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Barth SA, Bauerfeind R, Berens C, Menge C. Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli in Animals: Detection, Characterization, and Virulence Assessment. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2291:19-86. [PMID: 33704748 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1339-9_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cattle and other ruminants are primary reservoirs for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains which have a highly variable, but unpredictable, pathogenic potential for humans. Domestic swine can carry and shed STEC, but only STEC strains producing the Shiga toxin (Stx) 2e variant and causing edema disease in piglets are considered pathogens of veterinary medical interest. In this chapter, we present general diagnostic workflows for sampling livestock animals to assess STEC prevalence, magnitude, and duration of host colonization. This is followed by detailed method protocols for STEC detection and typing at genetic and phenotypic levels to assess the relative virulence exerted by the strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie A Barth
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut/Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Jena, Germany
| | - Rolf Bauerfeind
- Institute for Hygiene and Infectious Diseases of Animals, Justus Liebig University Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Christian Berens
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut/Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Menge
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut/Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Jena, Germany.
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2
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Menge C. The Role of Escherichia coli Shiga Toxins in STEC Colonization of Cattle. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12090607. [PMID: 32967277 PMCID: PMC7551371 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12090607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Many cattle are persistently colonized with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and represent a major source of human infections with human-pathogenic STEC strains (syn. enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC)). Intervention strategies most effectively protecting humans best aim at the limitation of bovine STEC shedding. Mechanisms enabling STEC to persist in cattle are only partialy understood. Cattle were long believed to resist the detrimental effects of Shiga toxins (Stxs), potent cytotoxins acting as principal virulence factors in the pathogenesis of human EHEC-associated diseases. However, work by different groups, summarized in this review, has provided substantial evidence that different types of target cells for Stxs exist in cattle. Peripheral and intestinal lymphocytes express the Stx receptor globotriaosylceramide (Gb3syn. CD77) in vitro and in vivo in an activation-dependent fashion with Stx-binding isoforms expressed predominantly at early stages of the activation process. Subpopulations of colonic epithelial cells and macrophage-like cells, residing in the bovine mucosa in proximity to STEC colonies, are also targeted by Stxs. STEC-inoculated calves are depressed in mounting appropriate cellular immune responses which can be overcome by vaccination of the animals against Stxs early in life before encountering STEC. Considering Stx target cells and the resulting effects of Stxs in cattle, which significantly differ from effects implicated in human disease, may open promising opportunities to improve existing yet insufficient measures to limit STEC carriage and shedding by the principal reservoir host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Menge
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut/Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, D-07743 Jena, Germany
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3
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Barth SA, Weber M, Schaufler K, Berens C, Geue L, Menge C. Metabolic Traits of Bovine Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia Coli (STEC) Strains with Different Colonization Properties. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12060414. [PMID: 32580365 PMCID: PMC7354573 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12060414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cattle harbor Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in their intestinal tract, thereby providing these microorganisms with an ecological niche, but without this colonization leading to any clinical signs. In a preceding study, genotypic characterization of bovine STEC isolates unveiled that their ability to colonize cattle persistently (STECper) or only sporadically (STECspo) is more closely associated with the overall composition of the accessory rather than the core genome. However, the colonization pattern could not be unequivocally linked to the possession of classical virulence genes. This study aimed at assessing, therefore, if the presence of certain phenotypic traits in the strains determines their colonization pattern and if these can be traced back to distinctive genetic features. STECspo strains produced significantly more biofilm than STECper when incubated at lower temperatures. Key substrates, the metabolism of which showed a significant association with colonization type, were glyoxylic acid and L-rhamnose, which were utilized by STECspo, but not or only by some STECper. Genomic sequences of the respective glc and rha operons contained mutations and frameshifts in uptake and/or regulatory genes, particularly in STECper. These findings suggest that STECspo conserved features leveraging survival in the environment, whereas the acquisition of a persistent colonization phenotype in the cattle reservoir was accompanied by the loss of metabolic properties and genomic mutations in the underlying genetic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie A. Barth
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut/Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Naumburger Str. 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany; (M.W.); (C.B.); (L.G.); (C.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-3641-804-2270; Fax: +49-3641-804-2482
| | - Michael Weber
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut/Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Naumburger Str. 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany; (M.W.); (C.B.); (L.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Katharina Schaufler
- Free University Berlin, Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 7-13, 14163 Berlin, Germany;
- University of Greifswald, Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Str. 17, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Christian Berens
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut/Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Naumburger Str. 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany; (M.W.); (C.B.); (L.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Lutz Geue
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut/Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Naumburger Str. 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany; (M.W.); (C.B.); (L.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Christian Menge
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut/Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Naumburger Str. 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany; (M.W.); (C.B.); (L.G.); (C.M.)
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Sapountzis P, Segura A, Desvaux M, Forano E. An Overview of the Elusive Passenger in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Cattle: The Shiga Toxin Producing Escherichia coli. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8060877. [PMID: 32531983 PMCID: PMC7355788 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8060877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
For approximately 10,000 years, cattle have been our major source of meat and dairy. However, cattle are also a major reservoir for dangerous foodborne pathogens that belong to the Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) group. Even though STEC infections in humans are rare, they are often lethal, as treatment options are limited. In cattle, STEC infections are typically asymptomatic and STEC is able to survive and persist in the cattle GIT by escaping the immune defenses of the host. Interactions with members of the native gut microbiota can favor or inhibit its persistence in cattle, but research in this direction is still in its infancy. Diet, temperature and season but also industrialized animal husbandry practices have a profound effect on STEC prevalence and the native gut microbiota composition. Thus, exploring the native cattle gut microbiota in depth, its interactions with STEC and the factors that affect them could offer viable solutions against STEC carriage in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Sapountzis
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UMR 0454 MEDIS, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (A.S.); (M.D.); (E.F.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Audrey Segura
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UMR 0454 MEDIS, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (A.S.); (M.D.); (E.F.)
- Chr. Hansen Animal Health & Nutrition, 2970 Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - Mickaël Desvaux
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UMR 0454 MEDIS, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (A.S.); (M.D.); (E.F.)
| | - Evelyne Forano
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UMR 0454 MEDIS, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (A.S.); (M.D.); (E.F.)
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Schmidt N, Luhmann T, Hüther L, Meyer U, Barth SA, Geue L, Menge C, Frahm J, Dänicke S. Effect of vitamin E supplementation in milk replacer and Shiga toxoid vaccination on serum α-tocopherol, performance, haematology and blood chemistry in male Holstein calves. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2018; 102:1167-1180. [DOI: 10.1111/jpn.12926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 04/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Schmidt
- Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis; Federal Research Institute for Animal Health; Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut; Jena Germany
| | - Tim Luhmann
- Institute of Animal Nutrition; Federal Research Institute for Animal Health; Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut; Brunswick Germany
| | - Liane Hüther
- Institute of Animal Nutrition; Federal Research Institute for Animal Health; Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut; Brunswick Germany
| | - Ulrich Meyer
- Institute of Animal Nutrition; Federal Research Institute for Animal Health; Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut; Brunswick Germany
| | - Stefanie A. Barth
- Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis; Federal Research Institute for Animal Health; Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut; Jena Germany
| | - Lutz Geue
- Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis; Federal Research Institute for Animal Health; Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut; Jena Germany
| | - Christian Menge
- Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis; Federal Research Institute for Animal Health; Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut; Jena Germany
| | - Jana Frahm
- Institute of Animal Nutrition; Federal Research Institute for Animal Health; Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut; Brunswick Germany
| | - Sven Dänicke
- Institute of Animal Nutrition; Federal Research Institute for Animal Health; Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut; Brunswick Germany
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Martorelli L, Garimano N, Fiorentino GA, Vilte DA, Garbaccio SG, Barth SA, Menge C, Ibarra C, Palermo MS, Cataldi A. Efficacy of a recombinant Intimin, EspB and Shiga toxin 2B vaccine in calves experimentally challenged with Escherichia coli O157:H7. Vaccine 2018; 36:3949-3959. [PMID: 29807709 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.05.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a zoonotic pathogen of global importance and the serotype of Shiga toxin-producing E.coli (STEC) most frequently associated with Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) in humans. The main STEC reservoir is cattle. Vaccination of calves with the carboxy-terminal fraction of Intimin γ (IntC280) and EspB can reduce E.coli O157:H7 fecal shedding after experimental challenge. Shiga toxin (Stx) exerts local immunosuppressive effects in the bovine intestine and Stx2B fused to Brucella lumazine synthase (BLS-Stx2B) induces Stx2-neutralizing antibodies. To determine if an immune response against Stx could improve a vaccine's effect on fecal shedding, groups of calves were immunized with EspB + IntC280, with EspB + IntC280 + BLS-Stx2B, or kept as controls. At 24 days post vaccination calves were challenged with E.coli O157:H7. Shedding of E.coli O157:H7 was assessed in recto-anal mucosal swabs by direct plating and enrichment followed by immunomagnetic separation and multiplex PCR. Calves were euthanized 15 days after the challenge and intestinal segments were obtained to assess mucosal antibodies. Vaccination induced a significant increase of IntC280 and EspB specific antibodies in serum and intestinal mucosa in both vaccinated groups. Antibodies against Stx2B were detected in serum and intestinal mucosa of animals vaccinated with 3 antigens. Sera and intestinal homogenates were able to neutralize Stx2 verocytotoxicity compared to the control and the 2-antigens vaccinated group. Both vaccines reduced E.coli O157:H7 shedding compared to the control group. The addition of Stx2B to the vaccine formulation did not result in a superior level of protection compared to the one conferred by IntC280 and EspB alone. It remains to be determined if the inclusion of Stx2B in the vaccine alters E.coli O157:H7 shedding patterns in the long term and after recurrent low dose exposure as occurring in cattle herds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisina Martorelli
- Instituto de Patobiología, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Hurlingham, Argentina
| | - Nicolás Garimano
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatogenia, Departamento de Fisiología, Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO Houssay-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gabriela A Fiorentino
- Laboratorio de Patogénesis e Inmunología de Procesos Infecciosos, Instituto de Medicina Experimental, (IMEX), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)-Academia Nacional de Medicina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniel A Vilte
- Instituto de Patobiología, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Hurlingham, Argentina
| | - Sergio G Garbaccio
- Instituto de Patobiología, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Hurlingham, Argentina
| | - Stefanie A Barth
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut/Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Menge
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut/Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Jena, Germany
| | - Cristina Ibarra
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatogenia, Departamento de Fisiología, Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO Houssay-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marina S Palermo
- Laboratorio de Patogénesis e Inmunología de Procesos Infecciosos, Instituto de Medicina Experimental, (IMEX), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)-Academia Nacional de Medicina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Angel Cataldi
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Hurlingham, Argentina.
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Schmidt N, Barth SA, Frahm J, Meyer U, Dänicke S, Geue L, Menge C. Decreased STEC shedding by cattle following passive and active vaccination based on recombinant Escherichia coli Shiga toxoids. Vet Res 2018. [PMID: 29514704 PMCID: PMC5842637 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-018-0523-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The principal virulence factor of Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), the eponymous Stx, modulates cellular immune responses in cattle, the primary STEC reservoir. We examined whether immunization with genetically inactivated recombinant Shiga toxoids (rStx1MUT/rStx2MUT) influences STEC shedding in a calf cohort. A group of 24 calves was passively (colostrum from immunized cows) and actively (intra-muscularly at 5th and 8th week) vaccinated. Twenty-four calves served as unvaccinated controls (fed with low anti-Stx colostrum, placebo injected). Each group was divided according to the vitamin E concentration they received by milk replacer (moderate and high supplemented). The effective transfer of Stx-neutralizing antibodies from dams to calves via colostrum was confirmed by Vero cell assay. Serum antibody titers in calves differed significantly between the vaccinated and the control group until the 16th week of life. Using the expression of activation marker CD25 on CD4+CD45RO+ cells and CD8αhiCD45RO+ cells as flow cytometry based read-out, cells from vaccinated animals responded more pronounced than those of control calves to lysates of STEC and E. coli strains isolated from the farm as well as to rStx2MUT in the 16th week. Summarized for the entire observation period, less fecal samples from vaccinated calves were stx1 and/or stx2 positive than samples from control animals when calves were fed a moderate amount of vitamin E. This study provides first evidence, that transfer to and induction in young calves of Stx-neutralizing antibodies by Shiga toxoid vaccination offers the opportunity to reduce the incidence of stx-positive fecal samples in a calf cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Schmidt
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI)/Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Jena, Germany. .,Justus Liebig Universität Giessen, Institute for Hygiene and Infectious Diseases of Animals, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Stefanie A Barth
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI)/Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Jena, Germany
| | - Jana Frahm
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Institute of Animal Nutrition, Brunswick, Germany
| | - Ulrich Meyer
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Institute of Animal Nutrition, Brunswick, Germany
| | - Sven Dänicke
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Institute of Animal Nutrition, Brunswick, Germany
| | - Lutz Geue
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI)/Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Menge
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI)/Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Jena, Germany
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Yamamoto BB, Luz D, Abreu PAE, Gotti TB, Vasconcellos SA, Piazza RMF, Horton DSPQ. Antibodies to Shiga toxins in Brazilian cattle. Toxicon 2017; 133:58-62. [PMID: 28454739 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Revised: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cattle are considered a reservoir of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). There is no information about the presence of antibodies against Shiga toxins in Brazilian bovine serum. Using ELISA, all sera tested showed antibodies against the two main STEC virulence factors; Stx1 and Stx2. Neutralizing antibodies against Stx1 and/or Stx2 were detected in all but one serum. In conclusion, our results indicated that these animals had been exposed to STEC producing both toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno B Yamamoto
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniela Luz
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Tatiana B Gotti
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvio A Vasconcellos
- Laboratório de Zoonoses Bacterianas, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Roxane M F Piazza
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Barth SA, Menge C, Eichhorn I, Semmler T, Pickard D, Geue L. Evaluation of applicability of DNA microarray–based characterization of bovine Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli isolates using whole genome sequence analysis. J Vet Diagn Invest 2017; 29:721-724. [DOI: 10.1177/1040638717700689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We assessed the ability of a commercial DNA microarray to characterize bovine Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC) isolates and evaluated the results using in silico hybridization of the microarray probes within whole genome sequencing scaffolds. From a total of 69,954 reactions (393 probes with 178 isolates), 68,706 (98.2%) gave identical results by DNA microarray and in silico probe hybridization. Results were more congruent when detecting the genoserotype (209 differing results from 19,758 in total; 1.1%) or antimicrobial resistance genes (AMRGs; 141 of 26,878; 0.5%) than when detecting virulence-associated genes (VAGs; 876 of 22,072; 4.0%). Owing to the limited coverage of O-antigens by the microarray, only 37.2% of the isolates could be genoserotyped. However, the microarray proved suitable to rapidly screen bovine STEC strains for the occurrence of high numbers of VAGs and AMRGs and is suitable for molecular surveillance workflows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie A. Barth
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut/Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Jena, Germany (Barth, Menge, Geue)
- Free University Berlin, Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Berlin, Germany (Eichhorn, Semmler)
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany (Semmler)
- The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, The Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK (Pickard)
| | - Christian Menge
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut/Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Jena, Germany (Barth, Menge, Geue)
- Free University Berlin, Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Berlin, Germany (Eichhorn, Semmler)
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany (Semmler)
- The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, The Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK (Pickard)
| | - Inga Eichhorn
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut/Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Jena, Germany (Barth, Menge, Geue)
- Free University Berlin, Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Berlin, Germany (Eichhorn, Semmler)
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany (Semmler)
- The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, The Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK (Pickard)
| | - Torsten Semmler
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut/Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Jena, Germany (Barth, Menge, Geue)
- Free University Berlin, Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Berlin, Germany (Eichhorn, Semmler)
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany (Semmler)
- The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, The Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK (Pickard)
| | - Derek Pickard
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut/Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Jena, Germany (Barth, Menge, Geue)
- Free University Berlin, Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Berlin, Germany (Eichhorn, Semmler)
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany (Semmler)
- The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, The Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK (Pickard)
| | - Lutz Geue
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut/Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Jena, Germany (Barth, Menge, Geue)
- Free University Berlin, Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Berlin, Germany (Eichhorn, Semmler)
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany (Semmler)
- The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, The Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK (Pickard)
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10
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Martorelli L, Garbaccio S, Vilte DA, Albanese AA, Mejías MP, Palermo MS, Mercado EC, Ibarra CE, Cataldi AA. Immune Response in Calves Vaccinated with Type Three Secretion System Antigens and Shiga Toxin 2B Subunit of Escherichia coli O157:H7. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0169422. [PMID: 28046078 PMCID: PMC5207737 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Ruminants are the primary reservoir of Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157:H7 and the main source of infection for humans. The aim of this study was to assess the immunogenic properties of a candidate vaccine consisting on the recombinant proteins of E. coli O157:H7 IntiminC280, the carboxy-terminal fraction of Intimin γ, EspB and the fusion protein between the B subunit of Stx2 and Brucella Lumazine Synthase (BLS)(BLS-Stx2B), in Holstein Fresian calves.To accomplish this goal we vaccinated calves with two doses of different vaccine formulations: 2 antigens (IntiminC280, EspB), 3 antigens (IntiminC280, EspB, BLS-Stx2B), BLS-Stx2B alone and a control non-vaccinated group. All antigens were expressed as recombinant proteins in E. coli. Specific IgG titres increased in vaccinated calves and the inclusion of BLS-Stx2B in the formulation seems to have a stimulatory effect on the humoral response to IntiminC280 and EspB after the booster. The neutralizing activity of antibodies against these two antigens was assessed in Red Blood Cell lysis assays and adherence to Hep-2 cells as a correlate of T3SS activity. Both sera from animals vaccinated with 2 or 3 antigens inhibited both virulence properties. Serological response to Stx2 was observed in animals vaccinated only with BLS-Stx2B and with 3 antigens and neutralization of Stx2 cytotoxicity was also observed in both groups. In conclusion, immunization of calves with BLS-Stx2B, IntiminC280 and EspB elicited a potent humoral response able to neutralize Shiga toxin 2 cytotoxity and the T3SS virulence properties in vitro. These results suggest that this formulation is a good candidate vaccine to reduce STEC shedding in cattle and needs to be further assessed in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisina Martorelli
- Instituto de Patobiología, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Hurlingham, Argentina
| | - Sergio Garbaccio
- Instituto de Patobiología, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Hurlingham, Argentina
| | - Daniel A. Vilte
- Instituto de Patobiología, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Hurlingham, Argentina
| | - Adriana A. Albanese
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatogenia, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María P. Mejías
- Laboratorio de Patogénesis e Inmunología de Procesos Infecciosos, Instituto de Medicina Experimental, (IMEX), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)- Academia Nacional de Medicina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marina S. Palermo
- Laboratorio de Patogénesis e Inmunología de Procesos Infecciosos, Instituto de Medicina Experimental, (IMEX), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)- Academia Nacional de Medicina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Elsa C. Mercado
- Instituto de Patobiología, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Hurlingham, Argentina
| | - Cristina E. Ibarra
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatogenia, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Angel A. Cataldi
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Hurlingham, Argentina
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11
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The Accessory Genome of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Defines a Persistent Colonization Type in Cattle. Appl Environ Microbiol 2016; 82:5455-64. [PMID: 27371579 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00909-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains can colonize cattle for several months and may, thus, serve as gene reservoirs for the genesis of highly virulent zoonotic enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC). Attempts to reduce the human risk for acquiring EHEC infections should include strategies to control such STEC strains persisting in cattle. We therefore aimed to identify genetic patterns associated with the STEC colonization type in the bovine host. We included 88 persistent colonizing STEC (STEC(per)) (shedding for ≥4 months) and 74 sporadically colonizing STEC (STEC(spo)) (shedding for ≤2 months) isolates from cattle and 16 bovine STEC isolates with unknown colonization types. Genoserotypes and multilocus sequence types (MLSTs) were determined, and the isolates were probed with a DNA microarray for virulence-associated genes (VAGs). All STEC(per) isolates belonged to only four genoserotypes (O26:H11, O156:H25, O165:H25, O182:H25), which formed three genetic clusters (ST21/396/1705, ST300/688, ST119). In contrast, STEC(spo) isolates were scattered among 28 genoserotypes and 30 MLSTs, with O157:H7 (ST11) and O6:H49 (ST1079) being the most prevalent. The microarray analysis identified 139 unique gene patterns that clustered with the genoserotypes and MLSTs of the strains. While the STEC(per) isolates possessed heterogeneous phylogenetic backgrounds, the accessory genome clustered these isolates together, separating them from the STEC(spo) isolates. Given the vast genetic heterogeneity of bovine STEC strains, defining the genetic patterns distinguishing STEC(per) from STEC(spo) isolates will facilitate the targeted design of new intervention strategies to counteract these zoonotic pathogens at the farm level. IMPORTANCE Ruminants, especially cattle, are sources of food-borne infections by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in humans. Some STEC strains persist in cattle for longer periods of time, while others are detected only sporadically. Persisting strains can serve as gene reservoirs that supply E. coli with virulence factors, thereby generating new outbreak strains. Attempts to reduce the human risk for acquiring STEC infections should therefore include strategies to control such persisting STEC strains. By analyzing representative genes of their core and accessory genomes, we show that bovine STEC with a persistent colonization type emerged independently from sporadically colonizing isolates and evolved in parallel evolutionary branches. However, persistent colonizing strains share similar sets of accessory genes. Defining the genetic patterns that distinguish persistent from sporadically colonizing STEC isolates will facilitate the targeted design of new intervention strategies to counteract these zoonotic pathogens at the farm level.
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12
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Mir RA, Weppelmann TA, Elzo M, Ahn S, Driver JD, Jeong KC. Colonization of Beef Cattle by Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli during the First Year of Life: A Cohort Study. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0148518. [PMID: 26849041 PMCID: PMC4743843 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0148518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Each year Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are responsible for 2.8 million acute illnesses around the world and > 250,000 cases in the US. Lowering the prevalence of this pathogen in animal reservoirs has the potential to reduce STEC outbreaks in humans by controlling its entrance into the food chain. However, factors that modulate the colonization and persistence of STEC in beef cattle remain largely unidentified. This study evaluated if animal physiological factors such as age, breed, sex, and weight gain influenced the shedding of STEC in beef cattle. A cohort of beef calves (n = 260) from a multi-breed beef calf population was sampled every three months after birth to measure prevalence and concentration of STEC during the first year of life. Metagenomic analysis was also used to understand the association between the STEC colonization and the composition of gut microflora. This study identified that beef calves were more likely to shed STEC during the first 6 months and that STEC shedding decreased as the animal matured. Animal breed group, sex of the calf, and average weight gain were not significantly associated with STEC colonization. The metagenomic analysis revealed for the first time that STEC colonization was correlated with a lower diversity of gut microflora, which increases as the cattle matured. Given these findings, intervention strategies that segregate younger animals, more likely to be colonized by STEC from older animals that are ready to be harvested, could be investigated as a method to reduce zoonotic transmission of STEC from cattle to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raies A. Mir
- Department of Animal Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Thomas A. Weppelmann
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Mauricio Elzo
- Department of Animal Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Soohyoun Ahn
- Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - J. Danny Driver
- Department of Animal Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - KwangCheol Casey Jeong
- Department of Animal Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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13
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Kerner K, Bridger PS, Köpf G, Fröhlich J, Barth S, Willems H, Bauerfeind R, Baljer G, Menge C. Evaluation of biological safety in vitro and immunogenicity in vivo of recombinant Escherichia coli Shiga toxoids as candidate vaccines in cattle. Vet Res 2015; 46:38. [PMID: 25889651 PMCID: PMC4391668 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-015-0175-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cattle are the most important reservoir for enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC), a subset of shigatoxigenic E. coli (STEC) capable of causing life-threatening infectious diseases in humans. In cattle, Shiga toxins (Stx) suppress the immune system thereby promoting long-term STEC shedding. First infections of animals at calves’ age coincide with the lack of Stx-specific antibodies. We hypothesize that vaccination of calves against Shiga toxins prior to STEC infection may help to prevent the establishment of a persistent type of infection. The objectives of this study were to generate recombinant Shiga toxoids (rStx1mut & rStx2mut) by site-directed mutagenesis and to assess their immunomodulatory, antigenic, and immunogenic properties. Cultures of bovine primary immune cells were used as test systems. In ileal intraepithelial lymphocytes both, recombinant wild type Stx1 (rStx1WT) and rStx2WT significantly induced transcription of IL-4 mRNA. rStx1WT and rStx2WT reduced the expression of Stx-receptor CD77 (syn. Globotriaosylceramide, Gb3) on B and T cells from peripheral blood and of CD14 on monocyte-derived macrophages. At the same concentrations, rStx1mut and rStx2mut exhibited neither of these effects. Antibodies in sera of cattle naturally infected with STEC recognized the rStxmut toxoids equally well as the recombinant wild type toxins. Immunization of calves with rStx1mut plus rStx2mut led to induction of antibodies neutralizing Stx1 and Stx2. While keeping their antigenicity and immunogenicity recombinant Shiga toxoids are devoid of the immunosuppressive properties of the corresponding wild type toxins in cattle and candidate vaccines to mitigate long-term STEC shedding by the reservoir host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Kerner
- Institute of Hygiene and Infectious Diseases of Animals, Justus Liebig University, Frankfurter Str. 85-89, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Philip S Bridger
- Institute of Hygiene and Infectious Diseases of Animals, Justus Liebig University, Frankfurter Str. 85-89, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Gabriele Köpf
- Institute of Hygiene and Infectious Diseases of Animals, Justus Liebig University, Frankfurter Str. 85-89, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Julia Fröhlich
- Institute of Hygiene and Infectious Diseases of Animals, Justus Liebig University, Frankfurter Str. 85-89, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Stefanie Barth
- Institute of Hygiene and Infectious Diseases of Animals, Justus Liebig University, Frankfurter Str. 85-89, 35392, Giessen, Germany. .,Current Address: Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Naumburger Str. 96a, 07743, Jena, Germany.
| | - Hermann Willems
- Clinic for Ruminants and Swine (Internal Medicine & Surgery), Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Rolf Bauerfeind
- Institute of Hygiene and Infectious Diseases of Animals, Justus Liebig University, Frankfurter Str. 85-89, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Georg Baljer
- Institute of Hygiene and Infectious Diseases of Animals, Justus Liebig University, Frankfurter Str. 85-89, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Christian Menge
- Institute of Hygiene and Infectious Diseases of Animals, Justus Liebig University, Frankfurter Str. 85-89, 35392, Giessen, Germany. .,Current Address: Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Naumburger Str. 96a, 07743, Jena, Germany.
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14
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Mir RA, Weppelmann TA, Kang M, Bliss TM, DiLorenzo N, Lamb GC, Ahn S, Jeong KC. Association between animal age and the prevalence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in a cohort of beef cattle. Vet Microbiol 2015; 175:325-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2014.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2014] [Revised: 11/27/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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15
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Use of antibody responses against locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE)-encoded antigens to monitor enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli infections on cattle farms. Appl Environ Microbiol 2013; 79:3677-83. [PMID: 23563950 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01029-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) is a significant zoonotic pathogen causing severe disease associated with watery and bloody diarrhea, hemorrhagic colitis, and the hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) in humans. Infections are frequently associated with contact with EHEC-contaminated ruminant feces. Both natural and experimental infection of cattle induces serum antibodies against the LEE-encoded proteins intimin, EspA, EspB, and Tir and the Shiga toxins Stx1 and Stx2, although the latter are poorly immunogenic in cattle. We determined whether antibodies and/or the kinetics of antibody responses against intimin, Tir, EspA, and/or EspB can be used for monitoring EHEC infections in beef cattle herds in order to reduce carcass contamination at slaughter. We examined the presence of serum antibodies against recombinant O157:H7 E. coli intimin EspA, EspB, and Tir during a cross-sectional study on 12 cattle farms and during a longitudinal time course study on two EHEC-positive cattle farms. We searched for a possible correlation between intimin, Tir, EspA, and/or EspB antibodies and fecal excretion of EHEC O157, O145, O111, O103, or O26 seropathotypes. The results indicated that serum antibody responses to EspB and EspA might be useful for first-line screening at the herd level for EHEC O157, O26, and most likely also for EHEC O103 infections. However, antibody responses against EspB are of less use for monitoring individual animals, since some EHEC-shedding animals did not show antibody responses and since serum antibody responses against EspB could persist for several months even when shedding had ceased.
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Vande Walle K, Vanrompay D, Cox E. Bovine innate and adaptive immune responses against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and vaccination strategies to reduce faecal shedding in ruminants. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2012; 152:109-20. [PMID: 23084625 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2012.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) O157:H7 is a zoonotic pathogen of worldwide importance causing foodborne infections with possibly life-threatening consequences in humans, such as haemorrhagic colitis and in a small percentage of zoonotic cases, haemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). Ruminants are an important reservoir of EHEC and human infections are most frequently associated with direct or indirect contact with ruminant faeces. A thorough understanding of the host-bacterium interaction in ruminants could lead to the development of novel interventions strategies, including innovative vaccines. This review aims to present the current knowledge regarding innate and adaptive immune responses in EHEC colonized ruminants. In addition, results on vaccination strategies in ruminants aiming at reduction of EHEC shedding are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kris Vande Walle
- Laboratory of Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9860 Merelbeke, Belgium
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17
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Hu CCA, Dougan SK, Winter SV, Paton AW, Paton JC, Ploegh HL. Subtilase cytotoxin cleaves newly synthesized BiP and blocks antibody secretion in B lymphocytes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 206:2429-40. [PMID: 19808260 PMCID: PMC2768844 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20090782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Shiga-toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) use subtilase cytotoxin (SubAB) to interfere with adaptive immunity. Its inhibition of immunoglobulin secretion is both rapid and profound. SubAB favors cleavage of the newly synthesized immunoglobulin heavy chain–binding protein (BiP) to yield a C-terminal fragment that contains BiP’s substrate-binding domain. In the absence of its regulatory nucleotide-binding domain, the SubAB-cleaved C-terminal BiP fragment remains tightly bound to newly synthesized immunoglobulin light chains, resulting in retention of light chains in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Immunoglobulins are thus detained in the ER, making impossible the secretion of antibodies by SubAB-treated B cells. The inhibitory effect of SubAB is highly specific for antibody secretion, because other secretory proteins such as IL-6 are released normally from SubAB-treated B cells. Although SubAB also causes BiP cleavage in HepG2 hepatoma cells, (glyco)protein secretion continues unabated in SubAB-exposed HepG2 cells. This specific block in antibody secretion is a novel means of immune evasion for STEC. The differential cleavage of newly synthesized versus “aged” BiP by SubAB in the ER provides insight into the architecture of the ER compartments involved.
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