Impact of M49, Mrp, Enn, and C5a peptidase proteins on colonization of the mouse oral mucosa by Streptococcus pyogenes

Multi-functional mechanisms of immune evasion by the streptococcal complement inhibitor C5a peptidase

The complement cascade is crucial for clearance and control of invading pathogens, and as such is a key target for pathogen mediated host modulation. C3 is the central molecule of the complement cascade, and plays a vital role in opsonization of bacteria and recruitment of neutrophils to the site of infection. Streptococcal species have evolved multiple mechanisms to disrupt complement-mediated innate immunity, among which ScpA (C5a peptidase), a C5a inactivating enzyme, is widely conserved. Here we demonstrate for the first time that pyogenic streptococcal species are capable of cleaving C3, and identify C3 and C3a as novel substrates for the streptococcal ScpA, which are functionally inactivated as a result of cleavage 7 amino acids upstream of the natural C3 convertase. Cleavage of C3a by ScpA resulted in disruption of human neutrophil activation, phagocytosis and chemotaxis, while cleavage of C3 generated abnormally-sized C3a and C3b moieties with impaired function, in particular reducing C3 deposition on the bacterial surface. Despite clear effects on human complement, expression of ScpA reduced clearance of group A streptococci in vivo in wildtype and C5 deficient mice, and promoted systemic bacterial dissemination in mice that lacked both C3 and C5, suggesting an additional complement-independent role for ScpA in streptococcal pathogenesis. ScpA was shown to mediate streptococcal adhesion to both human epithelial and endothelial cells, consistent with a role in promoting bacterial invasion within the host. Taken together, these data show that ScpA is a multi-functional virulence factor with both complement-dependent and independent roles in streptococcal pathogenesis.

The complement pathway is critical in the innate immune response to bacterial pathogens. It consists of a self-perpetuating proteolytic cascade initiated via three distinct pathways that converge at the central complement protein, C3. Pathogens must evade complement-mediated immunity to cause disease, and inactivation of the C3 protein can dampen all effectors of this pathway. Streptococcal species are the causative agents of an array of infections ranging from the benign to lethal. Using the human pathogen Group A Streptococcus as a representative species, we show that the enzyme ScpA, which is conserved amongst the pyogenic streptococci, cleaves human C3a and also C3, releasing abnormally sized and functionally-impaired fragments. As a result, invading streptococci were less well opsonized and host immune cells not properly activated, reducing bacterial phagocytosis and clearance. Despite manifest in vitro activity against complement factors and human neutrophils, ScpA was still able to contribute to systemic bacterial spread in mice lacking C3 and C5. ScpA was also demonstrated to mediate streptococcal adhesion to both epithelial and endothelial cells, which may enhance bacterial systemic spread. Our study highlights the likely importance of both complement-independent and complement-dependent roles for ScpA in streptococcal pathogenesis.

Co-Activation of Th17 and Antibody Responses Provides Efficient Protection against Mucosal Infection by Group A Streptococcus

Conserved protein antigens among serotypes of group A Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS) have been focused for vaccine development because of the diversity of GAS serotypes and risks of autoimmunity post-GAS infection. Precise delineation of protective immune response to each of GAS antigens is critical for vaccine efficacy and safety. We recently reported that immunization with SrtA of GAS provides Th17-dependent clearance of heterologous serotypes of GAS in NALT. SCPA is a surface virulence molecule of GAS and known to induce antibody-mediated protection against GAS. We hypothesized that co-immunization with SrtA and SCPA would provide more efficient protection by eliciting combined Th17 and antibody responses. The present study showed that mice that were intranasally co-immunized with SrtA/SCPA cleared GAS more efficiently than the mice that were immunized with either SrtA or SCPA individually, and as efficient as the mice that experienced repeated GAS infections. The co-immunization induced Th17 and robust SCPA antibody responses, accompanied by a rapid influx of neutrophils and high myeloperoxidase activity in NALT, suggesting that simultaneous induction of mucosal Th17 and neutralizing antibody responses offers more effective GAS elimination through rapid infiltration and activation of neutrophils. Moreover, Th17 response was strongly induced in mice that experienced repeated GAS-infection and maintained at a high level even after the bacteria were cleared; whereas, it was moderately induced and promptly returned to baseline following bacterial elimination in SrtA/SCPA co-immunized mice. Additional results showed that the survival rate of systemic challenge was significantly higher in infection experienced than in co-immunized mice, indicating that more immune elements are required for protection against systemic than mucosal GAS infection.

The AgI/II family adhesin AspA is required for respiratory infection by Streptococcus pyogenes

Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS) is a human pathogen that causes pharyngitis and invasive diseases such as toxic shock syndrome and sepsis. The upper respiratory tract is the primary reservoir from which GAS can infect new hosts and cause disease. The factors involved in colonisation are incompletely known however. Previous evidence in oral streptococci has shown that the AgI/II family proteins are involved. We hypothesized that the AspA member of this family might be involved in GAS colonization. We describe a novel mouse model of GAS colonization of the nasopharynx and lower respiratory tract to elucidate these interactions. We used two clinical M serotypes expressing AspA, and their aspA gene deletant isogenic mutants in experiments using adherence assays to respiratory epithelium, macrophage phagocytosis and neutrophil killing assays and in vivo models of respiratory tract colonisation and infection. We demonstrated the requirement for AspA in colonization of the respiratory tract. AspA mutants were cleared from the respiratory tract and were deficient in adherence to epithelial cells, and susceptible to phagocytosis. Expression of AspA in the surrogate host Lactococcus lactis protected bacteria from phagocytosis. Our results suggest that AspA has an essential role in respiratory infection, and may function as a novel anti-phagocytic factor.

Human pathogenic streptococcal proteomics and vaccine development

Gram-positive streptococci are non-motile, chain-forming bacteria commonly found in the normal oral and bowel flora of warm-blooded animals. Over the past decade, a proteomic approach combining 2-DE and MS has been used to systematically map the cellular, surface-associated and secreted proteins of human pathogenic streptococcal species. The public availability of complete streptococcal genomic sequences and the amalgamation of proteomic, genomic and bioinformatic technologies have recently facilitated the identification of novel streptococcal vaccine candidate antigens and therapeutic agents. The objective of this review is to examine the constituents of the streptococcal cell wall and secreted proteome, the mechanisms of transport of surface and secreted proteins, and describe the current methodologies employed for the identification of novel surface-displayed proteins and potential vaccine antigens.

The deficient cleavage of M protein-bound IgG by IdeS: insight into the escape of Streptococcus pyogenes from antibody-mediated immunity

IdeS (IgG-degrading enzyme of Streptococcus pyogenes) is a virulence factor for S. pyogenes, group A Streptococcus (GAS). IdeS is believed to allow GAS to evade antibody-mediated phagocytosis by cleaving IgG at the lower hinge region. Human immunoglobulins bind to the GAS surface by two mechanisms: Specific antibodies attach at the Fab region to their specific antigens on the bacterial surface. Immunoglobulins can also attach nonspecifically at the Fc region to streptococcal M and M-like proteins. This phenomenon is believed to form the host-like coat and to block the recognition of Fc region by Fc receptor on phagocytes and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. It is not known whether IdeS preferentially cleaves IgG attached at the Fab or Fc regions. To explore this issue, we used Sepharose beads coated with protein A or L or M protein as surrogate markers for specific (Fab) and nonspecific (Fc) binding sites. We found that IdeS cleaved Fab-bound IgG as rapidly as soluble IgG. In contrast, Fc-bound IgG was cleaved about 4 fold less than soluble IgG. In a competitive binding assay, we found that M protein had a greater affinity than IdeS to attach to the Fc region of human IgG. Thus, IdeS exhibited preferential IgG endopeptidase activity for Fab-bound IgG while allowing the non-specific binding of IgG to remain attached to M protein. We propose that this preferential enzymatic activity accounts for the ability of GAS to resist immunoglobulin-mediated phagocytosis and cytotoxicity.

Streptococcal protective antigens (Spa): a new family of type-specific proteins of group A streptococci

Previous studies in our laboratory described a new group A streptococcal protective antigen (Spa) in type 18 streptococci that was distinct from the type 18 M protein. This study was undertaken to identify additional serotypes of group A streptococci that express Spa proteins. PCR techniques were used to identify and clone a new spa gene from type 36 streptococci. The 5' sequence of spa36 was highly variable compared to spa18, while the 3' sequence was conserved. Antisera against Spa36 opsonized type 36 streptococci but not type 18 streptococci, indicating that the opsonic Spa epitopes were type-specific. Antisera against the conserved carboxy-terminal half of Spa18 were used to identify Spa or Spa-like proteins expressed on the surface of 25 of 70 different serotypes of GAS. Spa proteins may represent a new family of type-specific surface antigens that function in concert with M proteins to elicit protective immune responses.

Human serum induces streptococcal c5a peptidase expression

Streptococcus agalactiae is a major pathogen in humans and animals. Virulence factors are often associated with mobile genetic elements, and their expression can be modulated by host factors. S. agalactiae harbors the genes for C5a peptidase (scpB) and Lmb on a composite transposon structure which is absent in many bovine isolates. To investigate whether these genes participate in the adaptation to human hosts, we determined the influence of human and bovine serum on the promoter activity of scpB and lmb by using fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis. Culture in the presence of 1 to 50% human serum resulted in a dose-dependent induction of reporter gene activity for scpB but not lmb. Reporter gene activity was, however, unchanged following growth in fetal calf serum. Interestingly, a bovine strain did not display any induction of scpB by either bovine or human serum. Reverse transcription-PCR analysis was used to confirm differential induction of scpB in S. agalactiae and showed a similar induction of the Streptococcus pyogenes C5a peptidase gene scpA by human but not bovine serum. The specific induction of the streptococcal C5a peptidase by human serum corresponds to the absence of scpB in many bovine S. agalactiae isolates and underlines the importance of this virulence factor for human infections.

PlyC, a novel bacteriophage lysin for compartment-dependent proteomics of group A streptococci

Streptococcus pyogenes (Spy) (group A streptococci) is an important and exclusively human bacterial pathogen, which uses secreted and surface-associated proteins to circumvent the innate host defense mechanisms and to adhere and internalize into host cells. Thus, investigation of the bacterial extracellular compartments, including secreted and cell wall-associated subproteomes, is crucial for understanding adherence, invasion, and internalization mechanisms as major steps of Spy pathogenesis. Here, we compared a bacteriophage encoded cell wall hydrolase, PlyC, a multimeric lysin of the C1 bacteriophage, with the established glycosidase, mutanolysin, from Streptomyces globisporus for their suitability to efficiently digest Spy cell walls and release cell wall-anchored Spy proteins for subsequent proteome research. Our results show that PlyC is superior for cell wall protein extraction compared to mutanolysin due to its higher activity and specificity as an N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine amidase. Furthermore, our experimental design allowed us to delineate the actual localization of the proteins despite contamination with intracellular proteins.

A chemokine-degrading extracellular protease made by group A Streptococcus alters pathogenesis by enhancing evasion of the innate immune response

Circumvention of the host innate immune response is critical for bacterial pathogens to infect and cause disease. Here we demonstrate that the group A Streptococcus (GAS; Streptococcus pyogenes) protease SpyCEP (S. pyogenes cell envelope protease) cleaves granulocyte chemotactic protein 2 (GCP-2) and growth-related oncogene alpha (GROalpha), two potent chemokines made abundantly in human tonsils. Cleavage of GCP-2 and GROalpha by SpyCEP abrogated their abilities to prime neutrophils for activation, detrimentally altering the innate immune response. SpyCEP expression is negatively regulated by the signal transduction system CovR/S. Purified recombinant CovR bound the spyCEP gene promoter region in vitro, indicating direct regulation. Immunoreactive SpyCEP protein was present in the culture supernatants of covR/S mutant GAS strains but not in supernatants from wild-type strains. However, wild-type GAS strains do express SpyCEP, where it is localized to the cell wall. Strain MGAS2221, an organism representative of the highly virulent and globally disseminated M1T1 GAS clone, differed significantly from its isogenic spyCEP mutant derivative strain in a mouse soft tissue infection model. Interestingly, and in contrast to previous studies, the isogenic mutant strain generated lesions of larger size than those formed following infection with the parent strain. The data indicate that SpyCEP contributes to GAS virulence in a strain- and disease-dependent manner.

Protective immunization in mice against group B streptococci using encapsulated C5a peptidase

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the study was to test whether C5a peptidase encapsulated within a biodegradable polymer can act as a vaccine and elicit an immune response to prevent group B streptococci (GBS) infection in mice and provide protection to pups.

STUDY DESIGN

C5a peptidase was encapsulated in semipermeable microspheres of poly(lactide-co-glycolide). Female ICR mice were immunized with encapsulated C5a peptidase, free C5a peptidase, or empty microparticles. Booster doses were given at days 21 and 42. Antibody responses were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Challenge with GBS type III was performed 4 days after the final booster in the vaginal vault of adult mice and intraperitoneally 48 hours after the birth for pups.

RESULTS

Encapsulated C5a peptidase elicited a systemic immunoglobulin (Ig) G antibody response after intramuscular and intranasal administration. Unencapsulated C5a peptidase elicited a smaller systemic response. In addition to the strong IgG response, a secretory IgA response was observed in the vaginal mucosa after intranasal vaccination. No evidence of GBS colonization was found in vaccinated mice. Eighty-seven percent and 81% of the pups from intramuscularly and intranasally vaccinated dams survived a 90% lethal dose (LD90) GBS challenge vs 9% born to nonvaccinated dams.

CONCLUSION

Encapsulated C5a peptidase elicited significant immune responses and protection against GBS challenge. C5a peptidase microsphere encapsulation has potential as a GBS vaccine.

Defining the Mga regulon: comparative transcriptome analysis reveals both direct and indirect regulation by Mga in the group A streptococcus

The regulator Mga in the group A streptococcus (GAS) is known to directly activate several virulence genes important for colonization and immune evasion. Transcriptome analysis comparing two mga-1 serotypes (M1 SF370, M6 JRS4) and one mga-2 serotype (M4 GA40634) against their isogenic mga-inactivated strains uncovered a broader Mga regulon profile containing both activated and repressed genes with predicted functions primarily related to sugar metabolism. This was reflected in the altered abilities of M1 and M4 Mga mutants to grow in chemically defined media with a single sugar source compared with their wild-type counterparts. Although the M1 and M4 Mga profiles were similar, the M6 JRS4 was clearly distinct, even from other M6 strains. Real-time RT-PCR and Northern blots confirmed that established core Mga regulon genes directly activated by Mga (emm, scpA, sof, fba) exhibited the highest activation levels across all strains tested. Spy2036 encoding a cytosolic hypothetical protein was highly activated in all three serotypes and was called gene regulated by Mga (grm). Mga bound directly to Pgrm, which overlaps the Mga-regulated Psof in OF+ strains, suggesting that grm is part of the core Mga regulon and Mga is able to activate divergently transcribed genes from a single site. Furthermore, Mga activated speB when detectable in the wild-type strain, although direct binding of Mga to PspeB could not be demonstrated. Thus, Mga is able to both directly and indirectly regulate genes shown to be important for virulence and the metabolic homeostasis of GAS.

Mga is sufficient to activate transcription in vitro of sof-sfbX and other Mga-regulated virulence genes in the group A Streptococcus

The group A streptococcus (GAS), or Streptococcus pyogenes, is a strict human pathogen of medical significance, causing infections ranging from pharyngitis (strep throat) to necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating disease). Several virulence genes that encode factors important for colonization, internalization, and immune evasion are under the control of the multiple gene regulator of the GAS, or Mga. Mga functions as a DNA-binding protein that interacts with sites both proximal (Pemm and PscpA) and distal (PsclA) to the start of transcription for the genes that it regulates. The genes encoding serum opacity factor, sof, and a novel fibronectin-binding protein, sfbX, are cotranscribed and represent two uncharacterized Mga-regulated virulence genes in the GAS. Analysis of the promoter region of sof-sfbX identified a putative Mga-binding site 278 bp upstream of the regulated start of transcription as determined by primer extension. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrated that Mga is able to bind specifically to the single distal site in a fashion similar to the previously characterized PsclA. In order to better understand the events that take place at this and other Mga-regulated promoters, an in vitro transcription assay was established. Using this assay, we showed that Mga is sufficient to activate transcription in vitro for Mga-regulated promoters containing both proximal (Pemm) and distal (PsclA and Psof-sfbX) binding sites. These results indicate that additional factors are not required for Mga-specific activation at diverse promoters in vitro, although they do not rule out the potential influence of other components on the Mga virulence regulon in vivo.

Surface analyses and immune reactivities of major cell wall-associated proteins of group a streptococcus

A proteomic analysis was undertaken to identify cell wall-associated proteins of Streptococcus pyogenes. Seventy-four distinct cell wall-associated proteins were identified, 66 of which were novel. Thirty-three proteins were immunoreactive with pooled S. pyogenes-reactive human antisera. Biotinylation of the GAS cell surface identified 23 cell wall-associated proteins that are surface exposed.

Impact of the SpeB protease on binding of the complement regulatory proteins factor H and factor H-like protein 1 by Streptococcus pyogenes

Microbial pathogens often exploit human complement regulatory proteins such as factor H (FH) and factor H-like protein 1 (FHL-1) for immune evasion. Fba is an FH and FHL-1 binding protein expressed on the surface of the human pathogenic bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes, a common agent of pharyngeal, skin, and soft-tissue infections. Fba has been shown to contribute to phagocytosis resistance, intracellular invasion, and virulence in mice. Here, we look at the role of Fba in recruitment of FH and FHL-1 by five serotype M1 isolates of streptococci. Inactivation of fba greatly inhibited binding of FH and FHL-1 by all isolates, indicating that Fba is a major FH and FHL-1 binding factor of serotype M1 streptococci. For three isolates, FH binding was significantly reduced in stationary-phase cultures and correlated with high levels of protease activity and SpeB (an extracellular cysteine protease) protein in culture supernatants. Analysis of a speB mutant confirmed that SpeB accounts for the loss of Fba from the cell surface, suggesting that the protease may modulate FH and FHL-1 recruitment during infection. Comparisons of fba DNA sequences revealed that the FH and FHL-1 binding site in Fba is conserved among the M1 isolates. Although the ligand binding site is not strictly conserved in Fba from a serotype M49 isolate, the M49 Fba protein was found to bind both FH and FHL-1. Collectively, these data indicate that binding of FH and FHL-1 is a conserved function of Fba while modulation of Fba function by SpeB is variable.

Surface proteins of Streptococcus agalactiae and related proteins in other bacterial pathogens

Streptococcus agalactiae (group B Streptococcus) is the major cause of invasive bacterial disease, including meningitis, in the neonatal period. Although prophylactic measures have contributed to a substantial reduction in the number of infections, development of a vaccine remains an important goal. While much work in this field has focused on the S. agalactiae polysaccharide capsule, which is an important virulence factor that elicits protective immunity, surface proteins have received increasing attention as potential virulence factors and vaccine components. Here, we summarize current knowledge about S. agalactiae surface proteins, with emphasis on proteins that have been characterized immunochemically and/or elicit protective immunity in animal models. These surface proteins have been implicated in interactions with human epithelial cells, binding to extracellular matrix components, and/or evasion of host immunity. Of note, several S. agalactiae surface proteins are related to surface proteins identified in other bacterial pathogens, emphasizing the general interest of the S. agalactiae proteins. Because some S. agalactiae surface proteins elicit protective immunity, they hold promise as components in a vaccine based only on proteins or as carriers in polysaccharide conjugate vaccines.

The M protein is dispensable for maturation of streptococcal cysteine protease SpeB

The streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin B (SpeB) is an important virulence factor of group A streptococci (GAS) with cysteine protease activity. Maturation of SpeB to a proteolytically active form was suggested to be dependent on cell-wall-anchored M1 protein, the major surface protein of GAS (M. Collin and A. Olsen, Mol. Microbiol. 36:1306-1318, 2000). Collin and Olsen showed that mutant GAS strains expressing truncated M protein secrete a conformationally different form of unprocessed SpeB with no proteolytic activity. Alternatively, we hypothesized that a truncated M protein may interfere with processing of this secreted protease, and therefore we tested cysteine protease activity in genetically defined mutant strains that express either no M protein or membrane-anchored M protein with an in-frame deletion of the AB repeat region. Measurements of SpeB activity by cleavage of a substrate n-benzoyl-Pro-Phe-Arg-p-nitroanilide hydrochloride showed that the proteolytic activities in culture supernatants of both mutants were similar to those from the wild-type strain. In addition, Western blot analysis of culture supernatants showed that SpeB expression and processing to a mature form was unaffected by either deletion mutation. Therefore, we conclude that M protein is not required for maturation of the streptococcal cysteine protease SpeB.

Immunization with C5a peptidase from either group A or B streptococci enhances clearance of group A streptococci from intranasally infected mice

Group A streptococci (S. pyogenes) are responsible for pharyngitis, impetigo and several more serious diseases. Emergence of toxic shock, and necrotizing fasciitis, associated with this pathogen over the past 10 years, has generated interest in development of a vaccine, which would prevent infections and potential serious complications. The highly conserved C5a peptidase that is expressed on the surface of group A streptococcus and other streptococcal species, associated with human infections, is a prime vaccine candidate. Here, we report construction of an inactive form of the peptidase and test its potential to induce protection in mice from intranasal challenge with either serotype M1 and M49 strains of streptococci. Mice were immunized by subcutaneous administration of recombinant proteins, mixed with Alum and monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) adjuvants. Control mice were vaccinated with tetanus toxoid in the same adjuvants. Preparations of SCPA protein were highly immunogenic in mice. Antibody directed against protein from either group A (SCPAw) or group B (SCPBw) streptococci neutralized activity associated with both enzymes. Streptococci were cleared from the oral-nasal mucosa of mice immunized with vaccine protein more rapidly than those immunized with tetanus toxoid. Moreover, immunization with either protein enhanced clearance of group A streptococci from the lung. These results suggest that parenteral vaccination with SCPBw protein will provide protection against infection by either group A or B streptococci.

Identification of srv, a PrfA-like regulator of group A streptococcus that influences virulence

We have identified a Crp/Fnr-like transcriptional regulator of Streptococcus pyogenes that when inactivated attenuates virulence. The gene, named srv for streptococcal regulator of virulence, encodes a 240-amino-acid protein with 53% amino acid similarity to PrfA, a transcriptional activator of virulence in Listeria monocytogenes.

Molecular basis of group A streptococcal virulence

The group A streptococcus (GAS) (Streptococcus pyogenes) is among the most common and versatile of human pathogens. It is responsible for a wide spectrum of human diseases, ranging from trivial to lethal. The advent of modern techniques of molecular biology has taught much about the organism's virulence, and the genomes of several GAS types have now been deciphered. Surface structures of GAS including a family of M proteins, the hyaluronic acid capsule, and fibronectin-binding proteins, allow the organism to adhere to, colonise, and invade human skin and mucus membranes under varying environmental conditions. M protein binds to complement control factors and other host proteins to prevent activation of the alternate complement pathway and thus evade phagocytosis and killing by polymorphonuclear leucocytes. Extracellular toxins, including superantigenic streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins, contribute to tissue invasion and initiate the cytokine storm felt responsible for illnesses such as necrotising fasciitis and the highly lethal streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Progress has been made in understanding the molecular epidemiology of acute rheumatic fever but less is understood about its basic pathogenesis. The improved understanding of GAS genetic regulation, structure, and function has opened exciting possibilities for developing safe and effective GAS vaccines. Studies directed towards achieving this long-sought goal are being aggressively pursued.

Cleavage of antigen-bound immunoglobulin G by SpeB contributes to streptococcal persistence in opsonizing blood

Group A streptococci (GAS) express a superantigen, SpeB, having cysteine protease activity. SpeB exhibits several properties that might contribute to virulence, the most recently discovered being the ability to cleave immunoglobulin G (IgG) in a manner similar to that of papain. In the present study, we confirmed this latter finding and found that the irreversible inhibition of SpeB protease activity completely abolishes IgG cleavage. SpeB cleavage of IgG was not species restricted since SpeB cleaved both human, rabbit, and mouse IgG. In order to investigate the nature of the SpeB cleavage of IgG, antibodies were immobilized prior to exposure to SpeB, either by unspecific binding of the Fc to GAS surface proteins or by antigen-specific binding. Analysis of the IgG molecules by SDS-PAGE showed that SpeB could cleave antigen-bound antibodies, while the IgG bound to IgG-binding proteins was protected from cleavage. In a phagocytosis assay using whole blood, the M49 GAS strain NZ131 showed a significantly higher survival than its isogenic speB mutant. Furthermore, the addition of extracellular supernatant derived from an overnight culture of native NZ131 increased the survival of its isogenic speB derivative. This indicates that SpeB's ability to cleave off the Fc part of antigen-bound IgG contributes to GAS escape from opsonophagocytosis while not interfering with the formation of a host-like coat by unspecific IgG binding.

Immunization with C5a peptidase or peptidase-type III polysaccharide conjugate vaccines enhances clearance of group B Streptococci from lungs of infected mice

Group B streptococci (GBS) are among the most common causes of life-threatening neonatal infections. Vaccine development since the late 1970s has focused on the capsular polysaccharides, but a safe, effective product is still not available. Our quest for a vaccine turned to the streptococcal C5a peptidase (SCPB). This surface protein is antigenically conserved across most if not all serotypes. A murine model was used to assess the impact of SCPB on clearance of GBS from the lungs of intranasally infected animals. Mutational inactivation of SCPB resulted in more-rapid clearance of streptococci from the lung. Immunization with recombinant SCPB alone or SCPB conjugated to type III capsular polysaccharide produced serotype-independent protection, which was evidenced by more-rapid clearance of the serotype VI strain from the lungs. Immunization of mice with tetanus toxoid-type III polysaccharide conjugate did not produce protection, confirming that protection induced by SCPB conjugates was independent of type III polysaccharide antigen. Histological evaluation of lungs from infected mice revealed that pathology in animals immunized with SCPB or SCPB conjugates was significantly less than that in animals immunized with a tetanus toxoid-polysaccharide conjugate. These experiments suggest that inclusion of C5a peptidase in a vaccine will both add another level to and broaden the spectrum of the protection of a polysaccharide vaccine.

Structural heterogeneity of the streptococcal C5a peptidase gene in Streptococcus pyogenes

The 3' ends of the genes for the C-terminal region of C5a peptidase from 15 Streptococcus pyogenes isolates were analyzed by PCR. Amplicons were found to differ in size. DNA sequence analysis revealed that the differences between PCR fragment sizes accorded with the number of R repeats in the C5a peptidase gene.

Bacterial protease inhibitors

Serine-, cysteine-, and metalloproteases are widely spread in many pathogenic bacteria, where they play critical functions related to colonization and evasion of host immune defenses, acquisition of nutrients for growth and proliferation, facilitation of dissemination, or tissue damage during infection. Since all the antibiotics used clinically at the moment share a common mechanism of action, acting as inhibitors of the bacterial cell wall biosynthesis or affecting protein synthesis on ribosomes, resistance to these pharmacological agents represents a serious medical problem, which might be resolved by using new generation of antibiotics, possessing a different mechanism of action. Bacterial protease inhibitors constitute an interesting such possibility, due to the fact that many specific as well as ubiquitous proteases have recently been characterized in some detail in both gram-positive as well as gram-negative pathogens. Few potent, specific inhibitors for such bacterial proteases have been reported at this moment except for some signal peptidase, clostripain, Clostridium histolyticum collagenase, botulinum neurotoxin, and tetanus neurotoxin inhibitors. No inhibitors of the critically important and ubiquitous AAA proteases, degP or sortase have been reported, although such compounds would presumably constitute a new class of highly effective antibiotics. This review presents the state of the art in the design of such enzyme inhibitors with potential therapeutic applications, as well as recent advances in the use of some of these proteases in therapy.

Two DNA-binding domains of Mga are required for virulence gene activation in the group A streptococcus

Mga is a DNA-binding protein that activates expression of several important virulence genes in the group A streptococcus (GAS), including those encoding M protein (emm), C5a peptidase (scpA) and Mga (mga). To determine the functionality of four potential helix-turn-helix DNA-binding motifs (HTH1-HTH4) identified within the amino-terminus of Mga, alanine substitutions were introduced within each domain in a MBP-Mga fusion allele and purified proteins were assayed for binding to Mga-specific promoter fragments (Pmga, PscpA and Pemm) in vitro. Although HTH-1 and HTH-2 mutations showed wild type DNA-binding activity, an altered HTH-3 domain resulted in reduced binding to the three promoters and an HTH-4 mutant was devoid of detectable binding activity. Plasmid-encoded expression of the HTH-3 and HTH-4 alleles from a constitutive promoter (Pspac) in the mga-deleted GAS strain JRS519 demonstrated that Mga-regulated emm expression correlated directly to the DNA-binding activity observed for each mutant protein in vitro. Single-copy expression of HTH-3 and HTH-4 from their native Pmga resulted in a dramatic reduction in autoregulated mga expression in both mutant strains. Thus, Mga appears to contain two DNA-binding domains (HTH-3 and HTH-4) that are required for direct activation of the Mga virulence regulon in vivo.

M(+) group a streptococci are phagocytized and killed in whole blood by C5a-activated polymorphonuclear leukocytes

Historically, resistance to phagocytosis has been determined by incubating group A streptococci in human blood and comparing the numbers of CFU before and after incubation. Utilizing a flow cytometry-based technique, we have investigated the phagocytosis of M(+) group A streptococci by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) in heparinized human peripheral whole blood. Intracellular labeling of streptococci with a nontoxic fluorescent dye allowed us to quantify the association and phagocytosis of M(+) streptococci by PMNs in whole blood in the presence or absence of C5a, a physiologically important chemotactic activator of PMNs. We found that wild-type strains of group A streptococci that are resistant to phagocytosis (determined by the classical Lancefield method) readily associate with C5a-activated whole-blood PMNs. In the absence of opsonizing M-type-specific antibodies, the M(+) streptococci associated with PMNs are phagocytized and killed. In addition, blockade of the beta(2) integrin, CD11b/CD18, with anti-human CD11b monoclonal antibody inhibited association between M(+) streptococci and C5a-activated PMNs. These findings establish a new relationship between M(+) streptococci and PMNs, in which C5a-activated PMNs have the capacity to kill M(+) streptococci in whole blood through a receptor-mediated phagocytic mechanism.

Horizontal gene transfer and host specificity of beta-haemolytic streptococci: the role of a putative composite transposon containing scpB and lmb

Beta-haemolytic streptococci are important human and animal pathogens: their genetic traits that are associated with the ability to infect human hosts remain, however, unclear. The surface protein, Lmb, mediates the adherence of Streptococcus agalactiae to human laminin. For further analysis of the corresponding gene, the adjacent genomic regions were sequenced. Lmb is localized on a putative composite transposon of 16 kb and is flanked by two copies of a novel insertion sequence element (ISSag2). It harbours the genes scpB and lmb, which are 98% identical with the respective genes of Streptococcus pyogenes. Analysis of the distribution of these genes and ISSag2 among 131 streptococcal strains revealed that all of the human isolates, but only 20% (12 of 61) of the animal isolates, contained scpB and lmb or their homologues. To investigate if the putative transposon can be mobilized, an erythromycin resistance marker was incorporated into the lmb gene of S. agalactiae. Screening for mutant strains with a regained susceptibility for erythromycin identified strains with a deletion of scpB, lmb, and one copy of ISSag2. We hypothesize that a horizontal gene transfer caused the exchange of scpB and lmb and that the ability of S. pyogenes, S. agalactiae and group C and G streptococcal strains to colonize or infect human hosts is dependent on their presence.

Antibody against surface-bound C5a peptidase is opsonic and initiates macrophage killing of group B streptococci

The capsular polysaccharides of group B streptococci (GBS) are a primary focus of vaccine development. Immunogenicity and long-lasting protection are best achieved by conjugating polysaccharides to a T-cell-dependent protein antigen. Streptococcal C5a peptidase (SCPB) is a conserved surface protein that is expressed by all streptococcal serotypes tested to date, and it is a possible carrier protein that could itself induce a protective immune response. Clearance of GBS from lungs, mucosal surfaces, or blood probably depends on the opsonophagocytic response of tissue-specific macrophages and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). In this study, we examined the potential of antibody directed against SCPB from a serotype II strain to enhance the capacity of mouse bone marrow macrophages (from primary cultures) and human PMNs in whole blood to kill GBS in vitro. Our experiments demonstrated that Streptococcus serotypes Ia, Ib, II, III, and V, preopsonized with anti-SCPB antibody, were killed more rapidly by cultured macrophages and PMNs in whole blood than were nonopsonized GBS. The increased rate of killing was accompanied by an increased macrophage oxidative burst. Furthermore, opsonization was serotype transparent. Immunization with SCPB conjugated to capsular polysaccharide type III produced polysaccharide-specific antibodies. It is interesting that this antiserum promoted serotype-independent killing of streptococci. These data support the use of SCPB in a GBS polysaccharide conjugate vaccine. SCPB not only enhanced the immunogenicity of polysaccharide components of the vaccine, but it might also induce additional serotype-independent protective antibodies.

Pathogenesis of group A streptococcal infections

Group A streptococci are model extracellular gram-positive pathogens responsible for pharyngitis, impetigo, rheumatic fever, and acute glomerulonephritis. A resurgence of invasive streptococcal diseases and rheumatic fever has appeared in outbreaks over the past 10 years, with a predominant M1 serotype as well as others identified with the outbreaks. emm (M protein) gene sequencing has changed serotyping, and new virulence genes and new virulence regulatory networks have been defined. The emm gene superfamily has expanded to include antiphagocytic molecules and immunoglobulin-binding proteins with common structural features. At least nine superantigens have been characterized, all of which may contribute to toxic streptococcal syndrome. An emerging theme is the dichotomy between skin and throat strains in their epidemiology and genetic makeup. Eleven adhesins have been reported, and surface plasmin-binding proteins have been defined. The strong resistance of the group A streptococcus to phagocytosis is related to factor H and fibrinogen binding by M protein and to disarming complement component C5a by the C5a peptidase. Molecular mimicry appears to play a role in autoimmune mechanisms involved in rheumatic fever, while nephritis strain-associated proteins may lead to immune-mediated acute glomerulonephritis. Vaccine strategies have focused on recombinant M protein and C5a peptidase vaccines, and mucosal vaccine delivery systems are under investigation.

Role of group A streptococcal virulence factors in adherence to keratinocytes

To evaluate the role of putative group A streptococcal virulence factors in the initiation of skin infections, we compared the adherence of a wild-type M49-protein skin-associated strain to that of a series of 16 isogenic mutants created by insertional inactivation of virulence genes. None of the mutants, including the M-protein-deficient (emm mutant) strain, displayed reduced adherence to early-passage cultured human keratinocytes, but adherence of the mutant lacking hyaluronic acid capsule expression (has mutant) was increased 13-fold. In contrast, elimination of capsule expression in M2-, M3-, and M18-protein has mutants increased adherence only slightly (1.3- to 2.3-fold) compared to their respective wild-type strains. A mutant with inactivation of both emm and has displayed high-level adherence (34.9 +/- 4.1%) equal to that of the has mutant strain (40.7 + 8.0%), confirming the lack of involvement of M49 protein in attachment. Moreover, adherence of the M49-protein-deficient (emm mutant) and wild-type strains was increased to the same level (57 and 55%, respectively) following enzymatic digestion of their hyaluronic acid capsule. Adherence of mutants lacking oligopeptide permease (Opp) expression was increased 3.8- to 5.5-fold, in association with decreased cell-associated hyaluronic acid capsule. Finally, soluble CD46 failed to inhibit adherence of M49- and M52-serotype skin strains. We conclude that (i) bacterial M protein and keratinocyte CD46 do not mediate adherence of M49 skin-associated Streptococcus pyogenes to epidermal keratinocytes, (ii) hyaluronic acid capsule impedes the interaction of bacterial adhesins with keratinocyte receptors, (iii) modulation of capsule expression may be important in the pathogenesis of skin infections, and (iv) the molecular interactions in attachment of skin strains of S. pyogenes to keratinocytes are unique and remain unidentified.

Nonpolar inactivation of the hypervariable streptococcal inhibitor of complement gene (sic) in serotype M1 Streptococcus pyogenes significantly decreases mouse mucosal colonization

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a human pathogen that commonly infects the upper respiratory tract. GAS serotype M1 strains are frequently isolated from human infections and contain the gene encoding the hypervariable streptococcal inhibitor of complement protein (Sic). It was recently shown that Sic variants were rapidly selected on mucosal surfaces in epidemic waves caused by M1 strains, an observation suggesting that Sic participates in host-pathogen interactions on the mucosal surface (N. P. Hoe, K. Nakashima, S. Lukomski, D. Grigsby, M. Liu, P. Kordari, S.-J. Dou, X. Pan, J. Vuopio-Varkila, S. Salmelinna, A. McGeer, D. E. Low, B. Schwartz, A. Schuchat, S. Naidich, D. De Lorenzo, Y.-X. Fu, and J. M. Musser, Nat. Med. 5:924-929, 1999). To test this idea, a new nonpolar mutagenesis method employing a spectinomycin resistance cassette was used to inactivate the sic gene in an M1 GAS strain. The isogenic Sic-negative mutant strain was significantly (P < 0.019) impaired in ability to colonize the mouse mucosal surface after intranasal infection. These results support the hypothesis that the predominance of M1 strains in human infections is related, in part, to a Sic-mediated enhanced colonization ability.

Fc-Mediated Nonspecific Binding Between Fibronectin-Binding Protein I of Streptococcus pyogenes and Human Immunoglobulins

Fibronectin-binding protein I (SfbI) from Streptococcus pyogenes plays a key role in bacterial adhesion to, and invasion of, eukaryotic cells. In addition, SfbI exhibits a considerable potential as mucosal adjuvant and can trigger polyclonal activation of B cells. Here, we report that SfbI is also capable of binding human IgG in a nonimmune fashion. SfbI was reactive with IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4 isotypes (type IIo IgG-binding profile). The affinity constant (Kd) of the SfbI-IgG interaction was in the range of 1–2 × 10−5 M. Further studies demonstrated that the SfbI binding was mediated by the Fc component of the IgG molecule. Experiments performed using purified recombinant proteins spanning different domains of SfbI showed that the IgG-binding activity was restricted to the fibronectin-binding domains, and in particular to the fibronectin-binding repeats. Finally, the presence of recombinant SfbI resulted in an impairment of both phagocytosis of IgG-coated RBCs and Ab-dependent cell cytotoxicity by macrophages. These results demonstrated for the first time that, in addition to its major role during the colonization process, SfbI may also favor bacterial immune evasion after the onset of the infection by interfering with host clearance mechanisms.

Flow cytometry to monitor phagocytosis and oxidative burst of anaerobic periodontopathogenic bacteria by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes

The reduced susceptibility to phagocytosis found among some periodontopathogenic anaerobes may account for the differences between invasive and non-invasive strains. We applied flow cytometry as a powerful tool to analyze and quantify phagocytosis using standardized cultures of oral anaerobes (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, P. nigrescens, Capnocytophaga gingivalis, C. ochracea, C. sputigena, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Peptostreptococcus micros) and heparinized whole blood. Bacteria were labeled by a fluorescein-methylester and their esterase activity, resulting in green fluorescence. Ingested bacteria could be detected easily and quantified by a shift towards green fluorescence in the PMNL population involved and a concomitant decrease in the bacterial population. Furthermore, the oxidative burst of PMNLs was detected in parallel assays using the dye DHR123 which becomes fluorescent upon oxidation during the oxidative burst process. We found a great diversity in phagocytosis susceptibility determined by estimating the portion of phagocytosing PMNLs, ranging from 10.6% (strain W83) to > 99.4% (e.g. ATCC 33277T) in P. gingivalis and from 15.9% (strain MH5) to > 95% (ATCC 33563T) in P. nigrescens. In contrast, almost all P. intermedia strains as well as the representatives of the other anaerobic, putative periodontopathic species tested showed no or only moderate resistance in the phagocytosis assay. Comparison of clinical data of patients and the extent of phagocytosis resistance of the corresponding P. gingivalis strains suggests that this virulence factor may contribute to the clinical outcome.