1
|
Liang S, Zhang S, Bao Y, Zhang Y, Liu X, Yao H, Liu G. Combined Immunoinformatics to Design and Evaluate a Multi-Epitope Vaccine Candidate against Streptococcus suis Infection. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:137. [PMID: 38400121 PMCID: PMC10892848 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12020137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is a zoonotic pathogen with multiple serotypes, and thus, multivalent vaccines generating cross-protection against S. suis infections are urgently needed to improve animal welfare and reduce antibiotic abuse. In this study, we established a systematic and comprehensive epitope prediction pipeline based on immunoinformatics. Ten candidate epitopes were ultimately selected for building the multi-epitope vaccine (MVSS) against S. suis infections. The ten epitopes of MVSS were all derived from highly conserved, immunogenic, and virulence-associated surface proteins in S. suis. In silico analyses revealed that MVSS was structurally stable and affixed with immune receptors, indicating that it would likely trigger strong immunological reactions in the host. Furthermore, mice models demonstrated that MVSS elicited high titer antibodies and diminished damages in S. suis serotype 2 and Chz infection, significantly reduced sequelae, induced cytokine transcription, and decreased organ bacterial burdens after triple vaccination. Meanwhile, anti-rMVSS serum inhibited five important S. suis serotypes in vitro, exerted beneficial protective effects against S. suis infections and significantly reduced histopathological damage in mice. Given the above, it is possible to develop MVSS as a universal subunit vaccine against multiple serotypes of S. suis infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Song Liang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Shidan Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yinli Bao
- Engineering Research Center for the Prevention and Control of Animal Original Zoonosis, Fujian Province University, College of Life Science, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, China
| | - Yumin Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Xinyi Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Huochun Yao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Guangjin Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing Agricultural University, Sanya 572000, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liedel C, Rieckmann K, Baums CG. A critical review on experimental Streptococcus suis infection in pigs with a focus on clinical monitoring and refinement strategies. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:188. [PMID: 37798634 PMCID: PMC10552360 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03735-9] [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: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is a major pig pathogen worldwide with zoonotic potential. Though different research groups have contributed to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of S. suis infections in recent years, there are still numerous neglected research topics requiring animal infection trials. Of note, animal experiments are crucial to develop a cross-protective vaccine which is highly needed in the field. Due to the severe clinical signs associated with S. suis pathologies such as meningitis and arthritis, implementation of refinement is very important to reduce pain and distress of experimentally infected pigs. This review highlights the great diversity of clinical signs and courses of disease after experimental S. suis pig infections. We review clinical read out parameters and refinement strategies in experimental S. suis pig infections published between 2000 and 2021. Currently, substantial differences exist in describing clinical monitoring and humane endpoints. Most of the reviewed studies set the body temperature threshold of fever as high as 40.5°C. Monitoring intervals vary mainly between daily, twice a day and three times a day. Only a few studies apply scoring systems. Published scoring systems are inconsistent in their inclusion of parameters such as body temperature, feeding behavior, and respiratory signs. Locomotion and central nervous system signs are more common clinical scoring parameters in different studies by various research groups. As the heterogenicity in clinical monitoring limits the comparability between studies we hope to initiate a discussion with this review leading to an agreement on clinical read out parameters and monitoring intervals among S. suis research groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Liedel
- Institute of Bacteriology and Mycology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 29, Leipzig, 04103, Germany
| | - Karoline Rieckmann
- Institute of Bacteriology and Mycology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 29, Leipzig, 04103, Germany
| | - Christoph G Baums
- Institute of Bacteriology and Mycology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 29, Leipzig, 04103, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hau SJ, Nielsen DW, Brockmeier SL. Prior infection with Bordetella bronchiseptica enhanced colonization but not disease with Streptococcus suis. Vet Microbiol 2023; 284:109841. [PMID: 37542929 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2023.109841] [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: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Bordetella bronchiseptica and Streptococcus suis are widely distributed swine pathogens. B. bronchiseptica is a primary pathogen and causes atrophic rhinitis and bronchopneumonia. S. suis is a contributing agent to porcine respiratory disease complex and causes systemic diseases including arthritis, meningitis, polyserositis, and septicemia. Colonization with B. bronchiseptica has been associated with increased colonization by other pathogenic bacteria and increased disease severity with viral and bacterial pathogens. It has also been reported to predispose cesarean derived, colostrum deprived (CDCD) piglets to S. suis systemic disease. Here, we evaluated the role of B. bronchiseptica colonization on S. suis colonization, dissemination, and disease in one study using conventional pigs and another using CDCD pigs. Pigs were challenged with S. suis, B. bronchiseptica, or B. bronchiseptica followed by S. suis. Incidence of S. suis disease was not increased in either study for animals pre-inoculated with B. bronchiseptica. Nasal colonization with S. suis was increased in coinfected animals, while B. bronchiseptica was similar between mono- and co-infected animals. Although increased S. suis disease was not seen in coinfected pigs, there is evidence that B. bronchiseptica can increase colonization with S. suis, which may contribute to enhanced disease when animals are stressed or immunocompromised.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J Hau
- National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Ames, IA, United States.
| | - Daniel W Nielsen
- National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Ames, IA, United States; Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN, United States
| | - Susan L Brockmeier
- National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Ames, IA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yang P, Yang L, Cao K, Hu Q, Hu Y, Shi J, Zhao D, Yu X. Novel virulence factor Cba induces antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of Streptococcus suis Serotype 9 infection in a mouse model. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1027419. [PMID: 36896190 PMCID: PMC9989217 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1027419] [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: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus suis (SS) is a zoonotic pathogen that affects the health of humans and the development of the pig industry. The SS Cba protein is a collagen adhesin, and a few of its homologs are related to the enhancement of bacterial adhesion. We compared the phenotypes of SS9-P10, SS9-P10 cba knockout strains and its complementary strains in vitro and in vivo and found that knocking out the cba gene did not affect the growth characteristics of the strain, but it significantly reduced the ability of SS to form biofilms, adhesion to host cells, phagocytic resistance to macrophages and attenuated virulence in a mouse infection model. These results indicated that Cba was a virulence related factor of SS9. In addition, Mice immunized with the Cba protein had higher mortality and more serious organ lesions after challenge, and the same was observed in passive immunization experiments. This phenomenon is similar to the antibody-dependent enhancement of infection by bacteria such as Acinetobacter baumannii and Streptococcus pneumoniae. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of antibody-dependent enhancement of SS, and these observations highlight the complexity of antibody-based therapy for SS infection.
Collapse
|
5
|
Gonzaga ZJC, Chen S, Lehoux M, Segura M, Rehm BHA. Engineering Antigens to Assemble into Polymer Particle Vaccines for Prevention of Streptococcus suis Infection. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:1386. [PMID: 34960132 PMCID: PMC8709461 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9121386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus suis is a zoonotic pathogen affecting pigs and humans. This bacterium causes severe economic losses in the swine industry and poses a serious threat to public health and food safety. There is no effective commercial vaccine available for pigs or humans. In this study, we applied the biopolymer particle (BP) vaccine technology to incorporate seven conserved S. suis antigens (38 kDa protein (38), enolase (Enol), SSU1915, SSU1355, SSU0185, SSU1215, and SSU1773 (SSU1 and SSU2)). Two combinations of these antigens (38 and Enol; all SSU antigens designated as SSU1 and SSU2) were engineered to mediate production of BPs coated with either antigens 38 and Enol or SSU1 and SSU2 inside recombinant Escherichia coli. The isolated and purified empty BPs, 38-BP-Enol and SSU1-BP-SSU2, showed size ranges of 312-428 nm and 292-344 nm with and without the QuilA® adjuvant, respectively, and all showed a negative surface charge. Further characterization of purified BPs confirmed the presence of the expected antigen-comprising fusion proteins as assessed by tryptic peptide fingerprinting analysis using quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and immunoblotting. Vaccination with 38-BP-Enol and SSU1-BP-SSU2 formulated with and without QuilA® adjuvant induced significant antigen-specific humoral immune responses in mice. Antigen-coated BPs induced significant and specific Ig (IgM + IgG) and IgG immune responses (1.0 × 106-1.0 × 107) when compared with mice vaccinated with empty BPs. Functionality of the immune response was confirmed in challenge experiments using an acute murine S. suis infection model, which showed 100% survival of the 38-BP-Enol and SSU1-BP-SSU2 vaccinated mice compared to 70% survival when vaccinated with empty BPs. Overall, our data suggest that S. suis antigen-coated BPs could be developed into particulate vaccines that induce protective immunity against S. suis infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zennia Jean C. Gonzaga
- Centre for Cell Factories and Biopolymers (CCFB), Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Don Young Road, Natha, QLD 4111, Australia; (Z.J.C.G.); (S.C.)
| | - Shuxiong Chen
- Centre for Cell Factories and Biopolymers (CCFB), Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Don Young Road, Natha, QLD 4111, Australia; (Z.J.C.G.); (S.C.)
| | - Mélanie Lehoux
- Research Group on Infectious Diseases in Production Animals and Swine and Poultry Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, 3200 Rue Sicotte, CP5000, St-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 7C6, Canada; (M.L.); (M.S.)
| | - Mariela Segura
- Research Group on Infectious Diseases in Production Animals and Swine and Poultry Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, 3200 Rue Sicotte, CP5000, St-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 7C6, Canada; (M.L.); (M.S.)
| | - Bernd H. A. Rehm
- Centre for Cell Factories and Biopolymers (CCFB), Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Don Young Road, Natha, QLD 4111, Australia; (Z.J.C.G.); (S.C.)
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland (MHIQ), Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
McKenna S, Huse KK, Giblin S, Pearson M, Majid Al Shibar MS, Sriskandan S, Matthews S, Pease JE. The Role of Streptococcal Cell-Envelope Proteases in Bacterial Evasion of the Innate Immune System. J Innate Immun 2021; 14:69-88. [PMID: 34649250 PMCID: PMC9082167 DOI: 10.1159/000516956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria possess the ability to evolve varied and ingenious strategies to outwit the host immune system, instigating an evolutionary arms race. Proteases are amongst the many weapons employed by bacteria, which specifically cleave and neutralize key signalling molecules required for a coordinated immune response. In this article, we focus on a family of S8 subtilisin-like serine proteases expressed as cell-envelope proteases (CEPs) by group A and group B streptococci. Two of these proteases known as Streptococcus pyogenes CEP (SpyCEP) and C5a peptidase cleave the chemokine CXCL8 and the complement fragment C5a, respectively. Both CXCL8 and C5a are potent neutrophil-recruiting chemokines, and by neutralizing their activity, streptococci evade a key defence mechanism of innate immunity. We review the mechanisms by which CXCL8 and C5a recruit neutrophils and the characterization of SpyCEP and C5a peptidase, including both in vitro and in vivo studies. Recently described structural insights into the function of this CEP family are also discussed. We conclude by examining the progress of prototypic vaccines incorporating SpyCEP and C5a peptidase in their preparation. Since streptococci-producing SpyCEP and C5a peptidase are responsible for a considerable global disease burden, targeting these proteases by vaccination strategies or by small-molecule antagonists should provide protection from and promote the resolution of streptococcal infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie McKenna
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kristin Krohn Huse
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sean Giblin
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Max Pearson
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Shiranee Sriskandan
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Matthews
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - James Edward Pease
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Weiße C, Dittmar D, Jakóbczak B, Florian V, Schütze N, Alber G, Klose K, Michalik S, Valentin-Weigand P, Völker U, Baums CG. Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a Streptococcus suis vaccine composed of six conserved immunogens. Vet Res 2021; 52:112. [PMID: 34433500 PMCID: PMC8390293 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-021-00981-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
A vaccine protecting against different Streptococcus suis serotypes is highly needed in porcine practice to improve animal welfare and reduce the use of antibiotics. We hypothesized that immunogens prominently recognized by convalescence sera but significantly less so by sera of susceptible piglets are putative protective antigens. Accordingly, we investigated immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a multicomponent vaccine including six main conserved immunogens, namely SSU0934, SSU1869, SSU0757, SSU1950, SSU1664 and SSU0187. Flow cytometry confirmed surface expression of all six immunogens in S. suis serotypes 2, 9 and 14. Although prime-booster vaccination after weaning resulted in significantly higher specific IgG levels against all six immunogens compared to the placebo-treated group, no significant differences between bacterial survival in blood from either vaccinated or control animals were recorded for serotype 2, 9 and 14 strains. Furthermore, vaccinated piglets were not protected against morbidity elicited through intranasal challenge with S. suis serotype 14. As ~50% of animals in both groups did not develop disease, we investigated putative other correlates of protection. Induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in blood granulocytes was not associated with vaccination but correlated with protection as all piglets with >5% ROS survived the challenge. Based on these findings we discuss that the main immunogens of S. suis might actually not be a priori good candidates for protective antigens. On the contrary, expression of immunogens that evoke antibodies that do not mediate killing of this pathogen might constitute an evolutionary advantage conserved in many different S. suis strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine Weiße
- Institute of Bacteriology and Mycology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Denise Dittmar
- Department of Functional Genomics, Interfaculty Institute for Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | | | | | - Nicole Schütze
- Institute of Immunology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Gottfried Alber
- Institute of Immunology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Kristin Klose
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stephan Michalik
- Department of Functional Genomics, Interfaculty Institute for Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Peter Valentin-Weigand
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Microbiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Uwe Völker
- Department of Functional Genomics, Interfaculty Institute for Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Christoph Georg Baums
- Institute of Bacteriology and Mycology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Streptococcus suis Encodes Multiple Allelic Variants of a Phase-Variable Type III DNA Methyltransferase, ModS, That Control Distinct Phasevarions. mSphere 2021; 6:6/3/e00069-21. [PMID: 33980672 PMCID: PMC8125046 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00069-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus suis is a causative agent of meningitis, polyarthritis, and polyserositis in swine, and it is a major cause of zoonotic meningitis in humans. Here, we investigate epigenetic gene regulation in S. suis by multiple phasevarions controlled by the phase-variable type III DNA methyltransferase ModS. Streptococcus suis is a significant cause of bacterial meningitis in humans, particularly in Southeast Asia, and is a leading cause of respiratory and invasive disease in pigs. Phase-variable DNA methyltransferases, associated with restriction-modification (R-M) systems, are a source of epigenetic gene regulation, controlling the expression of multiple genes. These systems are known as phasevarions (phase-variable regulons) and have been characterized in many host-adapted bacterial pathogens. We recently described the presence of a Type III DNA methyltransferase in S. suis, ModS, which contains a simple sequence repeat (SSR) tract within the open reading frame of the modS gene and which differed in length between individual strains. We also observed that multiple allelic variants of the modS gene were present in a population of S. suis isolates. Here, we demonstrate that a biphasic ON-OFF switching of expression occurs in the two most common ModS alleles, ModS1 and ModS2, and that switching is dependent on SSR tract length. Furthermore, we show using single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing that ModS1 and ModS2 are active methyltransferases in S. suis. ON-OFF switching of each ModS allele results in the regulation of distinct phasevarions, with the ModS2 phasevarion impacting growth patterns and antibiotic resistance. This is the first demonstration of a phase-variable Type III DNA methyltransferase in a Gram-positive organism that controls a phasevarion. Characterizing the phenotypic effects of phasevarions in S. suis is key to understanding pathogenesis and the development of future vaccines. IMPORTANCEStreptococcus suis is a causative agent of meningitis, polyarthritis, and polyserositis in swine, and it is a major cause of zoonotic meningitis in humans. Here, we investigate epigenetic gene regulation in S. suis by multiple phasevarions controlled by the phase-variable Type III DNA methyltransferase ModS. This is the first characterized example of a Type III R-M system regulating a phasevarion in a Gram-positive organism. We demonstrate that biphasic ON-OFF switching of ModS expression results in differences in bacterial growth and antibiotic resistance. Understanding the effects of ModS phase variation is required to determine the stably expressed antigenic repertoire of S. suis, which will direct and inform the development of antimicrobial treatments and vaccines against this important pathogen.
Collapse
|
9
|
Bruchmann S, Feltwell T, Parkhill J, Short FL. Identifying virulence determinants of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in Galleria mellonella. Pathog Dis 2021; 79:6123718. [PMID: 33512418 PMCID: PMC7981267 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftab009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae are a major public health threat. Extensively drug-resistant and even pan-resistant strains have been reported. Understanding K. pneumoniae pathogenesis is hampered by the fact that murine models of infection offer limited resolution for non-hypervirulent strains which cause the majority of infections. The insect Galleria mellonella larva is a widely used alternative model organism for bacterial pathogens. We have performed genome-scale fitness profiling of a multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae ST258 strain during infection of G. mellonella, to determine if this model is suitable for large-scale virulence factor discovery in this pathogen. Our results demonstrated a dominant role for surface polysaccharides in infection, with contributions from siderophores, cell envelope proteins, purine biosynthesis genes and additional genes of unknown function. Comparison with a hypervirulent strain, ATCC 43816, revealed substantial overlap in important infection-related genes, as well as additional putative virulence factors specific to ST258, reflecting strain-dependent fitness effects. Our analysis also identified a role for the metalloregulatory protein NfeR (YqjI) in virulence. Overall, this study offers new insight into the infection fitness landscape of K. pneumoniae, and provides a framework for using the highly flexible and easily scalable G. mellonella infection model to dissect molecular virulence mechanisms of bacterial pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Bruchmann
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ES, UK.,Pathogen Genomics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Theresa Feltwell
- Pathogen Genomics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK.,Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, The Old Schools, Cambridge, CB2 3PU, UK
| | - Julian Parkhill
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ES, UK
| | - Francesca L Short
- Pathogen Genomics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK.,Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, The Old Schools, Cambridge, CB2 3PU, UK.,Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 2113, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Yuan X, Liu J, Li R, Zhou J, Wei J, Jiao S, Wang ZA, Du Y. Chitosan Oligosaccharides Coupling Inhibits Bacterial Biofilm-Related Antibiotic Resistance against Florfenicol. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25246043. [PMID: 33371321 PMCID: PMC7767115 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25246043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation of bacterial biofilms has increased the resistance of bacteria to various environmental factors and is tightly associated with many persistent and chronic bacterial infections. Herein we design a strategy conjugating florfenicol, an antibiotic commonly used in the treatment of streptococcus, with the antimicrobial biomaterial, chitosan oligosaccharides. The results demonstrated that the florfenicol-COS conjugate (F-COS) efficiently eradicated the mature Streptococcus hyovaginalis biofilm, apparently inhibiting drug resistance to florfenicol. A quantity of 250 μg/mL F-COS showed effective inhibitory activity against planktonic cells and biofilm of the bacteria, and a 4-fold improvement of the F-COS compared to unmodified florfenicol was observed. Furthermore, the conjugate showed a broad-spectrum activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It suggested that F-COS might have a potential for application in the treatment of biofilm-related infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xianghua Yuan
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu 610101, China; (X.Y.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; (J.L.); (R.L.); (J.W.); (S.J.)
| | - Ruilian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; (J.L.); (R.L.); (J.W.); (S.J.)
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Junlin Zhou
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu 610101, China; (X.Y.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jinhua Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; (J.L.); (R.L.); (J.W.); (S.J.)
| | - Siming Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; (J.L.); (R.L.); (J.W.); (S.J.)
| | - Zhuo A. Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; (J.L.); (R.L.); (J.W.); (S.J.)
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Correspondence: (Z.A.W.); (Y.D.); Tel.: +86-10-8254-5070 (Z.A.W.)
| | - Yuguang Du
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; (J.L.); (R.L.); (J.W.); (S.J.)
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Correspondence: (Z.A.W.); (Y.D.); Tel.: +86-10-8254-5070 (Z.A.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Adjuvants for swine vaccines: Mechanisms of actions and adjuvant effects. Vaccine 2020; 38:6659-6681. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.08.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
12
|
Hau SJ, Luan SL, Loving CL, Nicholson TL, Wang J, Peters SE, Seilly D, Weinert LA, Langford PR, Rycroft AN, Wren BW, Maskell DJ, Tucker AW, Brockmeier SL. Evaluation of the recombinant proteins RlpB and VacJ as a vaccine for protection against Glaesserella parasuis in pigs. BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:167. [PMID: 32460764 PMCID: PMC7252510 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02377-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glaesserella parasuis, the causative agent of Glӓsser's disease, is widespread in swine globally resulting in significant economic losses to the swine industry. Prevention of Glӓsser's disease in pigs has been plagued with an inability to design broadly protective vaccines, as many bacterin based platforms generate serovar or strain specific immunity. Subunit vaccines are of interest to provide protective immunity to multiple strains of G. parasuis. Selected proteins for subunit vaccination should be widespread, highly conserved, and surface exposed. RESULTS Two candidate proteins for subunit vaccination (RlpB and VacJ) against G. parasuis were identified using random mutagenesis and an in vitro organ culture system. Pigs were vaccinated with recombinant RlpB and VacJ, outer membrane proteins with important contributions to cellular function and viability. Though high antibody titers to the recombinant proteins and increased interferon-γ producing cells were found in subunit vaccinated animals, the pigs were not protected from developing systemic disease. CONCLUSIONS It appears there may be insufficient RlpB and VacJ exposed on the bacterial surface for antibody to bind, preventing high RlpB and VacJ specific antibody titers from protecting animals from G. parasuis. Additionally, this work confirms the importance of utilizing the natural host species when assessing the efficacy of vaccine candidates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J Hau
- USDA, ARS, National Animal Disease Center, 1920 Dayton Ave, Ames, IA, 50010, USA
| | - Shi-Lu Luan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Crystal L Loving
- USDA, ARS, National Animal Disease Center, 1920 Dayton Ave, Ames, IA, 50010, USA
| | - Tracy L Nicholson
- USDA, ARS, National Animal Disease Center, 1920 Dayton Ave, Ames, IA, 50010, USA
| | - Jinhong Wang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sarah E Peters
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - David Seilly
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lucy A Weinert
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Paul R Langford
- Section of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, St. Mary's Campus, London, UK
| | | | - Brendan W Wren
- Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Duncan J Maskell
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Current address: The University of Melbourne, Level 9, Raymond Priestley Building, Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Alexander W Tucker
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Susan L Brockmeier
- USDA, ARS, National Animal Disease Center, 1920 Dayton Ave, Ames, IA, 50010, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Xing X, Bi S, Fan X, Jin M, Liu W, Wang B. Intranasal Vaccination With Multiple Virulence Factors Promotes Mucosal Clearance of Streptococcus suis Across Serotypes and Protects Against Meningitis in Mice. J Infect Dis 2020; 220:1679-1687. [PMID: 31287878 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiz352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Streptococcus suis is an emerging zoonotic agent. Its natural habitat is the tonsils, which are the main portals of S. suis entry into the bloodstream of pigs. The remarkable variability of the bacteria and complex pathogenic mechanisms make the development of a vaccine a difficult task. METHOD Five conserved virulence factors involved in critical events of S. suis pathogenesis were combined and used as an intranasal vaccine (V5). The effect of V5 was investigated with intranasal and systemic challenge models. RESULTS V5 induced antibody and T-cell responses at the mucosal site and systemically. The immunity promoted clearance of S. suis from the nasopharynx independent of S. suis serotypes and reduced lethality after systemic challenge with S. suis serotype 2. Moreover, mice that survived sepsis from intravenous infection developed meningitis, whereas none of these mice showed neuropathological symptoms after V5 receipt. CONCLUSION Intranasal immunization with multiple conserved virulence factors decreases S. suis colonization at the nasopharynx across serotypes and inhibits the dissemination of the bacteria in the host. The protective mucosal immunity effects would potentially reduce the S. suis reservoir and prevent S. suis disease in pigs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Xing
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing
| | - Shuai Bi
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - Xin Fan
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - Meilin Jin
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenjun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - Beinan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Arenas J, Bossers-de Vries R, Harders-Westerveen J, Buys H, Ruuls-van Stalle LMF, Stockhofe-Zurwieden N, Zaccaria E, Tommassen J, Wells JM, Smith HE, de Greeff A. In vivo transcriptomes of Streptococcus suis reveal genes required for niche-specific adaptation and pathogenesis. Virulence 2020; 10:334-351. [PMID: 30957693 PMCID: PMC6527017 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2019.1599669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus suis is a Gram-positive bacterium and a zoonotic pathogen residing in the nasopharynx or the gastrointestinal tract of pigs with a potential of causing life-threatening invasive disease. It is endemic in the porcine production industry worldwide, and it is also an emerging human pathogen. After invasion, the pathogen adapts to cause bacteremia and disseminates to different organs including the brain. To gain insights in this process, we infected piglets with a highly virulent strain of S. suis, and bacterial transcriptomes were obtained from blood and different organs (brain, joints, and heart) when animals had severe clinical symptoms of infection. Microarrays were used to determine the genome-wide transcriptional profile at different infection sites and during growth in standard growth medium in vitro. We observed differential expression of around 30% of the Open Reading Frames (ORFs) and infection-site specific patterns of gene expression. Genes with major changes in expression were involved in transcriptional regulation, metabolism, nutrient acquisition, stress defenses, and virulence, amongst others, and results were confirmed for a subset of selected genes using RT-qPCR. Mutants were generated in two selected genes, and the encoded proteins, i.e., NADH oxidase and MetQ, were shown to be important virulence factors in coinfection experiments and in vitro assays. The knowledge derived from this study regarding S. suis gene expression in vivo and identification of virulence factors is important for the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to control S. suis disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Arenas
- a Department of Infection Biology , Wageningen BioVeterinary Research (WBVR) , Lelystad , The Netherlands
| | - Ruth Bossers-de Vries
- a Department of Infection Biology , Wageningen BioVeterinary Research (WBVR) , Lelystad , The Netherlands
| | - José Harders-Westerveen
- a Department of Infection Biology , Wageningen BioVeterinary Research (WBVR) , Lelystad , The Netherlands
| | - Herma Buys
- a Department of Infection Biology , Wageningen BioVeterinary Research (WBVR) , Lelystad , The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Edoardo Zaccaria
- b Host Microbe Interactions , Wageningen UR , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Jan Tommassen
- c Department of Molecular Microbiology and Institute of Biomembranes , Utrecht University , Utrecht , The Netherlands
| | - Jerry M Wells
- b Host Microbe Interactions , Wageningen UR , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Hilde E Smith
- a Department of Infection Biology , Wageningen BioVeterinary Research (WBVR) , Lelystad , The Netherlands
| | - Astrid de Greeff
- a Department of Infection Biology , Wageningen BioVeterinary Research (WBVR) , Lelystad , The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Dumesnil A, Martelet L, Grenier D, Auger JP, Harel J, Nadeau E, Gottschalk M. Enolase and dipeptidyl peptidase IV protein sub-unit vaccines are not protective against a lethal Streptococcus suis serotype 2 challenge in a mouse model of infection. BMC Vet Res 2019; 15:448. [PMID: 31823789 PMCID: PMC6905021 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-019-2196-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Streptococcus suis is a major swine pathogen causing arthritis, meningitis and sudden death in post-weaning piglets and is also a zoonotic agent. S. suis comprises 35 different serotypes of which the serotype 2 is the most prevalent in both pigs and humans. In the absence of commercial vaccines, bacterins (mostly autogenous), are used in the field, with controversial results. In the past years, the focus has turned towards the development of sub-unit vaccine candidates. However, published results are sometimes contradictory regarding the protective effect of a same candidate. Moreover, the adjuvant used may significantly influence the protective capacity of a given antigen. This study focused on two protective candidates, the dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) and the enolase (SsEno). Both proteins are involved in S. suis pathogenesis, and while contradictory protection results have been obtained with SsEno in the past, no data on the protective capacity of DPPIV was available. Results Results showed that among all the field strains tested, 86 and 88% were positive for the expression of the SsEno and DPPIV proteins, respectively, suggesting that they are widely expressed by strains of different serotypes. However, no protection was obtained after two vaccine doses in a CD-1 mouse model of infection, regardless of the use of four different adjuvants. Even though no protection was obtained, significant amounts of antibodies were produced against both antigens, and this regardless of the adjuvant used. Conclusions Taken together, these results demonstrate that S. suis DPPIV and SsEno are probably not good vaccine candidates, at least not in the conditions evaluated in this study. Further studies in the natural host (pig) should still be carried out. Moreover, this work highlights the importance of confirming results obtained by different research groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Dumesnil
- Groupe de recherche sur les maladies infectieuses en production animale (GREMIP), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, 3200 Sicotte St.,, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M2, Canada.,Swine and Poultry Infectious Diseases Research Center (CRIPA), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Léa Martelet
- Groupe de recherche sur les maladies infectieuses en production animale (GREMIP), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, 3200 Sicotte St.,, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M2, Canada.,Swine and Poultry Infectious Diseases Research Center (CRIPA), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Daniel Grenier
- Swine and Poultry Infectious Diseases Research Center (CRIPA), Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Oral Ecology Research Group (GREB), Faculty of Dentistry, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jean-Philippe Auger
- Groupe de recherche sur les maladies infectieuses en production animale (GREMIP), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, 3200 Sicotte St.,, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M2, Canada.,Swine and Poultry Infectious Diseases Research Center (CRIPA), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Josée Harel
- Groupe de recherche sur les maladies infectieuses en production animale (GREMIP), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, 3200 Sicotte St.,, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M2, Canada.,Swine and Poultry Infectious Diseases Research Center (CRIPA), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Eric Nadeau
- Prevtec Microbia Inc. 3395 Casavant W. Blvd, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 0B8, Canada
| | - Marcelo Gottschalk
- Groupe de recherche sur les maladies infectieuses en production animale (GREMIP), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, 3200 Sicotte St.,, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M2, Canada. .,Swine and Poultry Infectious Diseases Research Center (CRIPA), Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|