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Wang Z, Shao J. Fungal vaccines and adjuvants: a tool to reveal the interaction between host and fungi. Arch Microbiol 2024; 206:293. [PMID: 38850421 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-024-04010-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Fungal infections are incurring high risks in a range from superficial mucosal discomforts (such as oropharyngeal candidiasis and vulvovaginal candidiasis) to disseminated life-threatening diseases (such as invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and cryptococcal meningitis) and becoming a global health problem in especially immunodeficient population. The major obstacle to conquer fungal harassment lies in the presence of increasing resistance to conventional antifungal agents used in newly clinically isolated strains. Although recombinant cytokines and mono-/poly-clonal antibodies are added into antifungal armamentarium, more effective antimycotic drugs are exceedingly demanded. It is comforting that the development of fungal vaccines and adjuvants opens up a window to brighten the prospective way in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of fungal assaults. In this review, we focus on the progression of several major fungal vaccines devised for the control of Candida spp., Aspergillus spp., Cryptococcus spp., Coccidioides spp., Paracoccidioides spp., Blastomyces spp., Histoplasma spp., Pneumocystis spp. as well as the adjuvants adopted. We then expound the interaction between fungal vaccines/adjuvants and host innate (macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils), humoral (IgG, IgM and IgA) and cellular (Th1, Th2, Th17 and Tc17) immune responses which generally experience immune recognition of pattern recognition receptors, activation of immune cells, and clearance of invaded fungi. Furthermore, we anticipate an in-depth understanding of immunomodulatory properties of univalent and multivalent vaccines against diverse opportunistic fungi, providing helpful information in the design of novel fungal vaccines and adjuvants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixu Wang
- Laboratory of Anti-Infection and Immunity, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Zhijing Building, 350 Longzihu Road, Xinzhan District, Hefei, 230012, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Shao
- Laboratory of Anti-Infection and Immunity, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Zhijing Building, 350 Longzihu Road, Xinzhan District, Hefei, 230012, Anhui, People's Republic of China.
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Zhijing Building, 350 Longzihu Road, Xinzhan District, Hefei, 230012, Anhui, People's Republic of China.
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2
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Bose S, Sahu SR, Dutta A, Acharya N. A chemically induced attenuated strain of Candida albicans generates robust protective immune responses and prevents systemic candidiasis development. eLife 2024; 13:RP93760. [PMID: 38787374 PMCID: PMC11126311 DOI: 10.7554/elife.93760] [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] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite current antifungal therapy, invasive candidiasis causes >40% mortality in immunocompromised individuals. Therefore, developing an antifungal vaccine is a priority. Here, we could for the first time successfully attenuate the virulence of Candida albicans by treating it with a fungistatic dosage of EDTA and demonstrate it to be a potential live whole cell vaccine by using murine models of systemic candidiasis. EDTA inhibited the growth and biofilm formation of C. albicans. RNA-seq analyses of EDTA-treated cells (CAET) revealed that genes mostly involved in metal homeostasis and ribosome biogenesis were up- and down-regulated, respectively. Consequently, a bulky cell wall with elevated levels of mannan and β-glucan, and reduced levels of total monosomes and polysomes were observed. CAET was eliminated faster than the untreated strain (Ca) as found by differential fungal burden in the vital organs of the mice. Higher monocytes, granulocytes, and platelet counts were detected in Ca- vs CAET-challenged mice. While hyper-inflammation and immunosuppression caused the killing of Ca-challenged mice, a critical balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines-mediated immune responses are the likely reasons for the protective immunity in CAET-infected mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swagata Bose
- Department of Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life SciencesBhubaneswarIndia
| | - Satya Ranjan Sahu
- Department of Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life SciencesBhubaneswarIndia
| | - Abinash Dutta
- Department of Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life SciencesBhubaneswarIndia
| | - Narottam Acharya
- Department of Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life SciencesBhubaneswarIndia
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3
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Kaur G, Chawla S, Kumar P, Singh R. Advancing Vaccine Strategies against Candida Infections: Exploring New Frontiers. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1658. [PMID: 38005990 PMCID: PMC10674196 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11111658] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans, along with several non-albicans Candida species, comprise a prominent fungal pathogen in humans, leading to candidiasis in various organs. The global impact of candidiasis in terms of disease burden, suffering, and fatalities is alarmingly high, making it a pressing global healthcare concern. Current treatment options rely on antifungal drugs such as azoles, polyenes, and echinocandins but are delimited due to the emergence of drug-resistant strains and associated adverse effects. The current review highlights the striking absence of a licensed antifungal vaccine for human use and the urgent need to shift our focus toward developing an anti-Candida vaccine. A number of factors affect the development of vaccines against fungal infections, including the host, intraspecies and interspecies antigenic variations, and hence, a lack of commercial interest. In addition, individuals with a high risk of fungal infection tend to be immunocompromised, so they are less likely to respond to inactivated or subunit whole organisms. Therefore, it is pertinent to discover newer and novel alternative strategies to develop safe and effective vaccines against fungal infections. This review article provides an overview of current vaccination strategies (live attenuated, whole-cell killed, subunit, conjugate, and oral vaccine), including their preclinical and clinical data on efficacy and safety. We also discuss the mechanisms of immune protection against candidiasis, including the role of innate and adaptive immunity and potential biomarkers of protection. Challenges, solutions, and future directions in vaccine development, namely, exploring novel adjuvants, harnessing the trained immunity, and utilizing immunoinformatics approaches for vaccine design and development, are also discussed. This review concludes with a summary of key findings, their implications for clinical practice and public health, and a call to action for continued investment in candidiasis vaccine research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurpreet Kaur
- Department of Biotechnology, Chandigarh College of Technology (CCT), Chandigarh Group of Colleges (CGC), Landran, Mohali 140307, India
| | - Sonam Chawla
- Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Sector 62, Noida 201309, India; (S.C.)
| | - Piyush Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Sector 62, Noida 201309, India; (S.C.)
| | - Ritu Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Sector 62, Noida 201309, India; (S.C.)
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4
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Kumar R, Srivastava V. Application of anti-fungal vaccines as a tool against emerging anti-fungal resistance. FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY 2023; 4:1241539. [PMID: 37746132 PMCID: PMC10512234 DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2023.1241539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
After viruses and bacteria, fungal infections remain a serious threat to the survival and well-being of society. The continuous emergence of resistance against commonly used anti-fungal drugs is a serious concern. The eukaryotic nature of fungal cells makes the identification of novel anti-fungal agents slow and difficult. Increasing global temperature and a humid environment conducive to fungal growth may lead to a fungal endemic or a pandemic. The continuous increase in the population of immunocompromised individuals and falling immunity forced pharmaceutical companies to look for alternative strategies for better managing the global fungal burden. Prevention of infectious diseases by vaccines can be the right choice. Recent success and safe application of mRNA-based vaccines can play a crucial role in our quest to overcome anti-fungal resistance. Expressing fungal cell surface proteins in human subjects using mRNA technology may be sufficient to raise immune response to protect against future fungal infection. The success of mRNA-based anti-fungal vaccines will heavily depend on the identification of fungal surface proteins which are highly immunogenic and have no or least side effects in human subjects. The present review discusses why it is essential to look for anti-fungal vaccines and how vaccines, in general, and mRNA-based vaccines, in particular, can be the right choice in tackling the problem of rising anti-fungal resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravinder Kumar
- Department of Pathology, Collage of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Vartika Srivastava
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
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5
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Rabaan AA, Alfaraj AH, Alshengeti A, Alawfi A, Alwarthan S, Alhajri M, Al-Najjar AH, Al Fares MA, Najim MA, Almuthree SA, AlShurbaji ST, Alofi FS, AlShehail BM, AlYuosof B, Alynbiawi A, Alzayer SA, Al Kaabi N, Abduljabbar WA, Bukhary ZA, Bueid AS. Antibodies to Combat Fungal Infections: Development Strategies and Progress. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11030671. [PMID: 36985244 PMCID: PMC10051215 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11030671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The finding that some mAbs are antifungal suggests that antibody immunity may play a key role in the defense of the host against mycotic infections. The discovery of antibodies that guard against fungi is a significant advancement because it gives rise to the possibility of developing vaccinations that trigger protective antibody immunity. These vaccines might work by inducing antibody opsonins that improve the function of non-specific (such as neutrophils, macrophages, and NK cells) and specific (such as lymphocyte) cell-mediated immunity and stop or aid in eradicating fungus infections. The ability of antibodies to defend against fungi has been demonstrated by using monoclonal antibody technology to reconsider the function of antibody immunity. The next step is to develop vaccines that induce protective antibody immunity and to comprehend the mechanisms through which antibodies mediate protective effects against fungus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali A. Rabaan
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran 31311, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Public Health and Nutrition, The University of Haripur, Haripur 22610, Pakistan
- Correspondence:
| | - Amal H. Alfaraj
- Pediatric Department, Abqaiq General Hospital, First Eastern Health Cluster, Abqaiq 33261, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amer Alshengeti
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Al-Madinah 41491, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Hospital, National Guard Health Affairs, Al-Madinah 41491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulsalam Alawfi
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Al-Madinah 41491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sara Alwarthan
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 34212, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mashael Alhajri
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 34212, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amal H. Al-Najjar
- Drug & Poison Information Center, Pharmacy Department, Security Forces Hospital Program, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mona A. Al Fares
- Department of Internal Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mustafa A. Najim
- Department of Medical Laboratories Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah 41411, Saudi Arabia
| | - Souad A. Almuthree
- Department of Infectious Disease, King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah 43442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sultan T. AlShurbaji
- Outpatient Pharmacy, Dr. Sulaiman Alhabib Medical Group, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh 91877, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fadwa S. Alofi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, King Fahad Hospital, Madinah 42351, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bashayer M. AlShehail
- Pharmacy Practice Department, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Buthina AlYuosof
- Directorate of Public Health, Dammam Network, Eastern Health Cluster, Dammam 31444, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahlam Alynbiawi
- Infectious Diseases Section, Medical Specialties Department, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh 12231, Saudi Arabia
| | - Suha A. Alzayer
- Parasitology Laboratory Department, Qatif Comprehensive Inspection Center, Qatif 31911, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nawal Al Kaabi
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Disease, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi 51900, United Arab Emirates
| | - Wesam A. Abduljabbar
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Fakeeh College for Medical Science, Jeddah 21134, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zakiyah A. Bukhary
- Department of Internal Medicine, King Fahad General Hospital, Jeddah 23325, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed S. Bueid
- Microbiology Laboratory, King Faisal General Hospital, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
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6
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Patel SK, Sahu SR, Utkalaja BG, Bose S, Acharya N. Pol32, an accessory subunit of DNA polymerase delta, plays an essential role in genome stability and pathogenesis of Candida albicans. Gut Microbes 2023; 15:2163840. [PMID: 36601868 PMCID: PMC9828637 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2022.2163840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a pathobiont that inflicts serious bloodstream fungal infections in individuals with compromised immunity and gut dysbiosis. Genomic diversity in the form of copy number alteration, ploidy variation, and loss of heterozygosity as an adaptive mechanism to adverse environments is frequently observed in C. albicans. Such genomic variations also confer a varied degree of fungal virulence and drug resistance, yet the factors propelling these are not completely understood. DNA polymerase delta (Polδ) is an essential replicative DNA polymerase in the eukaryotic cell and is yet to be characterized in C. albicans. Therefore, this study was designed to gain insights into the role of Polδ, especially its non-essential subunit Pol32, in the genome plasticity and life cycle of C. albicans. PCNA, the DNA clamp, recruits Polδ to the replication fork for processive DNA replication. Unlike in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the PCNA interaction protein (PIP) motif of CaPol32 is critical for Polδ's activity during DNA replication. Our comparative genetic analyses and whole-genome sequencing of POL32 proficient and deficient C. albicans cells revealed a critical role of Pol32 in DNA replication, cell cycle progression, and genome stability as SNPs, indels, and repeat variations were largely accumulated in pol32 null strain. The loss of pol32 in C. albicans conferred cell wall deformity; Hsp90 mediated azoles resistance, biofilm development, and a complete attenuation of virulence in an animal model of systemic candidiasis. Thus, although Pol32 is dispensable for cell survival, its function is essential for C. albicans pathogenesis; and we discuss its translational implications in antifungal drugs and whole-cell vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shraddheya Kumar Patel
- Laboratory of Genomic Instability and Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India,Regional center of Biotechnology, Faridabad, India
| | - Satya Ranjan Sahu
- Laboratory of Genomic Instability and Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India,Regional center of Biotechnology, Faridabad, India
| | - Bhabasha Gyanadeep Utkalaja
- Laboratory of Genomic Instability and Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India,Regional center of Biotechnology, Faridabad, India
| | - Swagata Bose
- Laboratory of Genomic Instability and Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India,School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Narottam Acharya
- Laboratory of Genomic Instability and Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India,CONTACT Narottam Acharya ; Laboratory of Genomic Instability and Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar751023, India
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7
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Rosemary essential oil and its components 1,8-cineole and α-pinene induce ROS-dependent lethality and ROS-independent virulence inhibition in Candida albicans. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277097. [DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The essential oil from Rosmarinus officinalis L., a composite mixture of plant-derived secondary metabolites, exhibits antifungal activity against virulent candidal species. Here we report the impact of rosemary oil and two of its components, the monoterpene α-pinene and the monoterpenoid 1,8-cineole, against Candida albicans, which induce ROS-dependent cell death at high concentrations and inhibit hyphal morphogenesis and biofilm formation at lower concentrations. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (100% inhibition) for both rosemary oil and 1,8-cineole were 4500 μg/ml and 3125 μg/ml for α-pinene, with the two components exhibiting partial synergy (FICI = 0.55 ± 0.07). At MIC and 1/2 MIC, rosemary oil and its components induced a generalized cell wall stress response, causing damage to cellular and organelle membranes, along with elevated chitin production and increased cell surface adhesion and elasticity, leading to complete vacuolar segregation, mitochondrial depolarization, elevated reactive oxygen species, microtubule dysfunction, and cell cycle arrest mainly at the G1/S phase, consequently triggering cell death. Interestingly, the same oils at lower fractional MIC (1/8-1/4) inhibited virulence traits, including reduction of mycelium (up to 2-fold) and biofilm (up to 4-fold) formation, through a ROS-independent mechanism.
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Abstract
Invasive fungal infections are emerging diseases that kill over 1.5 million people per year worldwide. With the increase of immunocompromised populations, the incidence of invasive fungal infections is expected to continue to rise. Vaccines for viral and bacterial infectious diseases have had a transformative impact on human health worldwide. However, no fungal vaccines are currently in clinical use. Recently, interest in fungal vaccines has grown significantly. One Candida vaccine has completed phase 2 clinical trials, and research on vaccines against coccidioidomycosis continues to advance. Additionally, multiple groups have discovered various Cryptococcus mutant strains that promote protective responses to subsequent challenge in mouse models. There has also been progress in antibody-mediated fungal vaccines. In this review, we highlight recent fungal vaccine research progress, outline the wealth of data generated, and summarize current research for both fungal biology and immunology studies relevant to fungal vaccine development. We also review technological advancements in vaccine development and highlight the future prospects of a human vaccine against invasive fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amariliz Rivera
- Department of Pediatrics and Center for Immunity and Inflammation, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, New Jersey, USA;
| | - Jennifer Lodge
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Current affiliation: Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA;
| | - Chaoyang Xue
- Public Health Research Institute and Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, New Jersey, USA;
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9
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Sahu SR, Bose S, Singh M, Kumari P, Dutta A, Utkalaja BG, Patel SK, Acharya N. Vaccines against candidiasis: Status, challenges and emerging opportunity. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1002406. [PMID: 36061876 PMCID: PMC9433539 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1002406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Candidiasis is a mycosis caused by opportunistic Candida species. The occurrence of fungal infections has considerably increased in the last few years primarily due to an increase in the number of immune-suppressed individuals. Alarming bloodstream infections due to Candida sp. are associated with a higher rate of morbidity and mortality, and are emerged as major healthcare concerns worldwide. Currently, chemotherapy is the sole available option for combating fungal diseases. Moreover, the emergence of resistance to these limited available anti-fungal drugs has further accentuated the concern and highlighted the need for early detection of fungal infections, identification of novel antifungal drug targets, and development of effective therapeutics and prophylactics. Thus, there is an increasing interest in developing safe and potent immune-based therapeutics to tackle fungal diseases. In this context, vaccine design and its development have a priority. Nonetheless, despite significant advances in immune and vaccine biology over time, a viable commercialized vaccine remains awaited against fungal infections. In this minireview, we enumerate various concerted efforts made till date towards the development of anti-Candida vaccines, an option with pan-fugal vaccine, vaccines in the clinical trial, challenges, and future opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satya Ranjan Sahu
- Laboratory of Genomic Instability and Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India
- Regional center of Biotechnology, Faridabad, India
| | - Swagata Bose
- Laboratory of Genomic Instability and Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India
- School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Manish Singh
- Laboratory of Genomic Instability and Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Premlata Kumari
- Laboratory of Genomic Instability and Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India
- Regional center of Biotechnology, Faridabad, India
| | - Abinash Dutta
- Laboratory of Genomic Instability and Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Bhabasha Gyanadeep Utkalaja
- Laboratory of Genomic Instability and Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India
- Regional center of Biotechnology, Faridabad, India
| | - Shraddheya Kumar Patel
- Laboratory of Genomic Instability and Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India
- Regional center of Biotechnology, Faridabad, India
| | - Narottam Acharya
- Laboratory of Genomic Instability and Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India
- *Correspondence: Narottam Acharya, ;
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Lv QZ, Li DD, Han H, Yang YH, Duan JL, Ma HH, Yu Y, Chen JY, Jiang YY, Jia XM. Priming with FLO8-deficient Candida albicans induces Th1-biased protective immunity against lethal polymicrobial sepsis. Cell Mol Immunol 2021; 18:2010-2023. [PMID: 33154574 PMCID: PMC7642578 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-020-00576-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The morphological switch between yeast and hyphae of Candida albicans is essential for its interaction with the host defense system. However, the lack of understanding of host-pathogen interactions during C. albicans infection greatly hampers the development of effective immunotherapies. Here, we found that priming with the C. albicans FLO8-deficient (flo8) mutant, locked in yeast form, protected mice from subsequent lethal C. albicans infection. Deficiency of Dectin-2, a fungus-derived α-mannan recognition receptor, completely blocked flo8 mutant-induced protection. Mechanistically, the flo8 mutant-induced Dectin-2/CARD9-mediated IL-10 production in DCs and macrophages to block thymus atrophy by inhibiting the C. albicans-induced apoptosis of thymic T cells, which facilitated the continuous output of naive T cells from the thymus to the spleen. Continuous recruitment of naive T cells to the spleen enhanced Th1-biased antifungal immune responses. Consequently, depletion of CD4+ T cells or blockade of IL-10 receptor function using specific antibodies in mice completely blocked the protective effects of flo8 mutant priming against C. albicans infection. Moreover, mannans exposed on the surface of the flo8 mutant were responsible for eliciting protective immunity by inhibiting the C. albicans-induced apoptosis of thymic T cells to sustain the number of naive T cells in the spleen. Importantly, priming with the flo8 mutant extensively protected mice from polymicrobial infection caused by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) by enhancing Th1-biased immune responses. Together, our findings imply that targeting FLO8 in C. albicans elicits protective immune responses against polymicrobial infections and that mannans extracted from the flo8 mutant are potential immunotherapeutic candidate(s) for controlling infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan-Zhen Lv
- Clinical Medicine Scientific and Technical Innovation Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - De-Dong Li
- Clinical Medicine Scientific and Technical Innovation Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Hua Han
- Clinical Medicine Scientific and Technical Innovation Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yi-Heng Yang
- Clinical Medicine Scientific and Technical Innovation Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jie-Lin Duan
- Clinical Medicine Scientific and Technical Innovation Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Hui-Hui Ma
- Clinical Medicine Scientific and Technical Innovation Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yao Yu
- Clinical Medicine Scientific and Technical Innovation Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jiang-Ye Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yuan-Ying Jiang
- Clinical Medicine Scientific and Technical Innovation Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Xin-Ming Jia
- Clinical Medicine Scientific and Technical Innovation Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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11
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Dunker C, Polke M, Schulze-Richter B, Schubert K, Rudolphi S, Gressler AE, Pawlik T, Prada Salcedo JP, Niemiec MJ, Slesiona-Künzel S, Swidergall M, Martin R, Dandekar T, Jacobsen ID. Rapid proliferation due to better metabolic adaptation results in full virulence of a filament-deficient Candida albicans strain. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3899. [PMID: 34162849 PMCID: PMC8222383 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24095-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of the fungal pathogen Candida albicans to undergo a yeast-to-hypha transition is believed to be a key virulence factor, as filaments mediate tissue damage. Here, we show that virulence is not necessarily reduced in filament-deficient strains, and the results depend on the infection model used. We generate a filament-deficient strain by deletion or repression of EED1 (known to be required for maintenance of hyphal growth). Consistent with previous studies, the strain is attenuated in damaging epithelial cells and macrophages in vitro and in a mouse model of intraperitoneal infection. However, in a mouse model of systemic infection, the strain is as virulent as the wild type when mice are challenged with intermediate infectious doses, and even more virulent when using low infectious doses. Retained virulence is associated with rapid yeast proliferation, likely the result of metabolic adaptation and improved fitness, leading to high organ fungal loads. Analyses of cytokine responses in vitro and in vivo, as well as systemic infections in immunosuppressed mice, suggest that differences in immunopathology contribute to some extent to retained virulence of the filament-deficient mutant. Our findings challenge the long-standing hypothesis that hyphae are essential for pathogenesis of systemic candidiasis by C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Dunker
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, Jena, Germany
| | - Melanie Polke
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, Jena, Germany
- Laboratory Dr. Wisplinghoff, Department of Molecular Biology, Horbeller Strasse 18-20, Cologne, Germany
| | - Bianca Schulze-Richter
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Immunology, Molecular Pathogenesis, Center for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BBZ), College of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Deutscher Platz 5, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Katja Schubert
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, Jena, Germany
| | - Sven Rudolphi
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, Jena, Germany
| | - A Elisabeth Gressler
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Immunology, Molecular Pathogenesis, Center for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BBZ), College of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Deutscher Platz 5, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tony Pawlik
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, Jena, Germany
| | - Juan P Prada Salcedo
- Department of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, Am Hubland, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - M Joanna Niemiec
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, Jena, Germany
| | - Silvia Slesiona-Künzel
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, Jena, Germany
| | - Marc Swidergall
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor UCLA Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ronny Martin
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Dandekar
- Department of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, Am Hubland, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ilse D Jacobsen
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, Jena, Germany.
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12
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Biswas PS. Vaccine-Induced Immunological Memory in Invasive Fungal Infections - A Dream so Close yet so Far. Front Immunol 2021; 12:671068. [PMID: 33968079 PMCID: PMC8096976 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.671068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are a major cause of mortality due to infectious disease worldwide. Majority of the IFIs are caused by opportunistic fungi including Candida, Aspergillus and Cryptococcus species. Lack of approved antifungal vaccines and the emergence of antifungal drug-resistant strains pose major constraints in controlling IFIs. A comprehensive understanding of the host immune response is required to develop novel fungal vaccines to prevent death from IFIs. In this review, we have discussed the challenges associated with the development of antifungal vaccines. We mentioned how host-pathogen interactions shape immunological memory and development of long-term protective immunity to IFIs. Furthermore, we underscored the contribution of long-lived innate and adaptive memory cells in protection against IFIs and summarized the current vaccine strategies.
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13
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Reyna-Rodríguez IL, Ocampo-Candiani J, Chavez-Alvarez S. Primary Cutaneous Coccidioidomycosis: An Update. Am J Clin Dermatol 2020; 21:681-696. [PMID: 32557380 DOI: 10.1007/s40257-020-00525-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis is an endemic mycosis of the southern United States, Northern Mexico, and South America. Primary cutaneous coccidioidomycosis, despite being a very rare clinical presentation, has shown an increasing incidence. An extensive literature search for cutaneous coccidioidomycosis cases was performed using the OLDMEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane, LILACS and Google Scholar databases for studies published from January 1927 through December 21, 2019. Forty-two observational studies were included totaling 82 cases of primary cutaneous coccidioidomycosis. Narrative reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses were also included. Additionally, an original case was included. Patients with primary cutaneous coccidioidomycosis share the same geographical and epidemiological characteristics as those with pulmonary or disseminated coccidioidomycosis. Most of the imported cases came from endemic areas. A large portion of cases had prior local skin trauma. Tissue culture is still the leading diagnostic method; nevertheless, molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are currently relevant to differentiate between species. First-line treatment consists of azoles; however, it has an excellent prognosis even without treatment. Primary cutaneous coccidioidomycosis should be considered a differential diagnosis of unusual infections or neoformations in any part of the body in resident populations of endemic areas or in patients with a previous history of travel to these areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irving Llibran Reyna-Rodríguez
- Dermatology Department, Facultad de Medicina y Hospital Universitario "Dr. José E. Gonzalez", Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Nuevo Leon, Avenida Francisco I. Madero y Avenida Gonzalitos S/N, Colonia Mitras Centro, 64460, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Jorge Ocampo-Candiani
- Dermatology Department, Facultad de Medicina y Hospital Universitario "Dr. José E. Gonzalez", Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Nuevo Leon, Avenida Francisco I. Madero y Avenida Gonzalitos S/N, Colonia Mitras Centro, 64460, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Sonia Chavez-Alvarez
- Dermatology Department, Facultad de Medicina y Hospital Universitario "Dr. José E. Gonzalez", Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Nuevo Leon, Avenida Francisco I. Madero y Avenida Gonzalitos S/N, Colonia Mitras Centro, 64460, Monterrey, Mexico.
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14
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Vargas G, Honorato L, Guimarães AJ, Rodrigues ML, Reis FCG, Vale AM, Ray A, Nosanchuk JD, Nimrichter L. Protective effect of fungal extracellular vesicles against murine candidiasis. Cell Microbiol 2020; 22:e13238. [PMID: 32558196 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.13238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid bilayered compartments released by virtually all living cells, including fungi. Among the diverse molecules carried by fungal EVs, a number of immunogens, virulence factors and regulators have been characterised. Within EVs, these components could potentially impact disease outcomes by interacting with the host. From this perspective, we previously demonstrated that EVs from Candida albicans could be taken up by and activate macrophages and dendritic cells to produce cytokines and express costimulatory molecules. Moreover, pre-treatment of Galleria mellonella larvae with fungal EVs protected the insects against a subsequent lethal infection with C. albicans yeasts. These data indicate that C. albicans EVs are multi-antigenic compartments that activate the innate immune system and could be exploited as vaccine formulations. Here, we investigated whether immunisation with C. albicans EVs induces a protective effect against murine candidiasis in immunosuppressed mice. Total and fungal antigen-specific serum IgG antibodies increased by 21 days after immunisation, confirming the efficacy of the protocol. Vaccination decreased fungal burden in the liver, spleen and kidney of mice challenged with C. albicans. Splenic levels of cytokines indicated a lower inflammatory response in mice immunised with EVs when compared with EVs + Freund's adjuvant (ADJ). Higher levels of IL-12p70, TNFα and IFNγ were detected in mice vaccinated with EVs + ADJ, while IL-12p70, TGFβ, IL-4 and IL-10 were increased when no adjuvants were added. Full protection of lethally challenged mice was observed when EVs were administered, regardless the presence of adjuvant. Physical properties of the EVs were also investigated and EVs produced by C. albicans were relatively stable after storage at 4, -20 or -80°C, keeping their ability to activate dendritic cells and to protect G. mellonella against a lethal candidiasis. Our data suggest that fungal EVs could be a safe source of antigens to be exploited in vaccine formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Vargas
- Laboratório de Glicobiologia de Eucariotos, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leandro Honorato
- Laboratório de Glicobiologia de Eucariotos, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Allan Jefferson Guimarães
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Marcio L Rodrigues
- Instituto Carlos Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Curitiba, Brazil.,Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Flavia C G Reis
- Instituto Carlos Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Curitiba, Brazil.,Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico em Saúde (CDTS), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - André M Vale
- Laboratório de Biologia de Linfócitos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Anjana Ray
- Department of Medicine - Hematology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joshua Daniel Nosanchuk
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Leonardo Nimrichter
- Laboratório de Glicobiologia de Eucariotos, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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15
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Van Dyke MCC, Thompson GR, Galgiani JN, Barker BM. The Rise of Coccidioides: Forces Against the Dust Devil Unleashed. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2188. [PMID: 31572393 PMCID: PMC6749157 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02188] [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: 07/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis (Valley fever) is a fungal disease caused by the inhalation of Coccidioides posadasii or C. immitis. This neglected disease occurs in the desert areas of the western United States, most notably in California and Arizona, where infections continue to rise. Clinically, coccidioidomycosis ranges from asymptomatic to severe pulmonary disease and can disseminate to the brain, skin, bones, and elsewhere. New estimates suggest as many as 350,000 new cases of coccidioidomycosis occur in the United States each year. Thus, there is an urgent need for the development of a vaccine and new therapeutic drugs against Coccidioides infection. In this review, we discuss the battle against Coccidioides including the development of potential vaccines, the quest for new therapeutic drugs, and our current understanding of the protective host immune response to Coccidioides infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - George R Thompson
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - John N Galgiani
- Valley Fever Center for Excellence, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Bridget M Barker
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, United States
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16
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Nimrichter L, Rodrigues ML, Del Poeta M. Exploiting Lipids to Develop Anticryptococcal Vaccines. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s40475-019-00178-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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17
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Nami S, Mohammadi R, Vakili M, Khezripour K, Mirzaei H, Morovati H. Fungal vaccines, mechanism of actions and immunology: A comprehensive review. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 109:333-344. [PMID: 30399567 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.10.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections include a wide range of opportunistic and invasive diseases. Two of four major fatal diseases in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection are related to the fungal infections, cryptococcosis, and pneumocystosis. Disseminated candidiasis and different clinical forms of aspergillosis annually impose expensive medical costs to governments and hospitalized patients and ultimately lead to high mortality rates. Therefore, urgent implementations are necessary to prevent the expansion of these diseases. Designing an effective vaccine is one of the most important approaches in this field. So far, numerous efforts have been carried out in developing an effective vaccine against fungal infections. Some of these challenges engaged in different stages of clinical trials but none of them could be approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Here, in addition to have a comprehensive overview on the data from studied vaccine programs, we will discuss the immunology response against fungal infections. Moreover, it will be attempted to clarify the underlying immune mechanisms of vaccines targeting different fungal infections that are crucial for designing an effective vaccination strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanam Nami
- Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Rasoul Mohammadi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine/Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mahshid Vakili
- Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology/Invasive Fungi Research Center (IFRC), School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Kimia Khezripour
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, School of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hamed Mirzaei
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Hamid Morovati
- Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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18
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Tso GHW, Reales-Calderon JA, Pavelka N. The Elusive Anti- Candida Vaccine: Lessons From the Past and Opportunities for the Future. Front Immunol 2018; 9:897. [PMID: 29755472 PMCID: PMC5934487 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Candidemia is a bloodstream fungal infection caused by Candida species and is most commonly observed in hospitalized patients. Even with proper antifungal drug treatment, mortality rates remain high at 40–50%. Therefore, prophylactic or preemptive antifungal medications are currently recommended in order to prevent infections in high-risk patients. Moreover, the majority of women experience at least one episode of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) throughout their lifetime and many of them suffer from recurrent VVC (RVVC) with frequent relapses for the rest of their lives. While there currently exists no definitive cure, the only available treatment for RVVC is again represented by antifungal drug therapy. However, due to the limited number of existing antifungal drugs, their associated side effects and the increasing occurrence of drug resistance, other approaches are greatly needed. An obvious prevention measure for candidemia or RVVC relapse would be to immunize at-risk patients with a vaccine effective against Candida infections. In spite of the advanced and proven techniques successfully applied to the development of antibacterial or antiviral vaccines, however, no antifungal vaccine is still available on the market. In this review, we first summarize various efforts to date in the development of anti-Candida vaccines, highlighting advantages and disadvantages of each strategy. We next unfold and discuss general hurdles encountered along these efforts, such as the existence of large genomic variation and phenotypic plasticity across Candida strains and species, and the difficulty in mounting protective immune responses in immunocompromised or immunosuppressed patients. Lastly, we review the concept of “trained immunity” and discuss how induction of this rapid and nonspecific immune response may potentially open new and alternative preventive strategies against opportunistic infections by Candida species and potentially other pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Hoi Wan Tso
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency of Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Norman Pavelka
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency of Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, Singapore
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19
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Segal E, Frenkel M. Experimental in Vivo Models of Candidiasis. J Fungi (Basel) 2018; 4:E21. [PMID: 29415485 PMCID: PMC5872324 DOI: 10.3390/jof4010021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Candidiasis is a multifaceted fungal disease including mucosal-cutaneous, visceral, and disseminated infections caused by yeast species of the genus Candida. Candida infections are among the most common human mycoses. Candida species are the third to fourth most common isolates from bloodstream infections in neutropenic or immunocompromised hospitalized patients. The mucosal-cutaneous forms-particularly vaginal infections-have a high prevalence. Vaginitis caused by Candida species is the second most common vaginal infection. Hence, candidiasis is a major subject for research, including experimental in vivo models to study pathogenesis, prevention, or therapy of the disease. The following review article will focus on various experimental in vivo models in different laboratory animals, such as mammals (mice, rats, rabbits), the fruit fly-Drosophila melanogaster, the larvae of the moth Galleria mellonella, or the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The review will describe the induction of the different clinical forms of candidiasis in the various models and the validity of such models in mimicking the human clinical situations. The use of such models for the assessment of antifungal drugs, evaluation of potential vaccines to protect before candidiasis, exploration of Candida virulence factors, and comparison of pathogenicity of different Candida species will be included in the review. All of the above will be reported as based on published studies of numerous investigators as well as on the research of the author and his group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Segal
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel.
| | - Michael Frenkel
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel.
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20
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Abstract
Glycosylation is an important post-translational modification that is required for structural and stability purposes and functional roles such as signalling, attachment and shielding. Many human pathogens such as bacteria display an array of carbohydrates on their surface that are non-self to the host; others such as viruses highjack the host-cell machinery and present self-carbohydrates sometimes arranged in a non-self more immunogenic manner. In combination with carrier proteins, these glycan structures can be highly immunogenic. During natural infection, glycan-binding antibodies are often elicited that correlate with long-lasting protection. A great amount of research has been invested in carbohydrate vaccine design to elicit such an immune response, which has led to the development of vaccines against the bacterial pathogens Haemophilus influenzae type b, Streptococcus pneumonia and Neisseria meningitidis. Other vaccines, e.g. against HIV-1, are still in development, but promising progress has been made with the isolation of broadly neutralizing glycan-binding antibodies and the engineering of stable trimeric envelope glycoproteins. Carbohydrate vaccines against other pathogens such as viruses (Dengue, Hepatitis C), parasites (Plasmodium) and fungi (Candida) are at different stages of development. This chapter will discuss the challenges in inducing cross-reactive carbohydrate-targeting antibodies and progress towards carbohydrate vaccines.
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21
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Carvalho A, Duarte-Oliveira C, Gonçalves SM, Campos A, Lacerda JF, Cunha C. Fungal Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics: Current Concepts and Future Challenges. CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s12281-017-0272-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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22
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Tournu H, Carroll J, Latimer B, Dragoi AM, Dykes S, Cardelli J, Peters TL, Eberle KE, Palmer GE. Identification of small molecules that disrupt vacuolar function in the pathogen Candida albicans. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0171145. [PMID: 28151949 PMCID: PMC5289544 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0171145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The fungal vacuole is a large acidified organelle that performs a variety of cellular functions. At least a sub-set of these functions are crucial for pathogenic species of fungi, such as Candida albicans, to survive within and invade mammalian tissue as mutants with severe defects in vacuolar biogenesis are avirulent. We therefore sought to identify chemical probes that disrupt the normal function and/or integrity of the fungal vacuole to provide tools for the functional analysis of this organelle as well as potential experimental therapeutics. A convenient indicator of vacuolar integrity based upon the intracellular accumulation of an endogenously produced pigment was adapted to identify Vacuole Disrupting chemical Agents (VDAs). Several chemical libraries were screened and a set of 29 compounds demonstrated to reproducibly cause loss of pigmentation, including 9 azole antifungals, a statin and 3 NSAIDs. Quantitative analysis of vacuolar morphology revealed that (excluding the azoles) a sub-set of 14 VDAs significantly alter vacuolar number, size and/or shape. Many C. albicans mutants with impaired vacuolar function are deficient in the formation of hyphal elements, a process essential for its pathogenicity. Accordingly, all 14 VDAs negatively impact C. albicans hyphal morphogenesis. Fungal selectivity was observed for approximately half of the VDA compounds identified, since they did not alter the morphology of the equivalent mammalian organelle, the lysosome. Collectively, these compounds comprise of a new collection of chemical probes that directly or indirectly perturb normal vacuolar function in C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helene Tournu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Division of Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Carroll
- Department of Medicine, Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Brian Latimer
- Department of Medicine, Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Ana-Maria Dragoi
- Department of Medicine, Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Samantha Dykes
- Department of Medicine, Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - James Cardelli
- Department of Medicine, Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Tracy L. Peters
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Division of Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Karen E. Eberle
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Glen E. Palmer
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Division of Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
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23
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Bandara HMHN, Matsubara VH, Samaranayake LP. Future therapies targeted towards eliminating Candida biofilms and associated infections. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2016; 15:299-318. [PMID: 27927053 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2017.1268530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Candida species are common human commensals and cause either superficial or invasive opportunistic infections. The biofilm form of candida as opposed to its suspended, planktonic form, is predominantly associated with these infections. Alternative or adjunctive therapies are urgently needed to manage Candida infections as the currently available short arsenal of antifungal drugs has been compromised due to their systemic toxicity, cross-reactivity with other drugs, and above all, by the emergence of drug-resistant Candida species due to irrational drug use. Areas covered: Combination anti-Candida therapies, antifungal lock therapy, denture cleansers, and mouth rinses have all been proposed as alternatives for disrupting candidal biofilms on different substrates. Other suggested approaches for the management of candidiasis include the use of natural compounds, such as probiotics, plants extracts and oils, antifungal quorum sensing molecules, anti-Candida antibodies and vaccines, cytokine therapy, transfer of primed immune cells, photodynamic therapy, and nanoparticles. Expert commentary: The sparsity of currently available antifungals and the plethora of proposed anti-candidal therapies is a distinct indication of the urgent necessity to develop efficacious therapies for candidal infections. Alternative drug delivery approaches, such as probiotics, reviewed here is likely to be a reality in clinical settings in the not too distant future.
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Affiliation(s)
- H M H N Bandara
- a School of Dentistry , The University of Queensland , Herston , QLD , Australia
| | - V H Matsubara
- b School of Dentistry , University of São Paulo , São Paulo , SP , Brazil.,c Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences , University of São Paulo , São Paulo , SP , Brazil
| | - L P Samaranayake
- a School of Dentistry , The University of Queensland , Herston , QLD , Australia.,d Faculty of Dentistry , University of Kuwait , Kuwait
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24
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Abstract
Fungal organisms are ubiquitous in the environment. Pathogenic fungi, although relatively few in the whole gamut of microbial pathogens, are able to cause disease with varying degrees of severity in individuals with normal or impaired immunity. The disease state is an outcome of the fungal pathogen's interactions with the host immunity, and therefore, it stands to reason that deep/invasive fungal diseases be amenable to immunotherapy. Therefore, antifungal immunotherapy continues to be attractive as an adjunct to the currently available antifungal chemotherapy options for a number of reasons, including the fact that existing antifungal drugs, albeit largely effective, are not without limitations, and that morbidity and mortality associated with invasive mycoses are still unacceptably high. For several decades, intense basic research efforts have been directed at development of fungal immunotherapies. Nevertheless, this approach suffers from a severe bench-bedside disconnect owing to several reasons: the chemical and biological peculiarities of the fungal antigens, the complexities of host-pathogen interactions, an under-appreciation of the fungal disease landscape, the requirement of considerable financial investment to bring these therapies to clinical use, as well as practical problems associated with immunizations. In this general, non-exhaustive review, we summarize the features of ongoing research efforts directed towards devising safe and effective immunotherapeutic options for mycotic diseases, encompassing work on antifungal vaccines, adoptive cell transfers, cytokines, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), and other agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kausik Datta
- a Division of Infectious Diseases , Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore , MD , USA , and
| | - Mawieh Hamad
- b Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences and the Sharjah Institute for Medical Research , University of Sharjah , Sharjah , UAE
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25
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Cleary IA, Reinhard SM, Lazzell AL, Monteagudo C, Thomas DP, Lopez-Ribot JL, Saville SP. Examination of the pathogenic potential of Candida albicans filamentous cells in an animal model of haematogenously disseminated candidiasis. FEMS Yeast Res 2016; 16:fow011. [PMID: 26851404 DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/fow011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida albicans is an increasingly common threat to human health. Candida albicans grows in several morphologies and mutant strains locked in yeast or filamentous forms have attenuated virulence in the murine model of disseminated candidiasis. Thus, the ability to change shape is important for virulence. The transcriptional repressors Nrg1p and Tup1p are required for normal regulation of C. albicans morphology. Strains lacking either NRG1 or TUP1 are constitutively pseudohyphal under yeast growth conditions, and display attenuated virulence in the disseminated model. To dissect the relative importance of hyphae and pseudohyphae during an infection, we used strains in which the morphological transition could be externally manipulated through controlled expression of NRG1 or TUP1. Remarkably, hyphal form inocula retain the capacity to cause disease. Whilst induction of a pseudohyphal morphology through depletion of TUP1 did result in attenuated virulence, this was not due to a defect in the ability to escape the bloodstream. Instead, we observed that pseudohyphal cells are cleared from tissues much more efficiently than either hyphal (virulent) or yeast form (avirulent) cells, indicating that different C. albicans morphologies have distinct interactions with host cells during an infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian A Cleary
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Tennessee at Martin, Martin, TN 38238, USA
| | - Sara M Reinhard
- Department of Biology, and The South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Anna L Lazzell
- Department of Biology, and The South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Carlos Monteagudo
- Departamento de Patologia, Facultad de Medicina y Odontologia, Universidad de Valencia, Avda. Blasco Ibañez, 17, 46010 Valencia, España
| | - Derek P Thomas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Grand Valley State University, 1 Campus Drive, Allendale, MI 49401, USA
| | - Jose L Lopez-Ribot
- Department of Biology, and The South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Stephen P Saville
- Department of Biology, and The South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
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Medici NP, Del Poeta M. New insights on the development of fungal vaccines: from immunity to recent challenges. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2015; 110:966-73. [PMID: 26602871 PMCID: PMC4708015 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760150335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections are emerging as a major problem in part due to high mortality associated with systemic infections, especially in the case of immunocompromised patients. With the development of new treatments for diseases such as cancer and the acquired immune deficiency syndrome pandemic, the number of immunosuppressed patients has increased and, as a consequence, also the number of invasive fungal infections has increased. Several studies have proposed new strategies for the development of effective fungal vaccines. In addition, better understanding of how the immune system works against fungal pathogens has improved the further development of these new vaccination strategies. As a result, some fungal vaccines have advanced through clinical trials. However, there are still many challenges that prevent the clinical development of fungal vaccines that can efficiently immunise subjects at risk of developing invasive fungal infections. In this review, we will discuss these new vaccination strategies and the challenges that they present. In the future with proper investments, fungal vaccines may soon become a reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha P Medici
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Maurizio Del Poeta
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
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De Bernardis F, Arancia S, Sandini S, Graziani S, Norelli S. Studies of Immune Responses in Candida vaginitis. Pathogens 2015; 4:697-707. [PMID: 26473934 PMCID: PMC4693159 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens4040697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Revised: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The widespread occurrence of vaginal candidiasis and the development of resistance against anti-fungal agents has stimulated interest in understanding the pathogenesis of this disease. The aim of our work was to characterize, in an animal model of vaginal candidiasis, the mechanisms that play a role in the induction of mucosal immunity against C. albicans and the interaction between innate and adaptive immunity. Our studies evidenced the elicitation of cell-mediated immunity (CMIs) and antibody (Abs)-mediated immunity with a Th1 protective immunity. An immune response of this magnitude in the vagina was very encouraging to identify the proper targets for new strategies for vaccination or immunotherapy of vaginal candidiasis. Overall, our data provide clear evidence that it is possible to prevent C. albicans vaginal infection by active intravaginal immunization with aspartyl proteinase expressed as recombinant protein. This opens the way to a modality for anti-Candida protection at the mucosa. The recombinant protein Sap2 was assembled with virosomes, and a vaccine PEVION7 (PEV7) was obtained. The results have given evidence that the vaccine, constituted of virosomes and Secretory aspartyl proteinase 2 (Sap2) (PEV7), has an encouraging therapeutic potential for the treatment of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia De Bernardis
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immunomediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Silvia Arancia
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immunomediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Silvia Sandini
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immunomediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Sofia Graziani
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immunomediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Sandro Norelli
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immunomediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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Abstract
Candida albicans is the most common cause of hematogenously disseminated candidiasis, and this disease is particularly prevalent in immunocompromised patients. The mortality of invasive candidiasis remains 40% to 50% even with the proper treatment with current antifungal drugs. Recently, with the better understanding of host-fungus interactions, notable progress has been made in antifungal vaccine research. Most antifungal vaccines exert protection by inducing either (or both) B-cell and T-cell responses. Here we summarize the current available information on C. albicans vaccines, highlight the obstacles that researchers identified, and offer several suggestions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-juan Wang
- a Center for New Drug Research; School of Pharmacy ; Second Military Medical University ; 325 Guohe Road; Shanghai , P.R. China
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Cassone A. VulvovaginalCandida albicansinfections: pathogenesis, immunity and vaccine prospects. BJOG 2014; 122:785-794. [DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.12994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Cassone
- Department of Experimental Medicine; Center of Functional Genomics; University of Perugia; Perugia Italy
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Nanjappa SG, Klein BS. Vaccine immunity against fungal infections. Curr Opin Immunol 2014; 28:27-33. [PMID: 24583636 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2014.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Som G Nanjappa
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, United States.
| | - Bruce S Klein
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, United States; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, United States; Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, United States.
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Development of vaccines for Candida albicans: fighting a skilled transformer. Nat Rev Microbiol 2013; 11:884-91. [DOI: 10.1038/nrmicro3156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Cassone A, Casadevall A. Recent progress in vaccines against fungal diseases. Curr Opin Microbiol 2012; 15:427-33. [PMID: 22564747 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2012.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2012] [Revised: 04/03/2012] [Accepted: 04/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Diseases caused by fungi are increasingly impacting the health of the human population and now account for a large fraction of infectious disease complications in individuals with impaired immunity or breached tissue defenses. Antifungal therapy is often of limited effectiveness in these patients, resulting into treatment failures, chronic infections and unacceptable rates of mortality, morbidity and their associated costs. Consequently there is a real medical need for new treatments and preventive measures to combat fungal diseases and, toward this goal, safe and efficacious vaccines would constitute major progress. After decades of complacency and neglect of this critically important field of research, remarkable progress has been made in recent years. A number of highly immunogenic and protective vaccine formulations in preclinical setting have been developed, and at least two have undergone Phase 1 clinical trials as preventive and/or therapeutic tools against candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Cassone
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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Martins M, Lazzell AL, Lopez-Ribot JL, Henriques M, Oliveira R. Effect of exogenous administration of Candida albicans autoregulatory alcohols in a murine model of hematogenously disseminated candidiasis. J Basic Microbiol 2011; 52:487-91. [PMID: 22052380 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.201100158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2011] [Accepted: 07/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans supernatants contain a mixture of autoregulatory alcohols. In vitro, when added individually or in combination, these alcohols inhibit the yeast to filamentous form conversion. Here we evaluate the in vivo effect of the exogenous administration of a Cocktail solution simulating the composition of alcohols present in a C. albicans culture supernatant (1 ml; 94 μmol l(-1) isoamyl alcohol, 70 μmol l(-1) 2-phenylethanol, 3.2 n mol l(-1) E -nerolidol, and 18 n mol l(-1) E,E -farnesol) using the well established murine model of hematogenously disseminated candidiasis. Mice injected intraperitoneally with the Cocktail solution demonstrated increased survival and decreased organ fungal burden compared to control mice. Histological observations suggest that the Cocktail, to some extent, has an inhibitory effect on cell filamentation within the kidney. These findings suggest that the exogenous administration of C. albicans autoregulatory alcohols displays a protective effect during disseminated candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarida Martins
- IBB-Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centre of Biological Engineering, Universidade do Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
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The transcriptional regulator Nrg1p controls Candida albicans biofilm formation and dispersion. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2010; 9:1531-7. [PMID: 20709787 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00111-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The ability of Candida albicans to reversibly switch morphologies is important for biofilm formation and dispersion. In this pathogen, Nrg1p functions as a key negative regulator of the yeast-to-hypha morphogenetic transition. We have previously described a genetically engineered C. albicans tet-NRG1 strain in which NRG1 expression levels can be manipulated by the presence or absence of doxycycline (DOX). Here, we have used this strain to ascertain the role of Nrg1p in regulating the different stages of the C. albicans biofilm developmental cycle. In an in vitro model of biofilm formation, the C. albicans tet-NRG1 strain was able to form mature biofilms only when DOX was present in the medium, but not in the absence of DOX, when high levels of NRG1 expression blocked the yeast-to-hypha transition. However, in a biofilm cell retention assay in which biofilms were developed with mixtures of C. albicans tet-NRG1 and SC5314 strains, tet-NRG1 yeast cells were still incorporated into the mixed biofilms, in which an intricate network of hyphae of the wild-type strain provided for biofilm structural integrity and adhesive interactions. Also, utilizing an in vitro biofilm model under conditions of flow, we demonstrated that C. albicans Nrg1p exerts an exquisite control of the dispersal process, as overexpression of NRG1 leads to increases in dispersion of yeast cells from the biofilms. Our results demonstrate that manipulation of NRG1 gene expression has a profound influence on biofilm formation and biofilm dispersal, thus identifying Nrg1p as a key regulator of the C. albicans biofilm life cycle.
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Current awareness on yeast. Yeast 2009. [DOI: 10.1002/yea.1624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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A genetically engineered live attenuated vaccine of Coccidioides posadasii protects BALB/c mice against coccidioidomycosis. Infect Immun 2009; 77:3196-208. [PMID: 19487479 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00459-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis (also known as San Joaquin Valley fever) is an occupational disease. Workers exposed to outdoor dust which contains spores of the soil-inhabiting fungus have a significantly increased risk of respiratory infection. In addition, people with compromised T-cell immunity, the elderly, and certain racial groups, particularly African-Americans and Filipinos, who live in regions of endemicity in the southwestern United States have an elevated incidence of symptomatic infection caused by inhalation of spores of Coccidioides posadasii or Coccidioides immitis. Recurring epidemics and escalation of medical costs have helped to motivate production of a vaccine against valley fever. The major focus has been the development of a defined, T-cell-reactive, recombinant protein vaccine. However, none of the products described to date have provided full protection to coccidioidal disease-susceptible BALB/c mice. Here we describe the first genetically engineered, live, attenuated vaccine that protects both BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice against coccidioidomycosis. Two chitinase genes (CTS2 and CTS3) were disrupted to yield the attenuated strain, which was unable to endosporulate and was no longer infectious. Vaccinated survivors mounted an immune response characterized by production of both T-helper-1- and T-helper-2-type cytokines. Histology revealed well-formed granulomas and markedly diminished inflammation. Significantly fewer organisms were observed in the lungs of survivors than in those of nonvaccinated mice. Additional investigations are required to further define the nature of the live, attenuated vaccine-induced immunity against Coccidioides infection.
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