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Trujillo EN, Flores BA, Romero IV, Moran JA, Leka A, Ramirez AD, Ear J, Mercer F. Complement receptor 3 is required for maximum in vitro trogocytic killing of the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis by human neutrophil-like cells. Parasite Immunol 2024; 46:e13025. [PMID: 38372623 PMCID: PMC11090219 DOI: 10.1111/pim.13025] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis (Tv) is a parasite that causes trichomoniasis, a prevalent sexually-transmitted infection. Neutrophils are found at the site of infection, and can rapidly kill the parasite in vitro, using trogocytosis. However, the specific molecular players in neutrophil killing of Tv are unknown. Here, we show that complement proteins play a role in Tv killing by human neutrophil-like cells (NLCs). Using CRISPR/Cas9, we generated NLCs deficient in each of three complement receptors (CRs) known to be expressed on human neutrophils: CR1, CR3, and CR4. Using in vitro trogocytosis assays, we found that CR3, but not CR1 or CR4 is required for maximum trogocytosis of the parasite by NLCs, with NLCs lacking CR3 demonstrating ~40% reduction in trogocytosis, on average. We also observed a reduction in NLC killing of Tv in CR3 knockout, but not CR1 or CR4 knockout NLCs. On average, NLCs lacking CR3 had ~50% reduction in killing activity. We also used a parallel approach of pre-incubating NLCs with blocking antibodies against CR3, which similarly reduced NLC killing of parasites. These data support a model in which Tv is opsonized by the complement protein iC3b, and bound by neutrophil CR3 receptor, to facilitate trogocytic killing of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma N. Trujillo
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California 91768
| | - Barbara A. Flores
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California 91768
| | - Isabel V. Romero
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California 91768
| | - Jose A. Moran
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California 91768
| | - Aljona Leka
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California 91768
| | - Ashley D. Ramirez
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California 91768
| | - Jason Ear
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California 91768
| | - Frances Mercer
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California 91768
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Delavy M, Sertour N, d'Enfert C, Bougnoux ME. Metagenomics and metabolomics approaches in the study of Candida albicans colonization of host niches: a framework for finding microbiome-based antifungal strategies. Trends Microbiol 2023; 31:1276-1286. [PMID: 37652786 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
In silico and experimental approaches have allowed an ever-growing understanding of the interactions within the microbiota. For instance, recently acquired data have increased knowledge of the mechanisms that support, in the gut and vaginal microbiota, the resistance to colonization by Candida albicans, an opportunistic fungal pathogen whose overgrowth can initiate severe infections in immunocompromised patients. Here, we review how bacteria from the microbiota interact with C. albicans. We show how recent OMICs-based pipelines, using metagenomics and/or metabolomics, have identified bacterial species and metabolites modulating C. albicans growth. We finally discuss how the combined use of cutting-edge OMICs-based and experimental approaches could provide new means to control C. albicans overgrowth within the microbiota and prevent its consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margot Delavy
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAE USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
| | - Natacha Sertour
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAE USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
| | - Christophe d'Enfert
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAE USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Elisabeth Bougnoux
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAE USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France; Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), Hôpital Necker-Enfants-Malades, Unité de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Service de Microbiologie Clinique, Paris, France.
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Spawning-Induced pH Increase Activates Sperm Attraction and Fertilization Abilities in Eggs of the Ascidian, Phallusia philippinensis and Ciona intestinalis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032666. [PMID: 36768985 PMCID: PMC9917126 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In Phlebobranchiata ascidians, oocytes and spermatozoa are stored in the oviduct and spermiduct, respectively, until spawning occurs. Gametes in the gonoducts are mature and fertilizable; however, it was found that the gametes of the ascidians Phallusia philippinensis and Ciona intestinalis could not undergo fertilization in the gonoductal fluids. The body fluids of the ascidians, especially in the gonoducts, were much more acidic (pH 5.5-6.8) than seawater (pH 8.2), and the fertilization rate was low under such acidic conditions. Hence, we examined the effect of pH on gametes. Pre-incubation of gonoductal eggs at pH 8.2 prior to insemination increased fertilization rates, even when insemination was performed under low pH conditions. Furthermore, an increase in ambient pH induced an increase in the intracellular pH of the eggs. It was also found that an increase in ambient pH triggered the release of sperm attractants from the egg and is therefore necessary for sperm chemotaxis. Hence, acidic conditions in the gonoductal fluids keep the gametes, especially eggs, infertile, and the release of eggs into seawater upon spawning induces an increase in ambient pH, which enables egg fertilization.
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Young JM, Zine El Abidine A, Gómez-Martinez RA, Bondu V, Sterk RT, Surviladze Z, Ozbun MA. Protamine Sulfate Is a Potent Inhibitor of Human Papillomavirus Infection In Vitro and In Vivo. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2022; 66:e0151321. [PMID: 34723633 PMCID: PMC8765401 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01513-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are transmitted through sexual or other close contact and are etiologically associated with epithelial warts, papillomas, and intraepithelial lesions that may progress to cancer. Indeed, 4.8% of the global cancer burden is linked to HPV infection. Highly effective vaccines protect against two to nine of the most medically important HPV genotypes, yet vaccine uptake is inadequate and/or cost prohibitive in many settings. With HPV-related cancer incidence expected to rise over the coming decades, there is a need for effective HPV microbicides. Herein, we demonstrate the strong inhibitory activity of the heparin-neutralizing drug protamine sulfate (PS) against HPV infection. Pretreatment of cells with PS greatly reduced infection, regardless of HPV genotype or virus source. Vaginal application of PS prevented infection of the murine genital tract by HPV pseudovirions. Time-of-addition assays where PS was added to cells before infection, during infection, or after viral attachment demonstrated strong inhibitory activities on early infection steps. No effect on virus infection was found for cell lines deficient in heparan sulfate expression, suggesting that PS binds to heparan sulfate on the cell surface. Consistent with this, prophylactic PS exposure prevented viral attachment, including under low-pH conditions akin to the human vaginal tract. Our findings suggest PS acts dually to prevent HPV infection: prophylactic treatment prevents HPV attachment to host cells, and postattachment administration alters viral entry. Clinical trials are warranted to determine whether protamine-based products are effective as topical microbicides against genital HPVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse M. Young
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, The University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Amira Zine El Abidine
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, The University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Ricardo A. Gómez-Martinez
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
- The University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Virginie Bondu
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, The University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Rosa T. Sterk
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, The University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Zurab Surviladze
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, The University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Michelle A. Ozbun
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, The University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
- The University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
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Liu J, Willems HME, Sansevere EA, Allert S, Barker KS, Lowes DJ, Dixson AC, Xu Z, Miao J, DeJarnette C, Tournu H, Palmer GE, Richardson JP, Barrera FN, Hube B, Naglik JR, Peters BM. A variant ECE1 allele contributes to reduced pathogenicity of Candida albicans during vulvovaginal candidiasis. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009884. [PMID: 34506615 PMCID: PMC8432879 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), caused primarily by the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans, results in significant quality-of-life issues for women worldwide. Candidalysin, a toxin derived from a polypeptide (Ece1p) encoded by the ECE1 gene, plays a crucial role in driving immunopathology at the vaginal mucosa. This study aimed to determine if expression and/or processing of Ece1p differs across C. albicans isolates and whether this partly underlies differential pathogenicity observed clinically. Using a targeted sequencing approach, we determined that isolate 529L harbors a similarly expressed, yet distinct Ece1p isoform variant that encodes for a predicted functional candidalysin; this isoform was conserved amongst a collection of clinical isolates. Expression of the ECE1 open reading frame (ORF) from 529L in an SC5314-derived ece1Δ/Δ strain resulted in significantly reduced vaginopathogenicity as compared to an isogenic control expressing a wild-type (WT) ECE1 allele. However, in vitro challenge of vaginal epithelial cells with synthetic candidalysin demonstrated similar toxigenic activity amongst SC5314 and 529L isoforms. Creation of an isogenic panel of chimeric strains harboring swapped Ece1p peptides or HiBiT tags revealed reduced secretion with the ORF from 529L that was associated with reduced virulence. A genetic survey of 78 clinical isolates demonstrated a conserved pattern between Ece1p P2 and P3 sequences, suggesting that substrate specificity around Kex2p-mediated KR cleavage sites involved in protein processing may contribute to differential pathogenicity amongst clinical isolates. Therefore, we present a new mechanism for attenuation of C. albicans virulence at the ECE1 locus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyan Liu
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Natural Products and Product Safety, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Hubertine M. E. Willems
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Emily A. Sansevere
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Stefanie Allert
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knöll Institute, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Jena, Germany
| | - Katherine S. Barker
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - David J. Lowes
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Andrew C. Dixson
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Zhenbo Xu
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Natural Products and Product Safety, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Jian Miao
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Natural Products and Product Safety, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Christian DeJarnette
- Integrated Program in Biomedical Sciences, College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Helene Tournu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Glen E. Palmer
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Jonathan P. Richardson
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Francisco N. Barrera
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knöll Institute, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Julian R. Naglik
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Brian M. Peters
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
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