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Frickmann H, Hurtig S, Greine AR, Hering S, Benedek O, Warnke P, Podbielski A. Risk assessment of the mechanical spread of bacterial pathogens due to Lasius neglectus ants infesting a tertiary hospital. J Hosp Infect 2024:S0195-6701(24)00190-7. [PMID: 38823645 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2024.04.026] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mechanical spread of microbial pathogens has been investigated in cockroaches, but less well in ants. Considerably less information is available for ants. An investigation into ant-borne mechanical pathogen transmission was triggered by an infestation of a tertiary care hospital with Lasius neglectus ants. METHODS The L. neglectus infestation of the orthopedic surgery, the ear-nose-throat clinics and the eye clinics as well as of outdoor areas was monitored and correlated with seasonal and weather influences. Microbial colonization on the ants' exoskeleton as well as in homogenates of complete insects and decolonization dynamics of artificially Staphylococcus aureus colonization on the exoskeleton was assessed. RESULTS In a low-level infestation setting, L. neglectus activity showed seasonal variations and was positively correlated with temperature (r=0.7515; P=0.0368) but not with precipitation (r=0.4699, P=0.2431). Colonization with environmental commensals dominated, while exoskeleton colonization with bacteria with potential etiological relevance for nosocomial infections was higher for ants from the inpatient setting (6%) than from outdoor areas (0%). Artificial colonization of the exoskeleton with S. aureus vanished to values statistically indistinguishable from baseline within 72 hours. CONCLUSIONS Low colonization rates with etiologically relevant bacteria and rapid spontaneous decolonization in case of contamination make ant-borne transmissions to patients unlikely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hagen Frickmann
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany; Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Stefan Hurtig
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Anca Rebecca Greine
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Silvio Hering
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Orsolya Benedek
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Philipp Warnke
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Andreas Podbielski
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany
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Kozela E, Meneghetti P, Regev-Rudzki N, Torrecilhas AC, Porat Z. Subcellular particles for characterization of host-parasite interactions. Microbes Infect 2024:105314. [PMID: 38367661 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2024.105314] [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: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Parasitic diseases remain a major global health problem for humans. Parasites employ a variety of strategies to invade and survive within their hosts and to manipulate host defense mechanisms, always in the pathogen's favor. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), membrane-bound nanospheres carrying a variety of bioactive compounds, were shown to be released by the parasites during all stages of the infection, enabling growth and expansion within the host and adaptation to frequently changing environmental stressors. In this review, we discuss how the use of existing nanotechnologies and high-resolution imaging tools assisted in revealing the role of EVs during parasitic infections, enabling the quantitation, visualization, and detailed characterization of EVs. We discuss here the cases of malaria, Chagas disease and leishmaniasis as examples of parasitic neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Unraveling the EVs' role in the NTD pathogenesis may enormously contribute to their early and reliable diagnostic, effective treatment, and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Kozela
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Biochemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Paula Meneghetti
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Laboratório de Imunologia Celular e Bioquímica de Fungos e Protozoários, Brazil
| | - Neta Regev-Rudzki
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Biochemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ana Claudia Torrecilhas
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Laboratório de Imunologia Celular e Bioquímica de Fungos e Protozoários, Brazil.
| | - Ziv Porat
- Flow Cytometry Unit, Life Sciences Core Facilities, WIS, Rehovot, Israel.
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Puig-Torrents M, Díez J. Controlling arbovirus infection: high-throughput transcriptome and proteome insights. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1330303. [PMID: 38414768 PMCID: PMC10896924 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1330303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Arboviruses pose a significant threat to public health globally, demanding innovative approaches for their control. For this, a better understanding of the complex web of interactions established in arbovirus-infected mosquitoes is fundamental. High-throughput analyses allow a genome-wide view of arbovirus-induced alterations at different gene expression levels. This review provides a comprehensive perspective into the current literature in transcriptome and proteome landscapes in mosquitoes infected with arboviruses. It also proposes a coordinated research effort to define the critical nodes that determine arbovirus infection and transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juana Díez
- Molecular Virology Group, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
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4
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Jiang Y, Gao H, Wang L, Hu W, Wang G, Wang S. Quorum sensing-activated phenylalanine metabolism drives OMV biogenesis to enhance mosquito commensal colonization resistance to Plasmodium. Cell Host Microbe 2023; 31:1655-1667.e6. [PMID: 37738984 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2023.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Gut microbiota and its symbiotic relationship with the host are crucial for preventing pathogen infection. However, little is known about the mechanisms that drive commensal colonization. Serratia bacteria, commonly found in Anopheles mosquitoes, potentially mediate mosquito resistance to Plasmodium. Using S. ureilytica Su_YN1 as a model, we show that a quorum sensing (QS) circuit is crucial for stable colonization. After blood ingestion, the QS synthase SueI generates the signaling molecule N-hexanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (C6-HSL). Once C6-HSL binds to the QS receptor SueR, repression of the phenylalanine-to-acetyl-coenzyme A (CoA) conversion pathway is lifted. This pathway regulates outer membrane vesicle (OMV) biogenesis and promotes Serratia biofilm-like aggregate formation, facilitating gut adaptation and colonization. Notably, exposing Serratia Su_YN1-carrying Anopheles mosquitoes to C6-HSL increases Serratia gut colonization and enhances Plasmodium transmission-blocking efficacy. These findings provide insights into OMV biogenesis and commensal gut colonization and identify a powerful strategy for enhancing commensal resistance to pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongmao Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Han Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lihua Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenqian Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guandong Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Sibao Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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5
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Huang Q, Gavor E, Tulsian NK, Fan J, Lin Q, Mok YK, Kini RM, Sivaraman J. Structural and functional characterization of Aedes aegypti pupal cuticle protein that controls dengue virus infection. Protein Sci 2023; 32:e4761. [PMID: 37593853 PMCID: PMC10510476 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
The pupal cuticle protein from Aedes aegypti (AaPC) inhibits dengue virus (DENV) infection; however, the underlying mechanism of this inhibition remains unknown. Here, we report that AaPC is an intrinsically disordered protein and interacts with domain I/II of the DENV envelope protein via residues Asp59, Asp61, Glu71, Asp73, Ser75, and Asp80. AaPC can directly bind to and cause the aggregation of DENV, which in turn blocks virus infection during the virus-cell fusion stage. AaPC may also influence viral recognition and attachment by interacting with human immune receptors DC-SIGN and CD4. These findings enhance our understanding of the role of AaPC in mitigating viral infection and suggest that AaPC is a potential target for developing inhibitors or antibodies to control dengue virus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Huang
- Department of Biological SciencesNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Edem Gavor
- Department of Biological SciencesNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Nikhil Kumar Tulsian
- Department of Biological SciencesNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Department of BiochemistryNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Jingsong Fan
- Department of Biological SciencesNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Qingsong Lin
- Department of Biological SciencesNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Yu Keung Mok
- Department of Biological SciencesNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - R. Manjunatha Kini
- Department of Biological SciencesNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - J. Sivaraman
- Department of Biological SciencesNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
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6
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Lin X, Sun L, Lu M, Zhao Y. Biomimetic Gland Models with Engineered Stratagems. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2023; 6:0232. [PMID: 37719047 PMCID: PMC10503994 DOI: 10.34133/research.0232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
As extensively distributed tissues throughout the human body, glands play a critical role in various physiological processes. Therefore, the construction of biomimetic gland models in vitro has aroused great interest in multiple disciplines. In the biological field, the researchers focus on optimizing the cell sources and culture techniques to reconstruct the specific structures and functions of glands, such as the emergence of organoid technology. From the perspective of biomedical engineering, the generation of biomimetic gland models depends on the combination of engineered scaffolds and microfluidics, to mimic the in vivo environment of glandular tissues. These engineered stratagems endowed gland models with more biomimetic features, as well as a wide range of application prospects. In this review, we first describe the biomimetic strategies for constructing different in vitro gland models, focusing on the role of microfluidics in promoting the structure and function development of biomimetic glands. After summarizing several common in vitro models of endocrine and exocrine glands, the applications of gland models in disease modelling, drug screening, regenerative medicine, and personalized medicine are enumerated. Finally, we conclude the current challenges and our perspective of these biomimetic gland models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Lin
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering,
Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health),
Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325001, China
| | - Lingyu Sun
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering,
Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Minhui Lu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering,
Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering,
Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health),
Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325001, China
- Southeast University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518071, China
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7
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Sapiro AL, Hayes BM, Volk RF, Zhang JY, Brooks DM, Martyn C, Radkov A, Zhao Z, Kinnersley M, Secor PR, Zaro BW, Chou S. Longitudinal map of transcriptome changes in the Lyme pathogen Borrelia burgdorferi during tick-borne transmission. eLife 2023; 12:RP86636. [PMID: 37449477 PMCID: PMC10393048 DOI: 10.7554/elife.86636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb), the causative agent of Lyme disease, adapts to vastly different environments as it cycles between tick vector and vertebrate host. During a tick bloodmeal, Bb alters its gene expression to prepare for vertebrate infection; however, the full range of transcriptional changes that occur over several days inside of the tick are technically challenging to capture. We developed an experimental approach to enrich Bb cells to longitudinally define their global transcriptomic landscape inside nymphal Ixodes scapularis ticks during a transmitting bloodmeal. We identified 192 Bb genes that substantially change expression over the course of the bloodmeal from 1 to 4 days after host attachment. The majority of upregulated genes encode proteins found at the cell envelope or proteins of unknown function, including 45 outer surface lipoproteins embedded in the unusual protein-rich coat of Bb. As these proteins may facilitate Bb interactions with the host, we utilized mass spectrometry to identify candidate tick proteins that physically associate with Bb. The Bb enrichment methodology along with the ex vivo Bb transcriptomes and candidate tick interacting proteins presented here provide a resource to facilitate investigations into key determinants of Bb priming and transmission during the tick stage of its unique transmission cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne L Sapiro
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Beth M Hayes
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Regan F Volk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Jenny Y Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Diane M Brooks
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of MontanaMissoulaUnited States
| | - Calla Martyn
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Atanas Radkov
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Ziyi Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Margie Kinnersley
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of MontanaMissoulaUnited States
| | - Patrick R Secor
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of MontanaMissoulaUnited States
| | - Balyn W Zaro
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Seemay Chou
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
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8
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Sasser KT, Weber JN. A Call For More Ecologically And Evolutionarily Relevant Studies of Immune Costs. Evol Ecol 2023; 37:203-214. [PMID: 37608798 PMCID: PMC10443930 DOI: 10.1007/s10682-022-10213-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
What are the relative costs and benefits of mounting immune responses? Practitioners of ecoimmunology have grappled with this central question since the field's inception with the main tension being how to make tractable methodological choices that maintain the ecological relevance of induced and measured immune costs. Here, we point out two methodological approaches that we feel are underrepresented in the field, describe risks associated with neglecting these methods, and suggest modern techniques that maximize both the diversity and ecological relevance of collected data. First, it is commonly assumed that frequently used and experimentally convenient immune stimulants will induce ecologically relevant immune responses in study organisms. This can be a dangerous assumption. Even if a stimulant's general immune response properties are well characterized, it is critical to also measure the type and scale of immune responses induced by live pathogens. Second, patterns of immune defenses evolve like other traits, thus a comparative approach is essential to understand what forces shape immune variation. Finally, we describe modern genetic and immunological approaches that will soon become essential tools for ecoimmunologists, and present case studies that exemplify the utility of our recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristofer Trey Sasser
- University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, USA. Current address: University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- 430 Lincoln Dr, Birge Hall, Madison WI, 53706
| | - Jesse N Weber
- University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- 430 Lincoln Dr, Birge Hall, Madison WI, 53706
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