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Ma Q, Pradhan A, Leaves I, Hickey E, Roselletti E, Dambuza I, Larcombe DE, de Assis LJ, Wilson D, Erwig LP, Netea MG, Childers DS, Brown GD, Gow NA, Brown AJ. Impact of secreted glucanases upon the cell surface and fitness of Candida albicans during colonisation and infection. Cell Surf 2024; 11:100128. [PMID: 38938582 PMCID: PMC11208952 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcsw.2024.100128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Host recognition of the pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP), β-1,3-glucan, plays a major role in antifungal immunity. β-1,3-glucan is an essential component of the inner cell wall of the opportunistic pathogen Candida albicans. Most β-1,3-glucan is shielded by the outer cell wall layer of mannan fibrils, but some can become exposed at the cell surface. In response to host signals such as lactate, C. albicans shaves the exposed β-1,3-glucan from its cell surface, thereby reducing the ability of innate immune cells to recognise and kill the fungus. We have used sets of barcoded xog1 and eng1 mutants to compare the impacts of the secreted β-glucanases Xog1 and Eng1 upon C. albicans in vitro and in vivo. Flow cytometry of Fc-dectin-1-stained strains revealed that Eng1 plays the greater role in lactate-induced β-1,3-glucan masking. Transmission electron microscopy and stress assays showed that neither Eng1 nor Xog1 are essential for cell wall maintenance, but the inactivation of either enzyme compromised fungal adhesion to gut and vaginal epithelial cells. Competitive barcode sequencing suggested that neither Eng1 nor Xog1 strongly influence C. albicans fitness during systemic infection or vaginal colonisation in mice. However, the deletion of XOG1 enhanced C. albicans fitness during gut colonisation. We conclude that both Eng1 and Xog1 exert subtle effects on the C. albicans cell surface that influence fungal adhesion to host cells and that affect fungal colonisation in certain host niches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinxi Ma
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Arnab Pradhan
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Ian Leaves
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Emer Hickey
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Elena Roselletti
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Ivy Dambuza
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Daniel E. Larcombe
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Leandro Jose de Assis
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Duncan Wilson
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Lars P. Erwig
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Mihai G. Netea
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department for Immunology & Metabolism, Life and Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES), University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Delma S. Childers
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Gordon D. Brown
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Neil A.R. Gow
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Alistair J.P. Brown
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
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Papic MV, Ljujic B, Zivanovic S, Papic M, Vuletic M, Petrovic I, Gazdic Jankovic M, Virijevic K, Popovic M, Miletic Kovacevic M. Difference in immune responses to Candida albicans in two inbred strains of male rats. Arch Oral Biol 2023; 156:105808. [PMID: 37778290 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2023.105808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the influence of strain differences in immune response on the pathogenesis of oral candidiasis in Dark Agouti (DA) and Albino Oxford (AO) inbred strains of rats. DESIGN Seventy male 8-weeks old DA and AO rats were inoculated with Candida albicans to induce three different experimental models of oral candidiasis, one immunocompetent and two immunocompromised models. The animals were sacrificed after 16 days from the beginning of the experiment followed by collecting the samples of the tongue dorsum and blood for histopathological (PAS and H&E staining), immunohistochemical, qRT-PCR, and oxidative stress analyses. RESULTS Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses revealed lower levels of epithelial colonization, epithelial damage, and inflammatory infiltration in DA compared to AO strain of rats. DA rats had fewer CD45, CD68, and CD3 positive cells but more HIS 48 positive cells than AO rats. The expressions of IL-1β, TNFα, IFN-γ, IL-10 and TGF-β1 were consistently higher in DA strain across all experimental models. However, the expressions of IL-4 and IL-17 differed inconsistently between DA and AO strain in various experimental models. Strain differences were observed in levels of prooxidative hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation, with higher levels presented in AO rats compared to DA rats, while antioxidative parameters presented little yet inconsistent difference between strains. CONCLUSION DA strain of rats consistently presented lower susceptibility to oral infection with C. albicans compared to AO strain with robust Th1/Th17 immune response indicating the importance of the genetic background on the development of oral candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjana V Papic
- Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Biljana Ljujic
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia; Center for Harm Reduction of Biological and Chemical Hazards, Faculty of Medical Sciences University of Kragujevac, Serbia.
| | - Suzana Zivanovic
- Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Milos Papic
- Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Miona Vuletic
- Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Ivana Petrovic
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University of Kragujevac Clinical Centre, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Marina Gazdic Jankovic
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia; Center for Harm Reduction of Biological and Chemical Hazards, Faculty of Medical Sciences University of Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Katarina Virijevic
- Department of Natural Sciences, Institute for Information Technologies Kragujevac, University of Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Milica Popovic
- Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Marina Miletic Kovacevic
- Center for Harm Reduction of Biological and Chemical Hazards, Faculty of Medical Sciences University of Kragujevac, Serbia; Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
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Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: An Immunological Perspective. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8020144. [PMID: 31972980 PMCID: PMC7074770 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8020144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a widespread vaginal infection primarily caused by Candida albicans. VVC affects up to 75% of women of childbearing age once in their life, and up to 9% of women in different populations experience more than three episodes per year, which is defined as recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC). RVVC results in diminished quality of life as well as increased associated healthcare costs. For a long time, VVC has been considered the outcome of inadequate host defenses against Candida colonization, as in the case of primary immunodeficiencies associated with persistent fungal infections and insufficient clearance. Intensive research in recent decades has led to a new hypothesis that points toward a local mucosal overreaction of the immune system rather than a defective host response to Candida colonization. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of the host immune response in VVC pathogenesis and suggests that a tightly regulated fungus-host-microbiota interplay might exert a protective role against recurrent Candida infections.
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Faber C, Juel HB, Jensen BAH, Christensen JP, Prause JU, Thomsen AR, Nissen MH. Chemokine Expression in Murine RPE/Choroid in Response to Systemic Viral Infection and Elevated Levels of Circulating Interferon-γ. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 60:192-201. [PMID: 30654385 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-25721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To examine how circulating immune mediators in vivo may affect gene and protein expression at the RPE/choroid interface. Methods Young mice were systemically infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) or continuously infused with IFN-γ. RPE/choroid was isolated and analyzed with whole-transcriptome gene expression microarrays. Selected gene expression findings were validated at the protein level. Results Both the systemic immune activation from virus infection and the sterile systemically increased level of IFN-γ resulted in increased expression of chemokine ligands, chemokine receptors, and early complement components in isolates of RPE/choroid. These findings were largely absent from LCMV-infected mice deficient in either the interferon α/β receptor or IFN-γ. Conclusions Together, these findings demonstrate that acute systemic immune activation results in a local response at the RPE/choroid interface that may include chemokine-dependent recruitment of inflammatory cells and engagement of the complement system. This may represent a link between the systemic low-grade inflammation and the retinal pathology observed in several multifactorial entities such as aging, AMD, and diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Faber
- University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet-Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Helene Bæk Juel
- University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Jan Pravsgaard Christensen
- University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jan Ulrik Prause
- University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Eye Pathology Section, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Allan Randrup Thomsen
- University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mogens Holst Nissen
- University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Meir J, Hartmann E, Eckstein MT, Guiducci E, Kirchner F, Rosenwald A, LeibundGut-Landmann S, Pérez JC. Identification of Candida albicans regulatory genes governing mucosal infection. Cell Microbiol 2018; 20:e12841. [PMID: 29575428 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Revised: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The fungus Candida albicans thrives on a variety of human mucosae, yet the fungal determinants that contribute to fitness on these surfaces remain underexplored. Here, by screening a collection of C. albicans deletion strains in a mouse model of oral infection (oropharyngeal candidiasis), we identify several novel regulatory genes that modulate the fitness of the fungus in this locale. We investigate in detail the interplay between the host mucosa and one of the identified mutants and establish that the C. albicans transcription regulator CUP9 is a key determinant of mucosal colonisation. Deletion of cup9 resulted in the formation of more foci of colonisation and heightened persistence in infected tongues. Furthermore, the cup9 mutant produced longer and denser filaments in the oral mucosa without eliciting an enhanced local immune response. Consistent with its role in oral colonisation, we show that CUP9's top target of regulation is a major effector of Candida's adherence to buccal cells. Finally, we establish that CUP9 also governs the interplay of the fungus with vaginal epithelial cells and has a role in vaginal infections, another common mucosal disease associated with Candida. Thus, our findings reveal a mechanism whereby C. albicans can regulate proliferation on mucosal surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Meir
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Institute for Molecular Infection Biology, University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Elena Hartmann
- Institute for Pathology, University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Marie-Therese Eckstein
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Institute for Molecular Infection Biology, University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Eva Guiducci
- Section of Immunology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Florian Kirchner
- Section of Immunology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Rosenwald
- Institute for Pathology, University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - J Christian Pérez
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Institute for Molecular Infection Biology, University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Yano J, Peters BM, Noverr MC, Fidel PL. Novel Mechanism behind the Immunopathogenesis of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: "Neutrophil Anergy". Infect Immun 2018; 86:e00684-17. [PMID: 29203543 PMCID: PMC5820946 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00684-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
For over 3 decades, investigators have studied the pathogenesis of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and recurrent VVC (RVVC) through clinical studies and animal models. While there was considerable consensus that susceptibility was not associated with any apparent deficiencies in adaptive immunity, protective immune mechanisms and the role of innate immunity remained elusive. It was not until an innovative live-challenge design was conducted in women that a fuller understanding of the natural history of infection/disease was achieved. These studies revealed that symptomatic infection is associated with recruitment of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) into the vaginal lumen. Subsequent studies in the established mouse model demonstrated that infiltrating PMNs were incapable of reducing the fungal burden, which supported the hypothesis that VVC/RVVC was an immunopathology, whereby Candida and the host response drive symptomatic disease. Further studies in mice revealed the requirement for C. albicans hyphae and identified pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and proinflammatory mediators responsible for the PMN response, all of which are critical pieces of the immunopathogenesis. However, a mechanism explaining PMN dysfunction at the vaginal mucosa remained an enigma. Ultimately, by employing mouse strains resistant or susceptible to chronic VVC, it was determined that heparan sulfate (HS) in the vaginal environment of susceptible mice serves as a competitive ligand for Mac-1 on PMNs, which effectively renders the PMNs incapable of binding to Candida to initiate killing. Hence, the outcome of symptomatic VVC/RVVC is postulated to be dependent on a PMN-mediated immunopathogenic response involving HS that effectively places the neutrophils in a state of functional anergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junko Yano
- Center of Excellence in Oral and Craniofacial Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Dentistry, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Brian M Peters
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Mairi C Noverr
- Center of Excellence in Oral and Craniofacial Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Dentistry, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Paul L Fidel
- Center of Excellence in Oral and Craniofacial Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Dentistry, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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Vaginal Heparan Sulfate Linked to Neutrophil Dysfunction in the Acute Inflammatory Response Associated with Experimental Vulvovaginal Candidiasis. mBio 2017; 8:mBio.00211-17. [PMID: 28292981 PMCID: PMC5350465 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00211-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite acute inflammation by polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) during vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), clearance of Candida fails to occur. The purpose of this study was to uncover the mechanism of vaginal PMN dysfunction. Designs included assessing PMN migration, proinflammatory mediators, and tissue damage (by analysis of the activity of lactate dehydrogenase [LDH]) in mice susceptible (C3H/HeN-C57BL/6) or resistant (CD-1) to chronic VVC (CVVC-S or CVVC-R) and testing morphology-specific Candida albicans strains under conditions of preinduced PMN migration (CVVC-S mice) or PMN depletion (CVVC-R mice). In vitro designs included evaluation of C. albicans killing by elicited vaginal or peritoneal PMNs in standard or vaginal conditioned medium (VCM). Results showed that despite significant migration of PMNs and high levels of vaginal beta interleukin-1 (IL-1β) and alarmin S100A8, CVVC-S mice failed to reduce vaginal fungal burden irrespective of morphology or whether PMNs were present pre- or postinoculation, and had high LDH levels. In contrast, CVVC-R mice had reduced fungal burden and low LDH levels following PMN recruitment and IL-1β/S100A8 production, but maintained colonization in the absence of PMNs. Elicited vaginal and peritoneal PMNs showed substantial killing activity in standard media or VCM from CVVC-R mice but not in VCM from CVVC-S mice. The inhibitory effect of VCM from CVVC-S mice was unaffected by endogenous or exogenous estrogen and was ablated following depletion/neutralization of Mac-1 ligands using Mac-1+/+ PMNs or recombinant Mac-1. Heparan sulfate (HS) was identified as the putative inhibitor as evidenced by the rescue of PMN killing following heparanase treatment of VCM, as well as by inhibition of killing by purified HS. These results suggest that vaginal HS is linked to PMN dysfunction in CVVC-S mice as a competitive ligand for Mac-1.IMPORTANCE Vaginal candidiasis, caused by Candida albicans, affects a significant number of women worldwide. Despite an acute inflammatory response by neutrophils during infection, the response fails to reduce the organism. Instead, the response is considered a key process underlying the symptoms of vaginitis. Therefore, it is important to determine the mechanism(s) associated with the lack of vaginal neutrophil antifungal activity. The established mouse model of Candida vaginitis was used to uncover the mechanism of neutrophil dysfunction. Results revealed that heparan sulfate present in the vagina of mice susceptible to chronic vaginitis served as a competitive ligand for the receptor (Mac-1) necessary for fungal recognition and neutrophil-mediated killing. This inhibitory function of heparan sulfate, confirmed through several approaches, provides the first evidence to explain the lack of antifungal immune reactivity during vaginal candidiasis. This finding paves the way for design of therapeutic strategies to reduce/eliminate symptomatic vaginal candidiasis and restore quality of life to those affected.
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Nash EE, Peters BM, Lilly EA, Noverr MC, Fidel PL. A Murine Model of Candida glabrata Vaginitis Shows No Evidence of an Inflammatory Immunopathogenic Response. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0147969. [PMID: 26807975 PMCID: PMC4726552 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida glabrata is the second most common organism isolated from women with vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), particularly in women with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. However, mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of C. glabrata-associated VVC are unknown and have not been studied at any depth in animal models. The objective of this study was to evaluate host responses to infection following efforts to optimize a murine model of C. glabrata VVC. For this, various designs were evaluated for consistent experimental vaginal colonization (i.e., type 1 and type 2 diabetic mice, exogenous estrogen, varying inocula, and co-infection with C. albicans). Upon model optimization, vaginal fungal burden and polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) recruitment were assessed longitudinally over 21 days post-inoculation, together with vaginal concentrations of IL-1β, S100A8 alarmin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and in vivo biofilm formation. Consistent and sustained vaginal colonization with C. glabrata was achieved in estrogenized streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic mice. Vaginal PMN infiltration was consistently low, with IL-1β, S100A8, and LDH concentrations similar to uninoculated mice. Biofilm formation was not detected in vivo, and co-infection with C. albicans did not induce synergistic immunopathogenic effects. This data suggests that experimental vaginal colonization of C. glabrata is not associated with an inflammatory immunopathogenic response or biofilm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn E. Nash
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Brian M. Peters
- Department of Oral and Craniofacial Biology, Dental School, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth A. Lilly
- Department of Oral and Craniofacial Biology, Dental School, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Mairi C. Noverr
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
- Department of Oral and Craniofacial Biology, Dental School, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
- Prosthodontics, Dental School, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Paul L. Fidel
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
- Department of Oral and Craniofacial Biology, Dental School, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Lasarte S, Samaniego R, Salinas-Muñoz L, Guia-Gonzalez MA, Weiss LA, Mercader E, Ceballos-García E, Navarro-González T, Moreno-Ochoa L, Perez-Millan F, Pion M, Sanchez-Mateos P, Hidalgo A, Muñoz-Fernandez MA, Relloso M. Sex Hormones Coordinate Neutrophil Immunity in the Vagina by Controlling Chemokine Gradients. J Infect Dis 2015; 213:476-84. [PMID: 26238687 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiv402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Estradiol-based contraceptives and hormonal replacement therapy predispose women to Candida albicans infections. Moreover, during the ovulatory phase (high estradiol), neutrophil numbers decrease in the vaginal lumen and increase during the luteal phase (high progesterone). Vaginal secretions contain chemokines that drive neutrophil migration into the lumen. However, their expression during the ovarian cycle or in response to hormonal treatments are controversial and their role in vaginal defense remains unknown.To investigate the transepithelial migration of neutrophils, we used adoptive transfer of Cxcr2(-/-) neutrophils and chemokine immunofluorescence quantitative analysis in response to C. albicans vaginal infection in the presence of hormones.Our data show that the Cxcl1/Cxcr2 axis drives neutrophil transepithelial migration into the vagina. Progesterone promotes the Cxcl1 gradient to favor neutrophil migration. Estradiol disrupts the Cxcl1 gradient and favors neutrophil arrest in the vaginal stroma; as a result, the vagina becomes more vulnerable to pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Lasarte
- Laboratorio InmunoBiología Molecular, Grupo Fisiopatología Comparada
| | - Rafael Samaniego
- Unidad de Microscopía Confocal, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón (HGUGM) and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM)
| | | | | | - Linnea A Weiss
- Area of Cell and Developmental Biology, Fundación Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC)
| | - Enrique Mercader
- Laboratorio InmunoBiología Molecular, Grupo Fisiopatología Comparada
| | - Elena Ceballos-García
- Laboratorio InmunoBiología Molecular, Grupo Fisiopatología Comparada Servicio de Ginecología
| | | | | | | | | | - Paloma Sanchez-Mateos
- Laboratorio de Inmuno-oncología, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón (HGUGM) and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid
| | - Andres Hidalgo
- Area of Cell and Developmental Biology, Fundación Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC)
| | - Maria A Muñoz-Fernandez
- Laboratorio InmunoBiología Molecular Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Spain
| | - Miguel Relloso
- Laboratorio InmunoBiología Molecular, Grupo Fisiopatología Comparada
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10
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Bruno VM, Shetty AC, Yano J, Fidel PL, Noverr MC, Peters BM. Transcriptomic analysis of vulvovaginal candidiasis identifies a role for the NLRP3 inflammasome. mBio 2015; 6:e00182-15. [PMID: 25900651 PMCID: PMC4453569 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00182-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), caused most frequently by Candida albicans, represents a significant unmet clinical need. C. albicans, as both a commensal and a pathogenic organism, has a complex and poorly understood interaction with the vaginal environment. Understanding the complex nature of this relationship is necessary for the development of desperately needed therapies to treat symptomatic infection. Using transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq), we characterized the early murine vaginal and fungal transcriptomes of the organism during VVC. Network analysis of host genes that were differentially expressed between infected and naive mice predicted the activation or repression of several signaling pathways that have not been previously associated with VVC, including NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Intravaginal challenge of Nlrp3(-/-) mice with C. albicans demonstrated severely reduced levels of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), alarmins, and inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β) (the hallmarks of VVC immunopathogenesis) in vaginal lavage fluid. Intravaginal administration of wild-type (WT) mice with glyburide, a potent inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome, reduced PMN infiltration and IL-1β to levels comparable to those observed in Nlrp3(-/-) mice. Furthermore, RNA-seq analysis of C. albicans genes indicated robust expression of hypha-associated secreted aspartyl proteinases 4, 5, and 6 (SAP4-6), which are known inflammasome activators. Despite colonization similar to that of the WT strain, ΔSAP4-6 triple and ΔSAP5 single mutants induced significantly less PMN influx and IL-1β during intravaginal challenge. Our findings demonstrate a novel role for the inflammasome in the immunopathogenesis of VVC and implicate the hypha-associated SAPs as major C. albicans virulence determinants during vulvovaginal candidiasis. IMPORTANCE Vaginitis, most commonly caused by the fungus Candida albicans, results in significant quality-of-life issues for all women of reproductive age. Recent efforts have suggested that vaginitis results from an immunopathological response governed by host innate immunity, although an explanatory mechanism has remained undefined. Using comprehensive genomic, immunological, and pharmacological approaches, we have elucidated the NLRP3 inflammasome as a crucial molecular mechanism contributing to host immunopathology. We have also demonstrated that C. albicans hypha-associated secreted aspartyl proteinases (SAP4-6 and SAP5, more specifically) contribute to disease immunopathology. Ultimately, this study enhances our understanding of the complex interplay between host and fungus at the vaginal mucosa and provides proof-of-principle evidence for therapeutic targeting of inflammasomes for symptomatic vulvovaginal candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amol C Shetty
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Junko Yano
- Department of Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, LSU Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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Vaginal epithelial cell-derived S100 alarmins induced by Candida albicans via pattern recognition receptor interactions are sufficient but not necessary for the acute neutrophil response during experimental vaginal candidiasis. Infect Immun 2013; 82:783-92. [PMID: 24478092 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00861-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), caused by Candida albicans, affects women worldwide. Animal and clinical studies suggest that the immunopathogenic inflammatory condition of VVC is initiated by S100 alarmins in response to C. albicans, which stimulate polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) migration to the vagina. The purpose of this study was to extend previous in vitro data and determine the requirement for the alarmin S100A8 in the PMN response and to evaluate pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that initiate the response. For the former, PMN migration was evaluated in vitro or in vivo in the presence or absence of S100 alarmins initiated by several approaches. For the latter, vaginal epithelial cells were evaluated for PRR expression and C. albicans-induced S100A8 and S100A9 mRNAs, followed by evaluation of the PMN response in inoculated PRR-deficient mice. Results revealed that, consistent with previously reported in vitro data, eukaryote-derived S100A8, but not prokaryote-derived recombinant S100A8, induced significant PMN chemotaxis in vivo. Conversely, a lack of biologically active S100A8 alarmin, achieved by antibody neutralization or by using S100A9(-/-) mice, had no effect on the PMN response in vivo. In PRR analyses, whereas Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)- and SIGNR1-deficient vaginal epithelial cells showed a dramatic reduction in C. albicans-induced S100A8/S100A9 mRNAs in vitro, inoculated mice deficient in these PRRs showed PMN migration similar to that in wild-type controls. These results suggest that S100A8 alarmin is sufficient, but not necessary, to induce PMN migration during VVC and that the vaginal PMN response to C. albicans involves PRRs in addition to SIGNR1 and TLR4, or other induction pathways.
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12
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Kaur S, Prabha V. Infertility as a consequence of spermagglutinating Staphylococcus aureus colonization in genital tract of female mice. PLoS One 2012; 7:e52325. [PMID: 23272237 PMCID: PMC3525590 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2012] [Accepted: 11/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Various studies have shown Staphylococcus aureus to be one of the most prevalent organism in male and female genital tract but most practitioners dismiss it as mere contamination which is assumed to be of no significance. However, it is now suggested that the presence of this organism should not be ignored, as incubation of spermatozoa with S. aureus results in reduced sperm motility. Although S. aureus has been reported to cause immobilization of spermatozoa, however, its role in infertility has yet to be elucidated. The present study was designed to establish a spermagglutinating strain of S. aureus isolated from the cervix of a woman with unexplained infertility, in mouse and evaluate its effect on fertility outcome. Female Balb/c mice were inoculated intravaginally with different doses of S. aureus (10(4), 10(6) or 10(8)cfu/20 µl) for 10 consecutive days. Microbial colonization monitored every 3(rd) day by vaginal cultures, revealed that strain could efficiently colonize mouse vagina. Mating on day 12, with proven breeder males led to 100% decrease in fertility as compared to control. Even a single dose of 10(6) or 10(8)cfu could lead to vaginal colonization which persisted for 10 days followed by gradual clearing till 21 days, vaginal cultures were negative thereafter. Female mice mated on day 7 (culture positive), were rendered infertile, however, the mice mated on day 22 (culture negative), retained fertility and delivered pups indicating its role in provoking infertility. Further, except infertility, no other clinical manifestation could be seen apparently or histologically. However, when a non-spermagglutinating/immobilizing standard strain of S. aureus MTCC6625 was inoculated intravaginally at 10(8)cfu for 10 days followed by mating on day 12, fertility was observed in all the female mice. This supports the hypothesis that infertility observed in the former groups was as a result of colonization with spermagglutinating strain of S. aureus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siftjit Kaur
- Department of Microbiology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Vijay Prabha
- Department of Microbiology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
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13
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Yano J, Kolls JK, Happel KI, Wormley F, Wozniak KL, Fidel PL. The acute neutrophil response mediated by S100 alarmins during vaginal Candida infections is independent of the Th17-pathway. PLoS One 2012; 7:e46311. [PMID: 23050010 PMCID: PMC3457984 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2012] [Accepted: 08/29/2012] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) caused by Candida albicans affects a significant number of women during their reproductive ages. Clinical observations revealed that a robust vaginal polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) migration occurs in susceptible women, promoting pathological inflammation without affecting fungal burden. Evidence to date in the mouse model suggests that a similar acute PMN migration into the vagina is mediated by chemotactic S100A8 and S100A9 alarmins produced by vaginal epithelial cells in response to Candida. Based on the putative role for the Th17 response in mucosal candidiasis as well as S100 alarmin induction, this study aimed to determine whether the Th17 pathway plays a role in the S100 alarmin-mediated acute inflammation during VVC using the experimental mouse model. For this, IL-23p19(-/-), IL-17RA(-/-) and IL-22(-/-) mice were intravaginally inoculated with Candida, and vaginal lavage fluids were evaluated for fungal burden, PMN infiltration, the presence of S100 alarmins and inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Compared to wild-type mice, the cytokine-deficient mice showed comparative levels of vaginal fungal burden and PMN infiltration following inoculation. Likewise, inoculated mice of all strains with substantial PMN infiltration exhibited elevated levels of vaginal S100 alarmins in both vaginal epithelia and secretions in the vaginal lumen. Finally, cytokine analyses of vaginal lavage fluid from inoculated mice revealed equivalent expression profiles irrespective of the Th17 cytokine status or PMN response. These data suggest that the vaginal S100 alarmin response to Candida does not require the cells or cytokines of the Th17 lineage, and therefore, the immunopathogenic inflammatory response during VVC occurs independently of the Th17-pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junko Yano
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Jay K. Kolls
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Kyle I. Happel
- Section of Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Floyd Wormley
- Department of Biology, University of Texas San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Karen L. Wozniak
- Department of Biology, University of Texas San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Paul L. Fidel
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
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14
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Yano J, Noverr MC, Fidel PL. Cytokines in the host response to Candida vaginitis: Identifying a role for non-classical immune mediators, S100 alarmins. Cytokine 2011; 58:118-28. [PMID: 22182685 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2011.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2011] [Revised: 11/23/2011] [Accepted: 11/25/2011] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), caused by Candida albicans, affects a significant number of women during their reproductive years. More than two decades of research have been focused on the mechanisms associated with susceptibility or resistance to symptomatic infection. Adaptive immunity by Th1-type CD4(+) T cells and downstream cytokine responses are considered the predominant host defense mechanisms against mucosal Candida infections. However, numerous clinical and animal studies have indicated no or limited protective role of cells and cytokines of the Th1 or Th2 lineage against vaginal infection. The role for Th17 is only now begun to be investigated in-depth for VVC with results already showing significant controversy. On the other hand, a clinical live-challenge study and an established animal model have shown that a symptomatic condition is intimately associated with the vaginal infiltration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) but with no effect on vaginal fungal burden. Subsequent studies identified S100A8 and S100A9 alarmins as key chemotactic mediators of the acute PMN response. These chemotactic danger signals appear to be secreted by vaginal epithelial cells upon interaction and early adherence of Candida. Thus, instead of a putative immunodeficiency against Candida involving classical immune cells and cytokines of the adaptive response, the pathological inflammation in VVC is now considered a consequence of a non-productive innate response initiated by non-classical immune mediators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junko Yano
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
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15
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Yano J, Fidel PL. Protocols for vaginal inoculation and sample collection in the experimental mouse model of Candida vaginitis. J Vis Exp 2011:3382. [PMID: 22215135 PMCID: PMC3369659 DOI: 10.3791/3382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), caused by Candida species, is a fungal infection of the lower female genital tract that affects approximately 75% of otherwise healthy women during their reproductive years. Predisposing factors include antibiotic usage, uncontrolled diabetes and disturbance in reproductive hormone levels due to pregnancy, oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapies. Recurrent VVC (RVVC), defined as three or more episodes per year, affects a separate 5 to 8% of women with no predisposing factors. An experimental mouse model of VVC has been established and used to study the pathogenesis and mucosal host response to Candida. This model has also been employed to test potential antifungal therapies in vivo. The model requires that the animals be maintained in a state of pseudoestrus for optimal Candida colonization/infection. Under such conditions, inoculated animals will have detectable vaginal fungal burden for weeks to months. Past studies show an extremely high parallel between the animal model and human infection relative to immunological and physiological properties. Differences, however, include a lack of Candida as normal vaginal flora and a neutral vaginal pH in the mice. Here, we demonstrate a series of key methods in the mouse vaginitis model that include vaginal inoculation, rapid collection of vaginal specimens, assessment of vaginal fungal burden, and tissue preparations for cellular extraction/isolation. This is followed by representative results for constituents of vaginal lavage fluid, fungal burden, and draining lymph node leukocyte yields. With the use of anesthetics, lavage samples can be collected at multiple time points on the same mice for longitudinal evaluation of infection/colonization. Furthermore, this model requires no immunosuppressive agents to initiate infection, allowing immunological studies under defined host conditions. Finally, the model and each technique introduced here could potentially give rise to use of the methodologies to examine other infectious diseases of the lower female genital tract (bacterial, parasitic, viral) and respective local or systemic host defenses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junko Yano
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, USA
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16
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Whiley RA, Cruchley AT, Gore C, Hagi-Pavli E. Candida albicans strain-dependent modulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine release by in vitro oral and vaginal mucosal models. Cytokine 2011; 57:89-97. [PMID: 22129624 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2011.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2011] [Revised: 10/07/2011] [Accepted: 10/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans is a commensal organism at several sites and is a versatile, opportunistic pathogen. The underlying factors of pathogen and host associated with commensalism and pathogenicity in C. albicans are complex and their importance is largely unknown. We aimed to study the responses of oral epithelial (OEM) and vaginal epithelial models (VEM) to infection by oral and vaginal C. albicans strains to obtain evidence of inter-strain differences in pathogenicity and of site-specificity. Following inoculation of models, proinflammatory cytokines IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release were monitored and histological staining undertaken. Striking differences in strain behaviour and epithelial responses were observed. IL-1α, IL-1β and IL-8 release were significantly increased from the OEM in response to denture stomatitis strain NCYC 1467. Increased IL-8 release also followed infection of the OEM with both vaginal strains. Overall the VEM was relatively unresponsive to infection with either oral or vaginal strains under these conditions. Adherence and hyphal development were observed for all strains on both models although extensive, uniform tissue penetration was seen only with stomatitis strain NCYC 1467 on the OEM. Candidal strains were assayed for phospholipase (PL) and secreted aspartyl proteinase (SAP) activities where phospholipase (PL) activity was highest for strain NCYC 1467 although highest SAP activity was observed for vaginal strain NCPF 8112 in this assay. This is the first study to concurrently investigate cytokine production from oral and epithelial models using candidal strains originating from these respective mucosal sites from healthy and disease states. These data demonstrate significant differences in inflammatory responses of host epithelia to individual C. albicans strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Whiley
- Institute of Dentistry, Barts & The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Turner Street, London E1 2AD, United Kingdom
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17
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Th17 cells and IL-17 in protective immunity to vaginal candidiasis. PLoS One 2011; 6:e22770. [PMID: 21818387 PMCID: PMC3144947 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0022770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2011] [Accepted: 06/29/2011] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Th17 cells play a major role in coordinating the host defence in oropharyngeal candidiasis. In this study we investigated the involvement of the Th17 response in an animal model of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). METHODS To monitor the course of infection we exploited a new in vivo imaging technique. RESULTS i) The progression of VVC leads to a strong influx of neutrophils in the vagina soon after the challenge which persisted despite the resolution of infection; ii) IL-17, produced by vaginal cells, particularly CD4 T cells, was detected in the vaginal wash during the infection, reaching a maximum 14 days after the challenge; iii) The amount and kinetics of IL-23 in vaginal fluids were comparable to those in vaginal cells; iv) The inhibition of Th17 differentiation led to significant inhibition of IL-17 production with consequent exacerbation of infection; v) An increased production of βdefensin 2 was manifested in cells of infected mice. This production was strongly reduced when Th17 differentiation was inhibited and was increased by rIL-17 treatment. CONCLUSIONS These results imply that IL-17 and Th17, along with innate antimicrobial factors, have a role in the immune response to vaginal candidiasis.
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Epithelial cell-derived S100 calcium-binding proteins as key mediators in the hallmark acute neutrophil response during Candida vaginitis. Infect Immun 2010; 78:5126-37. [PMID: 20823201 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00388-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), caused by Candida species, is a significant problem in women of childbearing age. Similar to clinical observations, a robust vaginal polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) migration occurs in a subset of mice without affecting vaginal fungal burden. We hypothesize that the vaginal PMN infiltrate and accompanying inflammation are not protective but instead are responsible for the symptoms of infection. The purpose of this study was to identify the signal(s) associated with the PMN response in the established mouse model. Vaginal lavage fluid from inoculated mice were categorized base on PMN counts, evaluated for PMN chemotactic activity and analyzed by SDS-PAGE and mass spectrometry (MS) for unique protein identification. The lavage fluid from inoculated mice with high, but not low, PMN levels showed increased chemotactic activity. Likewise, SDS-PAGE of lavage fluid with high PMN levels showed distinct protein patterns. MS revealed that bands at 6 and 14 kDa matched the PMN chemotactic calcium-binding proteins (CBPs), S100A8 and S100A9, respectively. The presence of the CBPs in lavage fluid was confirmed by Western blots and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Vaginal tissues and epithelial cells from inoculated mice with high PMN levels stained more intensely and exhibited increased mRNA transcripts for both proteins compared to those in mice with low PMN levels. Subsequent antibody neutralization showed significant abrogation of the chemotactic activity when the lavage fluid was treated with anti-S100A8, but not anti-S100A9, antibodies. These results reveal that the PMN chemotactic CBP S100A8 and S100A9 are produced by vaginal epithelial cells following interaction with Candida and that S100A8 is a strong candidate responsible for the robust PMN migration during experimental VVC.
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19
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20
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De Bernardis F, Santoni G, Boccanera M, Lucciarini R, Arancia S, Sandini S, Amantini C, Cassone A. Protection against rat vaginal candidiasis by adoptive transfer of vaginal B lymphocytes. FEMS Yeast Res 2010; 10:432-40. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1567-1364.2010.00620.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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21
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Pietrella D, Rachini A, Torosantucci A, Chiani P, Brown AJP, Bistoni F, Costantino P, Mosci P, d'Enfert C, Rappuoli R, Cassone A, Vecchiarelli A. A beta-glucan-conjugate vaccine and anti-beta-glucan antibodies are effective against murine vaginal candidiasis as assessed by a novel in vivo imaging technique. Vaccine 2009; 28:1717-25. [PMID: 20038431 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2009] [Revised: 11/30/2009] [Accepted: 12/14/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The protective capacity of a parenterally administered beta-glucan-conjugate vaccine formulated with the human-compatible MF59 adjuvant was assessed in a murine model of vaginal candidiasis. To monitor infection, an in vivo imaging technique exploiting genetically engineered, luminescent Candida albicans was adopted, and compared with measurements of colony forming units. The vaccine conferred significant protection, and this was associated with production of serum and vaginal anti-beta-glucan IgG antibodies. Vaginal IgG molecules were the likely mediators of protection as inferred by the efficacy of passive transfer of immune vaginal fluid and passive protection by an anti-beta-1,3-glucan mAb. Overall, the in vivo imaging technique was more reliable than vaginal CFU counts in assessing the extent and duration of the vaginal infection, and the consequent protection level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Pietrella
- Microbiology Section, Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06122 Perugia, Italy
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22
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Yuan X, Hua X, Wilhelmus KR. Proinflammatory chemokines during Candida albicans keratitis. Exp Eye Res 2009; 90:413-9. [PMID: 20005222 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2009.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2009] [Revised: 12/01/2009] [Accepted: 12/02/2009] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Chemotactic cytokines mediate the recruitment of leukocytes into infected tissues. This study investigated the profile of chemokines during experimental Candida albicans keratitis and determined the effects of chemokine inhibition on leukocyte infiltration and fungal growth during murine keratomycosis. Scarified corneas of BALB/c mice were topically inoculated with C. albicans and monitored daily over one week for fungal keratitis. After a gene microarray for murine chemokines compared infected corneas to controls, real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunostaining assessed chemokine expression in infected and mock-inoculated corneas. An anti-chemokine antibody was then administered subconjunctivally and evaluated for effects on clinical severity, corneal inflammation, fungal recovery, and cytokine expression. Of 33 chemokine genes examined by microarray, 6 CC chemokines and 6 CXC chemokines were significantly (P<0.05) upregulated more than two-fold. Chemokine (CC-motif) ligand 3 (CCL3) was upregulated 108-fold (P=0.03) by real-time RT-PCR within one day after fungal inoculation and remained increased 28-fold (P=0.02) at one week, and its in situ expression increased in the epithelium and stroma of infected corneas. Compared to the control antibody-treated group, eyes treated with anti-CCL3 antibody showed reduced clinical severity (P<0.05), less corneal neovascularization (P=0.02), and fewer inflammatory cells infiltrating corneal tissue, but the amount of recoverable fungi was not significantly (P=0.4) affected. Anti-CCL3 treatment significantly (P=0.01) reduced the expression of tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-1beta in infected corneas. These results indicate that chemokines, especially the CC chemokine CCL3, play important roles in the acute inflammatory response to C. albicans corneal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyong Yuan
- Sid W. Richardson Ocular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, 6565 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77030, USA
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23
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Aranha C, Gupta S, Reddy K. Assessment of cervicovaginal cytokine levels following exposure to microbicide Nisin gel in rabbits. Cytokine 2008; 43:63-70. [PMID: 18513989 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2008.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2007] [Revised: 03/10/2008] [Accepted: 04/14/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Abstract
Rodent models of oral, vaginal and gastrointestinal Candida infection are described and discussed in terms of their scientific merits. The common feature of all experimental mucosal Candida infections is the need for some level of host immunocompromise or exogenous treatment to ensure quantitatively reproducible disease. A growing literature describes the contributions of such candidiasis models to our understanding of certain aspects of fungal virulence and host response to mucosal Candida albicans challenge. Evidence to date shows that T-lymphocyte responses dominate host immune defences to oral and gastrointestinal challenge, while other, highly compartmentalized responses defend vaginal surfaces. By contrast the study of C. albicans virulence factors in mucosal infection models has only begun to unravel the complex of attributes required to define the difference between strongly and weakly muco-invasive strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian R Naglik
- Department of Oral Immunology, King's College London Dental Institute, King's College London, London, UK.
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25
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Fan S, Liao Q, Liu X, Liu Z, Zhang D. Vaginal allergic response in women with vulvovaginal candidiasis. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2008; 101:27-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2007.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2007] [Revised: 08/19/2007] [Accepted: 08/20/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), caused by Candida albicans, remains a significant problem in women of childbearing age. While cell-mediated immunity is considered the predominant host defense mechanism against mucosal candidal infections, two decades of research from animal models and clinical studies have revealed a lack of a protective role for adaptive immunity against VVC caused by putative immunoregulatory mechanisms. Moreover, natural protective mechanisms and factors associated with susceptibility to infection have remained elusive. That is until recently, when through a live challenge model in humans, it was revealed that protection against vaginitis coincides with a non-inflammatory innate presence, whereas symptomatic infection correlates with a neutrophil infiltrate in the vaginal lumen and elevated fungal burden. Thus, instead of VVC being caused by a putative deficient adaptive immune response, it is now being considered that symptomatic vaginitis is caused by an aggressive innate response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul L Fidel
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
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27
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Fidan I, Yuksel S, Imir T, Kalkanci A, Kustimur S, Ilhan MN. The effects of fluconazole and cytokines on human mononuclear cells. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2007; 102:127-31. [PMID: 17426874 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762007005000021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2006] [Accepted: 02/14/2007] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida infections are common infections and fluconazole is one of the most frequently administered antifungal agents in their treatment. The resistance developed against antifungal agents has necessitated the improvement of new treatments. This study focuses on the investigation of the effect of fluconazole and cytokines such as interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) on chemokine production and anticandidal activity of human monocytes. In the study it was observed that GM-CSF caused an increase in candidacidal activity of monocytes. Anticandidal activity of GM-CSF + IFN-gamma combination was not found to be more effective than GM-CSF or IFN-gamma alone. The presence of cytokine and fluconazole caused an increase in the levels of CCL3 and CCL4 chemokines. Accordingly, it was considered that chemokines could contribute to the efficacy of fluconazole in C. albicans infections. Besides, in order to strengthen the immune system some cytokines might be used in addition to antifungal agents for the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isil Fidan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey.
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28
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Pellis V, De Seta F, Crovella S, Bossi F, Bulla R, Guaschino S, Radillo O, Garred P, Tedesco F. Mannose binding lectin and C3 act as recognition molecules for infectious agents in the vagina. Clin Exp Immunol 2005; 139:120-6. [PMID: 15606621 PMCID: PMC1809267 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2005.02660.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In our study we examined the early complement components in patients with bacterial vaginosis (BV), vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and in healthy controls. The levels of C1q, mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and C3 were measured by ELISA in the cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) from gynaecological patients and controls. No significant differences were observed in the levels of these proteins in the three study groups. Immunofluorescence analysis of the clue cells and Candida hyphae from BV and VVC patients for surface-bound complement components showed the presence of C3, while C1q was undetectable. MBL was revealed on clue cells but not on Candida. Binding of MBL to Candida, grown or cytocentrifuged from the CVL of VVC patients, was found to be pH dependent and occurred between pH 4.5 and pH 5.5. In conclusion, we demonstrated that MBL and C3 present in the vaginal cavity act as recognition molecules for infectious agents that colonize the cervicovaginal mucosa. Our finding that MBL, but not C1q, binds to bacteria and fungi in vagina suggests that the lectin and classical pathways of complement activation may play a different role in immune defence in the female genital tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Pellis
- Department of Physiology and Pathology, IRCCS, Burlo Garofolo, Italy
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29
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Baoprasertkul P, He C, Peatman E, Zhang S, Li P, Liu Z. Constitutive expression of three novel catfish CXC chemokines: homeostatic chemokines in teleost fish. Mol Immunol 2005; 42:1355-66. [PMID: 15950731 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2004.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2004] [Accepted: 12/19/2004] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Chemokines are best known for their vital role in leukocyte chemotaxis, as part of the larger inflammatory response. Expression analysis and functional characterization of chemokines in mammalian species have often overlooked the role of these proteins under homeostatic conditions. Recent investigations of chemokine diversity in teleost fish have also centered on the immune-related functions of chemotactic cytokines, such as CXCL8 and CXCL10. While a disease-based approach to chemokines is essential to the development of remediative therapies for both human and animal infections, it may be a poor measure of the overall complexity of chemokine functions. As part of a larger effort to assess the conservation of chemokine diversity in teleost fish, we report here the identification of three novel, constitutively expressed CXC chemokines from channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). Phylogenetic analyses indicated that two of the three CXC chemokines were orthologues for mammalian CXCL12 and CXCL14, respectively. Whereas a clear orthology could not yet be established for the third CXC chemokine, it shared highest amino acid identity with mammalian CXCL2. All three CXC chemokines show expression in a wide range of tissues, and early expression during development was observed for CXCL12. The expression of this new set of catfish CXC chemokines was not induced during challenge by infection of Edwardsiella ictaluri, the causative agent of the fish pathogen enteric septicemia of catfish. In contrast to the gene duplication of CXCL12 in carp and zebrafish, Southern blot analysis indicated that all three catfish CXC chemokines exist as single copy genes in the catfish genome suggesting that gene duplication of CXC chemokines in specific teleost fish was a recent evolutionary event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puttharat Baoprasertkul
- The Fish Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures and Program of Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Aquatic Genomics Unit, Auburn University, 203 Swingle Hall, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
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30
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Wozniak KL, Palmer G, Kutner R, Fidel PL. Immunotherapeutic approaches to enhance protective immunity againstCandidavaginitis. Med Mycol 2005; 43:589-601. [PMID: 16396244 DOI: 10.1080/13693780500096898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Protective host defense mechanisms against vaginal Candida infections are poorly understood. While cell-mediated immunity (CMI) is the predominant host-defense mechanism against most mucosal Candida infections, no protective role for systemic or local Candida-specific CMI or antibodies has been identified against vaginal candidiasis. Rather, evidence exists for immunoregulation in vaginal tissue, which may inhibit a more profound protective Th1-type response. This study evaluated immunotherapy and gene therapy approaches in the murine model to potentially overcome immunoregulation and promote enhanced protection against vaginal candidiasis. In the first set of studies, the intravaginal and systemic administration of Thl-type cytokines and anti-IL-10 and anti-TGF-beta antibodies failed to enhance protection against a vaginal Candida infection. In a second set of studies, the novel intravaginal administration of Adenoviruses encoding Th1-type cytokines (IFN-gamma and IL-12) and the chemokine, MCP-1, showed substantial, but transient (24 h) expression of each in vaginal tissue and draining lymph nodes, even with a second administration. Unfortunately, treatment with these Adenoviral vectors did not enhance protection against experimental vaginitis. Construction of a new vector encoding IFN-gamma with a stronger promoter produced substantial IFN-gamma in vitro, but lower amounts in vivo and no extended expression. Taken together, while gene therapy can be used to induce cytokine expression in vaginal tissue, there appear to be strong regulatory mechanisms that additional manipulations or alternative approaches will have to overcome if protection against vaginitis is to be enhanced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L Wozniak
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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31
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul L Fidel
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
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32
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Intini G, Aguirre A, Bobek LA. Efficacy of human salivary mucin MUC7-derived peptide and histatin 5 in a murine model of candidiasis. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2003; 22:594-600. [PMID: 14659657 DOI: 10.1016/s0924-8579(03)00243-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
MUC7 16-mer (residues 36-51 of human salivary mucin, MUC7) and histatin 5 possess potent in vitro antifungal activity. In the present study, we have evaluated the efficacy of these peptides in vivo using the experimental model of murine vulvo-vaginal candidiasis. The treatment groups included MUC7 16-mer, histatin 5, clotrimazole (all in pluronic F127 gel), and placebo (gel alone). Mice were treated intravaginally for 7 consecutive days. At the end of the treatment, anticandidal activities were assessed by colony counts and by histological examination. All groups except clotrimazole presented positive cultures; no statistically significant differences were found in fungal burden amongst placebo and any treatment group except clotrimazole. Histopathological findings confirmed the microbiological results; all groups with the exception of clotrimazole showed variable signs of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Intini
- Departments of Oral Biology and Oral Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, 109 Foster Hall, 3435 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214-3092, USA
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33
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Abstract
Candida albicans is the causative agent of acute and recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), a common mucosal infection affecting significant numbers of women in their reproductive years. While any murine host protective role for cell-mediated immunity (CMI), humoral immunity, and innate resistance by neutrophils against the vaginal infection appear negligible, significant in vitro growth inhibition of Candida species by vaginal and oral epithelial cell-enriched cells has been observed. Both oral and vaginal epithelial cell anti-Candida activity has a strict requirement for cell contact to C. albicans with no role for soluble factors, and oral epithelial cells inhibit C. albicans through a cell surface carbohydrate moiety. The present study further evaluated the inhibitory mechanisms by murine vaginal epithelial cells and the fate of C. albicans by oral and vaginal epithelial cells. Similar to human oral cells, anti-Candida activity produced by murine vaginal epithelial cells is unaffected by enzymatic cleavage of cell surface proteins and lipids but sensitive to periodic acid cleavage of surface carbohydrates. Analysis of specific membrane carbohydrate moieties, however, showed no role for sulfated polysaccharides, sialic acid residues, or glucose and mannose-containing carbohydrates, also similar to oral cells. Staining for live and dead Candida in the coculture with fluorescein diacetate (FDA) and propidium iodide (PI), respectively, showed a clear predominance of live organisms, suggesting a static rather than cidal action. Together, the results suggest that oral and vaginal epithelial cells retard or arrest the growth rather than kill C. albicans through an as-yet-unidentified carbohydrate moiety in a noninflammatory manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatema Nomanbhoy
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans 70112, USA
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34
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Fidel PL. The protective immune response against vaginal candidiasis: lessons learned from clinical studies and animal models. Int Rev Immunol 2002; 21:515-48. [PMID: 12650240 DOI: 10.1080/08830180215015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) is a significant problem in women of childbearing ages and is caused by Candida albicans, a commensal organism of the intestinal and reproductive tracts. As a result of this commensalism, most healthy individuals have demonstrable Candida-specific adaptive immunity that is considered protective. In women with RVVC, a deficiency/dysfunction of this protective immunity is postulated to affect susceptibility to infection. Although cell-mediated immunity (CMI) is considered important for protection against mucosal candidal infections, little is understood about specific host defenses that are important at the vaginal mucosa. Studies to date suggest that a compartmentalized local, rather than systemic, immunity is important for defense against vaginitis. This review will summarize the current state of knowledge regarding protective host defense mechanisms against vaginal C. albicans infections both from clinical studies and animal models. From these data, hypotheses are presented for what host defense mechanisms appear important for resistance/susceptibility to vaginal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul L Fidel
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA.
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35
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Wozniak KL, Wormley FL, Fidel PL. Candida-specific antibodies during experimental vaginal candidiasis in mice. Infect Immun 2002; 70:5790-9. [PMID: 12228309 PMCID: PMC128320 DOI: 10.1128/iai.70.10.5790-5799.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Protective host defense mechanisms against vaginal Candida albicans infections are poorly understood. Although cell-mediated immunity (CMI) is the predominant host defense mechanism against most mucosal Candida infections, the role of CMI against vaginal candidiasis is uncertain, both in humans and in an experimental mouse model. The role of humoral immunity is equally unclear. While clinical observations suggest a minimal role for antibodies against vaginal candidiasis, an experimental rat model has provided evidence for a protective role for Candida-specific immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies. Additionally, Candida vaccination-induced IgM and IgG3 antibodies are protective in a mouse model of vaginitis. In the present study, the role of infection-induced humoral immunity in protection against experimental vaginal candidiasis was evaluated through the quantification of Candida-specific IgA, IgG, and IgM antibodies in serum and vaginal lavage fluids of mice with primary and secondary (partially protected) infection. In naïve mice, total, but not Candida-specific, antibodies were detected in serum and lavage fluids, consistent with lack of yeast colonization in mice. In infected mice, Candida-specific IgA and IgG antibodies were induced in serum with anamnestic responses to secondary infection. In lavage fluid, while Candida-specific antibodies were detectable, concentrations were extremely low with no anamnestic responses in mice with secondary infection. The incorporation of alternative protocols-including infections in a different strain of mice, prolongation of primary infection prior to secondary challenge, use of different enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay capture antigens, and concentration of lavage fluid-did not enhance local Candida-specific antibody production or detection. Additionally, antibodies were not removed from lavage fluids by being bound to Candida during infection. Together, these data suggest that antibodies are not readily present in vaginal secretions of infected mice and thus have a limited natural protective role against infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L Wozniak
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA
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36
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Santoni G, Boccanera M, Adriani D, Lucciarini R, Amantini C, Morrone S, Cassone A, De Bernardis F. Immune cell-mediated protection against vaginal candidiasis: evidence for a major role of vaginal CD4(+) T cells and possible participation of other local lymphocyte effectors. Infect Immun 2002; 70:4791-7. [PMID: 12183521 PMCID: PMC128254 DOI: 10.1128/iai.70.9.4791-4797.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The protective roles of different lymphocyte subsets were investigated in a rat vaginal candidiasis model by adoptive transfer of vaginal lymphocytes (VL) or sorted, purified CD3(+) T cells, CD4(+) or CD8(+) T cells, or CD3(-) CD5(+) B cells from the vaginas of naïve or immune rats following three rounds of Candida albicans infection. The adoptive transfer of total VL from nonimmune animals did not alter the course of vaginal candidiasis of the recipient rats. In contrast, the animals receiving total VL or CD3(+) T cells from immune rats showed a highly significant acceleration of fungus clearance compared with animals which received nonimmune VL. The animals with vaginal CD3(-) CD5(+) B cells transferred from immune rats also had fewer Candida CFU than the controls, but fungal clearance was significantly retarded with respect to the animals administered immune T cells. Sorted, purified CD4(+) and CD8(+) vaginal T cells from immune rats were also adoptively transferred to naïve animals. Although both populations were seen to accelerate the clearance of the fungus from the vagina, CD4(+) T cells were much more effective than CD8(+) T cells. Overall, there was no difference between the antifungal effects of immune vaginal CD4(+) T cells and those achievable with the transfer of whole, immune VL. Histological observations of the vaginal tissues of rats with adoptively transferred immune T cells demonstrated a remarkable accumulation of lymphocytes in the subepithelial lamina propria and also infiltrating the mucosal epithelium. These results strongly suggest that distinct vaginal lymphocyte subsets participate in the adaptive anti-Candida immunity at the vaginal level, with the vaginal CD4(+) T cells probably playing a major role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Santoni
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences and Experimental Medicine, University of Camerino, Italy
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37
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Cárdenas-Freytag L, Steele C, Wormley FL, Cheng E, Clements JD, Fidel PL. Partial protection against experimental vaginal candidiasis after mucosal vaccination with heat-killed Candida albicans and the mucosal adjuvant LT(R192G). Med Mycol 2002; 40:291-9. [PMID: 12146759 DOI: 10.1080/mmy.40.3.291.299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The effectiveness of a mucosal vaccine composed of heat-killed Candida albicans (HK-CA) or C. albicans culture filtrate (CaCF) in conjunction with the mucosal adjuvant LT(R192G) against vulvovaginal candidiasis was examined in an estrogen-dependent murine model. Mice vaccinated intranasally with HK-CA + LT(R192G) exhibited a significant but short-lived protection accompanied by a vigorous delayed-type hypersensitivity response as well as high titers of circulating C. albicans-specific antibodies. Surprisingly, the levels of antigen-specific antibodies in the vaginal secretions of protected mice were negligible and no correlates of vaginal-associated Type 1 or Type 2 cytokines were observed. Vaginal priming with C. albicans before vaccination did not alter the protective outcome. Immunization with CaCF + LT(R192G) induced a discrete level of protection when administered intrarectally but not intranasally. These results suggest that mucosal vaccination can afford partial protection against vulvovaginal candidiasis, but the precise immune mechanisms responsible for protection are complex and as yet, not well understood.
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MESH Headings
- Adjuvants, Immunologic/administration & dosage
- Administration, Intranasal
- Administration, Rectal
- Animals
- Antibodies, Fungal/blood
- Bacterial Toxins/administration & dosage
- Candida albicans/immunology
- Candida albicans/isolation & purification
- Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal/blood
- Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal/immunology
- Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal/prevention & control
- Culture Media, Conditioned
- Disease Models, Animal
- Enterotoxins/administration & dosage
- Escherichia coli Proteins
- Estradiol/administration & dosage
- Estradiol/analogs & derivatives
- Female
- Fungal Vaccines/administration & dosage
- Hypersensitivity, Delayed/etiology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred CBA
- Time Factors
- Vaccination
- Vaccines, Inactivated/administration & dosage
- Vagina/microbiology
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Affiliation(s)
- L Cárdenas-Freytag
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA.
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38
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Wozniak KL, Arribas A, Leigh JE, Fidel PL. Inhibitory effects of whole and parotid saliva on immunomodulators. ORAL MICROBIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY 2002; 17:100-7. [PMID: 11929557 DOI: 10.1046/j.0902-0055.2001.00101.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Based on the presence of cytokines in whole saliva and their association with resistance and susceptibility to infectious disease, the present study was designed to evaluate the diagnostic potential of a large panel of cytokines and chemokines in saliva. Despite the endogenous presence of Th1/Th2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines and several chemokines in whole and parotid saliva of most individuals tested, the detection of known concentrations of several recombinant cytokines and chemokines was inhibited immediately following their addition to each type of saliva. In contrast, purified immunoglobulins were unaffected by either whole or parotid saliva. Further studies revealed that the inhibition of immunoreactivity involved sequestration of the majority of cytokines affected and degradation of chemokines. These results suggest that absolute concentrations of cytokines/chemokines may not be fully detectable in saliva. Therefore, the diagnostic value of any cytokine/chemokine is questionable and should be evaluated independently as such.
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Affiliation(s)
- K L Wozniak
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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39
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Schaller M, Mailhammer R, Grassl G, Sander CA, Hube B, Korting HC. Infection of human oral epithelia with Candida species induces cytokine expression correlated to the degree of virulence. J Invest Dermatol 2002; 118:652-7. [PMID: 11918712 DOI: 10.1046/j.1523-1747.2002.01699.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
A defined and balanced immunomodulatory response is crucial for the protection of mucosal surfaces being in contact with pathogenic microorganisms. This study examined the local host response mechanisms of epithelial cells in experimental Candida albicans, C. tropicalis, and C. glabrata infections by measuring the expression of cytokines at the mRNA and protein level. During the course of infection with active but not with heat-killed C. albicans stimulation of the gene expression levels for interleukin-1alpha, interleukin-1beta, tumor necrosis factor, Exodus-2, P-selectin ligand, granulocyte-monocyte colony-stimulating factor, and interleukin-8 was observed by standard and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. This cytokine pattern may favor a chemotactic and a T helper 1 response. Initial moderate or weak upregulation of these cytokine genes by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was also observed in epithelial infection with the less virulent species C. tropicalis and C. glabrata. Heat-killed C. albicans failed to induce an epithelial immune response. At the protein level, expression of interleukin-8 protein was strongly enhanced during the course of C. albicans infection, whereas lower levels were seen with C. tropicalis and C. glabrata. The different expression patterns of cytokines were associated with differences in virulence of the Candida strains. This study's data, therefore, show a correlation between the virulence potential of pathogenic fungi, possibly mediated by specific virulence factors (such as proteinases), and the secretion of epithelial cytokines and chemokines, which may initiate in vivo a protective T helper 1 immunologic response and contribute to the recruitment of activated leukocytes and lymphocytes to the site of mucosal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Schaller
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany.
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40
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Maxion HK, Kelly KA. Chemokine expression patterns differ within anatomically distinct regions of the genital tract during Chlamydia trachomatis infection. Infect Immun 2002; 70:1538-46. [PMID: 11854242 PMCID: PMC127774 DOI: 10.1128/iai.70.3.1538-1546.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Untreated infections with Chlamydia trachomatis commonly result in ascending infection to fallopian tubes and subsequent immune-mediated tubal pathology in females. The proposed immune-mediated injury may be associated with the increased recruitment of CD4 cells to the upper genital tract (GT) (oviducts) in comparison to the lower GT (cervix) during infection, as shown in animal models. To understand the mechanisms responsible for this biased recruitment of CD4 cells within the GT, we characterized chemokine expression patterns in the upper and lower GTs in mice during infection with the murine pneumonitis biovar of Chlamydia trachomatis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays of supernatants from GT homogenates revealed that the levels of the Th1-associated chemokines CXCL9 (monokine induced by gamma interferon), CXCL10 (interferon-inducible protein 10), and CCL5 (RANTES) were significantly higher in the upper GT than in the lower GT after infection, while the CCL3 (macrophage inflammatory protein 1 alpha) level was not increased. In contrast, the level of chemokine CCL11 (eotaxin) was significantly elevated in the lower GT later in the course of infection. Increased levels of mRNA confirmed the selective differences in chemokine expression within the upper and lower GTs. The increased levels of Th1-inducible chemokines in the upper GT were not due to differences in the magnitude of infection or progesterone pretreatment. These data demonstrate that the upper and lower regions of the GT respond differently to Chlamydia infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather K Maxion
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90095-1732, USA
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41
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Steele C, Fidel PL. Cytokine and chemokine production by human oral and vaginal epithelial cells in response to Candida albicans. Infect Immun 2002; 70:577-83. [PMID: 11796585 PMCID: PMC127706 DOI: 10.1128/iai.70.2.577-583.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Oropharyngeal and vaginal candidiases are the most common forms of mucosal fungal infections and are primarily caused by Candida albicans, a dimorphic fungal commensal organism of the gastrointestinal and lower female reproductive tracts. Clinical and experimental observations suggest that local immunity is important in host defense against candidiasis. Accordingly, cytokines and chemokines are present at the oral and vaginal mucosa during C. albicans infections. Since mucosal epithelial cells produce a variety of cytokines and chemokines in response to microorganisms and since C. albicans is closely associated with mucosal epithelial cells as a commensal, we sought to identify cytokines and/or chemokines produced by primary oral and vaginal epithelial cells and cell lines in response to C. albicans. The results showed that proinflammatory cytokines were produced by oral and/or vaginal epithelial cells at various levels constitutively with considerable interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha) and tumor necrosis factor alpha, but not IL-6, produced in response to C. albicans. In contrast, Th1-type (IL-12 and gamma interferon) and Th2-type-immunoregulatory (IL-10 and transforming growth factor beta) cytokines and the chemokines monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 and IL-8 were produced in low to undetectable concentrations with little additional production in response to C. albicans. Taken together, these results indicate that cytokines and chemokines are variably produced by oral and vaginal epithelial cells constitutively, as well as in response to C. albicans, and are predominated by proinflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad Steele
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA
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42
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43
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Wormley FL, Chaiban J, Fidel PL. Cell adhesion molecule and lymphocyte activation marker expression during experimental vaginal candidiasis. Infect Immun 2001; 69:5072-9. [PMID: 11447188 PMCID: PMC98602 DOI: 10.1128/iai.69.8.5072-5079.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-mediated immunity by Th1-type CD4(+) T cells is the predominant host defense mechanism against mucosal candidiasis. However, studies using an estrogen-dependent murine model of vaginal candidiasis have demonstrated little to no change in resident vaginal T cells during infection and no systemic T-cell infiltration despite the presence of Candida-specific systemic Th1-type responses in infected mice. The present study was designed to further investigate these observations by characterizing T-cell activation and cell adhesion molecule expression during primary and secondary C. albicans vaginal infections. While flow cytometry analysis of activation markers showed some evidence for activation of CD3(+) draining lymph node and/or vaginal lymphocytes during both primary and secondary vaginal Candida infection, CD3(+) cells expressing the homing receptors and integrins alpha(4)beta(7), alpha(M290)beta(7), and alpha(4)beta(1) in draining lymph nodes of mice with primary and secondary infections were reduced compared to results for uninfected mice. At the local level, few vaginal lymphocytes expressed integrins, with only minor changes observed during both primary and secondary infections. On the other hand, immunohistochemical analysis of vaginal cell adhesion molecule expression showed increases in mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule 1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 expression during both primary and secondary infections. Altogether, these data suggest that although the vaginal tissue is permissive to cellular infiltration during a vaginal Candida infection, the reduced numbers of systemic cells expressing the reciprocal cellular adhesion molecules may preempt cellular infiltration, thereby limiting Candida-specific T-cell responses against infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- F L Wormley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112-1393, USA
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44
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Abstract
The production of chemokines at the site of a fungal infection is critical for effective recruitment of leukocytes to that site. Over 40 chemokines and 20 chemokine receptors have been identified. The most intriguing biological property of chemokines is that they often play non-redundant roles in vivo even though they are highly related, have multiple activities and bind multiple chemokine receptors. Almost all of the chemokine studies to date have concentrated on responses to Cryptococcus, Candida, Aspergillus or Pneumocystis. The role of chemokines in infections caused by fungi such as Histoplasma, Blastomyces, Coccidioides and Paracoccidioides remains to be explored. In this review we have summarized what is currently known about the role of chemokines during fungal infection, including the influence of these signaling proteins on effector cell recruitment and development of cell-mediated immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- T R Traynor
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, USA
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45
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Taylor BN, Saavedra M, Fidel PL. Local Th1/Th2 cytokine production during experimental vaginal candidiasis: potential importance of transforming growth factor-beta. Med Mycol 2000; 38:419-31. [PMID: 11204879 DOI: 10.1080/mmy.38.6.419.431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Host defense mechanisms against vaginal Candida albicans infections are poorly understood. Despite the protective role of T helper (Th)1-type cell-mediated immunity (CMI) against mucosal C. albicans infections, studies using an estrogen-dependent murine model of vaginal candidiasis have shown a lack of effect of systemic Th1-type CMI against a vaginal C. albicans infection, and a lack of changes in local T cells during infection. In the present study, the local Thl- (interleukin [IL]-2, interferon [IFN]-gamma and IL-12) and Th2- (IL-4, IL-10 and transforming growth factor [TGF]-beta1) type cytokines were evaluated in vaginal tissue during an experimental C. albicans infection. Results showed constitutive expression of TGF-beta1 in vaginal tissue of naive mice that was two-fold higher than the levels of the other cytokines examined. These high levels of TGF-beta1 were further increased as a result of pseudoestrus and/or infection, and were corroborated at the messenger RNA level. Furthermore, the levels of TGF-beta in naive or infected mice were significantly higher in the vagina compared to other areas of the genital tract. Finally, TGF-beta1 predominated as well in the draining, but not non-draining, lymph nodes during infection. These results suggest that TGF-beta1, a potent immunoregulatory cytokine, may be important in the lack of demonstrable CMI at the vaginal mucosa against C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- B N Taylor
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans 70112, USA
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46
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Ritter U, Moll H. Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 stimulates the killing of Leishmania major by human monocytes, acts synergistically with IFN-γ and is antagonized by IL-4. Eur J Immunol 2000. [DOI: 10.1002/1521-4141(200011)30:11%3c3111::aid-immu3111%3e3.0.co;2-o] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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47
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Schweizer A, Rupp S, Taylor BN, Röllinghoff M, Schröppel K. The TEA/ATTS transcription factor CaTec1p regulates hyphal development and virulence in Candida albicans. Mol Microbiol 2000; 38:435-45. [PMID: 11069668 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2958.2000.02132.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The temporal and spatial expression of stage-specific genes during morphological development of fungi and higher eukaryotes is controlled by transcription factors. In this study, we report the cloning and functional analysis of the Candida albicans TEC1 (CaTEC1) gene, a new member of the TEA/ATTS family of transcription factors that regulates C. albicans virulence. The promoters of the type 4, 5 and 6 proteinase isogenes (SAP4-6) contain repetitive TEA/ATTS consensus sequence motifs. This finding suggests a possible role for a homologue of Saccharomyces cerevisiae TEC1 during the activation of proteinase gene expression in C. albicans. CaTEC1 is predominantly expressed in the hyphal form of C. albicans. In vitro, serum-induced hyphal formation as well as evasion from MPhi after phagocytosis is suppressed in catec1/catec1 mutant cells. Furthermore, expression of the proteinase isogenes SAP4-6 is no longer inducible in these mutant cells. The deletion of the CaTEC1 gene attenuates virulence of C. albicans in a systemic model of murine candidiasis, although both mutant and revertant cells that were prepared from infected tissues or the vaginal mucosa grew in a hyphal morphology in vivo. CaTEC1 complements the pseudohyphal and invasive growth defect of haploid and diploid S. cerevisiae tec1/tec1 mutant cells and strongly activates the promoter of FLO11, a gene required for pseudohyphal growth. This study provides the first evidence pointing to an essential role for a member of the TEA/ATTS transcription factor family that had so far only been ascribed to function during development as a virulence regulator in microbial pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Schweizer
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, University of Erlangen, Wasserturmstrasse 3, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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Ritter U, Moll H. Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 stimulates the killing of leishmania major by human monocytes, acts synergistically with IFN-gamma and is antagonized by IL-4. Eur J Immunol 2000; 30:3111-20. [PMID: 11093125 DOI: 10.1002/1521-4141(200011)30:11<3111::aid-immu3111>3.0.co;2-o] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
We recently demonstrated that monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) is strongly expressed in lesions of patients with self-healing localized cutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL) whereas it is scarce in those of chronic diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis (DCL). This finding indicated that MCP-1 may contribute to the healing process. In the present study, we analyzed the capacity of MCP-1 to trigger leishmanicidal activities. The results show that MCP-1 directly stimulates the elimination of intracellular Leishmania parasites by human monocytes, a potential that correlates with the induction of reactive oxygen intermediates. Release of NO was not detected. To understand the cross-talk between the chemokine and T cell-associated cytokines, we studied the influence of the Th1 cytokine IFN-gamma and the Th2 cytokine IL-4 on MCP-1-mediated activation of human monocytes. The data demonstrate that IFN-gamma and MCP-1 synergistically activate monocytes to clear intracellular parasites, whereas IL-4 abrogates the effect of MCP-1. Furthermore, IL-4 inhibits MCP-1 expression by infected monocytes, a finding that may explain the lack of MCP-1 in chronic lesions. The data suggest a novel model for macrophage activation in cutaneous leishmaniasis. In lesions of LCL, the synergistic action of MCP-1 and IFN-gamma may stimulate the killing of parasites by macrophages and promote healing, whereas the presence of IL-4 in DCL lesions may favor the suppression of MCP-1 and, together with the lack of IFN-gamma, the progression of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Ritter
- Institute for Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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