1
|
Häcker G. Chlamydia in pigs: intriguing bacteria associated with sub-clinical carriage and clinical disease, and with zoonotic potential. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1301892. [PMID: 39206090 PMCID: PMC11349706 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1301892] [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: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Chlamydiae are bacteria that are intriguing and important at the same time. The genus Chlamydia encompasses many species of obligate intracellular organisms: they can multiply only inside the cells of their host organism. Many, perhaps most animals have their own specifically adapted chlamydial species. In humans, the clinically most relevant species is Chlamydia trachomatis, which has particular importance as an agent of sexually transmitted disease. Pigs are the natural host of Chlamydia suis but may also carry Chlamydia abortus and Chlamydia pecorum. C. abortus and possibly C. suis have anthropozoonotic potential, which makes them interesting to human medicine, but all three species bring a substantial burden of disease to pigs. The recent availability of genomic sequence comparisons suggests adaptation of chlamydial species to their respective hosts. In cell biological terms, many aspects of all the species seem similar but non-identical: the bacteria mostly replicate within epithelial cells; they are taken up by the host cell in an endosome that they customize to generate a cytosolic vacuole; they have to evade cellular defences and have to organize nutrient transport to the vacuole; finally, they have to organize their release to be able to infect the next cell or the next host. What appears to be very difficult and challenging to achieve, is in fact a greatly successful style of parasitism. I will here attempt to cover some of the aspects of the infection biology of Chlamydia, from cell biology to immune defence, epidemiology and possibilities of prevention. I will discuss the pig as a host species and the species known to infect pigs but will in particular draw on the more detailed knowledge that we have on species that infect especially humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georg Häcker
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Poston TB, Girardi J, Polson AG, Bhardwaj A, Yount KS, Jaras Salas I, Trim LK, Li Y, O'Connell CM, Leahy D, Harris JM, Beagley KW, Goonetilleke N, Darville T. Viral-vectored boosting of OmcB- or CPAF-specific T-cell responses fail to enhance protection from Chlamydia muridarum in infection-immune mice and elicits a non-protective CD8-dominant response in naïve mice. Mucosal Immunol 2024:S1933-0219(24)00066-7. [PMID: 38969067 DOI: 10.1016/j.mucimm.2024.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
A vaccine is needed to combat the Chlamydia epidemic. Replication-deficient viral vectors are safe and induce antigen-specific T-cell memory. We tested the ability of intramuscular immunization with modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) virus or chimpanzee adenovirus (ChAd) expressing chlamydial outer membrane protein (OmcB) or the secreted protein, chlamydial protease-like activating factor (CPAF), to enhance T-cell immunity and protection in mice previously infected with plasmid-deficient Chlamydia muridarum CM972 and elicit protection in naïve mice. MVA.OmcB or MVA.CPAF increased antigen-specific T cells in CM972-immune mice ∼150 and 50-fold, respectively, but failed to improve bacterial clearance. ChAd.OmcB/MVA.OmcB prime-boost immunization of naïve mice elicited a cluster of differentiation (CD) 8-dominant T-cell response dominated by cluster of differentiation (CD)8 T cells that failed to protect. ChAd.CPAF/ChAd.CPAF prime-boost also induced a CD8-dominant response with a marginal reduction in burden. Challenge of ChAd.CPAF-immunized mice genetically deficient in CD4 or CD8 T cells showed that protection was entirely CD4-dependent. CD4-deficient mice had prolonged infection, whereas CD8-deficient mice had higher frequencies of CPAF-specific CD4 T cells, earlier clearance, and reduced burden than wild-type controls. These data reinforce the essential nature of the CD4 T-cell response in protection from chlamydial genital infection in mice and the need for vaccine platforms that drive CD4-dominant responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taylor B Poston
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Jenna Girardi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - A Grace Polson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Aakash Bhardwaj
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kacy S Yount
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ian Jaras Salas
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Logan K Trim
- Center for Immunology and Infection Control and School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Yanli Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Catherine M O'Connell
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Darren Leahy
- Center for Immunology and Infection Control and School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jonathan M Harris
- Center for Immunology and Infection Control and School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kenneth W Beagley
- Center for Immunology and Infection Control and School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nilu Goonetilleke
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Toni Darville
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kiekens C, Morré SA, Vanrompay D. Advances in Chlamydia trachomatis Vaccination: Unveiling the Potential of Major Outer Membrane Protein Derivative Constructs. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1196. [PMID: 38930578 PMCID: PMC11205628 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061196] [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: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia (C.) trachomatis, a leading cause of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide, continues to be a significant public health concern. The majority of infections are asymptomatic and, when left untreated, severe sequelae such as infertility and chronic pelvic pain can occur. Despite decades of research, an effective vaccine remains elusive. This review focuses on the potential of Major Outer Membrane Protein (MOMP)-derived constructs as promising candidates for C. trachomatis vaccination. MOMP, the most abundant protein in the outer membrane of C. trachomatis, has been a focal point of vaccine research over the years due to its antigenic properties. To overcome issues associated with the use of full MOMP as a vaccine antigen, derivative constructs have been studied. As these constructs are often not sufficiently immunogenic, antigen delivery systems or accompanying adjuvants are required. Additionally, several immunization routes have been explored with these MOMP-derived vaccine antigens, and determining the optimal route remains an ongoing area of research. Future directions and challenges in the field of C. trachomatis vaccination are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Celien Kiekens
- Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Servaas A. Morré
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Microbe&Lab BV, 1105 AG Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Dutch Chlamydia trachomatis Reference Laboratory, Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Health, Medicine & Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Engineering, Jacob Institute of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Allahabad 211007, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Daisy Vanrompay
- Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dockterman J, Reitano JR, Everitt JI, Wallace GD, Hendrix M, Taylor GA, Coers J. Irgm proteins attenuate inflammatory disease in mouse models of genital Chlamydia infection. mBio 2024; 15:e0030324. [PMID: 38501887 PMCID: PMC11005385 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00303-24] [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: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Chlamydiae are obligate intracellular bacterial pathogens that may cause genital pathology via induction of destructive host immune responses. Human-adapted Chlamydia trachomatis causes inflammatory disease in human hosts but is easily cleared in mice, and mouse-adapted Chlamydia muridarum establishes a productive and pathogenic infection in murine hosts. While numerous anti-chlamydial host resistance factors have been discovered in mice and humans alike, little is known about host factors promoting host fitness independent of host resistance. Here, we show that interferon-inducible immunity-related GTPase M (Irgm) proteins function as such host factors ameliorating infection-associated sequalae in the murine female genital tract, thus characterizing Irgm proteins as mediators of disease tolerance. Specifically, we demonstrate that mice deficient for all three murine Irgm paralogs (pan-Irgm-/-) are defective for cell-autonomous immunity to C. trachomatis, which correlates with an early and transient increase in bacterial burden and sustained hyperinflammation in vivo. In contrast, upon infection of pan-Irgm-/- mice with C. muridarum, bacterial burden is unaffected, yet genital inflammation and scarring pathology are nonetheless increased, demonstrating that Irgm proteins can promote host fitness without altering bacterial burden. Additionally, pan-Irgm-/- mice display increased granulomatous inflammation in genital Chlamydia infection, implicating Irgm proteins in the regulation of granuloma formation and maintenance. These findings demonstrate that Irgm proteins regulate pathogenic immune responses to Chlamydia infection in vivo, establishing an effective infection model to examine the immunoregulatory functions and mechanisms of Irgm proteins. IMPORTANCE In response to genital Chlamydia infection, the immune system mounts a proinflammatory response to resist the pathogen, yet inflammation must be tightly controlled to avoid collateral damage and scarring to host genital tissue. Variation in the human IRGM gene is associated with susceptibility to autoinflammatory diseases but its role in ameliorating inflammatory diseases caused by infections is poorly defined. Here, we use mice deficient for all three murine Irgm paralogs to demonstrate that Irgm proteins not only provide host resistance to Chlamydia infections but also limit associated inflammation in the female genital tract. In particular, we find that murine Irgm expression prevents granulomatous inflammation, which parallels inflammatory diseases associated with variants in human IRGM. Our findings therefore establish genital Chlamydia infection as a useful model to study the roles for Irgm proteins in both promoting protective immunity and limiting pathogenic inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Dockterman
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jeffrey R. Reitano
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jeffrey I. Everitt
- Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Graham D. Wallace
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Meghan Hendrix
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Gregory A. Taylor
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Health Care Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, and Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke Universitygrid.26009.3d Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jörn Coers
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Olsen AW, Rosenkrands I, Jacobsen CS, Cheeseman HM, Kristiansen MP, Dietrich J, Shattock RJ, Follmann F. Immune signature of Chlamydia vaccine CTH522/CAF®01 translates from mouse-to-human and induces durable protection in mice. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1665. [PMID: 38396019 PMCID: PMC10891140 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45526-2] [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: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The clinical development of an effective Chlamydia vaccine requires in-depth understanding of how well protective pre-clinical immune signatures translate to humans. Here, we report a comparative immunological characterization of CTH522/CAF®01 in female mice and humans. We find a range of immune signatures that translate from mouse to human, including a Th1/Th17 cytokine profile and antibody functionality. We identify vaccine-induced T cell epitopes, conserved among Chlamydia serovars, and previously found in infected individuals. Using the mouse model, we show that the common immune signature protected against ascending infection in mice, and vaccine induced antibodies could delay bacterial ascension to the oviduct, as well as development of pathology, in a T cell depleted mouse model. Finally, we demonstrate long-lasting immunity and protection of mice one year after vaccination. Based on the results obtained in the present study, we propose to further investigate CTH522/CAF®01 in a phase IIb study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anja W Olsen
- Center for Vaccine Research, Department of Infectious Disease Immunology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Ida Rosenkrands
- Center for Vaccine Research, Department of Infectious Disease Immunology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christina S Jacobsen
- Center for Vaccine Research, Department of Infectious Disease Immunology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- PharmaRelations, Virum, Denmark
| | | | - Max P Kristiansen
- Center for Vaccine Research, Department of Infectious Disease Immunology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jes Dietrich
- Center for Vaccine Research, Department of Infectious Disease Immunology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Robin J Shattock
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Frank Follmann
- Center for Vaccine Research, Department of Infectious Disease Immunology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mayall JR, Horvat JC, Mangan NE, Chevalier A, McCarthy H, Hampsey D, Donovan C, Brown AC, Matthews AY, de Weerd NA, de Geus ED, Starkey MR, Kim RY, Daly K, Goggins BJ, Keely S, Maltby S, Baldwin R, Foster PS, Boyle MJ, Tanwar PS, Huntington ND, Hertzog PJ, Hansbro PM. Interferon-epsilon is a novel regulator of NK cell responses in the uterus. EMBO Mol Med 2024; 16:267-293. [PMID: 38263527 PMCID: PMC10897320 DOI: 10.1038/s44321-023-00018-6] [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: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The uterus is a unique mucosal site where immune responses are balanced to be permissive of a fetus, yet protective against infections. Regulation of natural killer (NK) cell responses in the uterus during infection is critical, yet no studies have identified uterine-specific factors that control NK cell responses in this immune-privileged site. We show that the constitutive expression of IFNε in the uterus plays a crucial role in promoting the accumulation, activation, and IFNγ production of NK cells in uterine tissue during Chlamydia infection. Uterine epithelial IFNε primes NK cell responses indirectly by increasing IL-15 production by local immune cells and directly by promoting the accumulation of a pre-pro-like NK cell progenitor population and activation of NK cells in the uterus. These findings demonstrate the unique features of this uterine-specific type I IFN and the mechanisms that underpin its major role in orchestrating innate immune cell protection against uterine infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jemma R Mayall
- Immune Health Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute and the University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Jay C Horvat
- Immune Health Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute and the University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Niamh E Mangan
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Departments of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Anne Chevalier
- Immune Health Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute and the University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Huw McCarthy
- Immune Health Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute and the University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Daniel Hampsey
- Immune Health Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute and the University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Chantal Donovan
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
| | - Alexandra C Brown
- Immune Health Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute and the University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Antony Y Matthews
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Departments of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Nicole A de Weerd
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Departments of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Eveline D de Geus
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Departments of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Malcolm R Starkey
- Immune Health Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute and the University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, 2308, Australia
- Immunology and Pathology, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Richard Y Kim
- Immune Health Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute and the University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, 2308, Australia
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
| | - Katie Daly
- Immune Health Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute and the University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Bridie J Goggins
- Immune Health Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute and the University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Simon Keely
- Immune Health Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute and the University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Steven Maltby
- Immune Health Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute and the University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Rennay Baldwin
- Immune Health Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute and the University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Paul S Foster
- Immune Health Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute and the University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Michael J Boyle
- Immune Health Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute and the University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, 2308, Australia
- Immunology and Infectious Diseases Unit, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Pradeep S Tanwar
- Gynecology Oncology Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Nicholas D Huntington
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Paul J Hertzog
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Departments of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Philip M Hansbro
- Immune Health Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute and the University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, 2308, Australia.
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mercado MAB, Li Q, Quick CM, Kim Y, Palmer R, Huang L, Li LX. BHLHE40 drives protective polyfunctional CD4 T cell differentiation in the female reproductive tract against Chlamydia. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1011983. [PMID: 38271477 PMCID: PMC10846703 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The protein basic helix-loop-helix family member e40 (BHLHE40) is a transcription factor recently emerged as a key regulator of host immunity to infections, autoimmune diseases and cancer. In this study, we investigated the role of Bhlhe40 in protective T cell responses to the intracellular bacterium Chlamydia in the female reproductive tract (FRT). Mice deficient in Bhlhe40 exhibited severe defects in their ability to control Chlamydia muridarum shedding from the FRT. The heightened bacterial burdens in Bhlhe40-/- mice correlated with a marked increase in IL-10-producing T regulatory type 1 (Tr1) cells and decreased polyfunctional CD4 T cells co-producing IFN-γ, IL-17A and GM-CSF. Genetic ablation of IL-10 or functional blockade of IL-10R increased CD4 T cell polyfunctionality and partially rescued the defects in bacterial control in Bhlhe40-/- mice. Using single-cell RNA sequencing coupled with TCR profiling, we detected a significant enrichment of stem-like T cell signatures in Bhlhe40-deficient CD4 T cells, whereas WT CD4 T cells were further down on the differentiation trajectory with distinct effector functions beyond IFN-γ production by Th1 cells. Altogether, we identified Bhlhe40 as a key molecular driver of CD4 T cell differentiation and polyfunctional responses in the FRT against Chlamydia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A. B. Mercado
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Charles M. Quick
- Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Yejin Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Rachel Palmer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Lu Huang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Lin-Xi Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mercado MAB, Li Q, Quick CM, Kim Y, Palmer R, Huang L, Li LX. BHLHE40 drives protective polyfunctional CD4 T cell differentiation in the female reproductive tract against Chlamydia. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.02.565369. [PMID: 37961221 PMCID: PMC10635079 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.02.565369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
The protein basic helix-loop-helix family member e40 (BHLHE40) is a transcription factor recently emerged as a key regulator of host immunity to infections, autoimmune diseases and cancer. In this study, we investigated the role of Bhlhe40 in protective T cell responses to the intracellular bacterium Chlamydia in the female reproductive tract (FRT). Mice deficient in Bhlhe40 exhibited severe defects in their ability to control Chlamydia muridarum shedding from the FRT. The heightened bacterial burdens in Bhlhe40-/- mice correlated with a marked increase in IL-10-producing T regulatory type 1 (Tr1) cells and decreased polyfunctional CD4 T cells co-producing IFN-γ, IL-17A and GM-CSF. Genetic ablation of IL-10 or functional blockade of IL-10R increased CD4 T cell polyfunctionality and partially rescued the defects in bacterial control in Bhlhe40-/- mice. Using single-cell RNA sequencing coupled with TCR profiling, we detected a significant enrichment of stem-like T cell signatures in Bhlhe40-deficient CD4 T cells, whereas WT CD4 T cells were further down on the differentiation trajectory with distinct effector functions beyond IFN-γ production by Th1 cells. Altogether, we identified Bhlhe40 as a key molecular driver of CD4 T cell differentiation and polyfunctional responses in the FRT against Chlamydia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A. B. Mercado
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Charles M. Quick
- Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Yejin Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Rachel Palmer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Lu Huang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Lin-Xi Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Onorini D, Leonard CA, Phillips Campbell R, Prähauser B, Pesch T, Schoborg RV, Jerse AE, Tarigan B, Borel N. Neisseria gonorrhoeae Coinfection during Chlamydia muridarum Genital Latency Does Not Modulate Murine Vaginal Bacterial Shedding. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0450022. [PMID: 37039695 PMCID: PMC10269798 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04500-22] [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: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae are the most frequently reported agents of bacterial sexually transmitted disease worldwide. Nonetheless, C. trachomatis/N. gonorrhoeae coinfection remains understudied. C. trachomatis/N. gonorrhoeae coinfections are more common than expected by chance, suggesting C. trachomatis/N. gonorrhoeae interaction, and N. gonorrhoeae infection may reactivate genital chlamydial shedding in women with latent (quiescent) chlamydial infection. We hypothesized that N. gonorrhoeae would reactivate latent genital Chlamydia muridarum infection in mice. Two groups of C. muridarum-infected mice were allowed to transition into genital latency. One group was then vaginally inoculated with N. gonorrhoeae; a third group received N. gonorrhoeae alone. C. muridarum and N. gonorrhoeae vaginal shedding was measured over time in the coinfected and singly infected groups. Viable C. muridarum was absent from vaginal swabs but detected in rectal swabs, confirming C. muridarum genital latency and consistent with the intestinal tract as a C. muridarum reservoir. C. muridarum inclusions were observed in large intestinal, but not genital, tissues during latency. Oviduct dilation was associated with C. muridarum infection, as expected. Contradicting our hypothesis, N. gonorrhoeae coinfection did not reactivate latent C. muridarum vaginal shedding. In addition, latent C. muridarum infection did not modulate recovery of vaginal viable N. gonorrhoeae. Evidence for N. gonorrhoeae-dependent increased C. muridarum infectivity has thus not been demonstrated in murine coinfection, and the ability of C. muridarum coinfection to potentiate N. gonorrhoeae infectivity may depend on actively replicating vaginal C. muridarum. The proportion of mice with increased vaginal neutrophils (PMNs) was higher in N. gonorrhoeae-infected than in C. muridarum-infected mice, as expected, while that of C. muridarum/N. gonorrhoeae-coinfected mice was intermediate to the singly infected groups, suggesting latent C. muridarum murine infection may limit PMN response to subsequent N. gonorrhoeae infection. IMPORTANCE Our work builds upon the limited understanding of C. muridarum/N. gonorrhoeae coinfection. Previously, N. gonorrhoeae infection of mice with acute (actively replicating) vaginal C. muridarum infection was shown to increase recovery of viable vaginal N. gonorrhoeae and vaginal PMNs, with no effect on C. muridarum vaginal shedding (R. A. Vonck et al., Infect Immun 79:1566-1577, 2011). It has also been shown that chlamydial infection of human and murine PMNs prevents normal PMN responses, including the response to N. gonorrhoeae (K. Rajeeve et al., Nat Microbiol 3:824-835, 2018). Our findings show no effect of latent genital C. muridarum infection on the recovery of viable N. gonorrhoeae, in contrast to the previously reported effect of acute C. muridarum infection, and suggesting that acute versus latent C. muridarum infection may have distinct effects on PMN function in mice. Together, these studies to date provide evidence that Chlamydia/N. gonorrhoeae synergistic interactions may depend on the presence of replicating Chlamydia in the genital tract, while chlamydial effects on vaginal PMNs may extend beyond acute infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Delia Onorini
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cory Ann Leonard
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Regenia Phillips Campbell
- Department of Medical Education, Center for Infectious Disease, Inflammation and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - Barbara Prähauser
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Theresa Pesch
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Robert V. Schoborg
- Department of Medical Education, Center for Infectious Disease, Inflammation and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - Ann E. Jerse
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Bernadetta Tarigan
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Borel
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Fields KA, Bodero MD, Scanlon KR, Jewett TJ, Wolf K. A Minimal Replicon Enables Efficacious, Species-Specific Gene Deletion in Chlamydia and Extension of Gene Knockout Studies to the Animal Model of Infection Using Chlamydia muridarum. Infect Immun 2022; 90:e0045322. [PMID: 36350146 PMCID: PMC9753632 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00453-22] [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: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The genus Chlamydia consists of diverse, obligate intracellular bacteria that infect various animals, including humans. Although chlamydial species share many aspects of the typical intracellular lifestyle, such as the biphasic developmental cycle and the preference for invasion of epithelial cells, each chlamydial strain also employs sophisticated species-specific strategies that contribute to an extraordinary diversity in organ and/or tissue tropism and disease manifestation. In order to discover and understand the mechanisms underlying how these pathogens infect particular hosts and cause specific diseases, it is imperative to develop a mutagenesis approach that would be applicable to every chlamydial species. We present functional evidence that the region between Chlamydia trachomatis and Chlamydia muridarum pgp6 and pgp7, containing four 22-bp tandem repeats that are present in all chlamydial endogenous plasmids, represents the plasmid origin of replication. Furthermore, by introducing species-specific ori regions into an engineered 5.45-kb pUC19-based plasmid, we generated vectors that can be successfully transformed into and propagated under selective pressure by C. trachomatis serovars L2 and D, as well as C. muridarum. Conversely, these vectors were rapidly lost upon removal of the selective antibiotic. This conditionally replicating system was used to generate a tarP deletion mutant by fluorescence-reported allelic exchange mutagenesis in both C. trachomatis serovar D and C. muridarum. The strains were analyzed using in vitro invasion and fitness assays. The virulence of the C. muridarum strains was then assessed in a murine infection model. Our approach represents a novel and efficient strategy for targeted genetic manipulation in Chlamydia beyond C. trachomatis L2. This advance will support comparative studies of species-specific infection biology and enable studies in a well-established murine model of chlamydial pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth A. Fields
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Maria D. Bodero
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Kaylyn R. Scanlon
- Division of Immunity and Pathogenesis, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Travis J. Jewett
- Division of Immunity and Pathogenesis, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Katerina Wolf
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Borges ÁH, Follmann F, Dietrich J. Chlamydia trachomatis vaccine development - a view on the current challenges and how to move forward. Expert Rev Vaccines 2022; 21:1555-1567. [PMID: 36004386 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2022.2117694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common sexually transmitted bacterial pathogen in the world. A licensed vaccine is not yet available, but the first vaccines have entered clinical trials. AREAS COVERED : We describe the progress that has been made in our understanding of the type of immunity that a protective vaccine should induce, and the challenges that vaccine developers face. We also focus on the clinical development of a chlamydia vaccine. The first chlamydia vaccine candidate has now been tested in a clinical phase-I trial, and another phase-I trial is currently running. We discuss what it will take to continue this development and what future trial setups could look like. EXPERT OPINION The chlamydia field is coming of age and the first phase I clinical trial of a C. trachomatis vaccine has been successfully completed. We expect and hope that this will motivate various stakeholders to support further development of chlamydia vaccines in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro H Borges
- Statens Serum Institut, Department of Infectious Diseases Immunology, Kobenhavn, 2300 Denmark
| | | | - Jes Dietrich
- Statens Serum Institut, Department of Infectious Diseases Immunology, Kobenhavn, 2300 Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Bagri P, Anipindi VC, Kaushic C. The Role of IL-17 During Infections in the Female Reproductive Tract. Front Immunol 2022; 13:861444. [PMID: 35493460 PMCID: PMC9046847 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.861444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-17 (IL-17A) is a cytokine involved in a complex array of both protective and detrimental processes. Although early biological studies focused on the pro-inflammatory function of IL-17 in the context of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, it has become increasingly evident that the roles of IL-17 are far more nuanced. Recent work has demonstrated that the functions of IL-17 are highly context- and tissue-dependent, and there is a fine balance between the pathogenic and protective functions of IL-17. This is especially evident in mucosal tissues such as the female reproductive tract, where IL-17 has been shown to play an important role in the immune response generated during fungal, bacterial and viral infections associated with protection, but also with inflammation. In this review, we discuss the evolving landscape of IL-17 biology within the context of the vaginal mucosa, focusing on key findings that highlight the importance of this cytokine in genital mucosal immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Puja Bagri
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Varun C. Anipindi
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Charu Kaushic
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Charu Kaushic,
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Barnes AB, Keener RM, Schott BH, Wang L, Valdivia RH, Ko DC. Human genetic diversity regulating the TLR10/TLR1/TLR6 locus confers increased cytokines in response to Chlamydia trachomatis. HGG ADVANCES 2022; 3:100071. [PMID: 35047856 PMCID: PMC8756536 DOI: 10.1016/j.xhgg.2021.100071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Human genetic diversity can have profound effects on health outcomes upon exposure to infectious agents. For infections with Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis), the wide range of genital and ocular disease manifestations are likely influenced by human genetic differences that regulate interactions between C. trachomatis and host cells. We leveraged this diversity in cellular responses to demonstrate the importance of variation at the Toll-like receptor 1 (TLR1), TLR6, and TLR10 locus to cytokine production in response to C. trachomatis. We determined that a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (rs1057807), located in a region that forms a loop with the TLR6 promoter, is associated with increased expression of TLR1, TLR6, and TLR10 and secreted levels of ten C. trachomatis-induced cytokines. Production of these C. trachomatis-induced cytokines is primarily dependent on MyD88 and TLR6 based on experiments using inhibitors, blocking antibodies, RNAi, and protein overexpression. Population genetic analyses further demonstrated that the mean IL-6 response of cells from two European populations were higher than the mean response of cells from three African populations and that this difference was partially attributable to variation in rs1057807 allele frequency. In contrast, a SNP associated with a different pro-inflammatory cytokine (rs2869462 associated with the chemokine CXCL10) exhibited an opposite response, underscoring the complexity of how different genetic variants contribute to an individual's immune response. This multidisciplinary study has identified a long-range chromatin interaction and genetic variation that regulates TLR6 to broaden our understanding of how human genetic variation affects the C. trachomatis-induced immune response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alyson B. Barnes
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Rachel M. Keener
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- University Program in Genetics and Genomics, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Benjamin H. Schott
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- University Program in Genetics and Genomics, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Liuyang Wang
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Raphael H. Valdivia
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Dennis C. Ko
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- University Program in Genetics and Genomics, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Olsen AW, Rosenkrands I, Holland MJ, Andersen P, Follmann F. A Chlamydia trachomatis VD1-MOMP vaccine elicits cross-neutralizing and protective antibodies against C/C-related complex serovars. NPJ Vaccines 2021; 6:58. [PMID: 33875654 PMCID: PMC8055873 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-021-00312-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocular and urogenital infections with Chlamydia trachomatis (C.t.) are caused by a range of different serovars. The first C.t. vaccine in clinical development (CTH522/CAF®01) induced neutralizing antibodies directed to the variable domain 4 (VD4) region of major outer membrane protein (MOMP), covering predominantly B and intermediate groups of serovars. The VD1 region of MOMP contains neutralizing B-cell epitopes targeting serovars of the C and C-related complex. Using an immuno-repeat strategy, we extended the VD1 region of SvA and SvJ to include surrounding conserved segments, extVD1A and extVD1J, and repeated this region four times. The extVD1A*4 was most immunogenic with broad cross-surface and neutralizing reactivity against representative members of the C and C-related complex serovars. Importantly, in vitro results for extVD1A*4 translated into in vivo biological effects, demonstrated by in vivo neutralization of SvA and protection/cross-protection against intravaginal challenge with both SvA and the heterologous SvIa strain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anja Weinreich Olsen
- Center for Vaccine Research, Department of Infectious Disease Immunology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Ida Rosenkrands
- Center for Vaccine Research, Department of Infectious Disease Immunology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin J Holland
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Andersen
- Center for Vaccine Research, Department of Infectious Disease Immunology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Frank Follmann
- Center for Vaccine Research, Department of Infectious Disease Immunology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Chlamydia-Specific IgA Secretion in the Female Reproductive Tract Induced via Per-Oral Immunization Confers Protection against Primary Chlamydia Challenge. Infect Immun 2020; 89:IAI.00413-20. [PMID: 33139380 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00413-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate intracellular pathogen that causes sexually transmitted disease. In women, chlamydial infections may cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. The role of antibodies in protection against a primary Chlamydia infection is unclear and was a focus of this work. Using the C. muridarum mouse infection model, we show that intestinal mucosa is infected via intranasal (i.n.) or per-oral (p.o.) Chlamydia inoculation and that unlike the female reproductive tract (FRT) mucosa, it halts systemic Chlamydia dissemination. Moreover, p.o. immunization or infection with Chlamydia confers protection against per-vaginal (p.v.) challenge, resulting in significantly decreased bacterial burden in the FRT, accelerated Chlamydia clearance, and reduced hydrosalpinx pathology. In contrast, subcutaneous (s.c.) immunization conferred no protection against the p.v. challenge. Both p.o. and s.c. immunizations induced Chlamydia-specific serum IgA. However, IgA was found only in the vaginal washes and fecal extracts of p.o.-immunized animals. Following a p.v. challenge, unimmunized control and s.c.-s.c.-immunized animals developed Chlamydia-specific intestinal IgA yet failed to develop IgA in the FRT, indicating that IgA response in the FRT relies on the FRT to gastrointestinal tract (GIT) antigen transport. Vaginal secretions of p.o.-immunized animals neutralize Chlamydia in vivo, resulting in significantly lower Chlamydia burden in the FRT and Chlamydia transport to the GIT. We also show that infection of the GIT is not necessary for induction of protective immunity in the FRT, a finding that is important for the development of p.o. subunit vaccines to target Chlamydia and possibly other sexually transmitted pathogens.
Collapse
|
16
|
Lundy SR, Richardson S, Ramsey A, Ellerson D, Fengxia Y, Onyeabor S, Kirlin W, Thompson W, Black CM, DeBruyne JP, Davidson AJ, Immergluck LC, Blas-Machado U, Eko FO, Igietseme JU, He Q, Omosun YO. Shift work influences the outcomes of Chlamydia infection and pathogenesis. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15389. [PMID: 32958779 PMCID: PMC7505842 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72409-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Shift work, performed by approximately 21 million Americans, is irregular or unusual work schedule hours occurring after 6:00 pm. Shift work has been shown to disrupt circadian rhythms and is associated with several adverse health outcomes and chronic diseases such as cancer, gastrointestinal and psychiatric diseases and disorders. It is unclear if shift work influences the complications associated with certain infectious agents, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and tubal factor infertility resulting from genital chlamydial infection. We used an Environmental circadian disruption (ECD) model mimicking circadian disruption occurring during shift work, where mice had a 6-h advance in the normal light/dark cycle (LD) every week for a month. Control group mice were housed under normal 12/12 LD cycle. Our hypothesis was that compared to controls, mice that had their circadian rhythms disrupted in this ECD model will have a higher Chlamydia load, more pathology and decreased fertility rate following Chlamydia infection. Results showed that, compared to controls, mice that had their circadian rhythms disrupted (ECD) had higher Chlamydia loads, more tissue alterations or lesions, and lower fertility rate associated with chlamydial infection. Also, infected ECD mice elicited higher proinflammatory cytokines compared to mice under normal 12/12 LD cycle. These results imply that there might be an association between shift work and the increased likelihood of developing more severe disease from Chlamydia infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie R Lundy
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry & Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Drive, S.W., Atlanta, GA, 30310, USA
| | - Shakyra Richardson
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry & Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Drive, S.W., Atlanta, GA, 30310, USA
| | - Anne Ramsey
- Department of Neurobiology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30310, USA
| | - Debra Ellerson
- Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
| | - Yan Fengxia
- Department of Community Health and Preventive Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30310, USA
| | - Sunny Onyeabor
- Department of Community Health and Preventive Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30310, USA
| | - Ward Kirlin
- Department of Pharmacology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30310, USA
| | - Winston Thompson
- Department of Physiology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30310, USA
| | - Carolyn M Black
- Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
| | - Jason P DeBruyne
- Department of Pharmacology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30310, USA
| | - Alec J Davidson
- Department of Neurobiology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30310, USA
| | - Lilly C Immergluck
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry & Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Drive, S.W., Atlanta, GA, 30310, USA
- Pediatric Clinical & Translational Research Unit, Clinical Research Center, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30310, USA
| | - Uriel Blas-Machado
- Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Francis O Eko
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry & Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Drive, S.W., Atlanta, GA, 30310, USA
| | - Joseph U Igietseme
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry & Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Drive, S.W., Atlanta, GA, 30310, USA
- Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
| | - Qing He
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry & Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Drive, S.W., Atlanta, GA, 30310, USA
- Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
| | - Yusuf O Omosun
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry & Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Drive, S.W., Atlanta, GA, 30310, USA.
- Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Fluorescence-Reported Allelic Exchange Mutagenesis-Mediated Gene Deletion Indicates a Requirement for Chlamydia trachomatis Tarp during In Vivo Infectivity and Reveals a Specific Role for the C Terminus during Cellular Invasion. Infect Immun 2020; 88:IAI.00841-19. [PMID: 32152196 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00841-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The translocated actin recruiting phosphoprotein (Tarp) is a multidomain type III secreted effector used by Chlamydia trachomatis In aggregate, existing data suggest a role of this effector in initiating new infections. As new genetic tools began to emerge to study chlamydial genes in vivo, we speculated as to what degree Tarp function contributes to Chlamydia's ability to parasitize mammalian host cells. To address this question, we generated a complete tarP deletion mutant using the fluorescence-reported allelic exchange mutagenesis (FRAEM) technique and complemented the mutant in trans with wild-type tarP or mutant tarP alleles engineered to harbor in-frame domain deletions. We provide evidence for the significant role of Tarp in C. trachomatis invasion of host cells. Complementation studies indicate that the C-terminal filamentous actin (F-actin)-binding domains are responsible for Tarp-mediated invasion efficiency. Wild-type C. trachomatis entry into HeLa cells resulted in host cell shape changes, whereas the tarP mutant did not. Finally, using a novel cis complementation approach, C. trachomatis lacking tarP demonstrated significant attenuation in a murine genital tract infection model. Together, these data provide definitive genetic evidence for the critical role of the Tarp F-actin-binding domains in host cell invasion and for the Tarp effector as a bona fide C. trachomatis virulence factor.
Collapse
|
18
|
Pal S, Ausar SF, Tifrea DF, Cheng C, Gallichan S, Sanchez V, de la Maza LM, Visan L. Protection of outbred mice against a vaginal challenge by a Chlamydia trachomatis serovar E recombinant major outer membrane protein vaccine is dependent on phosphate substitution in the adjuvant. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2020; 16:2537-2547. [PMID: 32118511 PMCID: PMC7644203 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2020.1717183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common bacterial sexually-transmitted pathogen for which there is no vaccine. We previously demonstrated that the degree of phosphate substitution in an aluminum hydroxide adjuvant in a TLR-4-based C. trachomatis serovar E (Ser E) recombinant major outer membrane protein (rMOMP) formulation had an impact on the induced antibody titers and IFN-γ levels. Here, we have extended these observations using outbreed CD-1 mice immunized with C. trachomatis Ser E rMOMP formulations to evaluate the impact on bacterial challenge. The results confirmed that the rMOMP vaccine containing the adjuvant with the highest phosphate substitution induced the highest neutralizing antibody titers while the formulation with the lowest phosphate substitution induced the highest IFN-γ production. The most robust protection was observed in mice vaccinated with the formulation containing the adjuvant with the lowest phosphate substitution, as shown by the number of mice with positive vaginal cultures, number of positive cultures and number of C. trachomatis inclusion forming units recovered. This is the first report showing that vaccination of an outbred strain of mice with rMOMP induces protection against a vaginal challenge with C. trachomatis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sukumar Pal
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California , Irvine, CA, USA
| | | | - Delia F Tifrea
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California , Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Chunmei Cheng
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California , Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Scott Gallichan
- Analytical Research and Development Department, Sanofi Pasteur , Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Violette Sanchez
- Research & Non Clinical Safety Department, Sanofi Pasteur , Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Luis M de la Maza
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California , Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Lucian Visan
- Research & Non Clinical Safety Department, Sanofi Pasteur , Marcy l'Etoile, France
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Rajeeve K, Sivadasan R. Transcervical Mouse Infections with Chlamydia trachomatis and Determination of Bacterial Burden. Bio Protoc 2020; 10:e3506. [PMID: 33654733 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.3506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate human pathogen. It infects the genital tract of humans ascending into the fallopian tube, exacerbated by chronic pelvic pain, pelvic inflammatory disease, and fallopian tube scaring resulting in infertility and other malignancies. The major hurdle in controlling chlamydial spread is that the infection remains asymptomatic, thus leading to chronic, recurrent and persistent infections, with no vaccines developed so far. Being a human pathogen, we do not have an in vivo model of C. trachomatis infection. C. trachomatis do not cause ascending infections and fallopian tube pathology in the mouse urogenital tract when infected vaginally. To overcome this hurdle trans cervical method of infection must be adapted. In this protocol the method of establishing trans-cervical Chlamydial infection with the procedure to determine the bacterial load is detailed. This method will facilitate to deliver the bacteria past the cervix establishing an ascending infection into the uterine horns reciprocating human fallopian tube infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karthika Rajeeve
- Department of Biomedicine, The Skou building, Hoegh-Guldbergs Gade 10, Aarhus University, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Rajeeve Sivadasan
- RNA Biology and Cancer German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Kumar R, Gong H, Liu L, Ramos-Solis N, Seye CI, Derbigny WA. TLR3 deficiency exacerbates the loss of epithelial barrier function during genital tract Chlamydia muridarum infection. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0207422. [PMID: 30625140 PMCID: PMC6326510 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Problem Chlamydia trachomatis infections are often associated with acute syndromes including cervicitis, urethritis, and endometritis, which can lead to chronic sequelae such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and tubal infertility. As epithelial cells are the primary cell type productively infected during genital tract Chlamydia infections, we investigated whether Chlamydia has any impact on the integrity of the host epithelial barrier as a possible mechanism to facilitate the dissemination of infection, and examined whether TLR3 function modulates its impact. Method of study We used wild-type and TLR3-deficient murine oviduct epithelial (OE) cells to ascertain whether C. muridarum infection had any effect on the epithelial barrier integrity of these cells as measured by transepithelial resistance (TER) and cell permeability assays. We next assessed whether infection impacted the transcription and protein function of the cellular tight-junction (TJ) genes for claudins1-4, ZO-1, JAM1 and occludin via quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and western blot. Results qPCR, immunoblotting, transwell permeability assays, and TER studies show that Chlamydia compromises cellular TJ function throughout infection in murine OE cells and that TLR3 deficiency significantly exacerbates this effect. Conclusion Our data show that TLR3 plays a role in modulating epithelial barrier function during Chlamydia infection of epithelial cells lining the genital tract. These findings propose a role for TLR3 signaling in maintaining the integrity of epithelial barrier function during genital tract Chlamydia infection, a function that we hypothesize is important in helping limit the chlamydial spread and subsequent genital tract pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Kumar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Haoli Gong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
- Xiangya Second Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Luyao Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
- Xiangya Second Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Nicole Ramos-Solis
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Cheikh I. Seye
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Wilbert A. Derbigny
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Kaufhold RM, Boddicker MA, Field JA, Lucas BJ, Antonello JM, Espeseth AS, Skinner JM, Heinrichs JH, Smith JG. Evaluating Potential Vaccine Antigens in both the <i>Chlamydia trachomatis</i> and <i>Chlamydia muridarum</i> Intravaginal Mouse Challenge Models. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.4236/wjv.2019.92004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
22
|
Poston TB, O'Connell CM, Girardi J, Sullivan JE, Nagarajan UM, Marinov A, Scurlock AM, Darville T. T Cell-Independent Gamma Interferon and B Cells Cooperate To Prevent Mortality Associated with Disseminated Chlamydia muridarum Genital Tract Infection. Infect Immun 2018; 86:e00143-18. [PMID: 29661927 PMCID: PMC6013674 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00143-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
CD4 T cells and antibody are required for optimal acquired immunity to Chlamydia muridarum genital tract infection, and T cell-mediated gamma interferon (IFN-γ) production is necessary to clear infection in the absence of humoral immunity. However, the role of T cell-independent immune responses during primary infection remains unclear. We investigated this question by inoculating wild-type and immune-deficient mice with C. muridarum CM001, a clonal isolate capable of enhanced extragenital replication. Genital inoculation of wild-type mice resulted in transient dissemination to the lungs and spleen that then was rapidly cleared from these organs. However, CM001 genital infection proved lethal for STAT1-/- and IFNG-/- mice, in which IFN-γ signaling was absent, and for Rag1-/- mice, which lacked T and B cells and in which innate IFN-γ signaling was retained. In contrast, B cell-deficient muMT mice, which can generate a Th1 response, and T cell-deficient mice with intact B cell and innate IFN-γ signaling survived. These data collectively indicate that IFN-γ prevents lethal CM001 dissemination in the absence of T cells and suggests a B cell corequirement. Adoptive transfer of convalescent-phase immune serum but not naive IgM to Rag1-/- mice infected with CM001 significantly increased the survival time, while transfer of naive B cells completely rescued Rag1-/- mice from CM001 lethality. Protection was associated with a significant reduction in the lung chlamydial burden of genitally infected mice. These data reveal an important cooperation between T cell-independent B cell responses and innate IFN-γ in chlamydial host defense and suggest that interactions between T cell-independent antibody and IFN-γ are essential for limiting extragenital dissemination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taylor B Poston
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Catherine M O'Connell
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jenna Girardi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jeanne E Sullivan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Uma M Nagarajan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Anthony Marinov
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Amy M Scurlock
- Department of Pediatrics, Arkansas Children's Hospital, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Toni Darville
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Carrasco SE, Hu S, Imai DM, Kumar R, Sandusky GE, Yang XF, Derbigny WA. Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) promotes the resolution of Chlamydia muridarum genital tract infection in congenic C57BL/6N mice. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195165. [PMID: 29624589 PMCID: PMC5889059 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis urogenital serovars primarily replicate in epithelial cells lining the reproductive tract. Epithelial cells recognize Chlamydia through cell surface and cytosolic receptors, and/or endosomal innate receptors such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Activation of these receptors triggers both innate and adaptive immune mechanisms that are required for chlamydial clearance, but are also responsible for the immunopathology in the reproductive tract. We previously demonstrated that Chlamydia muridarum (Cm) induces IFN-β in oviduct epithelial cells (OE) in a TLR3-dependent manner, and that the synthesis of several cytokines and chemokines are diminished in Cm-challenged OE derived from TLR3-/- 129S1 mice. Furthermore, our in vitro studies showed that Cm replication in TLR3-/- OE is more efficient than in wild-type OE. Because TLR3 modulates the release inflammatory mediators involved in host defense during Cm infection, we hypothesized that TLR3 plays a protective role against Cm-induced genital tract pathology in congenic C57BL/6N mice. Using the Cm mouse model for human Chlamydia genital tract infections, we demonstrated that TLR3-/- mice had increased Cm shedding during early and mid-stage genital infection. In early stage infection, TLR3-/- mice showed a diminished synthesis of IFN-β, IL-1β, and IL-6, but enhanced production of IL-10, TNF-α, and IFN-γ. In mid-stage infection, TLR3-/- mice exhibited significantly enhanced lymphocytic endometritis and salpingitis than wild-type mice. These lymphocytes were predominantly scattered along the endometrial stroma and the associated smooth muscle, and the lamina propria supporting the oviducts. Surprisingly, our data show that CD4+ T-cells are significantly enhanced in the genital tract TLR3-/- mice during mid-stage Chlamydial infection. In late-stage infections, both mouse strains developed hydrosalpinx; however, the extent of hydrosalpinx was more severe in TLR3-/- mice. Together, these data suggest that TLR3 promotes the clearance of Cm during early and mid-stages of genital tract infection, and that loss of TLR3 is detrimental in the development hydrosalpinx.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian E. Carrasco
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Comparative Pathology Laboratory, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Sishun Hu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Denise M. Imai
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Comparative Pathology Laboratory, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Ramesh Kumar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - George E. Sandusky
- Department of Pathology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - X. Frank Yang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Wilbert A. Derbigny
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Lehr S, Vier J, Häcker G, Kirschnek S. Activation of neutrophils by Chlamydia trachomatis-infected epithelial cells is modulated by the chlamydial plasmid. Microbes Infect 2018; 20:284-292. [PMID: 29499390 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2018.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The obligate intracellular bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common bacterial agent of sexually transmitted disease world-wide. Chlamydia trachomatis primarily infects epithelial cells of the genital tract but the infection may be associated with ascending infection. Infection-associated inflammation can cause tissue damage resulting in female infertility and ectopic pregnancy. The precise mechanism of inflammatory tissue damage is unclear but earlier studies implicate the chlamydial cryptic plasmid as well as responding neutrophils. We here rebuilt the interaction of Chlamydia trachomatis-infected epithelial cells and neutrophils in-vitro. During infection of human (HeLa) or mouse (oviduct) epithelial cells with Chlamydia trachomatis, a soluble factor was produced that attracted neutrophils and prolonged neutrophil survival, independently of Toll-like receptor signaling but dependent on the chlamydial plasmid. A number of cytokines, but most strongly GM-CSF, were secreted at higher amounts from cells infected with plasmid-bearing, compared to plasmid-deficient, bacteria. Blocking GM-CSF removed the secreted pro-survival activity towards neutrophils. A second, neutrophil TNF-stimulatory activity was detected in supernatants, requiring MyD88 or TRIF independently of the plasmid. The results identify two pro-inflammatory activities generated during chlamydial infection of epithelial cells and suggest that the epithelial cell, partly through the chlamydial plasmid, can initiate a myeloid immune response and inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saskia Lehr
- Institute for Microbiology and Hygiene, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hermann-Herder-Str. 11, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Juliane Vier
- Institute for Microbiology and Hygiene, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hermann-Herder-Str. 11, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Georg Häcker
- Institute for Microbiology and Hygiene, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hermann-Herder-Str. 11, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Susanne Kirschnek
- Institute for Microbiology and Hygiene, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hermann-Herder-Str. 11, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Ahmad SF, Brown JK, Campbell LL, Koscielniak M, Oliver C, Wheelhouse N, Entrican G, McFee S, Wills GS, McClure MO, Horner PJ, Gaikoumelou S, Lee KF, Critchley HOD, Duncan WC, Horne AW. Pelvic Chlamydial Infection Predisposes to Ectopic Pregnancy by Upregulating Integrin β1 to Promote Embryo-tubal Attachment. EBioMedicine 2018; 29:159-165. [PMID: 29500127 PMCID: PMC5925620 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Revised: 02/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Tubal ectopic pregnancies are a leading cause of global maternal morbidity and mortality. Previous infection with Chlamydia trachomatis is a major risk factor for tubal embryo implantation but the biological mechanism behind this association is unclear. Successful intra-uterine embryo implantation is associated with increased expression of endometrial "receptivity" integrins (cell adhesion molecules). We examined integrin expression in Fallopian tubes of women with previous C. trachomatis infection, in mice experimentally infected with C. trachomatis, in immortalised human oviductal epithelial cells (OE-E6/E7) and in an in vitro model of human embryo attachment (trophoblast spheroid-OE-E6/7 cell co-culture). Previous exposure with C. trachomatis increased Fallopian tube/oviduct integrin-subunit beta-1 (ITGB1) in women and mice compared to controls. C. trachomatis increased OE-E6/E7 cell ITGB1 expression and promoted trophoblast attachment to OE-E6/E7 cells which was negated by anti-ITGB1-antibody. We demonstrate that infection with C. trachomatis increases tubal ITGB1 expression, predisposing to tubal embryo attachment and ectopic pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Syed F Ahmad
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jeremy K Brown
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Lisa L Campbell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Magda Koscielniak
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Catriona Oliver
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Nick Wheelhouse
- Moredun Research Institute and Napier University, Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - Gary Entrican
- Moredun Research Institute and the Roslin Institute at the University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - Stuart McFee
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Gillian S Wills
- Jefferiss Research Trust Laboratories, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Myra O McClure
- Jefferiss Research Trust Laboratories, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Patrick J Horner
- Department of Medical Microbiology, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Kai F Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - W Colin Duncan
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Andrew W Horne
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
McKuen MJ, Mueller KE, Bae YS, Fields KA. Fluorescence-Reported Allelic Exchange Mutagenesis Reveals a Role for Chlamydia trachomatis TmeA in Invasion That Is Independent of Host AHNAK. Infect Immun 2017; 85:e00640-17. [PMID: 28970272 PMCID: PMC5695130 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00640-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of approaches to genetically manipulate Chlamydia is fostering important advances in understanding pathogenesis. Fluorescence-reported allelic exchange mutagenesis (FRAEM) now enables the complete deletion of specific genes in C. trachomatis L2. We have leveraged this technology to delete the coding sequences for a known type III effector. The evidence provided here indicates that CT694/CTL0063 is a virulence protein involved in chlamydial invasion. Based on our findings, we designate the gene product corresponding to ct694-ctl0063translocated membrane-associated effector A (TmeA). Deletion of tmeA did not impact development of intracellular chlamydiae. However, the absence of TmeA manifested as a decrease in infectivity in both tissue culture and murine infection models. The in vitro defect was reflected by impaired invasion of host cells. TmeA binds human AHNAK, and we demonstrate here that AHNAK is transiently recruited by invading chlamydiae. TmeA, however, is not required for endogenous AHNAK recruitment. TmeA also impairs AHNAK-dependent actin bundling activity. This TmeA-mediated effect likely does not explain impaired invasion displayed by the tmeA strain of Chlamydia, since AHNAK-deficient cells revealed no invasion phenotype. Overall, our data indicate the efficacy of FRAEM and reveal a role of TmeA during chlamydial invasion that manifests independently of effects on AHNAK.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M J McKuen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - K E Mueller
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Y S Bae
- Department of Life Science, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - K A Fields
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Poston TB, Qu Y, Girardi J, O'Connell CM, Frazer LC, Russell AN, Wall M, Nagarajan UM, Darville T. A Chlamydia-Specific TCR-Transgenic Mouse Demonstrates Th1 Polyfunctionality with Enhanced Effector Function. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2017; 199:2845-2854. [PMID: 28855311 PMCID: PMC5770186 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1700914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chlamydia is responsible for millions of new infections annually, and current efforts focus on understanding cellular immunity for targeted vaccine development. The Chlamydia-specific CD4 T cell response is characterized by the production of IFN-γ, and polyfunctional Th1 responses are associated with enhanced protection. A major limitation in studying these responses is the paucity of tools available for detection, quantification, and characterization of polyfunctional Ag-specific T cells. We addressed this problem by developing a TCR-transgenic (Tg) mouse with CD4 T cells that respond to a common Ag in Chlamydia muridarum and Chlamydia trachomatis Using an adoptive-transfer approach, we show that naive Tg CD4 T cells become activated, proliferate, migrate to the infected tissue, and acquire a polyfunctional Th1 phenotype in infected mice. Polyfunctional Tg Th1 effectors demonstrated enhanced IFN-γ production compared with polyclonal cells, protected immune-deficient mice against lethality, mediated bacterial clearance, and orchestrated an anamnestic response. Adoptive transfer of Chlamydia-specific CD4 TCR-Tg T cells with polyfunctional capacity offers a powerful approach for analysis of protective effector and memory responses against chlamydial infection and demonstrates that an effective monoclonal CD4 T cell response may successfully guide subunit vaccination strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taylor B Poston
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599; and
| | - Yanyan Qu
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15224
| | - Jenna Girardi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599; and
| | - Catherine M O'Connell
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599; and
| | - Lauren C Frazer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599; and
| | - Ali N Russell
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599; and
| | - McKensie Wall
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599; and
| | - Uma M Nagarajan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599; and
| | - Toni Darville
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599; and
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Cerny KL, Ribeiro RAC, Li Q, Matthews JC, Bridges PJ. Effect of lipopolysaccharide on the expression of inflammatory mRNAs and microRNAs in the mouse oviduct. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 30:600-608. [PMID: 28945983 DOI: 10.1071/rd17241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection with Gram-negative bacteria is a major cause of aberrant inflammation in the oviduct; consequences can include tubal-based infertility and/or ectopic pregnancy. Understanding the inflammatory response is necessary for the development of novel treatment options that counter inflammation-induced infertility. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of Escherichia coli-derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the acute expression of inflammatory mRNAs and microRNAs (miRNAs) in the oviduct. On the day of oestrus, 6- to 8-week-old CD1 mice were injected i.p. with 0, 2 or 10µg LPS in 100μL phosphate-buffered saline. Mice were killed 24h later and the oviducts collected for gene expression analyses. The effect of treatment on the expression of mRNAs and miRNAs was evaluated by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), with treatment means of differentially expressed (P<0.05) transcripts separated using Scheffé's test. LPS treatment affected 49 of 179 targeted inflammatory mRNAs and 51 of 578 miRNAs (P<0.05). The identity of differentially expressed miRNAs predicted as regulators of chemokine and interleukin ligand mRNAs was then extracted using the microRNA.org database. The results of the present study indicate that systemic treatment with LPS induces a robust inflammatory response in the oviducts of mice, and identify key mRNAs and putative miRNAs modulating this effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katheryn L Cerny
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA
| | - Rosanne A C Ribeiro
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA
| | - Qing Li
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA
| | - James C Matthews
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA
| | - Phillip J Bridges
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Pickering H, Teng A, Faal N, Joof H, Makalo P, Cassama E, Nabicassa M, Last AR, Burr SE, Rowland-Jones SL, Thomson NR, Roberts CH, Mabey DCW, Bailey RL, Hayward RD, de la Maza LM, Holland MJ. Genome-wide profiling of humoral immunity and pathogen genes under selection identifies immune evasion tactics of Chlamydia trachomatis during ocular infection. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9634. [PMID: 28851925 PMCID: PMC5575166 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09193-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The frequency and duration of Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) ocular infections decrease with age, suggesting development of partial immunity. However, there is a lack of clear correlates of immunity to Ct infection in humans. We screened sera from a cohort of Gambian children followed for six-months against a Ct-proteome microarray. At genome sequence level, we detected signatures of selection from a population of ocular Ct isolates from Guinea-Bissau. Together these approaches allowed us to highlight the focus of humoral responses and hypothesise new modes of pathogen immune evasion. Children who were susceptible to frequent and/or prolonged Ct infection had a less focussed antibody response, including preferential recognition of forty-two antigens. There was evidence of positive and purifying selection across the genome, but little balancing selection. In contrast, most antigens that were associated with susceptibility were under neutral selection. These data suggest an evasion strategy in which Ct presents a large panel of irrelevant antigens to the immune system to block or misdirect protective responses. Development of a focused immune response, possibly induced through vaccination, may be an effective strategy to promote protection to Ct infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harry Pickering
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom.
| | - Andy Teng
- ImmPORT Therapeutics, Inc./Antigen Discovery Inc., 1 Technology Dr., Suite E309, Irvine, CA, 92618, United States
| | - Nkoyo Faal
- Disease Control and Elimination Theme, Medical Research Council The Gambia Unit, Fajara, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Hassan Joof
- Disease Control and Elimination Theme, Medical Research Council The Gambia Unit, Fajara, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Pateh Makalo
- Disease Control and Elimination Theme, Medical Research Council The Gambia Unit, Fajara, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Eunice Cassama
- Programa Nacional de Saúde de Visão, Ministério de Saúde Publica, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | - Meno Nabicassa
- Programa Nacional de Saúde de Visão, Ministério de Saúde Publica, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | - Anna R Last
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah E Burr
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom.,Disease Control and Elimination Theme, Medical Research Council The Gambia Unit, Fajara, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Sarah L Rowland-Jones
- Disease Control and Elimination Theme, Medical Research Council The Gambia Unit, Fajara, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Nicholas R Thomson
- Department of Pathogen Molecular Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom.,Pathogen Genomics, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Chrissy H Roberts
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
| | - David C W Mabey
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
| | - Robin L Bailey
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
| | - Richard D Hayward
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck & University College London, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HX, United Kingdom
| | - Luis M de la Maza
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical Sciences I, Room D440, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697-4800, United States
| | - Martin J Holland
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom.,Disease Control and Elimination Theme, Medical Research Council The Gambia Unit, Fajara, Banjul, The Gambia
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Li LX, Labuda JC, Imai DM, Griffey SM, McSorley SJ. CCR7 Deficiency Allows Accelerated Clearance of Chlamydia from the Female Reproductive Tract. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 199:2547-2554. [PMID: 28801359 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1601314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Immune mechanisms responsible for pathogen clearance from the female reproductive tract (FRT) are incompletely defined; in particular, the contribution of lymphocyte trafficking to this process is unclear. CCR7-deficient mice have profoundly altered lymphocyte recirculation and display ectopic formation of lymphocyte aggregates within mucosal nonlymphoid tissues, including the FRT. In this study, we investigated how altered lymphocyte distribution in CCR7-deficient mice would affect host responses to Chlamydia muridarum within the reproductive tract. As expected, CCR7-deficient mice exhibited reduced lymphocyte trafficking to lymph nodes and a corresponding increase in T cell populations within the FRT. After intravaginal infection with Chlamydia, CCR7-deficient mice displayed markedly reduced Ag-specific CD4 T cell responses within the local draining iliac lymph nodes, yet robust Th1 and Th17 responses were prominent in the FRT. In addition, Chlamydia-specific Ab responses were dysregulated in CCR7-deficient mice, displaying an unexpected increase in the systemic IgA responses. Importantly, prominent mucosal immune responses in CCR7-deficient mice increased the efficiency of bacteria clearance from the FRT while reducing tissue-associated inflammation and pathology. Thus, increased numbers of lymphocytes within the FRT result in pathogen clearance with reduced immune-mediated pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Xi Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205;
| | - Jasmine C Labuda
- Center for Comparative Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616; and
| | - Denise M Imai
- Comparative Pathology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Stephen M Griffey
- Comparative Pathology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Stephen J McSorley
- Center for Comparative Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616; and
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Belay T, Woart A, Graffeo V. Effect of cold water-induced stress on immune response, pathology and fertility in mice during Chlamydia muridarum genital infection. Pathog Dis 2017; 75:3738188. [PMID: 28431099 PMCID: PMC5808652 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftx045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 04/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Genital infection by Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted disease worldwide. It causes serious reproductive health complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. Stress is implicated as a risk factor for various infections; however, its effect on chlamydia genital infection is unknown. We previously showed that repeated exposure of mice to cold water results in increased severity of chlamydia genital infection. In this study, cold water-induced stress resulted in (i) elevated levels of norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine in the spleen and genital tract of stressed mice; (ii) elevated IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6 and nitric oxide production in macrophage-rich peritoneal cells of mice; (iii) supplement of NE in vitro exerts an immunosuppressive effect on splenic T-cell production of cytokines; (iv) decreased C. muridarum shedding in the genital tract of β1Adr/β2Adr receptor KO mice; and (v) a higher rate of infertility in infected mice. These results suggest that cold water stress induces the production of catecholamines, which may play a critical role in the modulation of the immune system leading to increased intensity of C. muridarum genital infection.
Collapse
|
32
|
Pais R, Omosun Y, He Q, Blas-Machado U, Black C, Igietseme JU, Fujihashi K, Eko FO. Rectal administration of a chlamydial subunit vaccine protects against genital infection and upper reproductive tract pathology in mice. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0178537. [PMID: 28570663 PMCID: PMC5453548 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we tested the hypothesis that rectal immunization with a VCG-based chlamydial vaccine would cross-protect mice against heterologous genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection and Chlamydia-induced upper genital tract pathologies in mice. Female mice were immunized with a C. trachomatis serovar D-derived subunit vaccine or control or live serovar D elementary bodies (EBs) and the antigen-specific mucosal and systemic immune responses were characterized. Vaccine efficacy was determined by evaluating the intensity and duration of genital chlamydial shedding following intravaginal challenge with live serovar E chlamydiae. Protection against upper genital tract pathology was determined by assessing infertility and tubal inflammation. Rectal immunization elicited high levels of chlamydial-specific IFN-gamma-producing CD4 T cells and humoral immune responses in mucosal and systemic tissues. The elicited immune effectors cross-reacted with the serovar E chlamydial antigen and reduced the length and intensity of genital chlamydial shedding. Furthermore, immunization with the VCG-vaccine but not the rVCG-gD2 control reduced the incidence of tubal inflammation and protected mice against Chlamydia-induced infertility. These results highlight the potential of rectal immunization as a viable mucosal route for inducing protective immunity in the female genital tract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roshan Pais
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Yusuf Omosun
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Qing He
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Uriel Blas-Machado
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Carolyn Black
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Joseph U. Igietseme
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Kohtaro Fujihashi
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Immunobiology Vaccine Center, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham Alabama, United States of America
| | - Francis O. Eko
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Chlamydia trachomatis Cellular Exit Alters Interactions with Host Dendritic Cells. Infect Immun 2017; 85:IAI.00046-17. [PMID: 28223346 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00046-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The strategies utilized by pathogens to exit host cells are an area of pathogenesis which has received surprisingly little attention, considering the necessity of this step for infections to propagate. Even less is known about how exit through these pathways affects downstream host-pathogen interactions and the generation of an immune response. Chlamydia trachomatis exits host epithelial cells through two equally active mechanisms: lysis and extrusion. Studies have characterized the outcome of interactions between host innate immune cells, such as dendritic cells and macrophages, and free, extracellular Chlamydia bacteria, such as those resulting from lysis. Exit via extrusion generates a distinct, host-membrane-bound compartment of Chlamydia separate from the original infected cell. In this study, we assessed the effect of containment within extrusions upon the interaction between Chlamydia and host dendritic cells. Extrusion dramatically affected the outcome of Chlamydia-dendritic cell interactions for both the bacterium and the host cell. Dendritic cells rapidly underwent apoptosis in response to engulfment of an extrusion, while uptake of an equivalent dose of free Chlamydia had no such effect. Containment within an extrusion also prolonged bacterial survival within dendritic cells and altered the initial innate immune signaling by the dendritic cell.
Collapse
|
34
|
Update on Chlamydia trachomatis Vaccinology. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2017; 24:CVI.00543-16. [PMID: 28228394 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00543-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Attempts to produce a vaccine to protect against Chlamydia trachomatis-induced trachoma were initiated more than 100 years ago and continued for several decades. Using whole organisms, protective responses were obtained. However, upon exposure to C. trachomatis, disease exacerbation developed in some immunized individuals, precluding the implementation of the vaccine. Evidence of the role of C. trachomatis as a sexually transmitted pathogen started to emerge in the 1960s, and it soon became evident that it can cause acute infections and long-term sequelae in women, men, and newborns. The main focus of this minireview is to summarize recent findings and discuss formulations, including antigens, adjuvants, routes, and delivery systems for immunization, primarily explored in the female mouse model, with the goal of implementing a vaccine against C. trachomatis genital infections.
Collapse
|
35
|
The Predominant CD4 + Th1 Cytokine Elicited to Chlamydia trachomatis Infection in Women Is Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha and Not Interferon Gamma. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2017; 24:CVI.00010-17. [PMID: 28100498 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00010-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis infection is the most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted infection and can cause significant reproductive morbidity in women. There is insufficient knowledge of C. trachomatis-specific immune responses in humans, which could be important in guiding vaccine development efforts. In contrast, murine models have clearly demonstrated the essential role of T helper type 1 (Th1) cells, especially interferon gamma (IFN-γ)-producing CD4+ T cells, in protective immunity to chlamydia. To determine the frequency and magnitude of Th1 cytokine responses elicited to C. trachomatis infection in humans, we stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 90 chlamydia-infected women with C. trachomatis elementary bodies, Pgp3, and major outer membrane protein and measured IFN-γ-, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)-, and interleukin-2 (IL-2)-producing CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses using intracellular cytokine staining. The majority of chlamydia-infected women elicited CD4+ TNF-α responses, with frequency and magnitude varying significantly depending on the C. trachomatis antigen used. CD4+ IFN-γ and IL-2 responses occurred infrequently, as did production of any of the three cytokines by CD8+ T cells. About one-third of TNF-α-producing CD4+ T cells coproduced IFN-γ or IL-2. In summary, the predominant Th1 cytokine response elicited to C. trachomatis infection in women was a CD4+ TNF-α response, not CD4+ IFN-γ, and a subset of the CD4+ TNF-α-positive cells produced a second Th1 cytokine.
Collapse
|
36
|
Jiang J, Liu G, Kickhoefer VA, Rome LH, Li LX, McSorley SJ, Kelly KA. A Protective Vaccine against Chlamydia Genital Infection Using Vault Nanoparticles without an Added Adjuvant. Vaccines (Basel) 2017; 5:vaccines5010003. [PMID: 28106821 PMCID: PMC5371739 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines5010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2016] [Revised: 12/23/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis genital infection is the most common sexually transmitted bacterial disease, causing a significant burden to females due to reproductive dysfunction. Intensive screening and antibiotic treatment are unable to completely prevent female reproductive dysfunction, thus, efforts have become focused on developing a vaccine. A major impediment is identifying a safe and effective adjuvant which induces cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) cells with attributes capable of halting genital infection and inflammation. Previously, we described a natural nanocapsule called the vault which was engineered to contain major outer membrane protein (MOMP) and was an effective vaccine which significantly reduced early infection and favored development of a cellular immune response in a mouse model. In the current study, we used another chlamydial antigen, a polymorphic membrane protein G-1 (PmpG) peptide, to track antigen-specific cells and evaluate, in depth, the vault vaccine for its protective capacity in the absence of an added adjuvant. We found PmpG-vault immunized mice significantly reduced the genital bacterial burden and histopathologic parameters of inflammation following a C. muridarum challenge. Immunization boosted antigen-specific CD4 cells with a multiple cytokine secretion pattern and reduced the number of inflammatory cells in the genital tract making the vault vaccine platform safe and effective for chlamydial genital infection. We conclude that vaccination with a Chlamydia-vault vaccine boosts antigen-specific immunities that are effective at eradicating infection and preventing reproductive tract inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janina Jiang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 10833 Le Conte Ave. CHS 1P-177, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Guangchao Liu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 10833 Le Conte Ave. CHS 1P-177, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Valerie A Kickhoefer
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Leonard H Rome
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Lin-Xi Li
- Center for Comparative Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Stephen J McSorley
- Center for Comparative Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Kathleen A Kelly
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 10833 Le Conte Ave. CHS 1P-177, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Abstract
In this issue of the Biomedical Journal, we take a look at the still somewhat perplexing role of the inflammasome in Chlamydia infection. We also highlight findings suggesting a link between structural changes to arteries in the brain and the onset of depression. Finally, we learn about some of the implications of co-morbidity between diabetes and infectious diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Louise Walton
- Staff Writer at the Biomedical Journal, 56 Dronningens Gate, 7012 Trondheim, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Pettengill MA, Abdul-Sater A, Coutinho-Silva R, Ojcius DM. Danger signals, inflammasomes, and the intricate intracellular lives of chlamydiae. Biomed J 2016; 39:306-315. [PMID: 27884377 PMCID: PMC6138786 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2016.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydiae are obligate intracellular bacterial pathogens, and as such are sensitive to alterations in the cellular physiology of their hosts. Chlamydial infections often cause pathologic consequences due to prolonged localized inflammation. Considerable advances have been made in the last few years regarding our understanding of how two key inflammation-associated signaling pathways influence the biology of Chlamydia infections: inflammation regulating purinergic signaling pathways significantly impact intracellular chlamydial development, and inflammasome activation modulates both chlamydial growth and infection mediated pro-inflammatory cytokine production. We review here elements of both pathways, presenting the latest developments contributing to our understanding of how chlamydial infections are influenced by inflammasomes and purinergic signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ali Abdul-Sater
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robson Coutinho-Silva
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology, Carlos Chagas Filho Biophysics Institute of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - David M Ojcius
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology, Carlos Chagas Filho Biophysics Institute of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of the Pacific, Arthur Dugoni School of Dentistry, San Francisco, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Yang Z, Tang L, Shao L, Zhang Y, Zhang T, Schenken R, Valdivia R, Zhong G. The Chlamydia-Secreted Protease CPAF Promotes Chlamydial Survival in the Mouse Lower Genital Tract. Infect Immun 2016; 84:2697-702. [PMID: 27382018 PMCID: PMC4995919 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00280-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the extensive in vitro characterization of CPAF (chlamydial protease/proteasome-like activity factor), its role in chlamydial infection and pathogenesis remains unclear. We now report that a Chlamydia trachomatis strain deficient in expression of CPAF (L2-17) is no longer able to establish a successful infection in the mouse lower genital tract following an intravaginal inoculation. The L2-17 organisms were cleared from the mouse lower genital tract within a few days, while a CPAF-sufficient C. trachomatis strain (L2-5) survived in the lower genital tract for more than 3 weeks. However, both the L2-17 and L2-5 organisms maintained robust infection courses that lasted up to 4 weeks when they were directly delivered into the mouse upper genital tract. The CPAF-dependent chlamydial survival in the lower genital tract was confirmed in multiple strains of mice. Thus, we have demonstrated a critical role of CPAF in promoting C. trachomatis survival in the mouse lower genital tracts. It will be interesting to further investigate the mechanisms of the CPAF-dependent chlamydial pathogenicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhangsheng Yang
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Lingli Tang
- Department of Clinic Diagnosis, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lili Shao
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Yuyang Zhang
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Tianyuan Zhang
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Robert Schenken
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Raphael Valdivia
- Duke Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Guangming Zhong
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Slade JA, Hall JV, Kintner J, Phillips-Campbell R, Schoborg RV. Host Nectin-1 Promotes Chlamydial Infection in the Female Mouse Genital Tract, but Is Not Required for Infection in a Novel Male Murine Rectal Infection Model. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0160511. [PMID: 27486990 PMCID: PMC4972247 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0160511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted pathogen, but more than 70% of patients fail to seek treatment due to the asymptomatic nature of these infections. Women suffer from numerous complications from chronic chlamydial infections, which include pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. We previously demonstrated in culture that host cell nectin-1 knockdown significantly reduced chlamydial titers and inclusion size. Here, we sought to determine whether nectin-1 was required for chlamydial development in vivo by intravaginally infecting nectin-1-/- mice with Chlamydia muridarum and monitoring chlamydial shedding by chlamydial titer assay. We observed a significant reduction in chlamydial shedding in female nectin-1-/- mice compared to nectin-1+/+ control mice, an observation that was confirmed by PCR. Immunohistochemical staining in mouse cervical tissue confirmed that there are fewer chlamydial inclusions in Chlamydia-infected nectin-1-/- mice. Notably, anorectal chlamydial infections are becoming a substantial health burden, though little is known regarding the pathogenesis of these infections. We therefore established a novel male murine model of rectal chlamydial infection, which we used to determine whether nectin-1 is required for anorectal chlamydial infection in male mice. In contrast to the data from vaginal infection, no difference in rectal chlamydial shedding was observed when male nectin-1+/+ and nectin-1-/- mice were compared. Through the use of these two models, we have demonstrated that nectin-1 promotes chlamydial infection in the female genital tract but does not appear to contribute to rectal infection in male mice. These models could be used to further characterize tissue and sex related differences in chlamydial infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A. Slade
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center for Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Jennifer V. Hall
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center for Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Kintner
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center for Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Regenia Phillips-Campbell
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center for Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Robert V. Schoborg
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center for Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Chlamydia trachomatis Genital Tract Infections: When Host Immune Response and the Microbiome Collide. Trends Microbiol 2016; 24:750-765. [PMID: 27320172 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2016.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Revised: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Genital infections with Chlamydia trachomatis continue to be a major health problem worldwide. While some individuals clear their infection (presumed to be the result of an effective Th1/interferon-γ response), others develop chronic infections and some are prone to repeat infections. In females in particular, chronic asymptomatic infections are common and can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. Recent studies suggest that the genital tract microbiota could be a significant factor and explain person-to-person variation in C. trachomatis infections. One hypothesis suggests that C. trachomatis can use its trpBA genes to rescue tryptophan from indole, which is a product of anaerobic members of the genital tract microbiota. Women with particular microbiota types, such as seen in bacterial vaginosis, have increased numbers of anaerobes, and this would enable the chlamydia in these individuals to overcome the host's interferon-γ attempts to eliminate it, resulting in more repeat and/or chronic infections.
Collapse
|
42
|
Khan SA, Desclozeaux M, Waugh C, Hanger J, Loader J, Gerdts V, Potter A, Polkinghorne A, Beagley K, Timms P. Antibody and Cytokine Responses of Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) Vaccinated with Recombinant Chlamydial Major Outer Membrane Protein (MOMP) with Two Different Adjuvants. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0156094. [PMID: 27219467 PMCID: PMC4878773 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Developing a vaccine against Chlamydia is key to combating widespread mortalities and morbidities associated with this infection in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus). In previous studies, we have shown that two or three doses of a Recombinant Major Outer Membrane Protein (rMOMP) antigen-based vaccine, combined with immune stimulating complex (ISC) adjuvant, results in strong cellular and humoral immune responses in koalas. We have also separately evaluated a single dose vaccine, utilising a tri-adjuvant formula that comprises polyphosphazine based poly I: C and host defense peptides, with the same antigen. This formulation also produced strong cellular and humoral immune responses in captive koalas. In this current study, we directly compared the host immune responses of two sub-groups of wild Chlamydia negative koalas in one population vaccinated with the rMOMP protein antigen and adjuvanted with either the ISC or tri-adjuvant formula. Overall, both adjuvants produced strong Chlamydia-specific cellular (IFN-γ and IL-17A) responses in circulating PBMCs as well as MOMP-specific and functional, in vitro neutralising antibodies. While the immune responses were similar, there were adjuvant-specific immune differences between the two adjuvants, particularly in relation to the specificity of the MOMP epitope antibody responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shahneaz Ali Khan
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Khulshi, Chittagong, 4202, Bangladesh
| | - Marion Desclozeaux
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, Faculty of Science, Health, Education & Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4, Maroochydore DC, QLD 4558, Australia
| | - Courtney Waugh
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, Faculty of Science, Health, Education & Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4, Maroochydore DC, QLD 4558, Australia
| | - Jon Hanger
- Endeavour Veterinary Ecology Pty Ltd, 1695 Pumicestone Road, Toorbul, QLD 4510, Australia
| | - Jo Loader
- Endeavour Veterinary Ecology Pty Ltd, 1695 Pumicestone Road, Toorbul, QLD 4510, Australia
| | - Volker Gerdts
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organizations, International Vaccine Centre, University of Saskatchewan, 120 Veterinary Road, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Andrew Potter
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organizations, International Vaccine Centre, University of Saskatchewan, 120 Veterinary Road, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Adam Polkinghorne
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, Faculty of Science, Health, Education & Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4, Maroochydore DC, QLD 4558, Australia
| | - Kenneth Beagley
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia
| | - Peter Timms
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, Faculty of Science, Health, Education & Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4, Maroochydore DC, QLD 4558, Australia
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Poston TB, Darville T. Chlamydia trachomatis: Protective Adaptive Responses and Prospects for a Vaccine. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2016; 412:217-237. [PMID: 27033698 DOI: 10.1007/82_2016_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common cause of sexually transmitted bacterial infection globally. These infections translate to a significant public health burden, particularly women's healthcare costs due to serious disease sequelae such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), tubal factor infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and ectopic pregnancy. There is no evidence that natural immunity can provide complete, long-term protection necessary to prevent chronic pathology, making human vaccine development critical. Vaccine design will require careful consideration of protective versus pathological host-response mechanisms in concert with elucidation of optimal antigens and adjuvants. Evidence suggests that a Th1 response, facilitated by IFN-γ-producing CD4 T cells, will be instrumental in generating long-term, sterilizing immunity. Although the role of antibodies is not completely understood, they have exhibited a protective effect by enhancing chlamydial clearance. Future work will require investigation of broadly neutralizing antibodies and antibody-augmented cellular immunity to successfully design a vaccine that potently elicits both arms of the immune response. Sterilizing immunity is the ultimate goal. However, vaccine-induced partial immunity that prevents upper genital tract infection and inflammation would be cost-effective compared to current screening and treatment strategies. In this chapter, we examine evidence from animal and human studies demonstrating protective adaptive immune responses to Chlamydia and discuss future challenges and prospects for vaccine development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taylor B Poston
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Toni Darville
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Dutow P, Wask L, Bothe M, Fehlhaber B, Laudeley R, Rheinheimer C, Yang Z, Zhong G, Glage S, Klos A. An optimized, fast-to-perform mouse lung infection model with the human pathogenChlamydia trachomatisforin vivoscreening of antibiotics, vaccine candidates and modified host–pathogen interactions. Pathog Dis 2015; 74:ftv120. [DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftv120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
45
|
Quantitative In Vivo Detection of Chlamydia muridarum Associated Inflammation in a Mouse Model Using Optical Imaging. Mediators Inflamm 2015; 2015:264897. [PMID: 26663988 PMCID: PMC4667028 DOI: 10.1155/2015/264897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis is a bacterial sexually transmitted disease with over 1.3 million cases reported to the CDC in 2010. While Chlamydia infection is easily treated with antibiotics, up to 70% of infections are asymptomatic and go untreated. The current mouse model relies on invasive upper genital tract gross pathology readouts at ~60-80 days postinfection. High throughput optical imaging through the use of biomarkers has been successfully used to quickly evaluate several disease processes. Here we evaluate Neutrophil Elastase 680 (Elastase680) for its ability to measure Chlamydia muridarum associated inflammation in live mice using fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT) and In Vivo Imaging System (IVIS). Optical imaging was able to distinguish with statistical significance between vaccinated and nonvaccinated mice as well as mock-challenged and challenged mice 2 weeks after challenge which was 9 weeks sooner than typical gross pathological assessment. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of neutrophils and correlated well with both in vivo and ex vivo imaging. In this report we demonstrate that Elastase680 can be used as a molecular imaging biomarker for inflammation associated with chlamydial infection in a mouse model and that these biomarkers can significantly decrease the time for pathology evaluation and thus increase the rate of therapeutics discovery.
Collapse
|
46
|
Comparable Genital Tract Infection, Pathology, and Immunity in Rhesus Macaques Inoculated with Wild-Type or Plasmid-Deficient Chlamydia trachomatis Serovar D. Infect Immun 2015. [PMID: 26216426 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00841-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhesus macaques were studied to directly address the potential for plasmid-deficient Chlamydia trachomatis to serve as a live attenuated vaccine in the genital tract. Five repeated cervical inoculations of rhesus macaques with wild-type serovar D strain D/UW-3/Cx or a plasmid-deficient derivative of this strain, CTD153, resulted in infections with similar kinetics and induced comparable levels of protective immunity. After all animals received five challenges with D/UW-3/Cx, levels of inflammation observed grossly and histologically were similar between the groups. Animals in both groups developed evidence of oviduct dilatation; however, reduced oviduct dilatation was observed for "controllers," i.e., animals without detectable chlamydial DNA in the fimbriae at weeks 5 and 12. Grouping animals into "ascenders" and "controllers" revealed that elevated early T cell responses were associated with protection, whereas higher antibody responses were associated with ascension. Protected animals shared common major histocompatibility complex (MHC) alleles. Overall, genetic differences of individual animals, rather than the presence or absence of the chlamydial plasmid in the primary infecting strain, appeared to play a role in determining the outcome of infection.
Collapse
|
47
|
Sun X, Yang Z, Zhang H, Dai J, Chen J, Tang L, Rippentrop S, Xue M, Zhong G, Wu G. Chlamydia muridarum induction of glandular duct dilation in mice. Infect Immun 2015; 83:2327-37. [PMID: 25824829 PMCID: PMC4432733 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00154-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Although Chlamydia-induced hydrosalpinx in women and mice has been used as a surrogate marker for tubal infertility, the medical relevance of nontubal pathologies, such as uterine horn dilation, developed in mice following chlamydial infection remains unclear. We now report that the uterine horn dilation correlates with glandular duct dilation detected microscopically following Chlamydia muridarum infection. The dilated glandular ducts pushed the uterine horn lumen to closure or dilation and even broke through the myometrium to develop extrusion outside the uterine horn. The severity scores of uterine horn dilation observed macroscopically correlated well with the number of cross sections of the dilated glandular ducts counted under microscopy. Chlamydial infection was detected in the glandular epithelial cells, potentially leading to inflammation and dilation of the glandular ducts. Direct delivery of C. muridarum into the mouse uterus increased both uterine horn/glandular duct dilation and hydrosalpinx. However, the chlamydial plasmid, which is essential for the induction of hydrosalpinx, was not required for the induction of uterine horn/glandular duct dilation. Screening 12 strains of mice for uterine horn dilation following C. muridarum infection revealed that B10.D2, C57BL/10J, and C57BL/6J mice were most susceptible, followed by BALB/cJ and A/J mice. Deficiency in host genes involved in immune responses failed to significantly alter the C. muridarum induction of uterine horn dilation. Nevertheless, the chlamydial induction of uterine horn/glandular duct dilation may be used to evaluate plasmid-independent pathogenicity of Chlamydia in susceptible mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Sun
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 3rd Xiangya Hospital, Central South University of China, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhangsheng Yang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Hongbo Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA Department of Pathology, 2nd Xiangya Hospital, Central South University of China, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Dai
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Jianlin Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2nd Xiangya Hospital, Central South University of China, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingli Tang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA Department of Clinical Diagnosis, 2nd Xiangya Hospital, Central South University of China, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheena Rippentrop
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Min Xue
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 3rd Xiangya Hospital, Central South University of China, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangming Zhong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Ganqiu Wu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA Department of Histology and Embryology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University of China, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Chlamydial variants differ in ability to ascend the genital tract in the guinea pig model of chlamydial genital infection. Infect Immun 2015; 83:3176-83. [PMID: 26015484 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00532-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
An important question in the study of chlamydial genital tract disease is why some women develop severe upper tract disease while others have mild or even "silent" infections with or without pathology. Animal studies suggest that the pathological outcome of an infection is dependent upon both the composition of the infecting chlamydial population and the genotype of the host, along with host physiological effects, such as the cyclical production of reproductive hormones and even the size of the infecting inoculum or the number of repeated infections. In this study, we compared two variants of Chlamydia caviae, contrasting in virulence, with respect to their abilities to ascend the guinea pig genital tract. We then determined the effect of combining the two variants on the course of infection and on the bacterial loads of the two variants in the genital tract. Although the variants individually had similar infection kinetics in the cervix, SP6, the virulent variant, could be isolated from the oviducts more often and in greater numbers than the attenuated variant, AZ2. SP6 also elicited higher levels of interleukin 8 (IL-8) in the lower genital tract and increased leukocyte infiltration in the cervix and uterus compared to AZ2. When the two variants were combined in a mixed infection, SP6 outcompeted AZ2 in the lower genital tract; however, AZ2 was able to ascend the genital tract as readily as SP6. These data suggest that the ability of SP6 to elicit an inflammatory response in the lower genital tract facilitates the spread of both variants to the oviducts.
Collapse
|
49
|
Neuendorf E, Gajer P, Bowlin AK, Marques PX, Ma B, Yang H, Fu L, Humphrys MS, Forney LJ, Myers GSA, Bavoil PM, Rank RG, Ravel J. Chlamydia caviae infection alters abundance but not composition of the guinea pig vaginal microbiota. Pathog Dis 2015; 73:ftv019. [PMID: 25761873 PMCID: PMC4445005 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftv019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In humans, the vaginal microbiota is thought to be the first line of defense again pathogens including Chlamydia trachomatis. The guinea pig has been extensively used as a model to study chlamydial infection because it shares anatomical and physiological similarities with humans, such as a squamous vaginal epithelium as well as some of the long-term outcomes caused by chlamydial infection. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the guinea pig-C. caviae model of genital infection as a surrogate for studying the role of the vaginal microbiota in the early steps of C. trachomatis infection in humans. We used culture-independent molecular methods to characterize the relative and absolute abundance of bacterial phylotypes in the guinea pig vaginal microbiota in animals non-infected, mock-infected or infected by C. caviae. We showed that the guinea pig and human vaginal microbiotas are of different bacterial composition and abundance. Chlamydia caviae infection had a profound effect on the absolute abundance of bacterial phylotypes but not on the composition of the guinea pig vaginal microbiota. Our findings compromise the validity of the guinea pig-C. caviae model to study the role of the vaginal microbiota during the early steps of sexually transmitted infection. The vaginal microbiota of the guinea pig differs from that of humans and cannot prevent chlamydial infections efficiently.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Neuendorf
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Pawel Gajer
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Anne K Bowlin
- Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA
| | - Patricia X Marques
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Bing Ma
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Hongqiu Yang
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Li Fu
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Michael S Humphrys
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Larry J Forney
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute for Bioinformatics and Evolutionary Studies (IBEST), University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83843, USA
| | - Garry S A Myers
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Patrik M Bavoil
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute for Bioinformatics and Evolutionary Studies (IBEST), University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83843, USA
| | - Roger G Rank
- Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Chlamydia trachomatis polymorphic membrane protein D is a virulence factor involved in early host-cell interactions. Infect Immun 2014; 82:2756-62. [PMID: 24733093 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01686-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate intracellular mucosotropic pathogen of significant medical importance. It is the etiological agent of blinding trachoma and bacterial sexually transmitted diseases, infections that afflict hundreds of millions of people globally. The C. trachomatis polymorphic membrane protein D (PmpD) is a highly conserved autotransporter and the target of broadly cross-reactive neutralizing antibodies; however, its role in host-pathogen interactions is unknown. Here we employed a targeted reverse genetics approach to generate a pmpD null mutant that was used to define the role of PmpD in the pathogenesis of chlamydial infection. We show that pmpD is not an essential chlamydial gene and the pmpD null mutant has no detectable deficiency in cultured murine cells or in a murine mucosal infection model. Notably, however, the pmpD null mutant was significantly attenuated for macaque eyes and cultured human cells. A reduction in pmpD null infection of human endocervical cells was associated with a deficiency in chlamydial attachment to cells. Collectively, our results show that PmpD is a chlamydial virulence factor that functions in early host-cell interactions. This study is the first of its kind using reverse genetics to evaluate the contribution of a C. trachomatis gene to disease pathogenesis.
Collapse
|