano Perini
- Institute of Physics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS Largo A. Gemelli, 8 00168 Roma Italy
| | - Maurizio Sanguinetti
- Institute of Microbiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS Roma Italy
| | - Marco De Spirito
- Institute of Physics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS Largo A. Gemelli, 8 00168 Roma Italy
| | - Giovanni Delogu
- Institute of Microbiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS Roma Italy
| | - Massimiliano Papi
- Institute of Physics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS Largo A. Gemelli, 8 00168 Roma Italy
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Deciphering Within-Host Microevolution of Mycobacterium tuberculosis through Whole-Genome Sequencing: the Phenotypic Impact and Way Forward. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2019; 83:83/2/e00062-18. [PMID: 30918049 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00062-18] [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] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Mycobacterium tuberculosis genome is more heterogenous and less genetically stable within the host than previously thought. Currently, only limited data exist on the within-host microevolution, diversity, and genetic stability of M. tuberculosis As a direct consequence, our ability to infer M. tuberculosis transmission chains and to understand the full complexity of drug resistance profiles in individual patients is limited. Furthermore, apart from the acquisition of certain drug resistance-conferring mutations, our knowledge on the function of genetic variants that emerge within a host and their phenotypic impact remains scarce. We performed a systematic literature review of whole-genome sequencing studies of serial and parallel isolates to summarize the knowledge on genetic diversity and within-host microevolution of M. tuberculosis We identified genomic loci of within-host emerged variants found across multiple studies and determined their functional relevance. We discuss important remaining knowledge gaps and finally make suggestions on the way forward.
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