Genetic requirements for salmonella-induced cytopathology in human monocyte-derived macrophages

A Comprehensive Review Exploring the Protective Role of Specific Commensal Gut Bacteria against Salmonella

Gut microbiota is a diverse community of microorganisms that constantly work to protect the gut against pathogens. Salmonella stands out as a notorious foodborne pathogen that interacts with gut microbes, causing an imbalance in the overall composition of microbiota and leading to dysbiosis. This review focuses on the interactions between Salmonella and the key commensal bacteria such as E. coli, Lactobacillus, Clostridium, Akkermansia, and Bacteroides. The review highlights the role of these gut bacteria and their synergy in combating Salmonella through several mechanistic interactions. These include the production of siderophores, which compete with Salmonella for essential iron; the synthesis of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which exert antimicrobial effects and modulate the gut environment; the secretion of bacteriocins, which directly inhibit Salmonella growth; and the modulation of cytokine responses, which influences the host's immune reaction to infection. While much research has explored Salmonella, this review aims to better understand how specific gut bacteria engage with the pathogen, revealing distinct defense mechanisms tailored to each species and how their synergy may lead to enhanced protection against Salmonella. Furthermore, the combination of these commensal bacteria could offer promising avenues for bacteria-mediated therapy during Salmonella-induced gut infections in the future.

A Systemic Review on Fitness and Survival of Salmonella in Dynamic Environment and Conceivable Ways of Its Mitigation

Gastroenteritis caused by non-typhoidal Salmonella still prevails resulting in several recent outbreaks affecting many people worldwide. The presence of invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella is exemplified by several characteristic symptoms and their severity relies on prominent risk factors. The persistence of this pathogen can be attributed to its broad host range, complex pathogenicity and virulence and adeptness in survival under challenging conditions inside the host. Moreover, a peculiar aid of the ever-changing climatic conditions grants this organism with remarkable potential to survive within the environment. Abusive use of antibiotics for the treatment of gastroenteritis has led to the emergence of multiple drug resistance, making the infections difficult to treat. This review emphasizes the importance of early detection of Salmonella, along with strategies for accomplishing it, as well as exploring alternative treatment approaches. The exceptional characteristics exhibited by Salmonella, like strategies of infection, persistence, and survival parallelly with multiple drug resistance, make this pathogen a prominent concern to human health.

The ABC toxin complex from Yersinia entomophaga can package three different cytotoxic components expressed from distinct genetic loci in an unfolded state: the structures of both shell and cargo

Bacterial ABC toxin complexes (Tcs) comprise three core proteins: TcA, TcB and TcC. The TcA protein forms a pentameric assembly that attaches to the surface of target cells and penetrates the cell membrane. The TcB and TcC proteins assemble as a heterodimeric TcB-TcC subcomplex that makes a hollow shell. This TcB-TcC subcomplex self-cleaves and encapsulates within the shell a cytotoxic `cargo' encoded by the C-terminal region of the TcC protein. Here, we describe the structure of a previously uncharacterized TcC protein from Yersinia entomophaga, encoded by a gene at a distant genomic location from the genes encoding the rest of the toxin complex, in complex with the TcB protein. When encapsulated within the TcB-TcC shell, the C-terminal toxin adopts an unfolded and disordered state, with limited areas of local order stabilized by the chaperone-like inner surface of the shell. We also determined the structure of the toxin cargo alone and show that when not encapsulated within the shell, it adopts an ADP-ribosyltransferase fold most similar to the catalytic domain of the SpvB toxin from Salmonella typhimurium. Our structural analysis points to a likely mechanism whereby the toxin acts directly on actin, modifying it in a way that prevents normal polymerization.

Nuclear factor kappa B-dependent persistence of Salmonella Typhi and Paratyphi in human macrophages

Salmonella serovars Typhi and Paratyphi cause a prolonged illness known as enteric fever, whereas other serovars cause acute gastroenteritis. Mechanisms responsible for the divergent clinical manifestations of nontyphoidal and enteric fever Salmonella infections have remained elusive. Here, we show that S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi A can persist within human macrophages, whereas S. Typhimurium rapidly induces apoptotic macrophage cell death that is dependent on Salmonella pathogenicity island 2 (SPI2). S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi A lack 12 specific SPI2 effectors with pro-apoptotic functions, including nine that target nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Pharmacologic inhibition of NF-κB or heterologous expression of the SPI2 effectors GogA or GtgA restores apoptosis of S. Typhi-infected macrophages. In addition, the absence of the SPI2 effector SarA results in deficient signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) activation and interleukin 12 production, leading to impaired TH1 responses in macrophages and humanized mice. The absence of specific nontyphoidal SPI2 effectors may allow S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi A to cause chronic infections.

IMPORTANCE

Salmonella enterica is a common cause of gastrointestinal infections worldwide. The serovars Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella Paratyphi A cause a distinctive systemic illness called enteric fever, whose pathogenesis is incompletely understood. Here, we show that enteric fever Salmonella serovars lack 12 specific virulence factors possessed by nontyphoidal Salmonella serovars, which allow the enteric fever serovars to persist within human macrophages. We propose that this fundamental difference in the interaction of Salmonella with human macrophages is responsible for the chronicity of typhoid and paratyphoid fever, suggesting that targeting the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) complex responsible for macrophage survival could facilitate the clearance of persistent bacterial infections.

Programmed cell death and Salmonella pathogenesis: an interactive overview

Programmed cell death (PCD) is the collective term for the intrinsically regulated death of cells. Various types of cell death are triggered by their own programmed regulation during the growth and development of organisms, as well as in response to environmental and disease stresses. PCD encompasses apoptosis, pyroptosis, necroptosis, autophagy, and other forms. PCD plays a crucial role not only in the growth and development of organisms but also in serving as a component of the host innate immune defense and as a bacterial virulence strategy employed by pathogens during invasion. The zoonotic pathogen Salmonella has the ability to modulate multiple forms of PCD, including apoptosis, pyroptosis, necroptosis, and autophagy, within the host organism. This modulation subsequently impacts the bacterial infection process. This review aims to consolidate recent findings regarding the mechanisms by which Salmonella initiates and controls cell death signaling, the ways in which various forms of cell death can impede or restrict bacterial proliferation, and the interplay between cell death and innate immune pathways that can counteract Salmonella-induced suppression of host cell death. Ultimately, these insights may contribute novel perspectives for the diagnosis and treatment of clinical Salmonella-related diseases.

Salmonella Bloodstream Infections

Salmonella is a major foodborne pathogen of both animals and humans. This bacterium is responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality world-wide. Different serovars of this genus cause diseases ranging from self-limiting gastroenteritis to a potentially fatal systemic disease known as enteric fever. Gastrointestinal infections with Salmonella are usually self-limiting and rarely require medical intervention. Bloodstream infections, on the other hand, are often fatal even with hospitalization. This review describes the routes and underlying mechanisms of the extraintestinal dissemination of Salmonella and the chronic infections that sometimes result. It includes information on the pathogenicity islands and individual virulence factors involved in systemic dissemination as well as a discussion of the host factors that mediate susceptibility. Also, the major outbreaks of invasive Salmonella disease in the tropics are described.

Speaking the host language: how Salmonella effector proteins manipulate the host

Salmonella injects over 40 virulence factors, termed effectors, into host cells to subvert diverse host cellular processes. Of these 40 Salmonella effectors, at least 25 have been described as mediating eukaryotic-like, biochemical post-translational modifications (PTMs) of host proteins, altering the outcome of infection. The downstream changes mediated by an effector's enzymatic activity range from highly specific to multifunctional, and altogether their combined action impacts the function of an impressive array of host cellular processes, including signal transduction, membrane trafficking, and both innate and adaptive immune responses. Salmonella and related Gram-negative pathogens have been a rich resource for the discovery of unique enzymatic activities, expanding our understanding of host signalling networks, bacterial pathogenesis as well as basic biochemistry. In this review, we provide an up-to-date assessment of host manipulation mediated by the Salmonella type III secretion system injectosome, exploring the cellular effects of diverse effector activities with a particular focus on PTMs and the implications for infection outcomes. We also highlight activities and functions of numerous effectors that remain poorly characterized.

Coupling CRISPR/Cas9 and Lambda Red Recombineering System for Genome Editing of Salmonella Gallinarum and the Effect of ssaU Knock-Out Mutant on the Virulence of Bacteria

The poultry industry in developing countries still faces a significant threat from fowl typhoid, a disease caused by Salmonella Gallinarum that has been well contained in more economically developed countries. In addition to the virulence exhibited by large virulence plasmid (85 kb), Salmonella Pathogenicity Island 2 in S. Gallinarum plays a key role in mediating disease through its type III secretion systems (TTSS). The TTSS secrete effector protein across the Salmonella containing vacuoles and mediate the internalization of bacteria by modulating vesicular passage. In this study, candidate virulent ssaU gene (~1 kb) encoding type III secretion system was successfully deleted from indigenously isolated S. Gallinarum genome through homology-directed repair using CRISPR/Cas9 and lambda recombination systems. CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing of poultry-derived Salmonella Gallinarum has not been previously reported, which might be linked to a lack of efficiency in its genetic tools. This is the first study which demonstrates a complete CRISPR/Cas9-based gene deletion from this bacterial genome. More importantly, a poultry experimental model was employed to assess the virulence potential of this mutant strain (ΔssaU_SG18) which was unable to produce any mortality in the experimentally challenged birds as compared to the wild type strain. No effect on weight gain was observed whereas bacteria were unable to colonize the intestine and liver in our challenge model. This in vivo loss of virulence in mutant strain provides an excellent functionality of this system to be useful in live vaccine development against this resistant and patho genic bacteria.

Immunosuppressive Mechanisms in Brucellosis in Light of Chronic Bacterial Diseases

Brucellosis is considered one of the major zoonoses worldwide, constituting a critical livestock and human health concern with a huge socio-economic burden. Brucella genus, its etiologic agent, is composed of intracellular bacteria that have evolved a prodigious ability to elude and shape host immunity to establish chronic infection. Brucella's intracellular lifestyle and pathogen-associated molecular patterns, such as its specific lipopolysaccharide (LPS), are key factors for hiding and hampering recognition by the immune system. Here, we will review the current knowledge of evading and immunosuppressive mechanisms elicited by Brucella species to persist stealthily in their hosts, such as those triggered by their LPS and cyclic β-1,2-d-glucan or involved in neutrophil and monocyte avoidance, antigen presentation impairment, the modulation of T cell responses and immunometabolism. Attractive strategies exploited by other successful chronic pathogenic bacteria, including Mycobacteria, Salmonella, and Chlamydia, will be also discussed, with a special emphasis on the mechanisms operating in brucellosis, such as granuloma formation, pyroptosis, and manipulation of type I and III IFNs, B cells, innate lymphoid cells, and host lipids. A better understanding of these stratagems is essential to fighting bacterial chronic infections and designing innovative treatments and vaccines.

Salmonella pSLT-encoded effector SpvB promotes RIPK3-dependent necroptosis in intestinal epithelial cells

Salmonella is one of the most important worldwide zoonotic pathogens. After invading a host orally, the bacteria break through the intestinal epithelial barrier for further invasion. Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier. Necroptosis is considered one of the virulence strategies utilized by invasive Salmonella. Our previous work has shown that SpvB, an effector encoded by S. Typhimurium virulence plasmid (pSLT), promotes bacterial translocation via the paracellular route. However, it is still unknown whether SpvB could promote bacterial invasion through disrupting the integrity of IECs. Here, we demonstrated that SpvB promoted necroptosis of IECs and contributed to the destruction of the intestinal barrier during Salmonella infection. We found that SpvB enhanced the protein level of receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3) through inhibiting K48-linked poly-ubiquitylation of RIPK3 and the degradation of the protein in an autophagy-dependent manner. The abundant accumulation of RIPK3 upregulated the phosphorylation of MLKL, which contributed to necroptosis. The damage to IECs ultimately led to the disruption of the intestinal barrier and aggravated infection. In vivo, SpvB promoted the pathogenesis of Salmonella, favoring intestinal injury and colonic necroptosis. Our findings reveal a novel function of Salmonella effector SpvB, which could facilitate salmonellosis by promoting necroptosis, and broaden our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of bacterial invasion.

Analysis of In Vivo Transcriptome of Intracellular Bacterial Pathogen Salmonella enterica serovar Typhmurium Isolated from Mouse Spleen

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) is an important intracellular pathogen that poses a health threat to humans. This study tries to clarify the mechanism of Salmonella survival and reproduction in the host. In this study, high-throughput sequencing analysis was performed on RNA extracted from the strains isolated from infected mouse spleens and an S. Typhimurium reference strain (ATCC 14028) based on the BGISEQ-500 platform. A total of 1340 significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened. Functional annotation revealed DEGs associated with regulation, metabolism, transport and binding, pathogenesis, and motility. Through data mining and literature retrieval, 26 of the 58 upregulated DEGs (FPKM > 10) were not reported to be related to the adaptation to intracellular survival and were classified as candidate key genes (CKGs) for survival and proliferation in vivo. Our data contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms used by Salmonella to regulate virulence gene expression whilst replicating inside mammalian cells.

Baicalin inhibits Salmonella typhimurium-induced inflammation and mediates autophagy through TLR4/MAPK/NF-κB signalling pathway

Baicalin has been reported to protect mice against Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium) infection, while its molecular mechanisms are unclear. In this study, multiplicity of infection (MOI) and observation time were measured. Cell viability and LDH levels were examined in RAW264.7 cells and H9 cells. RAW264.7 cells were stimulated with S typhimurium in the presence or absence of Baicalin, and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were determined by fluorescence microscopy and ELISA. The autophagy and TLR4/MAPK/NF-κB signalling pathway were examined by immunofluorescence microscopy, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. The results indicated that MOI of 30 and duration of autophagy evident at 5 h were applicable to this study. Baicalin prevented death of macrophages, promoted bactericidal activity, decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and ROS and reduced the changes of key biomarkers in autophagy and TLR4/MAPK/NF-κB signalling pathway infected by S typhimurium. TLR4-overexpressed cells, autophagy and TLR4/MAPK/NF-κB signalling pathway were activated by S typhimurium, which was suppressed by Baicalin. Our findings indicated that Baicalin exerts anti-inflammatory and cell-protective effects, and it mediates autophagy by down-regulating the activity of TLR4 infected by S typhimurium.

Molecular Mechanisms of Salmonella Effector Proteins: A Comprehensive Review

Salmonella can be categorized into many serotypes, which are specific to known hosts or broadhosts. It makes no difference which one of the serotypes would penetrate the gastrointestinal tract because they all face similar obstacles such as mucus and microbiome. However, following their penetration, some species remain in the gastrointestinal tract; yet, others spread to another organ like gallbladder. Salmonella is required to alter the immune response to sustain its intracellular life. Changing the host response requires particular effector proteins and vehicles to translocate them. To this end, a categorized gene called Salmonella pathogenicity island (SPI) was developed; genes like Salmonella pathogenicity island encode aggressive or modulating proteins. Initially, Salmonella needs to be attached and stabilized via adhesin factor, without which no further steps can be taken. In this review, an attempt has been made to elaborate on each factor attached to the host cell or to modulating and aggressive proteins that evade immune systems. This review includes four sections: (A) attachment factors or T3SS- independent entrance, (B) effector proteins or T3SS-dependent entrance, (c) regulation of invasive genes, and (D) regulation of immune responses.

Host Cell Death Responses to Non-typhoidal Salmonella Infection

Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) is a Gram-negative bacterium with a broad host range that causes non-typhoidal salmonellosis in humans. S. Typhimurium infects epithelial cells and macrophages in the small intestine where it replicates in a specialized intracellular niche called the Salmonella-containing vacuole (SCV) and promotes inflammation of the mucosa to induce typically self-limiting gastroenteritis. Virulence and spread of the bacterium is determined in part by the host individual's ability to limit the infection through innate immune responses at the gastrointestinal mucosa, including programmed cell death. S. Typhimurium however, has evolved a myriad of mechanisms to counteract or exploit host responses through the use of Type III Secretion Systems (T3SS), which allow the translocation of virulence (effector) proteins into the host cell for the benefit of optimal bacterial replication and dissemination. T3SS effectors have been found to interact with apoptotic, necroptotic, and pyroptotic cell death cascades, interfering with both efficient clearance of the bacteria and the recruitment of neutrophils or dendritic cells to the area of infection. The interplay of host inflammation, programmed cell death responses, and bacterial defenses in the context of non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) infection is a continuing area of interest within the field, and as such has been reviewed here.

Bimodal Expression of the Salmonella Typhimurium spv Operon

The well-studied spv operon of Salmonellatyphimurium is important for causing full virulence in mice and both the regulation and function of the Spv proteins have been characterized extensively over the past several decades. Using quantitative single-cell fluorescence microscopy, we demonstrate the spv regulon to display a bimodal expression pattern that originates in the bimodal expression of the SpvR activator. The spv expression pattern is influenced by growth conditions and the specific Styphimurium strain used, but does not require Salmonella-specific virulence regulators. By monitoring real-time promoter kinetics, we reveal that SpvA has the ability to impart negative feedback on spvABCD expression without affecting spvR expression. Together, our data suggest that the SpvA protein counteracts the positive feedback loop imposed by SpvR, and could thus be responsible for dampening spvABCD expression and coordinating virulence protein production in time. The results presented here yield new insights in the intriguing regulation of the spv operon and adds this operon to the growing list of virulence factors exhibiting marked expression heterogeneity in Styphimurium.

ADP-Ribosylation, a Multifaceted Posttranslational Modification Involved in the Control of Cell Physiology in Health and Disease

Posttranslational modifications (PTMs) regulate protein functions and interactions. ADP-ribosylation is a PTM, in which ADP-ribosyltransferases use nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) to modify target proteins with ADP-ribose. This modification can occur as mono- or poly-ADP-ribosylation. The latter involves the synthesis of long ADP-ribose chains that have specific properties due to the nature of the polymer. ADP-Ribosylation is reversed by hydrolases that cleave the glycosidic bonds either between ADP-ribose units or between the protein proximal ADP-ribose and a given amino acid side chain. Here we discuss the properties of the different enzymes associated with ADP-ribosylation and the consequences of this PTM on substrates. Furthermore, the different domains that interpret either mono- or poly-ADP-ribosylation and the implications for cellular processes are described.

A novel contribution of spvB to pathogenesis of Salmonella Typhimurium by inhibiting autophagy in host cells

Salmonella plasmid virulence genes (spv) are highly conserved in strains of clinically important Salmonella serovars. It is essential for Salmonella plasmid-correlated virulence, although the exact mechanism remains to be elucidated. Autophagy has been reported to play an important role in host immune responses limiting Salmonella infection. Our previous studies demonstrated that Salmonella conjugative plasmid harboring spv genes could enhance bacterial cytotoxicity by inhibiting autophagy. In the present study, we investigated whether spvB, which is one of the most important constituents of spv ORF could intervene in autophagy pathway. Murine macrophage-like cells J774A.1, human epithelial HeLa cells, and BALB/c mice infected with Salmonella Typhimurium wild type, mutant and complementary strains (carrying or free spvB or complemented only with ADP-ribosyltransferase activity of SpvB) were used in vitro and in vivo assay, respectively. To further explore the molecular mechanisms, both SpvB ectopic eukaryotic expression system and cells deficient in essential autophagy components by siRNA were generated. Results indicated that spvB could suppress autophagosome formation through its function in depolymerizing actin, and aggravate inflammatory injury of the host in response to S. Typhimurium infection. Our studies demonstrated virulence of spvB involving in inhibition of autophagic flux for the first time, which could provide novel insights into Salmonella pathogenesis, and have potential application to develop new antibacterial strategies for Salmonellosis.

Mapping the Regulatory Network for Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Invasion

Salmonella enterica pathogenicity island 1 (SPI-1) encodes proteins required for invasion of gut epithelial cells. The timing of invasion is tightly controlled by a complex regulatory network. The transcription factor (TF) HilD is the master regulator of this process and senses environmental signals associated with invasion. HilD activates transcription of genes within and outside SPI-1, including six other TFs. Thus, the transcriptional program associated with host cell invasion is controlled by at least 7 TFs. However, very few of the regulatory targets are known for these TFs, and the extent of the regulatory network is unclear. In this study, we used complementary genomic approaches to map the direct regulatory targets of all 7 TFs. Our data reveal a highly complex and interconnected network that includes many previously undescribed regulatory targets. Moreover, the network extends well beyond the 7 TFs, due to the inclusion of many additional TFs and noncoding RNAs. By comparing gene expression profiles of regulatory targets for the 7 TFs, we identified many uncharacterized genes that are likely to play direct roles in invasion. We also uncovered cross talk between SPI-1 regulation and other regulatory pathways, which, in turn, identified gene clusters that likely share related functions. Our data are freely available through an intuitive online browser and represent a valuable resource for the bacterial research community.

IMPORTANCE

Invasion of epithelial cells is an early step during infection by Salmonella enterica and requires secretion of specific proteins into host cells via a type III secretion system (T3SS). Most T3SS-associated proteins required for invasion are encoded in a horizontally acquired genomic locus known as Salmonella pathogenicity island 1 (SPI-1). Multiple regulators respond to environmental signals to ensure appropriate timing of SPI-1 gene expression. In particular, there are seven transcription regulators that are known to be involved in coordinating expression of SPI-1 genes. We have used complementary genome-scale approaches to map the gene targets of these seven regulators. Our data reveal a highly complex and interconnected regulatory network that includes many previously undescribed target genes. Moreover, our data functionally implicate many uncharacterized genes in the invasion process and reveal cross talk between SPI-1 regulation and other regulatory pathways. All datasets are freely available through an intuitive online browser.

Replication of Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium in Human Monocyte-Derived Macrophages

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium is a common cause of food-borne gastrointestinal illness, but additionally it causes potentially fatal bacteremia in some immunocompromised patients. In mice, systemic spread and replication of the bacteria depend upon infection of and replication within macrophages, but replication in human macrophages is not widely reported or well studied. In order to assess the ability of Salmonella Typhimurium to replicate in human macrophages, we infected primary monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) that had been differentiated under conditions known to generate different phenotypes. We found that replication in MDM depends greatly upon the phenotype of the cells, as M1-skewed macrophages did not allow replication, while M2a macrophages and macrophages differentiated with macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) alone (termed M0) did. We describe how additional conditions that alter the macrophage phenotype or the gene expression of the bacteria affect the outcome of infection. In M0 MDM, the temporal expression of representative genes from Salmonella pathogenicity islands 1 and 2 (SPI1 and SPI2) and the importance of the PhoP/Q two-component regulatory system are similar to what has been shown in mouse macrophages. However, in contrast to mouse macrophages, where replication is SPI2 dependent, we observed early SPI2-independent replication in addition to later SPI2-dependent replication in M0 macrophages. Only SPI2-dependent replication was associated with death of the host cell at later time points. Altogether, our results reveal a very nuanced interaction between Salmonella and human macrophages.

Bacterial programming of host responses: coordination between type I interferon and cell death

During mammalian infection, bacteria induce cell death from an extracellular or intracellular niche that can protect or hurt the host. Data is accumulating that associate type I interferon (IFN) signaling activated by intracellular bacteria with programmed death of immune effector cells and enhanced virulence. Multiple pathways leading to IFN-dependent host cell death have been described, and in some cases it is becoming clear how these mechanisms contribute to virulence. Yet common mechanisms of IFN-enhanced bacterial pathogenesis are not obvious and no specific interferon stimulated genes have yet been identified that cause sensitivity to pathogen-induced cell death. In this review, we will summarize some bacterial infections caused by facultative intracellular pathogens and what is known about how type I IFN signaling may promote the replication of extracellular bacteria rather than stimulate protection. Each of these pathogens can survive phagocytosis but their intracellular life cycles are very different, they express distinct virulence factors and trigger different pathways of immune activation and crosstalk. These differences likely lead to widely varying amounts of type I IFN expression and a different inflammatory environment, but these may not be important to the pathologic effects on the host. Instead, each pathogen induces programmed cell death of key immune cells that have been sensitized by the activation of the type I IFN response. We will discuss how IFN-dependent host cell death may increase host susceptibility and try to understand common pathways of pathogenesis that lead to IFN-enhanced bacterial virulence.

Novel tools to analyze the function of Salmonella effectors show that SvpB ectopic expression induces cell cycle arrest in tumor cells

In order to further characterize its role in pathogenesis and to establish whether its overproduction can lead to eukaryotic tumor cell death, Salmonella strains able to express its virulence factor SpvB (an ADP-ribosyl transferase enzyme) in a salicylate-inducible way have been constructed and analyzed in different eukaryotic tumor cell lines. To do so, the bacterial strains bearing the expression system have been constructed in a ∆purD background, which allows control of bacterial proliferation inside the eukaryotic cell. In the absence of bacterial proliferation, salicylate-induced SpvB production resulted in activation of caspases 3 and 7 and apoptotic cell death. The results clearly indicated that controlled SpvB production leads to F-actin depolimerization and either G1/S or G2/M phase arrest in all cell lines tested, thus shedding light on the function of SpvB in Salmonella pathogenesis. In the first place, the combined control of protein production by salicylate regulated vectors and bacterial growth by adenine concentration offers the possibility to study the role of Salmonella effectors during eukaryotic cells infection. In the second place, the salicylate-controlled expression of SpvB by the bacterium provides a way to evaluate the potential of other homologous or heterologous proteins as antitumor agents, and, eventually to construct novel potential tools for cancer therapy, given that Salmonella preferentially proliferates in tumors.

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium skills to succeed in the host: virulence and regulation

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium is a primary enteric pathogen infecting both humans and animals. Infection begins with the ingestion of contaminated food or water so that salmonellae reach the intestinal epithelium and trigger gastrointestinal disease. In some patients the infection spreads upon invasion of the intestinal epithelium, internalization within phagocytes, and subsequent dissemination. In that case, antimicrobial therapy, based on fluoroquinolones and expanded-spectrum cephalosporins as the current drugs of choice, is indicated. To accomplish the pathogenic process, the Salmonella chromosome comprises several virulence mechanisms. The most important virulence genes are those located within the so-called Salmonella pathogenicity islands (SPIs). Thus far, five SPIs have been reported to have a major contribution to pathogenesis. Nonetheless, further virulence traits, such as the pSLT virulence plasmid, adhesins, flagella, and biofilm-related proteins, also contribute to success within the host. Several regulatory mechanisms which synchronize all these elements in order to guarantee bacterial survival have been described. These mechanisms govern the transitions from the different pathogenic stages and drive the pathogen to achieve maximal efficiency inside the host. This review focuses primarily on the virulence armamentarium of this pathogen and the extremely complicated regulatory network controlling its success.

Impact of Salmonella enterica Type III Secretion System Effectors on the Eukaryotic Host Cell

Type III secretion systems are molecular machines used by many Gram-negative bacterial pathogens to inject proteins, known as effectors, directly into eukaryotic host cells. These proteins manipulate host signal transduction pathways and cellular processes to the pathogen’s advantage. Salmonella enterica possesses two virulence-related type III secretion systems that deliver more than forty effectors. This paper reviews our current knowledge about the functions, biochemical activities, host targets, and impact on host cells of these effectors. First, the concerted action of effectors at the cellular level in relevant aspects of the interaction between Salmonella and its hosts is analyzed. Then, particular issues that will drive research in the field in the near future are discussed. Finally, detailed information about each individual effector is provided.

Salmonella effector proteins and host-cell responses

Acute gastroenteritis caused by Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium is a significant public health problem. This pathogen has very sophisticated molecular machinery encoded by the two pathogenicity islands, namely Salmonella Pathogenicity Island 1 and 2 (SPI-1 and SPI-2). Remarkably, both SPI-1 and SPI-2 are very tightly regulated in terms of timing of expression and spatial localization of the encoded effectors during the infection process within the host cell. This regulation is governed at several levels, including transcription and translation, and by post-translational modifications. In the context of a finely tuned regulatory system, we will highlight how these effector proteins co-opt host signaling pathways that control the ability of the organism to infect and survive within the host, as well as elicit host pro-inflammatory responses.

The Role of the spv Genes in Salmonella Pathogenesis

Salmonella strains cause three main types of diseases in people: gastroenteritis, enteric (typhoid) fever, and non-typhoid extra-intestinal disease with bacteremia. Genetic analysis indicates that each clinical syndrome requires distinct sets of virulence genes, and Salmonella isolates differ in their constellation of virulence traits. The spv locus is strongly associated with strains that cause non-typhoid bacteremia, but are not present in typhoid strains. The spv region contains three genes required for the virulence phenotype in mice: the positive transcriptional regulator spvR and two structural genes spvB and spvC. SpvB and SpvC are translocated into the host cell by the Salmonella pathogenicity island-2 type-three secretion system. SpvB prevents actin polymerization by ADP-ribosylation of actin monomers, while SpvC has phosphothreonine lyase activity and has been shown to inhibit MAP kinase signaling. The exact mechanisms by which SpvB and SpvC act in concert to enhance virulence are still unclear. SpvB exhibits a cytotoxic effect on host cells and is required for delayed cell death by apoptosis following intracellular infection. Strains isolated from systemic infections of immune compromised patients, particularly HIV patients, usually carry the spv locus, strongly suggesting that CD4 T cells are required to control disease due to Salmonella that are spv positive. This association is not seen with typhoid fever, indicating that the pathogenesis and immunology of typhoid have fundamental differences from the syndrome of non-typhoid bacteremia.

A candidate approach implicates the secreted Salmonella effector protein SpvB in P-body disassembly

P-bodies are dynamic aggregates of RNA and proteins involved in several post-transcriptional regulation processes. P-bodies have been shown to play important roles in regulating viral infection, whereas their interplay with bacterial pathogens, specifically intracellular bacteria that extensively manipulate host cell pathways, remains unknown. Here, we report that Salmonella infection induces P-body disassembly in a cell type-specific manner, and independently of previously characterized pathways such as inhibition of host cell RNA synthesis or microRNA-mediated gene silencing. We show that the Salmonella-induced P-body disassembly depends on the activation of the SPI-2 encoded type 3 secretion system, and that the secreted effector protein SpvB plays a major role in this process. P-body disruption is also induced by the related pathogen, Shigella flexneri, arguing that this might be a new mechanism by which intracellular bacterial pathogens subvert host cell function.

Penetration and activation of brain endothelium by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium

Salmonella meningitis is a serious disease of the central nervous system, common particularly in Africa. Here, we show that Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium is able to adhere, invade, and penetrate human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hBMECs), the single-cell layer constituting the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Cellular invasion was dependent on host actin cytoskeleton rearrangements, while expression of a functional type III secretion system was not essential. In addition, Salmonella infection activated a proinflammatory immune response targeting neutrophil signaling and recruitment. Salmonella invasion and immune activation may represent a crucial step in the penetration of the BBB and development of Salmonella meningitis.

Single-domain llama antibodies as specific intracellular inhibitors of SpvB, the actin ADP-ribosylating toxin of Salmonella typhimurium

ADP-ribosylation of host cell proteins is a common mode of cell intoxication by pathogenic bacterial toxins. Antibodies induced by immunization with inactivated ADP-ribosylating toxins provide efficient protection in case of some secreted toxins, e.g., diphtheria and pertussis toxins. However, other ADP-ribosylating toxins, such as Salmonella SpvB toxin, are secreted directly from the Salmonella-containing vacuole into the cytosol of target cells via the SPI-2 encoded bacterial type III secretion system, and thus are inaccessible to conventional antibodies. Small-molecule ADP-ribosylation inhibitors are fraught with potential side effects caused by inhibition of endogenous ADP-ribosyltransferases. Here, we report the development of a single-domain antibody from an immunized llama that blocks the capacity of SpvB to ADP-ribosylate actin at a molar ratio of 1:1. The single-domain antibody, when expressed as an intrabody, effectively protected cells from the cytotoxic activity of a translocation-competent chimeric C2IN-C/SpvB toxin. Transfected cells were also protected against cytoskeletal alterations induced by wild-type SpvB-expressing strains of Salmonella. This proof of principle paves the way for developing new antidotes against intracellular toxins.

NMR-based design and evaluation of novel bidentate inhibitors of the protein tyrosine phosphatase YopH

We describe the use of a furanyl salicyl nitroxide derivative ('spin-labeled' compound), as a paramagnetic phosphotyrosine mimetic, to carry out a second-site screening by NMR against the PTPase YopH from Yersinia pestis. Using such a fragment-based screening approach we identified several small molecules targeting YopH that bind at sites adjacent to the spin-labeled compound. These second-site fragments were subsequently used to design and synthesize bidentate YopH inhibitors with submicromolar in vitro inhibition, selectivity against the human PTPase PTP1B, and cellular activity against Y. pseudotuberculosis. These initial compounds could result useful in elucidating the structural determinants necessary for YopH inhibition and may help in the design of even more active, selective and cell permeable compounds for the development of novel therapies against Yersiniae.

ADP-ribosylation of actin by the Clostridium botulinum C2 toxin in mammalian cells results in delayed caspase-dependent apoptotic cell death

The binary C2 toxin from Clostridium botulinum mono-ADP-ribosylates G-actin in the cytosol of eukaryotic cells. This modification leads to depolymerization of actin filaments accompanied by cell rounding within 3 h of incubation but does not immediately induce cell death. Here we investigated the long-term responses of mammalian cell lines (HeLa and Vero) following C2 toxin treatment. Cells stayed round even though the toxin was removed from the medium after its internalization into the cells. No unmodified actin reappeared in the C2 toxin-treated cells within 48 h. Despite actin being completely ADP-ribosylated after about 7 h, no obvious decrease in the overall amount of actin was observed for at least 48 h. Therefore, ADP-ribosylation was not a signal for an accelerated degradation of actin in the tested cell lines. C2 toxin treatment resulted in delayed apoptotic cell death that became detectable about 15 to 24 h after toxin application in a portion of the cells. Poly(ADP)-ribosyltransferase 1 (PARP-1) was cleaved in C2 toxin-treated cells, an indication of caspase 3 activation and a hallmark of apoptosis. Furthermore, specific caspase inhibitors prevented C2 toxin-induced apoptosis, implying that caspases 8 and 9 were activated in C2 toxin-treated cells. C2I, the ADP-ribosyltransferase component of the C2 toxin, remained active in the cytosol for at least 48 h, and no extensive degradation of C2I was observed. From our data, we conclude that the long-lived nature of C2I in the host cell cytosol was essential for the nonreversible cytotoxic effect of C2 toxin, resulting in delayed apoptosis of the tested mammalian cells.

SpvC is a Salmonella effector with phosphothreonine lyase activity on host mitogen-activated protein kinases

SpvC is encoded by the Salmonella virulence plasmid. We have investigated the biochemical function of SpvC and the mechanism by which it is secreted by bacteria and translocated into infected macrophages. We constructed a strain carrying a deletion in spvC and showed that the strain is attenuated for systemic virulence in mice. SpvC can be secreted in vitro by either the SPI-1 or SPI-2 type III secretion systems. Cell biological and genetic experiments showed that translocation of the protein into the cytosol of macrophages by intracellular bacteria is dependent on the SPI-2 T3SS. Using antibodies specific to phospho-amino acids and mass spectrometry we demonstrate that SpvC has phosphothreonine lyase activity on full-length phospho-Erk (pErk) and a synthetic 13-amino-acid phospho-peptide containing the TXY motif. A Salmonella strain expressing spvC from a plasmid downregulated cytokine release from infected cells.

A model of Salmonella colitis with features of diarrhea in SLC11A1 wild-type mice

Background

Mice do not get diarrhea when orally infected with S. enterica, but pre-treatment with oral aminoglycosides makes them susceptible to Salmonella colitis. However, genetically susceptible ItyS mice (Nramp1^G169D allele) die from systemic infection before they develop diarrhea, so a new model is needed to study the pathogenesis of diarrhea. We pretreated ItyR mice (Nramp1^G169) with oral kanamycin prior to infecting them with virulent S. Typhimurium strain 14028s in order to study Salmonella-induced diarrhea. We used both a visual scoring system and the measurement of fecal water content to measure diarrhea. BALB/c.D2^Nramp1 congenic started losing weight 5 days post-infection and they began to die from colitis 10–14 days after infection. A SPI-1 (invA) mutant caused cecal, but not colonic inflammation and did not cause diarrhea. A phoP- mutant did not cause manifestations of diarrhea in either normal or NADPH-deficient (gp91^phox) mice. However, strain 14028s caused severe colitis and diarrhea in gp91^phox-deficient mice on an ItyR background. pmr A and F mutants, which are less virulent in orally infected BALB/c mice, were fully virulent in this model of colitis.

Conclusions

S. enterica must be able to invade the colonic epithelium and to persist in the colon in order to cause colitis with manifestations of diarrhea. The NADPH oxidase is not required for diarrhea in Salmonella colitis. Furthermore, a Salmonella phoP mutant can be cleared from the colon by non-oxidative host defenses.

Identification of Salmonella SPI-2 secretion system components required for SpvB-mediated cytotoxicity in macrophages and virulence in mice

The Salmonella SpvB protein possesses ADP-ribosyl transferase activity. SpvB, acting as an intracellular toxin, covalently modifies monomeric actin, leading to loss of F-actin filaments in Salmonella-infected human macrophages. Using defined Salmonella mutants, different functional components of the SPI-2 type three secretion system (TTSS), ssaV, spiC, sseB, sseC, and sseD, were found to be required for SpvB-mediated actin depolymerization in human macrophages. Expression of SpvB protein in Salmonella was not affected by any of the SPI-2 mutants and the effects of these loci were not due to reduced numbers of intracellular bacteria. Interestingly, the major SPI-2 virulence effector, SifA, is not required for SpvB action. Further, caspase-3 activation is an additional marker of cytotoxicity in Salmonella-infected human macrophages. Caspase-3 activity depended on SpvB and SPI-2 TTSS function, but not on SifA. These human macrophage cell culture results were corroborated by virulence studies in mice. Using competitive infection of mice with mixed inocula of single and double mutants, spvBmut1 mutation did not have an effect independent of ssaJ mutation, essential for SPI-2 TTSS function. In contrast, competitive infection studies in mice confirmed that SpvB and SifA have independent virulence effects, as predicted by the macrophage studies.

Salmonellae interplay with host cells

Salmonellae are important causes of enteric diseases in all vertebrates. Characterization of the molecular mechanisms that underpin the interactions of salmonellae with their animal hosts has advanced greatly over the past decade, mainly through the study of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium in tissue culture and animal models of infection. Knowledge of these bacterial processes and host responses has painted a dynamic and complex picture of the interaction between salmonellae and animal cells. This Review focuses on the molecular mechanisms of these host-pathogen interactions, in terms of their context, significance and future perspectives.

Identification of novel genes in genomic islands that contribute to Salmonella typhimurium replication in macrophages

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. typhimurium) survives and proliferates within macrophage cells. A mutant library of strain ATCC 14028 based on gene disruption by homologous recombination was screened in order to identify genes that are required for wild-type-like intracellular replication. Randomly generated chromosomal fragments from the genome of S. typhimurium were cloned into a temperature-sensitive vector, and approximately 8000 individual mutant clones were obtained by insertional-duplication mutagenesis (IDM) upon selection at non-permissive temperature. Large-scale screening for replication defects in mouse macrophages, but not during growth in rich or minimal medium, revealed a set of attenuated mutants that were further characterized by PCR amplification and sequencing of the mutagenic fragments. Following analysis of a Salmonella genome map with the annotated positions of vector insertions, an accumulation of 33 attenuating insertions within genes of ten non-collinear regions was found. Insertions in virK, gipA and five SPI-2 genes as well as seven non-polar deletions validated the screen. No invasion deficiencies of the mutants were observed. The cob-cbi-pdu cluster containing the genes for cobalamin synthesis and 1,2-propanediol degradation was shown to be required for Salmonella replication within macrophages. These data gave rise to a model of eukaryotic glycoconjugates and phospholipids as alternative carbon, nitrogen and energy sources for intracellularly replicating bacteria. The contribution of as yet unknown components of SPI-6 and the Gifsy-1 and Gifsy-2 prophage islands to intracellular replication is reported, as well as the fivefold reduced intracellular growth rate of a mutant with a deletion of STM1677, which probably encodes a LysR-like transcriptional regulator. The intracellular replication rate of three double mutants, each lacking two gene products of the cob-cbi-pdu cluster or the Gifsy-1 prophage, was shown to be lower than that of the respective single mutants, suggesting that additive effects of subtle intracellular advantages contribute to Salmonella fitness in vivo.

Flagella facilitate escape of Salmonella from oncotic macrophages

The intracellular parasite Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium causes a typhoid-like systemic disease in mice. Whereas the survival of Salmonella in phagocytes is well understood, little has been documented about the exit of intracellular Salmonella from host cells. Here we report that in a population of infected macrophages Salmonella induces "oncosis," an irreversible progression to eukaryotic cell death characterized by swelling of the entire cell body. Oncotic macrophages (OnMphis) are terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling negative and lack actin filaments (F-actin). The plasma membrane of OnMphis filled with bacilli remains impermeable, and intracellular Salmonella bacilli move vigorously using flagella. Eventually, intracellular Salmonella bacilli intermittently exit host cells in a flagellum-dependent manner. These results suggest that induction of macrophage oncosis and intracellular accumulation of flagellated bacilli constitute a strategy whereby Salmonella escapes from host macrophages.

Pyroptosis and host cell death responses during Salmonella infection

Salmonella enterica are facultatively intracellular pathogens causing diseases with markedly visible signs of inflammation. During infection, Salmonella interacts with various host cell types, often resulting in death of those cells. Salmonella induces intestinal epithelial cell death via apoptosis, a cell death programme with a notably non-inflammatory outcome. In contrast, macrophage infection triggers caspase-1-dependent proinflammatory programmed cell death, a recently recognized process termed pyroptosis, which is distinguished from other forms of cellular demise by its unique mechanism, features and inflammatory outcome. Rapid macrophage pyroptosis depends on the Salmonella pathogenicity island-1 type III secretion system (T3SS) and flagella. Salmonella dynamically modulates induction of macrophage pyroptosis, and regulation of T3SS systems permits bacterial replication in specialized intracellular niches within macrophages. However, these infected macrophages later undergo a delayed form of caspase-1-dependent pyroptosis. Caspase-1-deficient mice are more susceptible to a number of bacterial infections, including salmonellosis, and pyroptosis is therefore considered a generalized protective host response to infection. Thus, Salmonella-induced pyroptosis serves as a model to understand a broadly important pathway of proinflammatory programmed host cell death: examining this system affords insight into mechanisms of both beneficial and pathological cell death and strategies employed by pathogens to modulate host responses.

Identification and type III-dependent secretion of the Yersinia pestis insecticidal-like proteins

Plague, or the Black Death, is a zoonotic disease that is spread from mammal to mammal by fleas. This mode of transmission demands that the causative agent of this disease, Yersinia pestis, is able to survive and multiply in both mammals and insects. In recent years the complete genome sequence of a number of Y. pestis strains have been determined. This sequence information indicates that Y. pestis contains a cluster of genes with homology to insecticidal toxin encoding genes of the insect pathogen Photorhabdus luminescens. Here we demonstrate that Y. pestis KIM strains produced the encoded proteins. Production of the locus-encoded proteins was dependent on a gene (yitR) encoding a member of the LysR family of transcriptional activators. Evidence suggests the proteins are type III secretion substrates. N terminal amino acids (100 to 367) of each protein fused to an epitope tag were secreted by the virulence plasmid type III secretion type. A fusion protein comprised of the N-terminus of YipB and the enzymatic active component of Bordetella pertussis adenylate cyclase (Cya) was translocated into both mammalian and insect cells. In conclusion, a new class of Y. pestis type III secreted and translocated proteins has been identified. We hypothesize that these proteins function to promote transmission of and infection by Y. pestis.

Salmonella-induced SipB-independent cell death requires Toll-like receptor-4 signalling via the adapter proteins Tram and Trif

Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium (S. typhimurium) is an intracellular pathogen that causes macrophage cell death by at least two different mechanisms. Rapid cell death is dependent on the Salmonella pathogenicity island-1 protein SipB whereas delayed cell death is independent of SipB and occurs 18-24 hr post infection. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is essential for the delayed cell death. LPS is the main structural component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria and is recognized by Toll-like receptor 4, signalling via the adapter proteins Mal, MyD88, Tram and Trif. Here we show that S. typhimurium induces SipB-independent cell death through Toll-like receptor 4 signalling via the adapter proteins Tram and Trif. In contrast to wild type bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDM), Tram(-/-) and Trif(-/-) BMDM proliferate in response to Salmonella infection.

A steric antagonism of actin polymerization by a salmonella virulence protein

Salmonella spp. require the ADP-ribosyltransferase activity of the SpvB protein for intracellular growth and systemic virulence. SpvB covalently modifies actin, causing cytoskeletal disruption and apoptosis. We report here the crystal structure of the catalytic domain of SpvB, and we show by mass spectrometric analysis that SpvB modifies actin at Arg177, inhibiting its ATPase activity. We also describe two crystal structures of SpvB-modified, polymerization-deficient actin. These structures reveal that ADP-ribosylation does not lead to dramatic conformational changes in actin, suggesting a model in which this large family of toxins inhibits actin polymerization primarily through steric disruption of intrafilament contacts.

Shigella and Salmonella: death as a means of survival

Shigella and Salmonella kill host cells and trigger inflammatory responses by mechanisms that are not fully understood. The goal of this review is to reevaluate key observations reported over the past 15 years and, whenever possible, to provide a chronological perspective as to how our understanding of the pathways by which Shigella and Salmonella kill host cells has evolved.

The role of host cell death in Salmonella infections

Salmonella enterica is an important enteric pathogen of humans and a variety of domestic and wild animals. Infection is initiated in the intestinal tract, and severe disease produces widespread destruction of the intestinal mucosa. Salmonella strains can also disseminate from the intestine and produce serious, sometimes fatal infections with considerable cytopathology in a number of systemic organs. A combination of bacterial genetic and cell biology studies have shown that Salmonella uses specific virulence mechanisms to induce host cell death during infection. Salmonella produces one set of virulence proteins to promote invasion of the intestine and a different set to mediate systemic disease. Significantly, each set of virulence factors mediates a distinct mechanism of host cell death. The Salmonella pathogenicity island-1 (SPI-1) locus encodes a type III protein secretion system (TTSS) that delivers effector proteins required for intestinal invasion and the production of enteritis. The SPI-1 effector SipB activates caspase-1 in macrophages, releasing IL-1beta and IL-18 and inducing rapid cell death by a mechanism that has features of both apoptosis and necrosis. Caspase-1 is required for Salmonella to infect Peyer's patches and disseminate to systemic tissues in mice. Progressive Salmonella infection in mice requires the SPI-2 TTSS and associated effector proteins as well as the SpvB cytotoxin. Apoptosis of macrophages in the liver is found during systemic infection. In cell culture, Salmonella strains induce delayed apoptosis dependent on SPI-2 function in macrophages from a variety of sources. This delayed apoptosis also requires activation of TLR4 on macrophages by the bacterial LPS. Downstream activation of kinase pathways leads to balanced pro- and antiapoptotic regulatory factors in the cell. NF-kappaB and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) are particularly important for the induction of antiapoptotic factors, whereas the kinase PKR is required for bacterial-induced apoptosis. The Salmonella SPI-2 TTSS is essential for altering the balance in favor of apoptosis during intracellular infection, but the effectors involved remain poorly characterized. The SpvB cytotoxin has been shown to play a role in apoptosis in human macrophages by depolymerizing the actin cytoskeleton. A model for the role of bacteria-induced host cell death in Salmonella pathogenesis is proposed. In the intestine, the Salmonella SPI-1 TTSS and SipB mediate macrophage death by caspase-1 activation, which also releases IL-1beta and IL-18, promoting inflammation and subsequent phagocytosis by incoming macrophages and leading to dissemination to systemic tissues. Intracellular secretion of virulence effector proteins by the SPI-2 TTSS facilitates growth of Salmonella in these macrophages and the delayed onset of apoptosis in extraintestinal tissues. These infected, apoptotic cells are targeted for engulfment by incoming macrophages, thus perpetuating the cycle of cell-to-cell spread that is the hallmark of systemic Salmonella infection.

Characterization of Salmonella-induced cell death in human macrophage-like THP-1 cells

Salmonella strains are facultative intracellular pathogens that produce marked cytopathology during infection of host cells. Different forms of cytopathic effects have been associated with the virulence systems encoded by the two Salmonella pathogenicity islands (SPI-1 and SPI-2) and the spv locus. We used Salmonella enterica serovar Dublin to investigate the induction of cytopathology during infection of the human macrophage-like cell line THP-1. Analysis of host cells by flow cytometry using a fluorescent terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay revealed that 70% of THP-1 cells showed DNA fragmentation after 4 h of infection, increasing to greater than 90% by 5.5 h. Moreover, the results showed that gentamicin-killed or chloramphenicol-treated bacteria did not induce DNA fragmentation. Serovar Dublin strains with mutations in SPI-1, SPI-2, or spvB induced these cytopathic effects similar to wild-type bacteria. In contrast, a mutation in the phoP regulatory gene abolished DNA fragmentation in the TUNEL assay. Caspase-3 activation was detected during Salmonella infection of THP-1 cells, but caspase-8 and caspase-9 activities were not found. However, inhibition of caspase-3 did not block Salmonella-induced DNA fragmentation. These results identify a previously undetected apoptotic effect in Salmonella-infected cells that is dependent on phoP gene function.

Targeting of the actin cytoskeleton during infection by Salmonella strains

Many bacterial pathogens produce virulence factors that alter the host cell cytoskeleton to promote infection. Salmonella strains target cellular actin in a carefully orchestrated series of interactions that promote bacterial uptake into host cells and the subsequent proliferation and intercellular spread of the organisms. The Salmonella Pathogenicity Island 1 (SPI1) locus encodes a type III protein secretion system (TTSS) that translocates effector proteins into epithelial cells to promote bacterial invasion through actin cytoskeletal rearrangements. SPI1 effectors interact directly with actin and also alter the cytoskeleton through activation of the regulatory proteins, Cdc42 and Rac, to produce membrane ruffles that engulf the bacteria. SPI1 also restores normal cellular actin dynamics through the action of another effector, SptP. A second TTSS, Salmonella Pathogenecity Island 2 (SPI2), translocates effectors that promote intracellular survival and growth, accompanied by focal actin polymerization around the Salmonella-containing vacuole (SCV). A number of Salmonella strains also carry the spv virulence locus, encoding an ADP-ribosyl transferase, the SpvB protein, which acts later during intracellular infection to depolymerize the actin cytoskeleton. SpvB produces a cytotoxic effect on infected host cells leading to apoptosis. The SpvB effect appears to promote intracellular infection and may facilitate cell-to-cell spread of the organism, thereby enhancing virulence.

The Salmonella effector protein SopB protects epithelial cells from apoptosis by sustained activation of Akt

Invasion of epithelial cells by Salmonella enterica is mediated by bacterial "effector" proteins that are delivered into the host cell by a type III secretion system. Although primarily known for their roles in actin rearrangements and membrane ruffling, translocated effectors also affect host cell processes that are not directly associated with invasion. Here, we show that SopB/SigD, an effector with phosphoinositide phosphatase activity, has anti-apoptotic activity in Salmonella-infected epithelial cells. Salmonella induced the sustained activation of Akt/protein kinase B, a pro-survival kinase, in a SopB-dependent manner. Failure to activate Akt resulted in increased levels of apoptosis after infection with a sopB deletion mutant (DeltasopB). Furthermore, cells infected with wild type bacteria, but not the DeltasopB strain, were protected from camptothecin-induced cleavage of caspase-3 and subsequent apoptosis. The anti-apoptotic activity of SopB was dependent on its phosphatase activity, because a catalytically inactive mutant was unable to protect cells from the effects of camptothecin. Finally, small interfering RNA was used to demonstrate the essential role of Akt in SopB-mediated protection against apoptosis. These results provide new insights into the mechanisms of apoptosis and highlight how bacterial effectors can intercept signaling pathways to manipulate host responses.

Salmonella-induced macrophage death: multiple mechanisms, different outcomes

The facultative intracellular pathogen Salmonella enterica triggers programmed cell death in macrophages. The close examination of this phenomenon has revealed an unusually complex picture involving diverse mechanisms that lead to different types of programmed cell death. It appears that the outcome of the interaction of salmonella with macrophages depends on the relative contribution of two type III protein secretion systems, in conjunction with the stimulation of innate immunity outputs through conserved determinants collectively known as 'pathogen-associated molecular patterns' (PAMPs). These interactions result in a breakdown of the balance between survival and pro-apoptotic cellular pathways, which eventually leads to macrophage cell death. The relative significance for the infection process of the different types of macrophage cell death triggered by salmonella remains to be established.

Cell tropism of Salmonella enterica

Salmonella serotypes are able to actively cross the intestinal epithelium, mainly but not exclusively through M cells in the follicle-associated epithelium of Peyer's patches. Once reaching the basal side of the epithelium, Salmonella serotypes are internalized by macrophages, dendritic cells, and neutrophils but are not found in fibroblasts or other mesenchymal cells. The outcome of the interaction between Salmonella serotypes and dendritic cells or neutrophils is detrimental to the pathogen. In some host species Salmonella serotypes find a safe haven from humoral defenses and neutrophils within macrophages, and replication within this niche appears to be a prerequisite for the development of a systemic infection. In other host species, macrophages can control bacterial growth and the infection remains localized to the intestine and mesenteric lymph nodes. This review summarizes our knowledge on the cellular tropism of Salmonella serotypes and the bacterial and host factors relevant for these interactions.