1
|
Hota S, Kumar M. Unveiling the impact of Leptospira TolC efflux protein on host tissue adherence, complement evasion, and diagnostic potential. Infect Immun 2024:e0041924. [PMID: 39392312 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00419-24] [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: 09/23/2024] [Accepted: 09/23/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The TolC family protein of Leptospira is a type I outer membrane efflux protein. Phylogenetic analysis revealed significant sequence conservation among pathogenic Leptospira species (83%-98% identity) compared with intermediate and saprophytic species. Structural modeling indicated a composition of six β-strands and 10 α-helices arranged in two repeats, resembling bacterial outer membrane efflux proteins. Recombinant TolC (rTolC), expressed in a heterologous host and purified via Ni-NTA chromatography, maintained its secondary structural integrity, as verified by circular dichroism spectroscopy. Polyclonal antibodies against rTolC detected native TolC expression in pathogenic Leptospira but not in nonpathogenic ones. Immunoassays and detergent fractionation assays indicated surface localization of TolC. The rTolC's recognition by sera from leptospirosis-infected hosts across species suggests its utility as a diagnostic marker. Notably, rTolC demonstrated binding affinity for various extracellular matrix components, including collagen and chondroitin sulfate A, as well as plasma proteins such as factor H, C3b, and plasminogen, indicating potential roles in tissue adhesion and immune evasion. Functional assays demonstrated that rTolC-bound FH retained cofactor activity for C3b cleavage, highlighting TolC's role in complement regulation. The rTolC protein inhibited both the alternative and the classical pathway-mediated membrane attack complex (MAC) deposition in vitro. Blocking surface-expressed TolC on leptospires using specific antibodies reduced FH acquisition by Leptospira and increased MAC deposition on the spirochete. These findings indicate that TolC contributes to leptospiral virulence by promoting host tissue colonization and evading the immune response, presenting it as a potential target for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saswat Hota
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Manish Kumar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hota S, Kumar M. ErpY-like Protein Interaction with Host Thrombin and Fibrinogen Intervenes the Plasma Coagulation through Extrinsic and Intrinsic Pathways. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:3256-3272. [PMID: 39231002 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00266] [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] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
The survival and proliferation of pathogenic Leptospira within a host are complex phenomena that require careful consideration. The ErpY-like lipoprotein, found on the outer membrane surface of Leptospira, plays a crucial role in enhancing the bacterium's pathogenicity. The rErpY-like protein, in its recombinant form, contributes significantly to spirochete virulence by interacting with various host factors, including host complement regulators. This interaction facilitates the bacterium's evasion of the host complement system, thereby augmenting its overall pathogenicity. The rErpY-like protein exhibits a robust binding affinity to soluble fibrinogen, a vital component of the host coagulation system. In this study, we demonstrate that the rErpY-like protein intervenes in the clotting process of the platelet-poor citrated plasma of bovines and humans in a concentration-dependent manner. It significantly reduces clot density, alters the viscoelastic properties of the clot, and diminishes the average clotting rate in plasma. Furthermore, the ErpY-like protein inhibits thrombin-catalyzed fibrin formation in a dose-dependent manner and exhibits saturable binding to thrombin, suggesting its significant role in leptospiral infection. These findings provide compelling evidence for the anticoagulant effect of the ErpY-like lipoprotein and its significant role in leptospiral infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saswat Hota
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
| | - Manish Kumar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cardoso TL, de Freitas SB, Seixas Neto ACP, Balassiano IT, Hartwig DD. Advancing serologic diagnosis: assessing the efficacy of rErpY-like protein in human leptospirosis detection. Braz J Microbiol 2024; 55:2279-2284. [PMID: 38805148 PMCID: PMC11405570 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-024-01364-4] [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: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a globally distributed infectious disease caused by pathogenic spirochetes of the Leptospira genus, often overlooked. It is estimated that the disease affects approximately one million people annually, resulting in more than 58,900 deaths. The gold standard for serodiagnosis of leptospirosis is the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT). However, the limitations of this technique necessitate the exploration of alternative diagnostic methods. In this study, we evaluated the ErpY-like recombinant protein (rErpY-like) in the development of a serologic diagnostic assay for human leptospirosis. Eighty-six human sera samples, characterized by MAT, underwent evaluation through indirect IgM-ELISA and IgG-ELISA. The sensitivity and specificity values obtained from IgM-ELISA were 60% and 76%, respectively, while those from IgG-ELISA were 96.4% and 100%, respectively. The use of the rErpY-like protein in both IgM-ELISA and IgG-ELISA proves to be a sensitive and specific method for antibody detection. This could potentially serve as a valuable alternative tool in the diagnosis of human leptospirosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thayná Laner Cardoso
- Laboratory of Bacteriology and Bioassays, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Stella Buchhorn de Freitas
- Laboratory of Bacteriology and Bioassays, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Amilton Clair Pinto Seixas Neto
- Laboratory of Bacteriology and Bioassays, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Ilana Teruszkin Balassiano
- Bacterial Zoonoses Laboratory, Leptospirosis National Reference Center/Leptospira Collection, WHO/PAHO Collaborating Center for Leptospirosis, Department of Bacteriology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daiane Drawanz Hartwig
- Laboratory of Bacteriology and Bioassays, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
- Federal University of Pelotas, University Campus, Pelotas, RS, CEP 96010-900, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Surdel MC, Coburn J. Leptospiral adhesins: from identification to future perspectives. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1458655. [PMID: 39206373 PMCID: PMC11350617 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1458655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a significant zoonosis worldwide, with disease severity ranging from a mild non-specific illness to multi-organ dysfunction and hemorrhage. The disease is caused by pathogenic bacteria of the genus Leptospira, which are classified into pathogenic and saprophytic clades. Bacterial binding to host molecules and cells, coordinated by adhesin proteins, is an important step in pathogenesis. While many leptospiral adhesins have been identified, the vast majority have not been characterized in vivo. Herein, we present an overview of the current methodologies and successes in identifying adhesins in Leptospira, including known biological roles in vivo. We will also identify and discuss potential areas for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C. Surdel
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Jenifer Coburn
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ávila-Martínez EG, Cardoso TL, Pereira IL, Caballero PS, Wozeak DR, Neto ACPS, Pinto LDS, Hartwig DD. Immunoinformatic approaches for ErpY-LemA chimeric protein design for use in leptospirosis control. J Appl Microbiol 2024; 135:lxae179. [PMID: 39020252 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxae179] [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: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Currently, immunoinformatic approaches have shown promise in rapidly and cost-effectively identifying new antigens from the Leptospira proteome. Chimeric multiepitope proteins offer a strategy with significant potential for implementation in diagnosis and vaccines development. METHODS AND RESULTS In this study, we detail the immunoinformatic analyses and design of a new recombinant chimeric protein constructed with epitopes identified from the sequences of ErpY-like and LemA proteins, previously identified as potential antigens for controlling leptospirosis. We expressed the chimeric protein using Escherichia coli heterologous systems, evaluated its antigenicity using serum from naturally infected patients, and its immunogenicity in mice as an animal model, with Freund as an adjuvant. The resulting recombinant chimeric protein, named rErpY-LemA, was successfully expressed and purified using a prokaryotic system, with an expected mass of 35 kDa. Serologic assays using serum samples from naturally infected patients demonstrated recognition of the chimera protein by antibodies present in sera. Animals immunized with the chimera exhibited a significant IgG antibody response from the 7th day (P < 0.001), persisting until day 49 of experimentation, with a titer of 1:12,800 (P < 0.05). Notably, significant production of IgA, IgM, and IgG subclasses was observed in animals immunized with the chimera. CONCLUSIONS These results highlight the promising role of immunoinformatics in rapidly identifying antigens and the potential of chimeric multiepitope proteins in developing effective strategies for leptospirosis control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Giovanna Ávila-Martínez
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Pelotas, CEP 96010-900, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
- Biotechnology Nucleus, Technological Development Center, Federal University of Pelotas, CEP 96010-900, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Thayná Laner Cardoso
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Pelotas, CEP 96010-900, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
- Biotechnology Nucleus, Technological Development Center, Federal University of Pelotas, CEP 96010-900, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Isabel Ladeira Pereira
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Pelotas, CEP 96010-900, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
- Biotechnology Nucleus, Technological Development Center, Federal University of Pelotas, CEP 96010-900, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Pâmela Scaraffuni Caballero
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Pelotas, CEP 96010-900, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
- Biotechnology Nucleus, Technological Development Center, Federal University of Pelotas, CEP 96010-900, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Daniela Rodriguero Wozeak
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Pelotas, CEP 96010-900, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
- Biotechnology Nucleus, Technological Development Center, Federal University of Pelotas, CEP 96010-900, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Amilton Clair Pinto Seixas Neto
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Pelotas, CEP 96010-900, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Luciano da Silva Pinto
- Biotechnology Nucleus, Technological Development Center, Federal University of Pelotas, CEP 96010-900, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Daiane Drawanz Hartwig
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Pelotas, CEP 96010-900, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
- Biotechnology Nucleus, Technological Development Center, Federal University of Pelotas, CEP 96010-900, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Heggi MT, Nour El-Din HT, Morsy DI, Abdelaziz NI, Attia AS. Microbial evasion of the complement system: a continuous and evolving story. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1281096. [PMID: 38239357 PMCID: PMC10794618 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1281096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The complement system is a fundamental part of the innate immune system that plays a key role in the battle of the human body against invading pathogens. Through its three pathways, represented by the classical, alternative, and lectin pathways, the complement system forms a tightly regulated network of soluble proteins, membrane-expressed receptors, and regulators with versatile protective and killing mechanisms. However, ingenious pathogens have developed strategies over the years to protect themselves from this complex part of the immune system. This review briefly discusses the sequence of the complement activation pathways. Then, we present a comprehensive updated overview of how the major four pathogenic groups, namely, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, control, modulate, and block the complement attacks at different steps of the complement cascade. We shed more light on the ability of those pathogens to deploy more than one mechanism to tackle the complement system in their path to establish infection within the human host.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariam T. Heggi
- Clinical Pharmacy Undergraduate Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hanzada T. Nour El-Din
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | | | - Ahmed S. Attia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Phukan H, Sarma A, Rex DAB, Christie SAD, Sabu SK, Hariharan S, Prasad TSK, Madanan MG. Physiological Temperature and Osmotic Changes Drive Dynamic Proteome Alterations in the Leptospiral Outer Membrane and Enhance Protein Export Systems. J Proteome Res 2023; 22:3447-3463. [PMID: 37877620 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.3c00295] [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] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Leptospirosis, a remerging zoonosis, has no effective vaccine or an unambiguous early diagnostic reagent. Proteins differentially expressed (DE) under pathogenic conditions will be useful candidates for antileptospiral measures. We employed a multipronged approach comprising high-resolution TMT-labeled LC-MS/MS-based proteome analysis coupled with bioinformatics on leptospiral proteins following Triton X-114 subcellular fractionation of leptospires treated under physiological temperature and osmolarity that mimic infection. Although there were significant changes in the DE proteins at the level of the entire cell, there were notable changes in proteins at the subcellular level, particularly on the outer membrane (OM), that show the significance of subcellular proteome analysis. The detergent-enriched proteins, representing outer membrane proteins (OMPs), exhibited a dynamic nature and upregulation under various physiological conditions. It was found that pathogenic proteins showed a higher proportion of upregulation compared to the nonpathogenic proteins in the OM. Further analysis identified 17 virulent proteins exclusively upregulated in the outer membrane during infection that could be useful for vaccine and diagnostic targets. The DE proteins may aid in metabolic adaptation and are enriched in pathways related to signal transduction and antibiotic biosynthesis. Many upregulated proteins belong to protein export systems such as SEC translocase, T2SSs, and T1SSs, indicating their sequential participation in protein transport to the outer leaflet of the OM. Further studies on OM-localized proteins may shed light on the pathogenesis of leptospirosis and serve as the basis for effective countermeasures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Homen Phukan
- Department of Biochemistry, ICMR - Regional Medical Research Centre, Port Blair 744103, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
| | - Abhijit Sarma
- Department of Biochemistry, ICMR - Regional Medical Research Centre, Port Blair 744103, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
| | - Devasahayam Arokia Balaya Rex
- Center for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore 575018, India
| | | | - Sarath Kizhakkemuriyil Sabu
- Department of Biochemistry, ICMR - Regional Medical Research Centre, Port Blair 744103, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
| | - Suneetha Hariharan
- Department of Biochemistry, ICMR - Regional Medical Research Centre, Port Blair 744103, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hota S, Hussain MS, Kumar M. ErpY-like Lipoprotein of Leptospira Outsmarts Host Complement Regulation by Acquiring Complement Regulators, Activating Alternative Pathways, and Intervening in the Membrane Attack Complex. ACS Infect Dis 2022; 8:982-997. [PMID: 35422118 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.1c00602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The survival of pathogenic Leptospira in the host depends on its proficiency to circumvent the immune response. These pathogens evade the complement system in serum by enticing and amassing the serum complement regulators onto their surface. ErpY-like lipoprotein, a surface-exposed protein of Leptospira spp., is conserved in the pathogenic Leptospira serovars. The recombinant form of this protein interacts with multiple extracellular matrix (ECM) components and serum proteins such as soluble complement regulators factor H (FH) and factor I (FI). Here, we document that the supplementation of rErpY-like protein (10 μg/mL) in human serum inhibits complement-mediated bacterial cell lysis and augments the viability of Escherichia coli and saprophytic Leptospira biflexa by more than two-fold. Complement regulators FH and FI, when bound to rErpY-like protein, preserve their respective cofactor and protease activity and cleave the complement component C3b. The supplementation of rErpY-like protein (40 μg/mL) in serum ensued in an ∼90% reduction of membrane attack complex (C5b-9/MAC) deposition through the alternative pathway (AP) of complement activation. However, rErpY-like protein could moderately reduce (∼16%) MAC deposition in serum through the classical pathway (CP). In addition, the rErpY-like protein solely initiated the AP, suggesting its role in the rapid consumption and depletion of the complement components. Blocking the pathogenic Leptospira interrogans surface with anti-rErpY-like antibodies resulted in an increase in MAC formation on the bacterial surface, indicating a specific role of the ErpY-like lipoprotein in complement-mediated immune evasion. This study underscores the role of the ErpY-like lipoprotein of Leptospira in complement evasion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saswat Hota
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India
| | - Md Saddam Hussain
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India
| | - Manish Kumar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Daroz BB, Fernandes LGV, Cavenague MF, Kochi LT, Passalia FJ, Takahashi MB, Nascimento Filho EG, Teixeira AF, Nascimento ALTO. A Review on Host- Leptospira Interactions: What We Know and Future Expectations. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:777709. [PMID: 34900757 PMCID: PMC8657130 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.777709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a widespread zoonosis caused by pathogenic Leptospira spp. It is considered a neglected infectious disease of human and veterinary concern. Our group has been investigating proteins annotated as hypothetical, predicted to be located on the leptospiral surface. Because of their location, these proteins may have the ability to interact with various host components, which could allow establishment of the infection. These proteins act as adherence factors by binding to host receptor molecules, such as the extracellular matrix (ECM) components laminin and glycosaminoglycans to help bacterial colonization. Leptospira also interacts with the host fibrinolytic system, which has been demonstrated to be a powerful tool for invasion mechanisms. The interaction with fibrinogen and thrombin has been shown to reduce fibrin clot formation. Additionally, the degradation of coagulation cascade components by secreted proteases or by acquired surface plasmin could also play a role in reducing clot formation, hence facilitating dissemination during infection. Interaction with host complement system regulators also plays a role in helping bacteria to evade the immune system, facilitating invasion. Interaction of Leptospira to cell receptors, such as cadherins, can contribute to investigate molecules that participate in virulence. To achieve a better understanding of the host-pathogen interaction, leptospiral mutagenesis tools have been developed and explored. This work presents several proteins that mediate binding to components of the ECM, plasma, components of the complement system and cells, to gather research achievements that can be helpful in better understanding the mechanisms of leptospiral-host interactions and discuss genetic manipulation for Leptospira spp. aimed at protein function validation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brenda B. Daroz
- Laboratorio de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Avenida Vital Brazil, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Programa de Pos-Graduacao Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luis G. V. Fernandes
- Laboratorio de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Avenida Vital Brazil, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria F. Cavenague
- Laboratorio de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Avenida Vital Brazil, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Programa de Pos-Graduacao Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leandro T. Kochi
- Laboratorio de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Avenida Vital Brazil, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Programa de Pos-Graduacao Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Felipe J. Passalia
- Laboratorio de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Avenida Vital Brazil, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Programa de Pos-Graduacao Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria B. Takahashi
- Laboratorio de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Avenida Vital Brazil, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Programa de Pos-Graduacao Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Edson G. Nascimento Filho
- Laboratorio de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Avenida Vital Brazil, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Programa de Pos-Graduacao Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aline F. Teixeira
- Laboratorio de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Avenida Vital Brazil, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana L. T. O. Nascimento
- Laboratorio de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Avenida Vital Brazil, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Programa de Pos-Graduacao Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Moore SR, Menon SS, Cortes C, Ferreira VP. Hijacking Factor H for Complement Immune Evasion. Front Immunol 2021; 12:602277. [PMID: 33717083 PMCID: PMC7947212 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.602277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The complement system is an essential player in innate and adaptive immunity. It consists of three pathways (alternative, classical, and lectin) that initiate either spontaneously (alternative) or in response to danger (all pathways). Complement leads to numerous outcomes detrimental to invaders, including direct killing by formation of the pore-forming membrane attack complex, recruitment of immune cells to sites of invasion, facilitation of phagocytosis, and enhancement of cellular immune responses. Pathogens must overcome the complement system to survive in the host. A common strategy used by pathogens to evade complement is hijacking host complement regulators. Complement regulators prevent attack of host cells and include a collection of membrane-bound and fluid phase proteins. Factor H (FH), a fluid phase complement regulatory protein, controls the alternative pathway (AP) both in the fluid phase of the human body and on cell surfaces. In order to prevent complement activation and amplification on host cells and tissues, FH recognizes host cell-specific polyanionic markers in combination with complement C3 fragments. FH suppresses AP complement-mediated attack by accelerating decay of convertases and by helping to inactivate C3 fragments on host cells. Pathogens, most of which do not have polyanionic markers, are not recognized by FH. Numerous pathogens, including certain bacteria, viruses, protozoa, helminths, and fungi, can recruit FH to protect themselves against host-mediated complement attack, using either specific receptors and/or molecular mimicry to appear more like a host cell. This review will explore pathogen complement evasion mechanisms involving FH recruitment with an emphasis on: (a) characterizing the structural properties and expression patterns of pathogen FH binding proteins, as well as other strategies used by pathogens to capture FH; (b) classifying domains of FH important in pathogen interaction; and (c) discussing existing and potential treatment strategies that target FH interactions with pathogens. Overall, many pathogens use FH to avoid complement attack and appreciating the commonalities across these diverse microorganisms deepens the understanding of complement in microbiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara R Moore
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Smrithi S Menon
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Claudio Cortes
- Department of Foundational Medical Sciences, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI, United States
| | - Viviana P Ferreira
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Vieira ML, Herwald H, Nascimento ALTO. The interplay between host haemostatic systems and Leptospira spp. infections. Crit Rev Microbiol 2020; 46:121-135. [PMID: 32141788 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2020.1735299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hemostasis is a defence mechanism that protects the integrity of the vascular system and is comprised of the coagulation cascade, fibrinolysis, platelet aggregation, and vascular endothelium. Besides the primary function in preserving the vascular integrity, the haemostatic system cooperates with immune and inflammatory processes to eliminate invading pathogens during microbial infections. Under pathological manifestations, hemostasis must therefore interact in a coordinated manner with inflammatory responses and immune reactions. Several pathogens can modulate these host-derived countermeasures by specifically targeting certain haemostatic components for their own benefit. Thus, the ability to modulate host defence systems has to be considered as an essential bacterial virulence mechanism. Complications that bacterial pathogens can induce are therefore often the consequence of evoked host responses. A comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms triggered in infectious processes may help to develop prophylactic methods and novel therapies for the patients suffering from a particular infectious disease. This review aims to provide a critical updated compiling of recent studies on how the pathogenic Leptospira can interact with and manipulate the host haemostatic systems and the consequences for leptospirosis pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica L Vieira
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Heiko Herwald
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund, Division of Infection Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | |
Collapse
|